ã€ŠDepraved Noble: Forced To Live The Debaucherous Life Of An Evil Noble!ã€‹


 Chapter 1 The Goddess Of Debauchery

    The void was infinite. A boundless abyss of absolute black, so oppressive it seemed to devour sound and thought. There was no sky, no ground¡ªno sense of up or down. The air was still, the silence deeper than death itself.

    Yet, within this endless chasm of darkness, two figures stood, stark and radiant.

    The first, a man, appeared as if he were carved from the essence of light itself. His form was ethereal, shimmering, and constantly shifting like sunlight refracting through a prism. His every movement painted faint streaks of luminescence against the void, the only hint of motion in this stilled eternity.

    Opposite him, a woman of divine proportions loomed, equally aglow in pure, flawless white light. Her curvaceous silhouette exuded a regal presence, though her features were indistinct¡ªblurry, unknowable, as if even the concept of defining her was beyond comprehension. Yet, despite the lack of detail, she radiated an otherworldly allure that seemed to command existence itself.

    They stood motionless, mere feet apart, their lights entwining yet not touching, the only illumination in the abyss. Their gazes met¡ªif such a thing were possible without eyes¡ªand the void itself seemed to tremble in anticipation.

    The man''s radiant form flickered, his light wavering as though mirroring the confusion etched into his being.

    He turned his head slightly, as if trying to orient himself in the unrelenting void, his movements hesitant and uncertain. The abyss around him offered no answers, its silence stretching endlessly.

    His gaze shifted back to the luminous woman before him.

    Despite her faceless visage, an undeniable cheeky smile seemed to emanate from her aura. Her posture shifted subtly, a tilt of her head and a slight curve of her glowing form suggesting playful amusement. The void, once oppressive, seemed to hum faintly with the warmth of her energy.

    The woman made of light stepped closer, her radiance intensifying just enough to illuminate the faintest ripple in the darkness. Her light danced mischievously as if teasing him, drawing his attention to her enigmatic presence.

    It was clear in this picture that the woman who had no characteristics whatsoever since she was clad in white had the upper hand and knew exactly what was going on. While the man, whose face also couldn''t be made out, was still in the dark about where he was.

    The woman that excluded a sense of holiness seemed satisfied with how clueless the man in front of her was and was excited to see him lost in his own world as to why this was all happening to him.

    And just as she was about to say a few words to welcome him into the realm that she had brought him into and explain to the dull mortal before her as to why he was brought to this endless darkness, the man spoke first.

    He didn''t simply utter a few words like ''Where am I?'' or ''What are you?'' to the woman like she had thought would happen.

    Rather, he had a much more drastic reaction as he eyed up the woman from top to bottom, checking out her bulging chest that could probably even be seen from behind her because of how ginormous they were and her curvy rear that looked like two mountain peaks made of light, and said as his lips curled to form a sleazy grin,

    "Damn...With the way you''re glowing right now, I really want to call you a Angel from the heavens above who came to bless me with your holy light...But after looking at those assets you have on you, I''m starting to wonder if you''re a devil from hell underneath instead."

    "So tell me, Miss Glow in the Dark." The man asked as the woman in white had her mouth agape at how the mortal before was reacting to the bizarre situation he was caught in. "Are you an angel that comes from Heaven to take me to the Pearl Gates?"

    "...Or you actually the Grim Reaper herself, who''s personally here to sentence me to eternal damnation?"

    "You..." The Goddess in white slowly uttered as she scrunched her brows in confusion at what was happening before her. "...Why are you so sure that you''re either in Heaven or Hell?"

    "It''s almost as if you''re sure that you''ve already passed on from the mortal realm and are standing at the gates of the passage to your next life."

    The Goddess asked with a keen look in her eyes, which were barely visible since even though she knew that the man before her was quite enigmatic and one of a kind, which was one of the reasons she chose him for the task on hand, she still didn''t understand why he thought that he was so sure that he had already passed his last breath when he should have no recollection of what led to him coming here.

    "Well, one of the reasons is because there''s no way that such a beautiful woman like you, whose charms can dazzle an entire nation, can possibly be a mere human."

    The man said offhandedly, which caught the Goddess off guard, since she wasn''t expecting to be complimented in such a manner.

    "Beautiful woman?" The Goddess asked with a look of amusement in her tone, not minding at all that a mere mortal like him was rating her appearance. "How can you possibly know if I''m good-looking or not when you can''t even see my face?"

    "Okay, to be honest, I actually don''t know if your face under that cover of light is pretty or not."

    The man honestly admitted. But he then stared at her voluptuous body with an intense gaze once again, which had curves in all the right places, and said like he were analysing her figure,

    "But I definitely know that you''re not a woman from the mortal world, as there''s no chance that there''s anyone back at home with proportions like yours."

    "I mean, just look at that lithe waist..." The man pointed at her fragile waist that looked so thin compared to her curvy hips and breasts. "...Even the most experienced plastic surgeons couldn''t make a waist so thin without killing the patient."

    "And those gigantic breasts of yours as well..." The Goddess looked down at her massive chest with a curious gaze, as to what crazy thing he was about to say next. "...I''m sorry to say this, but only anotherworldly being like you can carry that much weight on your chest without looking like a hunchback all the time." The man nodded his head like he couldn''t agree with his thoughts even more.

    "Fufu~ Is there anything else about me that made you realise that you aren''t in your world anymore?"

    The Goddess giggled as she covered her mouth with her delicate fingers, thinking that the man she had chosen was more interesting than she had thought.

    "Other than your striking appearance, it''s probably your charming voice, I guess." The man said as he remembered the lovely voice that sounded so mature and enticing at the same time, almost as if she were whispering every word into his ears. "It''s so pleasant to hear that it''s borderline hypnotic."

    "...So much so that I feel like I would even kill myself willingly if you were to order me in that same voice of yours."

    The man said with a knowing smile on his face, like he was telling her that he already knew that she had complete power over him at the moment.

    "I won''t order you to kill yourself, my dear chosen one." The Goddess smiled at how aware the man was of his surroundings, that he already figured out the circumstances he was in. She then continued asking, "But I will ask you the true reason that you think that you have already passed on, since I know that you''re still keeping something from me."

    "So you want the true reason, huh..."

    The man thought about why he was so sure that someone was already digging him a grave back on Earth for a second.

    He then chuckled as he couldn''t really come up with a proper reason and simply said to the mysterious woman before him,

    "To be honest, I really don''t know...It''s just that I feel like I lost something that I know that I will never be able to get back."

    "And in this case, it''s probably my life, seeing as how I look like a human lantern in an abyss-like place, which I probably wouldn''t experience back on Earth if I were still alive."

    The man let out a sigh, showing that even though he acted like he didn''t care that he was probably already dead, he was still reluctant to part ways with his life back in his world.

    "So you tell me now, Angel, Devil, or whatever higher being that you might me..." The man looked straight into the woman''s eyes that he couldn''t see through no matter how much he focused. "...I''m dead, aren''t I?"

    "Yes, you are chosen one."

    "...You''ve already exited the mortal realm after you lost your life and have entered the infinite void, where wandering souls are judged and sent into the Wheel of Samsara to be reborn."

    The Goddess calmly told the truth of his demise, which made the man let out a wry smile, as even the last bit of hope that he was still alive was diminished.

    "And like you said, I am not a Angel or Devil..."

    The man''s attention was brought back as the Goddess introduced herself while she stepped forward and held her hand against her chest in a prideful manner.

    "I am the Goddess of Debauchery." She declared, her voice a silken symphony that seemed to ripple through the abyss, caressing the void with its seductive cadence. "The sovereign of forbidden desires, the eternal mistress of the flames that ignite the lust of men, and the silent architect of the power that shapes the fertility of women."

    "I am the force that stirs passions untamed, the whisper in the dark that compels surrender, and the unseen hand that governs the cycle of creation and longing."

    The Goddess introduced herself in a majestic manner, thinking that the mortal man would finally act normal and be scared of her mighty existence.

    But to her utter shock, he simply scrunched his eyes and simplified her title by asking,

    "So, you''re basically the Goddess of Sex?"

    "Cough...Umm, yes...I prefer to be called the Goddess of Debauchery, but some Goddesses up here also call me that as well."

    The Goddess awkwardly said, not expecting the human before her to be so straightforward. She then looked at the weird human before her and asked,

    "I can sort of understand why you aren''t scared of me at all since you have no idea how much power I actually possess, so much so that I can destroy multiple worlds with a snap of my finger."

    The Goddess tried to threaten the man before her to see if he would react. But just like before, he didn''t bat an eye and continued to stare at her bouncy breasts like he didn''t care about anything else other than her mounds of meat to her dismay.

    "But I still don''t understand how you can be so casual in the face of death and not be scared at all about what''s coming next now that you''ve died, like any other human would at the threshold of the netherworld?"

    The Goddess asked, eager to know why he was so brave even though he knew that he might be lost in the void the next moment.

    "Huh? Who said I''m not scared?"

    The man gave an unexpected answer, as he raised his brows in confusion like he were asking her where she got that information. He then pointed at his legs that were trembling and admitted saying,

    "Just look at my legs...Look at how they''re shaking right now...Do they look like the legs of a brave man?"

    The man gave a foolish smile and asked her for her opinion now that he had shown his true self.

    "But what about the courageous spirit you showed this whole time, like you didn''t care about your fate at all?" The Goddess couldn''t help but ask.

    "Courageous spirit, my ass!" The man remarked with a scoff. "That was just me acting brave in front of the ladies!"

    "I mean, I can''t possibly act like a pussy in front of a beautiful woman like you, right? So I tried to be as nonchalant as possible even though I''m actually so scared that I feel like pissing my pants right now." The man whom the Goddess had chosen to hold her mantle admitted to his cowardice.

    But even though he said that he was actually terrified at the moment, the Goddess knew that he was simply lying just so that he didn''t have to tell her the true reason he was so accepting of death, along with the end of his existence.

    She didn''t need to read his mind to find this out, which she actually could do being the omnipotent Goddess she was.

    Rather, all she had to do was look at the calm look in his eyes that clearly told a story of its own, making it apparent to her that his own death wasn''t something he strayed away from.

    When she thought of his past and what his purpose in his previous life was, it all made sense to the Goddess who brought his soul here. This made her let out a sad sigh like she felt pity for the life he had lived.

    The man, who was barely visible since he was still covered in a blanket of white, didn''t know that the Goddess was thinking about his tragic life at the moment and ignorantly asked her,

    "By the way, before you tell me the purpose you brought me to this place, instead of sending me to the Wheel of Samsara or the Void like you said, can you tell me how I died?"

    "What is it from a knife straight through my heart while I was sleeping from someone who''s wanted to avenge whatever he had lost in my hands, or was it from a bomb that blew up my entire building?"

    The man imagined all sorts of brutal ways he could''ve died at the hands of his enemies, even though he still doubted that there were any people who had a grudge against him that were still alive.

    "The last day of my life is still fuzzy for some reason, so I can''t really remember how I died...But I do remember that it was my birthday, so I most definitely could''ve been killed if someone were to take advantage of the only day a year that I''m a completely ''normal'' person."

    The man concluded that someone had most definitely killed him, as it was impossible for him to die of illness or some silly accident.

    "T-This...You were most definitely killed...But I don''t know if I should tell you your cause of death."

    The Goddess nervously uttered, not knowing if she should tell the truth, as she didn''t want the man she had chosen to suffer from the mental damage of knowing the true reason behind his demise that was too tragic to think of.

    "It''s fine, Miss Goddess. You can tell me." The brave man said, wishing to hear about his own end. "No matter how brutal it may be, I can handle it."

    "It''s not really brutal...It''s just that-" The Goddess hesitated.

    "Just what? Tell me?"

    The man insisted, thinking that he must have died quite the gruesome death to make even a Goddess struggle to admit the truth.

    "Toilet...." The Goddess of Debauchery finally decided to open up about his embarrassing death. She then looked away from his confused gaze and said in a hurry, "...Y-You died on the toilet."

    "Huh!?...I was killed when I was in the toilet?!"

    The man shouted in shock. He then gritted his teeth in frustration and continued saying,

    "Those bastards! To think that they would take advantage of me when my pants were down to kill me...How absolutely disgraceful of them!...Dammit! I can''t even take a fat dump without getting myself killed!"

    "That''s not what happened, chosen one...No one killed you when you were on the toilet."

    The Goddess averted her gaze even more as she cleared up the misunderstanding. She then gulped and said in a flurry,

    "...Y-You died from using the toilet too much!"

    "."

    ".."

    "..."

    "...." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I died from using the toilet too much?"

    The man who was glowing repeated what he had heard, as he couldn''t really understand what the Goddess was saying.

    But then, like a bulb switched on inside of his head, he immediately got what she was trying to say, which prompted him to exclaim at her while having a look of absurdity on his face,

    "Y-You''re joking, right!?...You can''t actually be saying that I actually shit myself to death right?!...Right?!?!"

    "Sadly, that is the truth, chosen one...There is no way around it."

    The Goddess stared at the look of desperation on his face at the moment and sadly nodded her head, which horrified him even more. She then continued explaining, saying,

    "You ''used'' the toilet so much so that half of your body''s necessary fluids ended up filling the toilet bowl to the extent that you died of terminal dehydration and blood loss."

    "...I hope you don''t tell me to go into detail about what your final moments looked like, as I really don''t want to talk about that horrifying scene."

    The light around the Goddess paled like she was genuinely traumatised by the scene in the bathroom.

    "But how?!...How can a man possibly die from shitting his guts out?!"

    The man asked in a frantic manner as he shivered at the terrifying and humiliating way in which he passed on. He then seemed to have realised something and said in a frenzy,

    "It''s poison, isn''t it?!...I was given a vile poison that made me die such an embarrassing death, isn''t it?!"

    The man didn''t even give the Goddess any moment to correct his misunderstanding and started cursing the imbeciles who made him die in such a humiliating manner with a belly full of hatred.

    "Dammit, you bastards! You could''ve just asked me for my head, and I would''ve given it to you if you had requested it nicely!" The man looked up and cursed the fiends who had robbed him of a glorious death. "Instead, you chose to take my life and take my dignity as well!...How could you?! How could you possibly do such a disgraceful thing?!...Do you lot have no shame at all?!"

    "Umm...Sorry to interrupt you, but I would like to inform you that you actually died of food poisoning and not actual poison."

    The Goddess informed him of his misfortune that was getting worse by the second.

    "B-But I''ve been eating healthy and balanced food that I''ve made myself every single day...I even grow the veggies I use in my garden...S-So how is it possible that I got food poisoning and even died from it?"

    The man asked in disbelief, as he couldn''t accept the fact that he didn''t even die at the hands of someone else, rather because of his own decision to eat rotten food.

    "Once again you''ve misunderstood, chosen one." The Goddess sighed and shook her head. "The one that caused the food poisoning isn''t you, but the little girl who offered you some cookies as a token of appreciation when you volunteered at that orphanage a few days ago."

    The man remembered the cute little four-year-old girl who had given him a whole packet of treats that she had made for him to show her gratitude for always visiting her, which he had finished in one go.

    "She wanted to make some cookies for you personally, but because she was too young, no one allowed her to enter the kitchen...So she ended up going to the supply closet and used the cleaning supplies there as the ingredients to the cookies she made."

    The Goddess shivered at the thought of the poor girl who mixed in bleach, toilet cleanser, rat poison, and so much more to make the cookies for her beloved big brother, who always played with her.

    "She then asked one of the older girls to shape the dough of poison she made and bake them into cookies, which was what you ate and caused you to die."

    "...And, I know that I shouldn''t ask you this question since you''re already suffering a lot...But did you really not feel anything off when you were eating a cookie with pesticide instead of water and bleach instead of milk, in it?"

    The Goddess asked, while wondering how that girl even made the dough rise and turn into a cookie when there wasn''t one single edible ingredient in it.

    "The cookies did taste quite bitter and sour when I tasted it. They even had a strange colour...But I didn''t think about it too much since it was made in the hands of a child and I ate it all without leaving a single crumb." The man facepalmed for being such a good person and not throwing out the cookies the moment he felt something off about it.

    "Haha...I thought that I was immortal back on Earth and there was no way that anyone or anything would be able to finish me off...But who would''ve thought that I would be done in by a little innocent girl?"

    The man gave a reluctant smile, thinking about the mysterious ways fate worked in which it led him to die in the hand of the little kid he used to play with all the time...

 Chapter 2 Farewell, Chosen One

    "Are you angry?" The Goddess couldn''t help but ask. "Are you angry at the little girl for what she did?"

    "No. Not at all...She''s just a child who had good intentions in mind, so I can only blame my horrible luck for what happened to me."

    The man sincerely said, which made the Goddess smile, thinking that she had chosen the right person for the mission she had.

    The man then looked at the ethereal figure in front of him and asked with a curious gaze,

    "But I am curious about why a Goddess like you is talking to me at the moment...You surely wouldn''t do so without having a purpose in mind, right, especially since you keep on calling me, chosen one?"

    "It is as you''ve said, chosen one." The Goddess of Debauchery nodded her head. "Anyone else who dies in the mortal world will be sent straight to the Wheel of Samsara where they will be judged and sent to Heaven, Hell, Reincarnation, or the Void accordingly."

    "...But you, on the other hand, are special since I''ve decided to give you a second chance at life and send you back to the mortal plane." The Goddess said, which made the light on the man''s body glow like he was excited at the thought of being able to go back.

    "I can go back to my world?!" The man asked in a hurry.

    "No, not your original world...But you''ll transmigrate to another world where you''ll live the life of a noble from a prestigious family." The Goddess told him of her plans for him.

    The man also didn''t seem to mind, as a noble life in an olden setting didn''t seem bad at all¡ªlavish banquets adorned with roasted pheasants and exotic fruits, moonlit dances in grand halls glittering with crystal chandeliers, and afternoons spent leisurely hunting in sprawling estates or indulging in poetry recitals and philosophical debates.

    There would be sprawling libraries filled with rare tomes, indulgent baths perfumed with oils and rose petals, and evenings of wine-soaked revelry under gilded ceilings while minstrels sang tales of heroism and romance.

    When he thought of experiencing all of this, he had to admit that he didn''t feel too bad about dying. He also didn''t have any close family or friends back on Earth and he always felt like he needed a fresh start, so it worked out for him either way.

    "But there''s a catch, chosen one." The Goddess said while the man was daydreaming about his future life. "I''ll tell you that I''m not simply sending you to have fun in that world...I''m sending you there with a certain mission in mind."

    "And what would that be, Miss Goddess?"

    The man asked, wondering what exactly the Goddess wanted him to do.

    He had read a few novels like this before where certain people were sent to another world to defeat the demon lord and save humanity by the Gods up above and thought that this would be the same as well.

    But to his utter shock and disappointment, the Goddess gave an enticing smile and told,

    "It''s nothing like you think, chosen one, since demons and ghosts don''t exist in the world I''m about to send you too...I actually want you to become my representative in that world and act as my follower who practices my beliefs."

    "What that basically means is that I want you to indulge in complete debauchery as you live your life as a nobleman''s son."

    The Goddess''s eyes gleamed as she told the man about his mission, while he started to frown, having his own thoughts in mind. She then continued explaining in an enthusiastic manner, saying,

    "I want you to live an absolutely corrupt life where you indulge in whatever woman you want, no matter if they''re already married, are in unreachable positions, or are even your own family, using whatever despicable means necessary."

    "Indulge in power, greed, and ambition without restraint, and let no sense of honor or justice hold you back."

    "I know that you''re confused as to why a Goddess like me is tasking you with such vulgar affairs and want to know the reasoning behind it." The Goddess remarked and then continued saying, like she was talking about the Heaven''s secrets that couldn''t be told to anyone else, "But unfortunately, I can''t tell you the reason because they aren''t supposed to reach the ears of a mortal...So, just think of it as the Goddess of Debauchery wanting to witness the depravity of mortals from up above."

    The Goddess concluded and looked forward to seeing what the man was going to say, since he seemed to have his own thoughts about the duty he was given.

    "So, you''re telling me to live the life of a depraved noble, who does what he wants to anyone with no care in the world and indulge in whatever wishes I have?"

    The man whose identity was still unknown finally spoke after coming to a decision. He then looked up at the Goddess and asked in a solemn and inquisitive tone.

    "But wouldn''t that mean I would be hurting some innocent people in the process, since, you know, nobles weren''t known for being saints and were actual tyrants in the past?"

    "Yes, you would, chosen one." The Goddess agreed. "The debaucherous life I''m asking you to live isn''t one of a hero''s, but more of a villain''s, so it''s only natural a few mortals would get hurt in your path."

    "I see...If it''s like that, then I would like to apologise to you, since I humbly decline my transmigration to a different world."

    The man abruptly denied the quest he was given in a firm manner.

    But even though it was a shocking reply, since no one would normally reject the opportunity to live the lavish life of royalty, the Goddess seemed to have already expected that he would deny her request, looking at the knowing smile she had as she looked at the enigma of a mortal before her.

    "Are you saying this because of your resolution to never hurt anyone else after the life you''ve lived as a ''peacemaker'', chosen one?" The Goddess asked with a curious look in her eyes.

    "Since you already seem to know about my past, then it should be so much easier to make you understand why I don''t want to do anything that might hurt anyone innocent again." The man calmly said, not at all surprised that the Goddess knew about his past.

    "What if I said that if you reject this offer, you''ll be sent to the Wheel of Samsara and will probably be sent to the Eternal Void where you''ll cease to exist?"

    The Goddess threatened the man with his inevitable fate with her lips curled up.

    "Will you still reject my offer?"

    "As you already know, Miss Goddess, I most definitely would reject your proposition no matter what you say." The man shockingly rejected his second chance at life once again and embraced his death with a smile on his face, just for the sake of keeping his principles. "So I really don''t know why you keep asking me such questions when you already know the inevitable answer I''ll give to your question."

    He then chuckled as he looked at the abyss around him like they were searching for the Wheel of Samsara, so that he could enter it himself and said, Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I think the best option for you right now is to let me go on my way to my inevitable death and then choose another lost soul for your mission...I''m pretty sure that there are several others out there unlike me who would give anything to live the life of someone who has unimaginable power and drown themselves in women every day."

    "I most definitely can find someone who''s willing to accept my mission, chosen one, since men in the mortal world are basically animals that act based on their lust and would even kill themselves to receive the opportunity I''m offering you."

    The Goddess said as she watched the man turn around and start walking in search of his own end.

    She then shook her head like she really liked what she was going to do next and said,

    "But sadly for someone like you, who isn''t willing to bend what he believes in even at the cost of your own life, I only find you as an appropriate candidate to spread my name in the mortal world."

    "...That''s why I''m saying that if you don''t accept this new life I''m offering you, I''ll simply erase that world from existence, along with the billions of innocent lives along with it since there really is no need for that world to exist without a key element like you involved."

    The man stopped in his tracks when he heard the Goddess''s bone-chilling threat.

    He then turned around and asked the Goddess who had just condemned a world just because of a single decision of his and asked her with a sharp gaze in his eyes,

    "Is that a threat, Miss Goddess?...A colossal threat in the form of the extinction of a world?"

    "It most definitely is, chosen one, even though I''m not very proud to use such crude methods to convince you."

    The Goddess gave an apologetic sigh like she really didn''t want to force him into such a way. But since she really had no other option, she had no other way but to use such dishonest methods.

    "I see." The man nodded his head as he comprehended the magnitude of the situation in his mind and the elements involved. And then, after making a decision, he calmly looked up at the Goddess, who was a little ashamed of the way she was acting, and said with a chuckle, "Then, I guess I have no choice but to accept this mission of yours, even though I''d much rather enter the void and die."

    "Oh...That''s surprising, chosen one."

    The Goddess said as she secretly let out a sigh of relief as she really didn''t know how to further persuade a man who didn''t care about his own life or anyone else''s.

    "I thought that you would struggle a bit more with your decision since you''re so resolute on not hurting anyone else...But you somehow accepted it without much hesitation."

    "Well, when you place the weight of billions of lives on top of my shoulder, it''s only natural that I would agree to your weird mission."

    The man narrowed his gaze, which made the Goddess look away in embarrassment for using such despicable methods to persuade him. He then sighed at the situation he was forced into and continued saying,

    "And at the end of the day, the fate of the world is much more important than anything else, so the people of that world who are going to be affected by my presence and everyone else''s can only blame their fate for what''s going to happen to them."

    "Now, Miss Goddess, who likes to extort humans..." The man joked with a bright gleam in his eyes that came from the excitement of going to another world. "...when are you going to send me to this fantasy world you''re speaking of?"

    "It''s already begun, chosen." The Goddess coughed and ignored his comment. She then pointed at his legs that were starting to fade away into the abyss and continued saying, "The moment you agreed to become the representative of the God of Debauchery, the initiation to send you to another world has already begun."

    "Haha...No wonder I felt like I was losing my balance." The man chuckled as he saw his legs disappear into the mist and then slowly his torso as well.

    "One more thing, before I pop into a bag of smoke."

    The man said as he looked up at the Goddess who had a solemn look on her face as she sent off the man she had chosen to carry out her request. He then continued asking with a silly smile on his face,

    "Could you possibly make all the evidence that leads to the little girl poisoning me vanish, since I really don''t want her to know that she was the reason for my demise?"

    "Very well, chosen one...You''re request shall be fulfilled." The Goddess said not expecting his one and only request to be for someone else.

    And as she saw the last bit of his face vanish into the abyss and turn into a stream of stardust that started to make its way to another world, the Goddess hoped that everything would go just as planned.

    She prayed that the man that she had chosen would show a decent performance that would satisfy her mistress, who was watching all this take place from a corner in the Astral Realm with a wide smile on her face, excited to see what debauchery the man was going to show her in the new world he was being sent to...

    ¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    Warning: This story has Hardcore Netori, a lot of twisted 18+ scenes, and a very brutal protagonist so if you''re not comfortable with those things, this story isn''t for you.

    Also if you want to get a glimpse of the 18+ scenes and what you''re getting into, check out the auxiliary chapter that has a couple of exerpts of what coming.

 Chapter 3 Cassius Vindictus Holyfield

    From the world of the abyss into a new world in a matter of seconds, the man knew that he had successfully transmigrated into the noble household he was supposed to be in, since he currently felt that he was lying down on some silky sheets with his eyes closed, which he didn''t have back at home.

    What the man expected to see when he opened his eyes was the towering canopy above his bed, adorned with intricate carvings and rich fabric, framed by the silken sheets and plush pillows scattered around him.

    The faint scent of lavender lingering from the potpourri bowls placed strategically in the room.

    A gilded mirror on the far wall reflected the ornate details of the chamber¡ªthe marble-topped side table, the finely crafted candelabra, and the distant shadow of a servant discreetly waiting for his command, since those were all things that were supposed to be in royal bedrooms like he had seen in the movies.

    But in his fright, the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was the sight of two big lips moving towards his face like they were going to give him a big wet kiss.

    The man relaxed himself at first since he thought that a maidservant was trying to wake up her master with a kiss like he were the male version of sleeping beauty.

    Even though he wasn''t used to such practices that depraved nobles followed, he didn''t mind getting kissed by a beautiful girl so early in the morning, so he also puckered his lips to receive the sweet kiss.

    Well, that was until he got curious about how the beauty who was about to give him a kiss looked and decided to look at her face, only to find that the person that was trying to kiss him wasn''t a ''she'' at all and was actually a full-blown ''he''!

    "Bastard!...Just what are you trying to do to me!!!"

    The man shouted at the top of his voice at the sight of a man trying to steal his first kiss in this new world and then swung his hands onto the molester''s face.

    Pa!~

    The rigid hand and rather soft cheek of the pervert connected perfectly, which blasted the man away, who made circles in the air to the other side of the room.

    The man also quickly threw the lavish bedsheets off his body and quickly got up onto the bed to check if any other part of his body had been ravaged.

    "My butt?!...Oh, thank god, it''s fine...But what about my face!?....Phew, that''s fine as well."

    After making sure that his butthole didn''t hurt at all or if there were any kiss marks on his chest, he let out a sigh of relief for not losing his innocence in this world to a man. He then turned to look at the pervert, who was slowly getting up with a confused look on his face, like he were wondering why he was suddenly attacked.

    Normally, if any other man tried to pull off such a stunt in front of him, the strike he would''ve given them would be more than enough to explode their head onto the wall nearby. But because he was still confused about what was going on and needed some answers, he decided to hold back and only send the pervert flying away.

    But even though he was cursing the man who tried to steal his lips all sorts of horrible things in his head, he still had to admit that even though the man lying on the floor was a pervert for trying to assault people in their sleep, he was one hell of a handsome pervert.

    Like he always considered himself to have a rather good-looking face even though his eyes looked rather mean. But compared to the man who was wearing a butler''s suit and was slowly getting up with a red palm mark on his pale white cheek, he really couldn''t compare at all.

    He was so handsome that even the man was caught admiring his beautiful visage for a moment, even though he knew it was wrong to do. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The perverted butler stood with an air of poised elegance, his tailored black suit hugging his form with a perfect blend of strength and grace. His delicate features were almost ethereal¡ªsoft yet striking, with high cheekbones and a flawless complexion that seemed to catch the light just right.

    Dark, silky hair framed his face, accentuating his captivating eyes, which shimmered like liquid silver, holding a quiet depth that was both alluring and enigmatic. The intricate lace collar of his shirt added a touch of femininity to his sharp attire, creating a balance between power and charm.

    As the morning light poured through the ornate arches behind him, he seemed almost like a portrait come to life, radiating an effortless beauty that left the room utterly spellbound even though he still had a silly look on his face at the moment from being slapped out of nowhere.

    To be honest, the man from another world thought that he was a girl at first because of how beautiful he looked. This was also why he let him get so close to him so that he could receive a kiss from him, since even his soft, pink lips had a certain allure that drew him in.

    But once he noticed that the butler also had a bump on his throat like every other man in existence, he immediately slapped him away and regretted his dangerous mistake of falling for an actual trap that came in a uniform.

    But even though he was sure that the butler before him was a man since girls normally don''t have adam''s apples in their throats, the man couldn''t help but get down from the luxurious bed and ask,

    "Y-You...You are a guy, right?...You can''t possibly be disguising yourself as a woman, right? Because if you are I suggest you to confess this instant!"

    "What are you talking about, young master?...I really don''t understand what you''re trying to say."

    The butler blinked in confusion as he rubbed his cheek that was starting to swell and spoke in a rather husky but sweet voice, which confused the transmigrator even more about his gender. He then walked towards his master without a bit of anger for being slapped by him and instead asked with a concerned look on his face,

    "You first slapped me across the room all of a sudden, which I''m completely fine with since this humble servant of yours is willing to take any number of lashes young master wishes..." The butler bowed his head in a subservient manner, like he would even follow his young master to the end of the world. "...But to ask if I''m a girl...Isn''t that a tad bit strange?" He shook his head like he really didn''t understand why that topic was brought up.

    "I can understand if anyone else questions my gender because of my feminine looks that I''ve had since I was a child." The girly butler nodded like that would make sense and then continued as he looked at his master with a doubtful look on his face, "But how can you have that doubt when you clearly know that I''m a man after witnessing me grow up by your side for most of my lowly life?"

    It was only after these words were said that the man had a burst of memories flash through his mind, all belonging to the previous person who was in his place in this world about who he was and where exactly he was.

    Apparently, the world he was in was a patchwork of kingdoms, principalities, and untamed wildlands, shaped as much by the ambitions of its inhabitants as by the hand of nature. Humans were not the only race to call these lands home; dwarves carved their sprawling cities deep into mountains, elves tended ancient forests where time seemed to stand still, and halflings made their homes in rolling hills, their lives filled with quiet contentment. Orc clans roamed the borderlands, their tribal banners rising defiantly against the encroachment of so-called "civilized" nations.

    Nobility held the reins of power in the human kingdoms, their wealth and influence drawn from vast estates worked by peasants who toiled in fields of wheat, barley, and rye. Castles of stone and mortar served as both residences and fortresses, their high walls a testament to the constant threat of war. Lords and ladies navigated the labyrinthine politics of court life, their alliances and rivalries shaping the fates of their people.

    Trade was the lifeblood of the land, connecting races and cultures in a web of commerce. Human cities hummed with activity, their marketplaces filled with goods brought by dwarven merchants, elven artisans, and adventurous traders braving the treacherous roads. Inns bustled with travellers of all kinds, from scholarly acolytes seeking rare knowledge to mercenaries looking for their next employer.

    Meanwhile, the wilderness beyond the towns and villages was a realm of danger and opportunity, populated by feral beasts, forgotten ruins, and rogue factions.

    And in this typical fantasy world where true magic really didn''t exist but a form of it did, the noble whose identity he was stealing was Cassius Vindictus Holyfield, the youngest wastrel son of the Noble Holyfield family of the Great Nation of Eleanor.

    Eleanor was the largest and most prominent human nation on the Continent and was practically the most powerful force in the world due to its discovery of Eather, a powerful energy source similar to electricity that can be used to power various essential applications ranging from carriages that don''t need horses to drive them around to common household appliances, which was the reason it rocketed to become the most powerful Nation on the Continent.

    The Holyfield family''s rise, to which Cassius belonged, was also a tale of fortune and foresight.

    Generations ago, their lands were a barren wasteland, dismissed as worthless by all. But beneath the dusty surface lay veins of unimaginable wealth: Eather, a potent energy source that reshaped the fabric of civilization. With Eather''s discovery, the Holyfield domain transformed into the lifeblood of Eleanor''s rise to supremacy, becoming the nation''s foremost supplier of this miracle ore. The family''s mines didn''t just produce Eather¡ªthey unearthed rare metals essential for weapons, infrastructure, and the production of devices that used Eather.

    It was said that without the Holyfields, Eleanor''s dominance over the continent would falter.

    But even though Cassius belonged to such a prestigious family, his life was quite the tragic one where fate was jealous of his blessed birth and opportunity, so it decided to take it all away.

    From the very moment he was born, tragedy struck, as his mother, Florence Vindictus Holyfield, died shortly after giving birth to him.

    His father, Roderick Holyfield, the current patriarch of the Holyfield family, loved his first wife dearly, so he couldn''t accept the fact that she had died in such a horrid manner.

    He already knew that his wife had a weak body and that there were several risks for his wife to birth a child for him. But because of his wife''s insistence to have a child of her own, he reluctantly accepted her adamant demands of giving birth to another child into the Holyfield family.

    So after he heard of his wife''s demise and found out that it was his own son, who he never wanted in the first place, was the one who caused her death, he couldn''t help but push all his anger and frustration towards his newborn son.

    He wanted to kill the baby devil that had killed his first wife at first sight. But after his second and third wives argued against it using the fact that the blood of the Vindictus family, another powerful pillar of the kingdom of Eleanor, ran through him, he stopped himself from butchering his own son.

    Rather, he decided to take a step back and exile his son from the main family in the sense that Cassius still had all the benefits of being born into the Holyfield family, but no one who bore the Holyfield name was allowed to interact with him, as he didn''t want anyone else to associate themselves with the devil that killed his wife.

    From then on, Cassius was brought up by maids and butlers alone and wasn''t allowed any interaction with his actual family.

    One could only imagine how much of an impact that could cause on an innocent child and how alone he would feel in this cruel world, knowing that not even his own blood loved him, not to mention anyone else.

    This overwhelming loneliness and sadness led him to growing up to be a complete wastrel who indulged in women and booze every day to satiate the pain and depression in his heart.

    Every day he would visit the several brothels nearby and spend all his time there until the brothel owners kicked him out because he was causing some kind of ruckus there.

    Honestly, the man from another world thought that he would be taking the identity of a depraved noble who did what he desired with no care in the world...Basically a scum of society.

    But who would''ve thought that he would actually become a pitiful boy who wanted nothing else than a little love from his own family?

    If we were going to talk about the noble who truly deserved to be cursed to death, then it would have to be his pathetic father, who decided to blame everything on an innocent child.

    The worst part was that Cassius''s life didn''t get any better in the future, as he was poisoned to death, which was the reason the man from another world was able to replace him.

    But leaving the poisoning matter aside, more priority should be given to the guy in front of the newborn Cassius, who was still staring at his master with a confused look on his irresistibly cute face.

 Chapter 4 Lucious Vindictus

    His name was Lucius Vindictus, Cassius''s right-hand man. But if it should be more accurate, then he was basically his main butler and servant who does whatever his master desires him to do.

    He had joined the household that Cassius was living in separately from his family at the tender age of 8, after a vigorous selection process, and was chosen to be the personal servant of the third son of the Holyfield family.

    From then on, he was the most loyal servant who followed around his master wherever he went and did whatever his master asked for. From bringing him breakfast early in the morning to carrying him back in a carriage after he got drunk in a brothel, he was the ideal servant that any noble could only dream of.

    And for one reason or another, even though his own family despised Cassius and the world mocked him for being the pitiful person he was, Lucious never once looked at his master with any disdain whatever.

    Even after he grew out of being a child, he always managed to serve his master with the utmost loyalty and consideration, not even thinking about the several offers that came from other nobles to poach him, and h would probably even sacrifice his life if Cassius were to ask of it some day because of how fervent his need to serve his beloved master was.

    So, yes, in a certain sense, just like Lucious told, it was very weird for Cassius to ask him about his gender when he spent his entire life by his side as a boy.

    But that still didn''t stop Cassius from having any distracting thoughts, nor did it give him any assurance about Lucious''s gender because of how pretty he looked, almost as if he were a cute little girl in a butler''s outfit.

    That''s why he decided to say something to a man that he never thought he would say in his life.

    "Lucious, don''t take this weirdly...But could you take off your top completely and show me what you have hidden inside?" Cassius coughed and asked awkwardly, unable to believe that he was asking such a favour of a man.

    Of course, the easiest way to check if Lucious was a man or not was to see if anything was hanging underneath. But Cassius couldn''t handle the mental damage of asking to see another man''s ding-dong if he were an actual man, so he decided to go with the more safe method.

    Cassius thought that Lucious would be thrown off guard by his request and even look at him with a certain level of disgust after his master asked him for something that resembled a sexual favour. But to his utter shock, Lucious actually blushed in an adorable manner when he heard his master''s request and fiddled with his fingers like he were really shy to do so.

    It wasn''t like he didn''t want to do it. But more like he was embarrassed to do so in front of his master, which flabbergasted Cassius, who actually thought that his flustered face was actually quite cute.

    "I don''t know why you slapped me out of nowhere, young master, nor do I know why you are suddenly asking this servant to undress...But as long as young master is fine with someone like me, you can do whatever you desire with this frail body of mine."

    Cassius said with a limpid look in his eyes as he slowly took off his coat.

    "W-What are you talking about, you bastard?!"

    Cassius couldn''t help but point and scream when he heard the horrible misunderstanding his servant had.

    "Why are you talking as if you think I''m going to take you straight to bed after you undress?!?!"

    "Huh?...Are you not, young master?"

    Lucius tilted his head and asked in an innocent manner with his sweet little voice, which made one''s heart swell.

    "I thought for sure that this servant''s innocence was going to be taken by the young master''s hands."

    "Of course not, you perverted little butler!...Does your young master look like someone who likes to take it from behind rather than giving it from behind?!"

    Cassius exclaimed at the top of his voice again at the butler, who for some reason was acting like the pitiful servant who was going to be devoured by his master. He then shook his head in a frustrated manner and continued saying,

    "I mean, it''s not like I have anything against men who like other men, and I completely respect their decisions...But at the same time, I hate to be called something that I so obviously am not, and so exactly should you."

    Cassius pointed at the oblivious Lucious.

    "So, why in the world are you so accepting of the thought that your young master, who''s a man, wants to sleep with you when you say that you''re a hot-blooded guy?...It''s because you''re actually a girl in disguise, isn''t it?" Cassius asked with a proud look on his face like he found out his deepest secrets. "Tell me, Lucious, your young master figured it out, didn''t he?"

    Cassius started to throw accusations since he was way too desperate to prove that Lucious was actually a girl.

    The fact that he actually found Lucious to be really cute and pretty made him doubt his own sexuality for the first time in his life, which made him feel so uncomfortable. So he wanted to prove that he was actually a girl so that he could clear his name and not be known as the guy who fell for a trap.

    "Of course I''m a man, young master, and it''s always been like that...Of course, if you desire for me to become a girl, I can cut that ''thing'' off and present it before you in a tray."

    Lucious casually said some horrific lines with a cute smile on his face, which made Cassius gulp at how loyal his servant was, going so far as to mutilate himself for the sake of his master. Lucious then placed his finger on his lips like he were thinking and continued saying in a thoughtful manner,

    "As for why I''m fine with sleeping with young master, that''s only natural since young master isn''t a being who can be classified based on gender and is someone so great and mighty, that this servant is ready to warm your bed every day regardless of whether you are a man or a woman."

    Lucious bowed his head to show his utmost sincerity to serve his young master in any way possible, which even made Cassius a little bit guilty for doubting his loyal servant.

    "Actions speak louder than words, Lucious, so quickly take your clothes off and show me your true self."

    Cassius couldn''t help but request even more, given the guilt he was feeling, as he just had to know if he was a man or not.

    Lucious still didn''t know why his master was asking him to get naked. But his master''s words were his orders, so he immediately got to stripping down.

    The coat was slowly slid down his arms, and then he unbuttoned his white shirt underneath, which was also done in a rather delicate and girly manner, which made Cassius even more sure that he was actually a girl.

    "Here you go, young master!" Luscious called out while slowly spreading his shirt to show his open body with a gentle blush on his cheeks. "T-This is the naked body you wanted to see."

    Cassius ignored the embarrassed look on Lucious''s face as if he were forced to strip down by a depraved noble and then looked closely at his chest, expecting to see something that would prove that he was a girl.

    But to his disbelief, the only thing he saw that resembled that of a girl was his flawless skin that looked to be made of porcelain, his delicate frame like a dainty little flower, and also his navel, which looked like it belonged to a girl because of how sunken it was.

    Other than that, he had the torso of a man, judging by the bone structure that could be seen through his skinny body, and he also didn''t have the most obvious attribute, which were breasts, small or big.

    This confirmed that his trusty butler was a man after all, and he was basically asking a dude to strip down for him.

    Cassius still had some severe doubts about his gender even after seeing the clear evidence. But he couldn''t do anything about it, as it would be even weirder to ask him to take his pants off, so he decided to stop here. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Y-Young master, can you stop staring at me so intensely...It''s rather embarrassing when you stare at me with such a fierce gaze." Lucious covered his chest like his breasts were exposed and looked away in a fluster.

    "You little!-...Stop acting as if I''m trying to devour you whole and quickly put your clothes back on!"

    Cassius facepalmed as he thought about how he should deal with his butler, who was a little too feminine for his own good. He then glanced at him putting his buttons on with his dainty little fingers and asked with a sigh,

    "And could you also stop acting so sweet and adorable since it''s bothering me in a very different way?...Like instead of behaving like a shy little girl, could you act a little bit more like a manly butler?"

    "...Actually no...You know what, never mind."

    Cassius waved his hands as he changed his mind, as he was sure that if he commanded him to act more manly, he would definitely force himself to be someone he wasn''t, which he didn''t want to see.

    "Just act like you always have and treat me just like you treated the old Cassius."

    "Old Cassius?...What do you mean by that, young master?" Lucious curiously asked as he quickly went to his master''s side. "Is it possible that you''re going through some personal change that''s making you refer to your past self as the old Cassius?"

    "Oh, that''s rather keen of you, Lucious...You''re quick on the uptake."

    Cassius smiled as he wasn''t expecting the little butler by his side to figure out so much just from a few words, while Lucious himself was secretly in shock and elation as this was the first time that his master had directly praised him.

    Cassius then ignored the butler, who was in a daze from being complimented, and walked towards the massive window in his room that had a perfect view of the beautiful Holyfield estate that was full of lavish gardens and majestic buildings. He gazed into the distance and even beyond and replied, saying,

    "And yes, it''s just like you said, Lucious...You''re young master isn''t going to be like he was before. From here on out there are going to be a lot of changes that you are going to see in me and everything around you...Changes that wouldn''t ever dream of happening."

    "So, my little butler, who has always been by my side." Cassius turned to look back at the butler, who looked too pretty to be a boy with an inviting look on his face. "Are you willing to follow me on this journey like you always have, or do you wish to stop right here, knowing that your life will never be the same again?"

    Lucious''s eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he was struck silent by the gravity of his master''s words. However, as Cassius''s piercing gaze bore into him, unwavering and resolute, Lucious felt a fire ignite within his chest. His loyalty, as eternal as the heavens above, surged forth like a flood.

    "Young Master..." Lucious said, his voice trembling, though not with fear but with emotion. "How could you ever doubt me, even for a moment?...From the day I was entrusted to your service, my life has been yours to command."

    "I have walked beside you through trials that would have broken lesser men. I have witnessed your brilliance, your struggles, and your sorrows. Do you think a mere change in the winds would cause me to falter?"

    He straightened, his delicate features now set with a determined expression as he lifted his head to meet Cassius''s eyes.

    "If this journey leads you to the heavens, I will walk beside you into their light. If it drags you into the depths of despair, then I will descend with you into the darkness...And if, by some cruel twist of fate, it should lead us both to the grave, then I will follow without hesitation, for there is no place I would rather be than by your side."

    Lucious''s voice grew softer but no less resolute.

    "So please, do not question my loyalty again, young master, as I am yours, now and forever, and there is nothing that could ever change that."

    ''Damn son...I was just asking you a ''yes'' or ''no'' question...Why are you suddenly going into an epic monologue of your own like we''re going to face the end of the world?...I mean, we kind of are. But not in the sense that you could think.''

    ''Well, since he''s going so far to play his part as my loyal butler, I should also respond in a worthy manner that will command his respect.''

    "Good." Cassius murmured, turning his gaze back toward the horizon. "With such a loyal subordinate by my side, even taking over the world wouldn''t be a difficult task, much less than carrying out the mission given by the Goddess up above." Lucius''s eyes gleamed as he wished he could forever imprint how heroic his master looked at the moment.

    "...But before we do any of that, we should first catch the bastard that poisoned your young master and give him a punishment that he will never forget for the rest of his short life."

    Cassius announced with a cruel smile on his face as he imagined how he was going to torment the imbecile who dared to poison him...

 Chapter 5 Suffocated To Death

    "Poisoned?!...Young master, you''re poisoned?!"

    Lucious jumped up on his feet and ran to his master''s side to give him some assistance with a terrified look on his face.

    "It''s fine, Lucious; it was only an attempted poisoning but it somehow failed, so there''s really no need to worry." Cassius said to calm down his butler, who was jumping up and down by his side like a restless little puppy. "You also can see how active I am at the moment, so you can really be reassured as the danger has already passed."

    Lucious paused, his large, doe-like eyes scanning Cassius''s face for any sign of weakness or lingering pain.

    Seeing none, he hesitated, his fear warring with the confidence his master exuded. Cassius, as poised and unyielding as ever, stood tall, his gaze steady and reassuring. Yet, the butler''s worry refused to fully subside.

    ''Damn...Who needs a wife when I''ve got a butler who looks at me with such concerned eyes?'' Cassius couldn''t help but think, even though he looked so confident on the outside, finding his butler''s care to be a bit too overbearing.

    "I believe you, young master." Lucious said softly. "But poison is no small matter. Even if the attempt failed, there could be lingering effects...Please, just to be safe, let the doctor examine you." He tugged on his master''s sleeves to try and drag him to see the family doctor.

    "I''m really fine, Lucious." Cassius pulled him back from going anywhere. He then continued saying to reassure the concerned butler, "Trust me when I say that I would be the first one to visit the doctor if I had any doubts that the poison was still inside of me at the moment, as after losing my life once, I absolutely have no intention of doing so again."

    Lucious was still worried about his young master''s well-being. But since he was so confident, more confident and lively than he had ever seen him in years, like the poison he had in his body injected him with some kind of revitalizer, he sighed and let go of the matter.

    "By the way, why exactly did you try to kiss me earlier, Lucious?" Cassius couldn''t help but ask. "You say that you''re a guy, but you still tried to steal a kiss from me, which ended up with me bruising your handsome face?...What was that about?"

    "No, young master...I think that you''re misunderstanding." Lucious shook his head. He then continued explaining while having a shy look in his eyes, "I wasn''t trying to kiss you or anything, even though I''m willing to do so if that''s what you truly wish from this servant."

    "Nope...Not in this life." Cassius immediately rejected his offer.

    "But I was actually trying to check your temperature and also your breath to see if you had a cold, since you weren''t responding to my calls no matter how much I tried to wake you up." Lucius concluded the misunderstanding that sent him flying away.

    "That''s probably because I was still fighting the poison at that time, and my body was on the borderline of death."

    Cassius said even though the past Cassius had already died from the poison and had moved on from this world to what was hopefully to be with his late mother.

    The man from another world who had taken Cassius''s mantle didn''t really know that he had actually died from poison when he first came to this world.

    It was only after he gained his past memories and noticed how his body unnaturally started shutting before his death did he figure out that the Cassius of this world was a victim of poison as well...The only difference being he died of a lethal poison, while the transmigrator died of food poisoning.

    "What do we do now, young master?...Should we report this matter to the family head?"

    Lucious asked from the side, while wondering who was out for his young master''s head when all he did his whole life was live his life in the corner of the estate, never causing problems to anyone even though trouble always sought his way.

    "Haha...Report it to the same geezer who wanted to slaughter me with a sword when I was just a newborn baby and the same man who probably wishes for my death everyday?" Cassius laughed out loud with a wicked smile on his face. "He probably wouldn''t stop smiling for a couple of months if he were to hear such good news."

    Cassius''s voice was laced with a chilling edge, his cold glint cutting through the brightly lit study like a blade.

    "And who knows." He muttered, his tone as sharp as shattered glass. "He might very well be the one who tried to poison me....After all, I can''t think of anyone else who harbours such hatred for me."

    The words hung in the air, heavy and ominous, sending a shiver coursing through Lucius. The young attendant, who had served his master through years of quiet despair, suddenly found himself trembling.

    Cassius''s eyes¡ªonce dulled by sorrow and self-loathing¡ªnow burnt with an intensity that made Lucius feel as though he were staring into the gaze of a predator.

    This was not the master he had known.

    For as long as Lucius could remember, Cassius had been a man consumed by guilt and rejection.

    Haunted by the scorn of his parents and burdened by the belief that his birth had cost his mother her life, he had sought solace in fleeting pleasures: the arms of women, the numbness of alcohol. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His anger had always been turned inward, never directed outward at the people who had wronged him.

    But this...This was different.

    The fury in Cassius''s voice, the glacial calm in his expression¡ªit was as if the near-death experience had awakened something dormant within him, a beast long buried under years of self-pity. Lucius had never seen him like this, and it was both terrifying and exhilarating.

    His master, once meek and broken, seemed to have finally reached a breaking point.

    Lucius swallowed hard, the trembling in his hands slowly giving way to a spark of anticipation.

    Was this the moment he had been waiting for? The moment Cassius, the man he had long believed capable of greatness, would finally rise from the ashes of his despair?

    A surge of excitement coursed through Lucius as he silently observed his master.

    The household that had cast Cassius aside, the family that had reduced him to a shadow of his potential, would soon learn the consequences of their cruelty.

    Lucius couldn''t help but smile to himself. His master had the potential to rule not just this household but the entire country if he willed it. And for the first time, Lucius felt certain Cassius had finally realised that too.

    Of course his thoughts were too far-reaching, as even though his young master had found some motivation to keep him going, it wasn''t taking over the household or becoming the king of Eleanor like he thought...But it was too bang as many women as he could, including his own family, who resided in the main mansion next door, and carry out the teachings of the Goddess of Debauchery.

    "Yes, young master." Lucius began, his tone light and melodic, like a child discussing a harmless secret. "If we were to let the household handle this matter, they would most likely drag the sinner to court for trial, even if they managed to catch him. But..." He paused, his sweet little voice dropping just enough to send a chill down Cassius''s spine. "...Only if we catch him ourselves can we stain our hands with his wretched blood¡ªthe blood of the one who dared to harm the youngest son of the Holyfield family."

    For a moment, Cassius froze.

    His lovable, ever-smiling attendant, with his cherubic face and warm, adoring gaze, had just uttered words that sounded more fitting for a villain in a bloody revenge tale. The dissonance between Lucius''s innocent appearance and the terrifying malice in his words left Cassius completely off guard.

    He blinked, unsure if he had misheard.

    ''Was this truly the same Lucius who had fussed over him with gentle hands only hours ago, ensuring he had warm tea and enough blankets as he recovered?''

    ''The same boy who trailed after him like a loyal pup, full of unwavering devotion?''

    "Lucius..." Cassius began hesitantly, his sharp composure momentarily faltering. "What exactly are you saying?"

    Lucius tilted his head, his soft dark curls catching the light, and offered a bright, almost angelic smile.

    "I''m saying, young master, that justice is best delivered by our own hands."

    The sheer innocence in his expression contrasted so starkly with the dark edge of his words that Cassius couldn''t suppress a shudder. Somewhere deep down, he knew Lucius''s loyalty ran deeper than he''d ever realized¡ªdeeper and far more dangerous.

    "W-Well, first we have to catch the one who poisoned me...Then only can we think about about how we can deal with him."

    Cassius clapped his hands which made Lucious go back to his puppy like state, which was far better to see them when he was on a mission of vengeance.

    "How exactly will we do that young master?...Do you want me to a hire a special group of private investigators to deal with this matter in silence?"

    Lucious asked as he thought of the several mercenaries that would be at his beck and call, knowing that he was coming from the almighty Holyfield family.

    "No...I don''t want to drag others into such a simple matter." Cassius told it like it were no big deal at all, which made Lucious''s eyes glow with more admiration than before. "For now let''s figure out what type of poison they used against me by identifying the symptoms of the poison and then tracing it back."

    "Huh?...But I really didn''t see any significant changes in your health or behaviour, young master...What sort of symptoms are you talking about?" Cassius asked as he normally spent his entire day looking after his master and he genuinely didn''t see anything wrong with him.

    "Irregular cardiac activity, sudden rises in body temperature, chills that come every once in a while, dryness in the throat, and finally the stoppage of oxygen to the brain, which leads to death...All of these happened to me in small gaps of time over the past 4 days, so if we find the poison that has the same symptoms we can find out which one it is."

    Cassius stated after scanning his memories for any irregular activities in his body over the past few days, concluding that someone had been giving him doses of poison every day until it had finally accumulated to an amount that could kill him.

    Of course, the past Cassius or any other normal human out there wouldn''t be able to notice the micro changes that happen in one''s body, like blood that''s moving slower than usual or a degree increase in temperature at certain parts in the body, which was why they would die without even knowing that they were poisoned.

    But the transmigrator that came from another world wasn''t exactly normal, so noting down such changes just by analysing the deep memories of someone else wasn''t too much of a big issue for him.

    "You also don''t have to beat yourself up for not finding out these changes since all of them are internal and don''t actually show up to anyone''s unsuspecting eyes, Lucious."

    Cassius patted his butler''s back when he saw the frustrated look on his face for letting his master get poisoned and doing nothing to stop it because of his innocence.

    "For now, prove your worth to me by bringing me a record or book that has all the world''s poisons listed in it." Cassius said to distract Lucious from the fact that he actually let his master get killed right beneath his eyes.

    "Yes, young master!"

    Lucious nodded his head in a frantic manner, determined to find the bastard who poisoned his young master and feed him the same poison he used. He then started walking briskly towards the door and looked back and said,

    "Follow me, young master...If there''s anywhere in the Holyfield estate that has books regarding poisons in it, then it has to be our family''s grand library that has over a hundred thousand books from all over the continent regarding every topic that exists...I''m sure we can find our answer there."

    Cassius smiled at his butler, who was all fired up to find the culprit who poisoned him, and followed him out the door until finally they left the mansion they were in, which wasn''t connected to the main building where the rest of the family resided.

    Cassius''s private mansion stood like a silent guardian on the edge of the Holyfield estate, its grandeur muted yet undeniably noble. Constructed of pale grey stone, its facade was adorned with intricate carvings¡ªgargoyles perched atop the corners of the roof, their watchful eyes scanning the sprawling gardens below. Tall, arched windows lined the walls, their glass panes catching the faint morning light and refracting it in dazzling patterns across the cobblestone paths leading up to the entrance.

    The main doorway, a pair of heavy oak doors reinforced with wrought iron, bore the Holyfield family crest¡ªa proud eagle clutching a sword in its talons¡ªetched into its surface. Ivy crept along the stone walls, its deep green tendrils softening the otherwise imposing structure, while flower beds of vibrant roses and hydrangeas framed the base of the building in bursts of color.

    Inside, the mansion was no less impressive. The grand foyer opened into a space dominated by a sweeping marble staircase, its balustrades carved with delicate filigree. Chandeliers of crystal and gold hung from high vaulted ceilings, their soft glow illuminating the polished floors and tapestries that depicted the family''s storied lineage.

    Each room spoke of wealth and status: a library with towering bookshelves and leather-bound tomes, a dining hall with a long mahogany table that could seat twenty, and a sitting room with plush velvet furniture and gilded mirrors. Yet, for all its opulence, the mansion carried an air of isolation.

    Separated from the main building where the rest of the Holyfield family resided, this house was both a symbol of Cassius''s noble blood and a constant reminder of his distance from the family that cast him aside. Its beauty was undeniable, but its silence felt heavy, as if the walls themselves carried the weight of its inhabitant''s solitude.

    As Cassius and Lucius stepped out onto the front steps, the vast estate stretched before them¡ªmanicured gardens, marble fountains, and cobblestone paths that wound toward the imposing main building in the distance. The mansion, while grand, seemed a world apart from the bustling life of the estate''s heart, and perhaps, Cassius thought, that was exactly how the Holyfield family had intended it to be.

    Cassius strode through the opulent halls of the main mansion, his sharp eyes catching the not-so-subtle glances from the maids and servants bustling about.

    Some whispered behind their hands, their eyes darting toward him with barely concealed pity. Others avoided his gaze altogether, their stiff bows and quick steps speaking volumes.

    He knew the looks well¡ªhe''d grown up with them. Ot atleast had memories of growing up with them.

    The Holyfield family''s youngest son, the black sheep, the drunken wastrel. But today, those looks felt...different.

    ''Were they tinged with a hint of curiosity? Perhaps even confusion?''

    Cassius smirked, leaning toward Lucius as they walked, his voice low but teasing. ''''Lucius, do you think it''s my devastatingly handsome face that has them staring so much? Or could it be that they''ve somehow realised that this young master is going to strike back with a bang?''''

    Lucius glanced up at his master, his innocent expression unchanged as he tilted his head. ''''I''m sure it''s both, young master.'''' He replied sweetly, though there was a glint of mischief in his eye.

    Cassius chuckled, but his gaze lingered on a pair of maids who quickly turned their heads, pretending to dust an already spotless vase. ''''Or maybe...'''' He continued, feigning a thoughtful tone. "...They''re simply in awe of how I''ve managed to drink and charm my way through life without completely ruining myself.''''

    Lucius nodded solemnly, playing along. ''''Yes, young master, your talent for creating chaos while avoiding complete disaster is truly admirable. A skill most couldn''t hope to master.''''

    Cassius barked a laugh, his voice echoing through the grand hall, startling a butler who nearly dropped the tray he was carrying. "Perhaps I should teach a class." He said dryly. "How to survive as the family disappointment with style?"

    But as they passed through the gilded archways, Cassius''s smirk faded slightly, his eyes taking in the sprawling wealth around him.

    He could feel the unspoken judgment, the whispers that followed him like shadows. They either pitied him for being an outsider in his own family or despised him for tarnishing their noble reputation.

    Cassius already felt quite uncomfortable in this heavy atmosphere so one could only imagine what the original Cassius who had already passed on would''ve felt...Probably suffocated...So suffocated that he even hoped that someone would poison his food and let him end his enternal pain.

    But to think that fantasy of his that emerged form his mind that was floating in the ocean of depression and despair would actually come true...What an absolute joke.

 Chapter 6 Tracking The Poison

    Bang!

    The door swung open with a resounding crash, its weight slamming against the wall as Cassius and Lucius strode into the Holyfield household''s grand library.

    Cassius paused mid-step, his sharp remark about Lucius''s dramatic entry dying on his lips as his gaze swept across the room.

    The library was nothing short of magnificent, a true testament to the Holyfield family''s legacy. It was a vast, cathedral-like space with towering shelves that reached up to a ceiling painted in exquisite murals of celestial scenes. Golden sunlight filtered through enormous stained-glass windows, casting colourful patterns across the polished wooden floor. The scent of aged parchment and leather-bound tomes filled the air, rich and inviting.

    The bookshelves were carved from dark mahogany, each panel adorned with intricate designs of ivy and mythical creatures. Thousands of volumes lined the shelves, their spines gleaming in shades of gold, emerald, and crimson. Rolling ladders were fixed to the shelves, their brass wheels glinting as they waited to be used.

    In the centre of the room stood an imposing oak table, its surface strewn with quills, parchment, and ancient maps. Surrounding it were high-backed chairs upholstered in velvet, their edges trimmed with gold. Chandeliers of wrought iron and crystal hung from the ceiling, their soft glow illuminating every corner of the cavernous space.

    Cassius exhaled slowly, his lips curving into an impressed smirk. "I''ll admit." He said, his voice breaking the reverent silence. "I didn''t expect this."

    Lucius, ever composed, gave a small bow. "The main household spares no expense in cultivating knowledge, young master...This library is said to contain works from every corner of the empire, some of which are priceless artifacts."

    Cassius took a few steps forward, running his fingers lightly along the edge of a nearby shelf. "Hmph. I suppose even this family of mine has some redeeming qualities." He murmured, his tone wry. He glanced at Lucius with a crooked grin. "Though I doubt any of them have even touched half of these books."

    Lucius chuckled softly, his hands clasped behind his back, which made him look like a child trying to imitate an adult, and he continued saying,

    "It''s said the library is more of a status symbol than a sanctuary of learning for most of the family."

    Cassius turned, his gaze falling on a display case near the far wall. Inside, ancient tomes bound in iron and silver were carefully preserved, their pages locked away behind enchanted glass. He couldn''t help but feel a flicker of awe.

    "For once..." He said, his voice quieter now. "I might actually agree with them...This place is extraordinary."

    Lucius''s smile widened, though he said nothing. Watching his master''s intrigue grow was reward enough.

    Cassius''s gaze lingered on the sheer expanse of the library before he casually turned to Lucius, leaning back against the oak table with a smirk.

    "Well then, Lucius." He said, his tone half-amused. ''''If this place truly has books on everything, fetch me one on poisons...Something comprehensive.''''

    Lucius bowed his head slightly, his expression unchanging. "As you wish, young master. Please wait a moment."

    Cassius chuckled softly, expecting his request to send Lucius on a long hunt through the labyrinthine shelves. He reached for a quill on the table, intending to idly sketch while he waited¡ªbut to his shock, before he could even dip the quill into ink, Lucius was back.

    "Here it is, young master."

    Lucius said in his sweet voice, holding out a hefty leather-bound book titled ''Toxica: A Collection of Poisons and Their Remedies''.

    Cassius blinked, staring at the book in surprise. "That was... fast." He said, accepting the volume. ''''How in the world did you find it so quickly in this maze?"

    Lucius tilted his head, his dark hair bouncing slightly as he offered a faint, almost mischievous smile. ''''Simple, young master. I''ve memorised the layout of the library, down to every compartment and section.''''

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his surprise deepening as he said, ''''You''ve memorised it?...All of it?''''

    Lucius nodded, his tone light, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

    "Yes, young master. When I first came here, I thought it would be useful to familiarise myself with the household''s resources. It took a few months, but now I know exactly where every category of book is stored. For example, poisons are located in the alchemy section, third shelf from the left on the eastern wall."

    Cassius stared at his butler for a long moment, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile.

    ''''You''re full of surprises, Lucius. I thought your talents were limited to brewing tea and helping me to bed when I''m drunk with that angelic face of yours.''''

    Lucius gave a small, playful shrug.

    "I do aim to exceed expectations, young master.''''

    Cassius let out a soft laugh, flipping open the book as he sat down at the table.

    "Well, consider me impressed. You might be cute, Lucius, but you''re also far too capable for your own good."

    Lucius''s smile widened, a faint pink dusting his cheeks as he shyly said, ''''You''re too kind, young master. But I assure you, my only priority is assisting you.''''

    Cassius shook his head with a bemused grin, already absorbed in the pages of the book.

    Lucius, ever dutiful yet brimming with his golden retriever-like energy, couldn''t resist leaning closer as Cassius flipped through the pages of the thick tome. His grey eyes sparkled with curiosity as he pointed at a particularly gruesome illustration of a toxic plant.

    "Look at this one, young master!" He exclaimed, his tone bright and almost gleeful despite the morbid subject. ''''It looks so harmless, but one bite and you''d be...Well...Probably dead in minutes!...Isn''t that fascinating?''''

    Cassius glanced up, his lips twitching with amusement, and said to him, ''''Lucius, are you sure you''re not the one I should be worried about poisoning me?''''

    Lucius gasped, his black hair swaying dramatically as he straightened, placing a hand over his heart and solemnly said, ''''Young master! How could you accuse me of such treachery?" He cried, his voice dripping with mock indignation. "I would never harm you! Besides, I''m far too clumsy to pull off something so sneaky.''''

    Cassius couldn''t help but chuckle, shaking his head, and said, "You''re utterly ridiculous, you know that?"

    Lucius grinned widely, his earlier composed demeanour completely replaced by his puppy-like enthusiasm. "Ridiculously loyal, you mean!" He beamed, standing tall as if awaiting praise, his eyes shining with pride.

    Cassius sighed, half-exasperated but undeniably fond of his eccentric butler. "Alright, alright, ridiculously loyal...Now quickly go and find whoever bought this specific poison on this page from any sellers nearby, as this is what almost caused my death." Cassius pointed at a red flower on one of the pages that was dried and turned into a powdered poison called ''Velveta Rose''.

    Lucius blinked in surprise, his eyes wide as he stared at the page Cassius had pointed out. "Velveta Rose?" He murmured, tilting his head to read the description of the crimson flower that was turned into powdered poison. He then leaned closer and asked, "Young master, how did you..."

    He trailed off, glancing up at Cassius with a mixture of awe and confusion.

    "You found the exact poison already? But you''ve barely had the book for five minutes!"

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he crossed his arms and said, "What can I say, Lucius? Genius runs in my blood, no matter what this family likes to believe." He tapped the page with a finger. "I''ve been piecing together the symptoms ever since I woke up...All I needed was confirmation, and this..." He gestured to the book. "...provided exactly that."

    But even though Cassius said it was because he was a genius, no prodigy out there in the world could possibly read through a five hundred-page book in a matter of minutes. Only someone like him, who had the comprehension skills of a supercomputer that came with his identity as a ''peacekeeper'' could do something as extraordinary as that.

    But of course Lucious didn''t think about that and simply stared at him, momentarily speechless. Then, with a gleam of admiration in his eyes, he clapped his hands together.

    "Young master, you''re amazing! A true detective!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening, and said in an amused manner,

    "Detective, is it? I think I rather like the sound of that. Maybe I should add it to my growing list of talents."

    Lucius nodded enthusiastically, his earlier astonishment quickly giving way to his usual puppy-like energy. ''''Absolutely! You''re the most brilliant, clever, and daring detective in the Holyfield household...No, in the entire country!''''

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head, and said ''''Flattery will get you everywhere, Lucius...Now, enough theatrics. I need you to focus.'''' His tone grew serious as he tapped the page again. ''''Track down whoever bought this poison...It''s rare, and there can''t be many sellers dealing in something so specific. Start with the alchemists and apothecaries in the nearby towns.''''

    Lucius straightened immediately, his playful demeanour giving way to sharp determination.

    ''''Understood, young master. I''ll gather the information as quickly as possible.''''

    Cassius gave him a nod, his red eyes gleaming with purpose.

    "Good. The sooner we find the source, the closer we''ll be to uncovering who wanted me dead.''''

    Lucius spun around, his usual bounce tempered by the weight of his mission.

 Chapter 7 Innate Strength

    After sending Lucius off, Cassius strode toward a large, ornate mirror standing in the corner of the library. The polished silver frame was adorned with intricate carvings of roses and thorns, and its surface gleamed so brightly that his reflection almost seemed alive.

    He stared at himself, his sharp red eyes scanning every detail with an intensity that bordered on obsession. He had a suspicion¡ªa lingering doubt ever since he woke up in this world¡ªand now he intended to confirm it.

    Just as he thought.

    The face staring back at him was unmistakably his own¡ªthe same face he''d known all his life back on Earth. High cheekbones, a strong jawline, and sharp features that some might call regal. Even his thick, raven-black hair was the same, tumbling neatly to his neck in soft waves.

    "Well..." He muttered to his reflection. "...If nothing else, I guess I can thank the Goddess for not sticking me in a face I''d hate to wake up to."

    But this wasn''t mere possession, not by a long shot.

    He tugged at the collar of his shirt, exposing a faint scar just below his collarbone. His fingers brushed over the mark, a reminder of a foolish childhood accident back in his old world. It was still there, exactly as he remembered.

    His eyes narrowed, tracing the other faint scars on his arms and hands¡ªthe ones he''d earned through his life.

    This was undeniably his body, not the body of the original Cassius. He rolled his shoulders, feeling the familiar stretch of muscle, the precise balance of his frame.

    In fact, he noted, with a small smirk, he looked even better than he remembered. His physique was more chiseled, more refined, as though the goddess had polished and perfected him for this new world.

    "Not bad." He murmured, tilting his head to admire the angles of his reflection. "If the old Cassius looked anything like me, no wonder the guy had his fair share of admirers, even if he wasted it all on booze and self-pity."

    He frowned slightly, though, as the thought settled. If this truly was his own body¡ªtransferred across worlds by divine intervention¡ªthen where was the body of the old Cassius? His soul was likely gone, replaced by his own, but the body...

    "Did she swap us completely?" He wondered aloud, his fingers brushing his jaw thoughtfully. "Or did she just toss his body and soul somewhere else entirely?...Goddess above, you could''ve at least left me a memo."

    The thought left him uneasy, but there was little he could do about it now.

    What mattered was that he was here, alive and very much in control of his own body.

    Cassius then glanced around the library, his gaze landing on an ornate fruit bowl placed on a nearby shelf. It was clearly a decorative piece, filled with artificial fruits crafted from various metals¡ªgolden bananas, silver pears, and a particularly realistic apple made of gleaming steel.

    He picked up the metallic apple, rolling it in his palm thoughtfully. It was heavy, its surface cool and smooth under his fingertips. A mischievous smirk played on his lips as an idea took root in his mind.

    "Let''s see if I still have it." He murmured to himself.

    Gripping the apple firmly in his right hand, Cassius tensed his arm slightly, his muscles shifting beneath his shirt.

    He focused, summoning the same strength he had relied on back in his old world. Slowly, the steel began to groan, the sound of metal bending filling the quiet library.

    Creak~ Creak~

    With a sharp crack, the apple split under his grip, the once-perfect sphere now a twisted, crushed mess of mangled metal.

    Tiny shards fell to the floor with a soft clink as he opened his hand, revealing the warped remnants of the apple sitting in his palm.

    Cassius let out a low whistle, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, that''s reassuring." He said, tossing the crushed apple aside like it was nothing. "Seems like the Goddess didn''t forget to pack my strength along with the rest of me." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar power coursing through them. It was exactly as it had been before¡ªno, perhaps even stronger. The weight of the task the goddess had assigned him no longer seemed daunting; it felt like a challenge he could take on with ease.

    "This is going to be fun." He muttered, his grin turning sharper. "If this world thinks it can throw anything at me, it''s sorely mistaken. I''ll handle it all¡ªand then some."

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Lucius returned to the library with an eager spring in his step, his grey eyes alight with excitement. His investigation had borne fruit quicker than expected.

    Using the vast resources of the Holyfield family, tracking down the purchase of the rare poison had been no challenge. Even the alias used to mask the buyer''s identity had been unravelled, revealing someone of shocking importance within the household.

    He could hardly wait to tell his young master. The thrill of unmasking the culprit, combined with the hope of earning Cassius''s praise, made his heart race with anticipation.

    Pushing open the grand library doors, Lucius stepped inside, his voice already forming the words to deliver the news. But he stopped short.

    The room was empty.

    The flickering candlelight danced over rows of bookshelves and the vast reading table, but there was no sign of Cassius. The chair he had last seen his master sitting in was neatly pushed in, as though it hadn''t been used for hours.

    Lucius frowned, his excitement faltering. "Young master?" He called, his voice echoing faintly in the quiet space.

    When no answer came, he began to search the library, checking the alcoves and corners, but it was clear Cassius was no longer there.

    "Perhaps he went back to the mansion..." Lucius murmured, his expression thoughtful as he hurried out of the library.

    Crossing the mansion grounds, he made his way to the separate building where Cassius resided. The air was still and cold, the sunlight casting eerie shadows across the stone path.

    Reaching the front doors, Lucius pushed them open with ease, stepping inside. But as he walked through the halls, a sense of unease crept over him.

    The place was silent¡ªdeathly silent.

    The mansion, already sparsely staffed, was completely deserted.

    No servants bustled about, no faint sounds of cleaning or footsteps echoed through the halls. Every room he checked was empty, untouched, as though abandoned hours ago.

    Lucius''s frown deepened, his steps quickening as he moved through the mansion. His voice broke the eerie quiet.

    "Young master? Are you here?"

    Nothing...Only the sound of his own voice bouncing back at him.

    He came to a halt in the middle of the grand foyer, his heart sinking slightly as he realized Cassius wasn''t here either.

    "What''s going on?" He whispered to himself, his hand brushing through his black hair in frustration.

    Just as he was contemplating where to search next, a faint shuffle of footsteps caught his attention. Turning sharply, he saw one of the maids approaching him, her expression hesitant. She bowed politely before speaking.

    "Master Lucius." She said softly. "I''ve been instructed to inform you that everyone has been summoned to the banquet hall by the young master...He''s requested your presence there as well."

    Lucius blinked, surprise flashing across his face.

    "The banquet hall?" He repeated, his confusion growing. "Why there? And why summon the staff?"

    The maid shook her head. "I''m afraid I don''t know the details, sir. But he was quite insistent."

    Lucius exhaled sharply, his mind racing as he nodded. "Very well. Thank you."

    As the maid retreated, Lucius turned toward the main mansion, his footsteps brisk and purposeful. A mixture of confusion and curiosity filled him as he headed for the banquet hall.

    "Just what are you planning, young master?" He muttered under his breath, his pretty eyes narrowing.

    Open~

    Lucius pushed open the heavy doors of the banquet hall, the faint creak echoing into the dimly lit room. The sight before him made him pause.

    The expansive hall, typically vibrant with light and chatter during gatherings, was eerily subdued.

    The chandeliers overhead, usually ablaze with brilliance, had been dimmed, casting long, flickering shadows across the richly adorned walls. The golden accents along the ceiling glinted faintly in the subdued glow, giving the room a hauntingly solemn atmosphere.

    The staff of the household stood in neat rows, their postures stiff, their faces uneasy. Whispers flitted between them, but the room was otherwise oppressively silent.

    Every eye turned toward Lucius as he entered, their gazes filled with a mix of confusion and nervous anticipation.

    Lucius''s sharp eyes swept over the crowd, searching for the one person who could explain this peculiar scene. But Cassius was nowhere to be found.

    "What in the world is going on here?" He murmured, his voice low as he stepped further into the hall. His mind raced with questions.

    ''Why had the young master summoned everyone here? And why was the atmosphere so unsettling?''

    As he stood there, trying to make sense of it all, a maid approached him hesitantly. She was a petite girl, her hands trembling slightly as she held out a folded piece of paper. Her head bowed as she spoke in a barely audible voice.

    "Master Lucius, the young master instructed me to give this to you upon your arrival."

 Chapter 8 Assassination Attempt

    Lucius frowned, his curiosity deepening as he accepted the note.

    Unfolding it carefully, he recognised Cassius''s distinct handwriting at once. His eyes darted over the words, his expression shifting as he read.

    The moment he finished reading, he folded it back neatly, slipping it into his pocket without so much as a flicker of emotion crossing his face. He straightened, brushing a hand through his neck-length hair as though to compose himself.

    His silence was deliberate, ensuring no one around him could catch even a hint of what the note contained. He simply nodded, as if to confirm his understanding, and walked toward the front of the assembled staff with purposeful steps.

    Standing before the crowd, Lucius took a deep breath, his expression turning grave. The dim lighting cast shadows across his young face, but his sharp grey eyes glinted with intensity. He raised a hand, silencing the low murmurs of confusion among the staff.

    "I have an important announcement."

    Lucius began, his voice steady and solemn. The tension in the room deepened, every pair of eyes locking onto him.

    ''''Earlier today, someone attempted to assassinate your master, Cassius Holyfield, through the use of poison.''''

    The reaction was instant.

    A wave of gasps rippled through the room, followed by frantic whispers and murmurs of panic.

    The servants exchanged wide-eyed looks, some clutching their hands together nervously, while others stepped back as if the very accusation might taint them.

    "An assassination?" One maid whispered fearfully.

    ''''Who would dare to go after a noble?'''' Another voice hissed, laced with dread.

    ''''Do they suspect the staff? What if we''re blamed?''''

    Lucius''s sharp ears caught every word, his lips pressing into a thin line. The fear spreading through the hall wasn''t concern for Cassius¡ªit was pure self-preservation. They weren''t worried about the young master''s life; they were terrified for their own safety and positions.

    Raising his hand once more, Lucius silenced the room again. His voice dropped slightly, carrying an edge of quiet authority.

    "Your master survived.''''

    The collective sigh of relief that followed was almost deafening, but it was accompanied by a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The fear eased, replaced by murmured reassurances and faint smirks of relief. But Lucius noticed the truth behind their expressions.

    Their relief wasn''t out of gratitude or loyalty¡ªit was selfish. They were relieved because Cassius''s survival meant their jobs and livelihoods were secure. There was no genuine concern for their master''s well-being, only the assurance that the repercussions wouldn''t fall on them.

    Lucius''s jaw tightened, his grey eyes narrowing as he observed the crowd. A quiet anger simmered within him, though he kept his composure.

    ''These people....'' He thought bitterly. ''They don''t care about him at all...To them, he''s nothing but a burden they tolerate for their own gain.''

    But Lucius said nothing. Instead, he stood tall, his demeanour calm and controlled.

    ''''Rest assured, your master is safe, and measures are already being taken to address this incident. I expect all of you to remain composed and continue your duties without fail...This household will not tolerate weakness or disorder."

    The crowd nodded quickly, murmuring obedient affirmations, though their faces betrayed more relief than sincerity.

    Lucius let the weight of his words settle over the room, his sharp grey eyes scanning the crowd. The staff stood frozen, murmuring quietly among themselves, their earlier panic now tinged with unease.

    Just as the tension began to dissipate, Lucius raised his voice again, his tone cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

    "One more thing.'''' He said, his calm demeanour unwavering, yet his words carried an edge that made the room fall silent once more. "The one who dared to poison your master is already on the verge of being found...By the end of the day, their identity will be revealed."

    The statement struck like thunder, sending ripples of shock and curiosity through the crowd. Faces turned toward one another, hushed whispers breaking out almost immediately.

    "Who could be bold enough to poison a noble?" One servant murmured.

    "Especially a member of the Holyfield family." Another added, their voice laced with disbelief.

    "Do they have a death wish?" Someone else whispered nervously.

    The staff''s unease shifted into a strange mix of fear and intrigue. The idea that someone among them¡ªor someone close to the family¡ªmight be responsible ignited a flurry of speculation. They began to exchange theories and gossip in hushed tones, their earlier panic giving way to morbid curiosity.

    Lucius watched them silently, his expression unreadable. Inside, his anger still simmered, but he hid it well, maintaining his calm facade. He let the crowd''s whispers grow louder, knowing their focus was now directed away from their selfish relief and onto the gravity of the situation.

    As the last of the staff filtered out of the banquet hall after they were excused by him, their whispers fading into the corridors, Lucius allowed himself a brief moment to exhale.

    He straightened his jacket, his sharp eyes scanning the room one final time, ready to leave and report back to Cassius. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But once again, just as he turned toward the exit, the same maid approached him hastily, a folded letter clutched tightly in her hands. "Master Lucius, this just arrived for you." The confused maid said, bowing slightly as she offered it to him.

    Lucius took the letter without hesitation, unfolding it with practiced ease. His eyes darted over the contents, and almost immediately, his expression sharpened. He folded the paper briskly, tucking it into his pocket as his gaze swept across the lingering remnants of the crowd.

    His grey eyes then locked onto a figure in the far corner of the hall, half-hidden in the shifting shadows.

    Without a moment''s pause, he raised his hand and pointed directly at her. "You there!'''' He called out, his voice commanding and precise. "Stay right where you are!"

    The figure froze, her posture stiffening as every eye in the room turned toward her. A murmur of confusion rippled through the remaining staff, some pausing mid-step to glance back.

    The young woman he had singled out hesitated, her head bowing slightly as she nodded in acknowledgment. But even from a distance, Lucius could see her fidgeting hands and the faint tremor in her stance. She was unusually nervous, her unease palpable.

    As the rest of the staff continued to shuffle out, their curiosity sparked, and they exchanged quiet speculations.

    "Why is she being called out?"

    "Did she do something wrong?"

    "I''ve never seen her act like this before¡­She''s normally such a smart and obedient girl."

    The crowd''s muttering faded as they finally left, leaving the hall nearly empty. Only then did the woman step fully into the light, her figure no longer obscured.

    Lucius''s gaze settled on her, his sharp features remaining calm but watchful. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her face unrivalled by any other maid in the household.

    Standing before him was a young woman who seemed to have stepped right out of a fairytale. Her blonde hair, soft as spun gold, was styled neatly into short, delicate curls, with a ribbon woven through to match the black-and-white of her attire. Her blue eyes, as radiant and inviting as a clear summer sky, sparkled with a mix of innocence and quiet mischief.

    Her figure was nothing short of mesmerising, a sensual masterpiece sculpted with exquisite curves that drew the eye and quickened the heart. The fitted bodice of her uniform clung tightly to her ample chest, the delicate fabric teasingly emphasising every soft, inviting contour. Her narrow waist tapered dramatically, accentuating the full, rounded swell of her hips that the skirt barely managed to conceal.

    Each movement she made was effortlessly graceful, yet carried a subtle, tantalising sway that seemed almost intentional, her body exuding a natural allure that was impossible to ignore. There was an unspoken seduction in her poise, a quiet confidence that spoke volumes without uttering a single word.

    But Lucius was not swayed by appearances. His grey eyes narrowed slightly as he stepped closer, his mind already working through the implications of the letter''s contents. The dim light cast sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the cold, calculating expression that had sent many servants in the household trembling with fear.

    The maid, however, did not shrink away. She flinched slightly at his approach¡ªher delicate fingers twitching for the briefest moment¡ªbut quickly steeled herself. Taking a sharp breath, she squared her shoulders and met Lucius''s piercing gaze head-on.

    Her fists clenched at her sides, as though she were drawing strength from the action, and her large, intelligent eyes locked with his, refusing to waver. Though her pulse raced and her mind screamed at her to show no fear, she composed herself with remarkable poise. She knew any sign of weakness or hesitation would only draw more suspicion.

    Lucius raised an eyebrow, his grey eyes glinting faintly in the dim light. Her response intrigued him.

    Most of the staff wouldn''t have dared to hold his gaze, much less stand firm under the weight of his cold demeanor. To see this young maid, with her elegant beauty and apparent intelligence, remain calm under such scrutiny was, if nothing else, impressive.

    "Interesting.'''' Lucius thought, his lips twitching as though on the verge of a smirk. He let his gaze linger, watching as her breathing steadied, her composure firming with every passing second.

    Most servants feared him, not just because he was Cassius''s closest confidant, but because he rarely showed his playful side to anyone other than his master. To them, Lucius was an unapproachable figure¡ªa shadow that moved with precision and authority. Yet here was this maid, standing her ground with a quiet defiance that he couldn''t help but admire.

 Chapter 9 Poisonous Flower

    "You''re not trembling." Lucius said finally, his voice smooth and low, breaking the silence. "Most in your position would be stammering by now."

    The maid tilted her chin slightly, her voice soft but steady as she replied, "I''ve done nothing wrong, sir. I have no reason to tremble."

    Her words, simple as they were, carried a quiet confidence that made Lucius pause. He studied her for another long moment, the faintest flicker of amusement in his otherwise cold expression.

    "Good." He said, his voice dropping to an approving murmur. "At least you''re not a coward...That''s rare in this household."

    The tension between them eased slightly, though Lucius''s sharp eyes never left hers. He could see the effort it took for her to maintain her composure, but she was doing it well¡ªtoo well, perhaps, for someone who claimed innocence.

    Lucius''s pretty eyes gleamed with a spark of interest, catching the subtle emphasis she placed on "not involved." Her answer was measured, precise¡ªtoo precise. She was being careful, choosing her words as though every syllable could decide her fate.

    A knowing smile played at the corners of his lips as he tilted his head slightly. "I see." He said, his tone light yet probing. "And tell me¡ªdo you handle the dishes that the master eats from?"

    The maid froze, the question striking her like a blow. Her composed facade faltered, a flicker of hesitation flashing in her expressive eyes. She didn''t want to answer; she knew that admitting it would only lead to more questions, more suspicion, and more entanglement in a web she desperately wanted to avoid.

    But Lucius''s gaze was unrelenting, his smile remaining in place but his sharp eyes narrowing ever so slightly. It was clear he wouldn''t accept silence as an answer.

    Finally, she gave a small, reluctant nod, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. "Yes.'''' She admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I do."

    Lucius nodded as well, his expression thoughtful, though his narrowed eyes betrayed his calculating mind. "Hmm, I see.'''' He murmured, stepping back slightly. "That''s all. You may go now."

    The maid''s eyes widened momentarily in surprise, as if she hadn''t expected him to dismiss her so easily.

    She hesitated, her lips parting as though she were about to say something. Her fingers twitched, and her gaze darted to the floor, then back to Lucius. She looked like she was struggling internally, weighing the consequences of revealing more against the safety of silence.

    For a moment, it seemed as though she might confess something¡ªher lips trembled, her shoulders tensed¡ªbut then she bit her lower lip, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. In the end, she said nothing.

    Bowing her head slightly, she turned and walked away, her movements slow and deliberate, as though burdened by something heavy on her heart.

    Lucius watched her retreating figure, his expression unreadable. He didn''t stop her, nor did he call her back, but his eyes remained locked on her until she disappeared into the corridor.

    Lucius was deep in thought, piecing together the clues and replaying the maid''s subtle reactions in his mind.

    He turned to leave the banquet hall, intending to seek out his master and share what he''d learnt.

    But just as he took his first step, he froze.

    To his shock, Cassius was standing directly behind him, so close that Lucius almost stumbled in surprise.

    "Young master!" Lucius exclaimed, his usual composure faltering for a split second. He steadied himself quickly, though his mind raced.

    ''How did he get this close without me noticing?''

    Cassius, however, simply stood there with his usual air of nonchalance, his arms crossed and a faint smile playing on his lips. He looked as though he''d been observing Lucius for a while, amused by his butler''s uncharacteristic lapse in awareness.

    Lucius cleared his throat, dismissing his surprise.

    His gaze shifted toward the banquet hall doors, where the maid had exited moments ago. He frowned thoughtfully, his voice steady and measured as he asked, "She was the one who poisoned you, wasn''t she, young master?"

    Cassius''s smile widened, his casual demeanour remaining intact. "She''s the one." He confirmed with a slight nod, as if the revelation was nothing more than a mundane fact.

    Lucius turned back to face him fully, his expression solemn, and asked, "And you knew all along?"

    Cassius shrugged, the corners of his lips curving into a wry smile. "Of course...It wasn''t exactly hard to figure out."

    Lucius''s eyes widened in awe, the tension in his posture dissolving in an instant. A bright, almost childish admiration replaced his usual solemn demeanour as he took a step closer.

    "Young master, that''s incredible!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine excitement.

    Cassius blinked at him, slightly taken aback by the sudden shift in his butler''s demeanour.

    "How did you do it?" Lucius pressed, his tone practically that of an avid fan at this point. "I mean, the library''s so big, and we didn''t even talk to her that much. You figured it all out so quickly¡ªwere there clues I missed? Or did you already suspect her before all of this?"

    Cassius chuckled softly, his wry smile widening. "Calm down, Lucius. You''re acting like I just solved the mystery of the century."

    "But it''s amazing!" Lucius insisted, clasping his hands together like an eager pupil awaiting a master''s wisdom. "I''ve seen you do some impressive things, but this...This is on another level!"

    Cassius sighed, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his gaze. "Fine, if you''re that curious, I''ll explain."

    Lucius nodded fervently, his excitement making him seem more like an overenthusiastic puppy than the composed butler he usually was.

    "It was her reactions." Cassius began. "When you asked her if she worked in the kitchen, she froze¡ªjust for a second. It was subtle, but it was there...Then when she admitted to handling the dishes, she overexplained, trying to distance herself from the actual cooking. That kind of defensiveness is a red flag."

    Lucius hung on every word, his expression lighting up as he absorbed the explanation.

    ''''And that''s all it took for you to figure it out?"

    Cassius''s smirk grew slightly as he leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. "Well, it wasn''t just that. I already had a major suspicion about the kitchen."

    "The kitchen?" Lucius echoed, tilting his head like a curious child.

    "Think about it." Cassius said smoothly. "The poison was administered through my food¡ªwhere else would it come from? It''s only natural to start looking there...But here''s the problem: there are over twenty people working in the kitchen. Interrogating each and every one of them would take time, and I have no patience for dragging things out."

    Lucius nodded slowly, his brows furrowing as he followed the reasoning.

    "That''s why I decided to play a little game." Cassius continued, his smirk turning mischievous. "While you pursued one angle, I decided to flush out the culprit from my end. Calling everyone to the banquet hall gave me the perfect opportunity."

    "The announcement of your death?" Lucius asked, eyes wide as the pieces started to fall into place. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Exactly," Cassius replied, his tone light yet calculating. "The hall was packed, and with the lighting dimmed, it allowed people to feel like they could drop their guard without being noticed. Most of the staff were panicked or relieved for the most selfish of reasons. But there was one person¡ªjust one¡ªwho stood out."

    Lucius blinked, thinking back to the scene. "The maid..."

    Cassius nodded. "She was already on my radar because she works in the kitchen. But her reaction sealed it....Unlike the others, who were busy gossiping or sighing in relief, she acted differently. Tension, guilt¡ªit was all written across her face, even if she tried to mask it. The dim lighting only made it easier to catch the subtle signs she thought no one would notice."

    Lucius''s admiration grew with every word. "And then my questioning confirmed your suspicions." He said, the realisation dawning on him.

    "Exactly." Cassius said, giving him a satisfied nod. "Your little interrogation wasn''t just effective¡ªit was the final piece of the puzzle. By the time she left the hall, I was already certain it was her."

    Lucius couldn''t help but let out an impressed whistle, his expression practically glowing. "Young master, that''s brilliant! You turned the entire household into a stage just to catch one person. I can''t believe you thought so far ahead."

    Cassius chuckled, waving off the praise with a dismissive hand. "It''s nothing to get worked up about...Just a bit of strategy and observation."

    "Nothing to get worked up about?" Lucius repeated, his tone incredulous. "Young master, you''re a genius! Honestly, I feel lucky just to be working under someone like you."

    Cassius groaned lightly, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, stop it with the overwhelming praise already. You''re making me blush." He said sarcastically, though the faint smirk on his lips betrayed his amusement. "Now, quit stalling and tell me¡ªwhat did you find on your end?"

 Chapter 10 Everyone Is The Same In Front Of A Cleaver

    Lucius''s eyes lit up as if he''d been waiting for this moment. He clasped his hands together dramatically and said,

    "Oh, young master, you won''t believe this. It''s big¡ªhuge, even! I mean, when I uncovered this, I could hardly believe it myself...Someone high up is involved¡ªsomeone you wouldn''t dare to suspect!"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Then, with a flick of his fingers, he thwacked Lucius lightly on the forehead.

    "Stop hyping it up already." He said with a sigh. "Everyone is the same in front of a butcher''s knife...Spit it out."

    Lucius rubbed his forehead with a pout, muttering something under his breath before straightening up.

    "Fine, fine...It''s Edmund Chancery."

    Cassius''s smirk froze, his expression darkening slightly.

    "Edmund Chancery?"

    Lucius nodded, his tone now serious. "Yes, him. The main attendant to your father. He''s not just some servant either¡ªhe''s the young doctor who earned the patriarch''s trust after nursing him back to health during his illness a few years ago. He''s practically inseparable from your father now, always at his side...The man has an almost sacred position in this household."

    Cassius leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms as his mind worked through the implications. "Edmund...The one who''s been my father''s right hand and personal confidant for years?"

    "Exactly." Lucius confirmed. "He''s so close to the patriarch that no one would dare question him. That''s what makes this so...Dangerous. If it''s really him, this isn''t just a matter of poisoning you. It could mean something far bigger is at play."

    Cassius snorted softly, shaking his head. "You''re overthinking it, Lucius. My father isn''t involved."

    Lucius blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Young master, how can you be so sure?"

    "Simple." Cassius said as he admired the paintings on the walls. "My father has no reason to kill me. If he wanted me gone, he would''ve done it years ago...Why wait this long, and why in his own estate, of all places?" His tone was calm but sharp, slicing through the suggestion like a knife.

    Lucius frowned thoughtfully but nodded. "I see your point. Someone like the patriarch wouldn''t risk the reputation of the family or stoop to such a sloppy method."

    "Exactly." Cassius continued, his voice taking on a faint edge of disdain. "A man like my father would never involve an inexperienced maid or resort to poison. If he wanted me dead, it would be quick, clean, and untraceable. No, this was desperation¡ªan impulsive, half-baked plan. And Edmund¡­" He trailed off, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "...He reeks of it."

    Lucius''s frown deepened as he processed this and asked, "Then what could his purpose have been? And how is he connected to the maid?"

    Cassius pushed off the wall, brushing a hand through his hair in a nonchalant gesture. "Now that..." He said with an enigmatic smirk. "...Is exactly what we''re going to find out."

    Lucius''s lips curled into a grin, his earlier seriousness fading into the playful admiration he reserved only for his master. "A visit, then?"

    "A visit." Cassius confirmed, his voice calm but laced with the promise of retribution.

    Lucius''s grin widened, his golden retriever-like excitement barely contained. "Oh, this is going to be fun!"

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    The cold night air wrapped around the estate, its biting chill amplified by the eerie silence of the servant quarters.

    These quarters, reserved for the most esteemed members of the household staff, resembled miniature houses, each neatly arranged within the sprawling estate.

    The faint glow of lanterns illuminated the path as a lone figure, bundled in a scarf that obscured most of her face, moved cautiously among the shadows. Her steps were hurried but deliberate, and her head turned frequently as if ensuring she wasn''t being followed.

    She stopped in front of one of the houses and knocked lightly on the wooden door. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a man with sharp features and an air of annoyance etched into his scholarly appearance.

    Edmund Chancery, the patriarch''s trusted attendant, stood in the doorway. His thinning hair was neatly combed back, giving an almost too-perfect appearance that somehow added to his pompous demeanour.

    Round spectacles perched precariously on his long, angular nose, catching the faint light of the lanterns outside. His lips pressed into a thin line as if perpetually irritated, completing the image of a man who radiated intellect but whose presence grated on others.

    The maid hesitated for a moment before pulling down her scarf, revealing herself as the same girl who had been interrogated earlier. Her wide, worried blue eyes and furrowed brow betrayed her concern as she looked up at Edmund.

    Edmund''s expression shifted subtly, his gaze scanning the darkness behind her before stepping aside. "Come in." He said in a clipped tone, his voice low.

    The maid glanced around one last time, ensuring no prying eyes were near, and then slipped inside. Edmund quickly shut the door behind her, his movements precise and deliberate.

    Edmund barely glanced at the maid before shutting the door, his sharp features twisted into a look of urgency and irritation. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He didn''t bother offering her a seat by the modest fire or even a moment to shake off the cold.

    Instead, his voice cut through the silence like a blade.

    "Why are you here?...Didn''t I tell you not to meet me for a while?" He demanded, his tone unfriendly and impatient.

    The girl hesitated for the briefest moment, her gaze flickering toward the fire she wasn''t welcome near.

    Despite her stunning beauty, there was no warmth in Edmund''s expression, only a harsh expectation. His indifference stung more than she cared to admit, and a mix of resentment and regret bubbled up inside her.

    How ironic, she thought bitterly, that he, the one who dragged her into this wretched situation, now seemed so inconvenienced by her presence.

    But she didn''t let her emotions show. Straightening her back, she met his gaze with calm resolve. "The young master is onto us.'''' She said, her voice steady despite the storm of mixed feelings within her. "He''s close to finding out the truth."

    Edmund scoffed, waving her words away with a dismissive flick of his hand.

    "Bullshit." He snapped, his irritation growing. "That spoilt waste of space?...The third son of the family?...He couldn''t find his way out of a unlocked room, let alone uncover something like this."

    He let out a sharp, humourless laugh.

    "Even if by some miracle he did, what would he do about it? The boy has no spine. He''s spent his life cowering behind the Holyfield name, drinking and gambling himself into irrelevance...He wouldn''t dare lift a finger against me."

    The maid''s hands tightened into fists at her sides. His arrogant dismissal grated on her nerves, but she kept her composure.

    "He''s already called me in for questioning." She said, her voice calm but firm. "And judging by the way his butler looked at me, it''s very likely they already know the truth."

    For the first time, Edmund''s condescending smirk faltered. His brows furrowed, and an edge of fear crept into his otherwise pompous demeanour.

    "Impossible!" He muttered, pacing a few steps before turning back to her. "How?...How could they possibly have figured it out?!"

    The maid shook her head.

    "I don''t know." She replied honestly. "But I''m certain of one thing¡ªthis isn''t just a baseless suspicion...They''re onto us, and if we don''t act fast, it''ll be too late."

    Edmund''s lips pressed into a thin line as frustration and panic warred within him. He muttered something incoherent under his breath, his mind racing as he tried to piece together how their carefully laid plan had unravelled so quickly.

    Edmund froze mid-pace, startled by the maid''s voice breaking the tense silence. He turned to her, his scholarly features etched with frustration.

    "What is it now?" He asked, his tone sharper than he intended.

    The maid, however, was unbothered by his irritation. Her gaze was steady, her voice calm yet tinged with bitterness.

    "I still remember the day you approached my parents." She began. "You asked for my hand in marriage, claiming you''d fallen in love with me at first sight."

    Edmund scoffed, folding his arms defensively. "And? What of it? That''s how these things work. You should consider yourself lucky¡ªmost women would dream of an engagement like ours."

    She ignored his dismissive tone and continued, her words cutting deeper with every sentence.

    "At the time, I wanted to reject the proposal. I wanted to find love on my own terms, build a career, and live my life freely. But my parents..." Her voice faltered for a moment before she pressed on. "...My parents forced me to accept. They told me I''d be a fool to turn down a doctor of your standing, someone with connections to the Holyfield family. I had no choice but to stay silent."

    Edmund sneered, his annoyance evident.

    "Still clinging to those naive dreams about love and career, are you? How childish. You''re engaged to me now¡ªshouldn''t that be enough?"

    The maid clenched her fists but kept her composure.

    "Enough?" She echoed softly. Her voice grew colder as she continued, "I thought that after the engagement, we''d at least talk¡ªget to know one another, discuss our future as a couple. I thought maybe you''d want to spend time together, learn about each other...But no." Her eyes darkened, and her tone turned sharp. "Instead, you came to me privately with a request. Not a kind one. Not a loving one. But something severe¡ªsomething that had nothing to do with our future and everything to do with your ambitions."

    The maid''s voice grew colder as her memories resurfaced.

    "You asked me to kill the third young master." She said, her tone low but trembling with restrained anger. "Not just any man, but one of the most powerful men in the country."

    "...You didn''t even care what would happen to me if I got caught, and you threw me into this mess without a second thought for my safety, my life!"

 Chapter 11 Trust And Betrayal

    Edmund''s face twisted, and he raised his hands defensively.

    "It wasn''t just for me!" He exclaimed, his voice tinged with desperation. "It was for us¡ªfor our future!"

    "For us? Do you even believe your own words?" The maid''s lips curled into a bitter smile.

    Edmund stepped closer, his gentlemanly features now shadowed with intensity.

    "Listen to me, Isabelle. If the third young master dies, I can take his place. Don''t you see? The patriarch has always favoured me. He trusts me¡ªrespects me. He''s even said that he''d much rather have someone like me as his son than that spawn of a devil."

    Isabelle''s eyes narrowed, her disgust evident, but Edmund pressed on, his voice gaining momentum.

    "With the young master gone, the patriarch would have no choice but to elevate me. I''d become indispensable to him, and we''d be set for life. Wealth, power, influence¡ªit would all be ours. For us, Isabelle. For us!"

    Isabelle shook her head slowly, her expression unreadable.

    "No.'''' She said, her voice steady but heavy with disappointment. "This was never about us...It was always about you¡ªyour ambitions, your greed. You wanted to climb the ladder, and you used me as your pawn to do it!"

    "I did no such thing!" Edmund snapped, his scholarly composure slipping into desperation. "Isabelle, how can you even think that? Everything I''ve done¡ªeverything¡ªis for us. I love you!" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her chest tightened at his words, not with warmth but with growing dismay.

    ''Had it all been a lie? Was his approach to her family, his supposed love, all part of this twisted scheme?''

    She shoved those thoughts aside, unwilling to entertain them further.

    "I rejected your favour back then." She continued, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "There was no way I could kill someone, not even for a supposed future together...I could never stoop to that."

    Her words seemed to land like a blow, but Edmund quickly recovered, his tone shifting to one of fervent conviction.

    "But Isabelle, you don''t understand! That man, Cassius, isn''t just some wastrel noble. He''s a monster...A rapist who''s destroyed and killed multiple women and then used his family''s power to cover it all up...I didn''t want him dead just for us; I wanted him dead to bring justice to those women. To protect others from him!"

    Isabelle''s resolve wavered at the intensity of his words. She recalled the rumours¡ªthe whispers that had floated through the servants quarters and beyond.

    They had painted the third young master as a wastrel, a debauched noble who indulged in excess and cruelty. She hadn''t known him, nor had she ever seen him for herself. The weight of those rumours, combined with the evidence Edmund had showed her, had been enough to sway her.

    "I believed you at that time." She said, her voice quieter now, tinged with both sorrow and fury. "I believed every word you said and every piece of evidence that he''s an evil person you showed...I thought I was saving lives by helping you...I thought I was doing something brave, something that would make the world a little better for those who couldn''t fight back...That''s why I agreed to poison him."

    Edmund''s expression flickered, but Isabelle didn''t stop. Her eyes locked onto his, burning with righteous anger.

    "But something felt wrong." She hissed. "Even as I carried out your request, something didn''t sit right with me. So I started investigating. I dug deeper, hoping to find proof of the man you claimed Cassius was...Do you know what I found, Edmund?"

    She stepped closer, her voice rising.

    "Nothing! Not a single case against him...Not even a whisper of those horrific acts you claimed he committed. And those official papers you showed of the conspiracies of the covers up and the settlements done to hide the matter, which were all written down were false as well...The young master is innocent!"

    Edmund''s face twisted in frustration, but before he could speak, Isabelle pressed on.

    "Do you have any idea what it feels like to realise you''ve been tricked into trying to kill an innocent man?...To live with the knowledge that I may have ended a life based on a lie? Why would you do this to me, Edmund? Why!?"

    He waved her off with a dismissive scoff.

    "Those crimes were well hidden, Isabelle. You wouldn''t find anything because the Holyfield family buried it all. He''s guilty, I''m sure of it."

    "You''re sure of it?" She repeated, her voice shaking with fury. "You have no proof, do you? You made it all up, didn''t you?"

    Edmund''s silence was answer enough, and Isabelle''s fists clenched at her sides as the weight of his betrayal settled over her.

    Finally, Isabelle sighed deeply, her shoulders dropping as though the weight of the world rested upon them.

    "What''s done is done." She said quietly. "We can''t change the past, no matter how much we wish we could."

    Edmund frowned, still reeling from her accusations. Before he could respond, she looked up at him, her eyes filled with a conviction he rarely saw.

    "But the future." She said firmly. "That''s still in our hands."

    "What are you talking about?" His confusion deepened.

    Isabelle straightened, her tone unwavering. "We need to turn ourselves in, Edmund...For what we''ve done."

    "What? Have you lost your mind?" Edmund''s eyes widened in shock.

    "I mean it." She continued, her voice steady but earnest. "I thought about confessing everything when the head butler questioned me, but I didn''t want you to become the scapegoat while I simply became the one who confessed...We''re both guilty...We both committed this crime, and we should face the consequences together¡ªas an engaged couple. It''s the only way to set things right."

    Edmund''s jaw tightened, disbelief flashing across his face.

    "You can''t be serious. Do you know what you''re suggesting? Imprisonment, disgrace, the end of our lives as we know them!"

    "Yes, I know." Isabelle replied, her tone softening but her resolve unshaken. "But if we confess now, we might at least find forgiveness. I don''t want to live the rest of my life with this weight on my conscience, Edmund. And besides..." She added, her eyes searching his face. "We''re running out of time...They''ll find us soon, and it will be much worse if we''re caught hiding like cowards."

    With her gaze turned wistful, almost hopeful, she continued saying,

    "I thought¡­I thought if we went through this together, we could bond through it...That maybe I could see you in a better light...That even after everything, we could face the consequences as equals and rebuild something honest, even if it''s within prison walls."

    Edmund''s face twisted in disgust. "You''re insane!" He spat. "Why would I throw my life away over something so ridiculous? Turn ourselves in? Beg for forgiveness? That''s the stupidest thing I''ve ever heard!"

    Isabelle sighed, the disappointment in her eyes cutting deeper than any words could.

    "Of course you''d think that." She murmured, half to herself. "Why did I expect anything else?"

    Finally, having nothing left to say to Edmund, who was long gone, Isabelle''s heart raced as she turned away from him, her steps resolute yet heavy with the weight of her decision.

    The guilt that had been eating at her for so long now seemed like a looming shadow, and she had finally resolved to face it head-on.

    She glanced back once, her eyes lingering on the man she had once hoped would stand by her but now saw only a figure clouded in selfishness and betrayal.

    "Where do you think you''re going?" Edmund''s voice cracked with panic, the sharpness in it pulling her back to the moment. "You can''t just leave!"

    "I''m going to confess." She said quietly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I''ll face the consequences alone. I won''t mention your name. You don''t have to worry." Her words were spoken with the weight of a promise but also of resignation.

    Edmund''s expression twisted, eyes wide with disbelief and fear. "You''re out of your mind!" He snarled. "Do you think you can just walk away from this? You''ll drag me down with you!"

    Before Isabelle could take another step, Edmund rushed forward, his hands outstretched with a desperation that bordered on rage.

    He didn''t trust her...He knew, deep down, that if she confessed, he would be implicated as well. In his panic, he tried to grab her, pulling at her arm with an iron grip.

    Caught off guard, Isabelle froze, her breath hitching in her throat. The suddenness of his attack left her no time to react. His fingers closed around her wrist, and the pressure sent a shudder through her frail body. Her heart pounded, and a sickening chill spread through her veins.

    The force of his grip was too much; she knew she couldn''t escape. She wasn''t strong enough to fight him off.

    As Edmund''s hand tightened, she closed her eyes, accepting the helplessness that washed over her.

    There was no way out. She had put her trust in the wrong person. She braced herself for what she knew would come next, for the inevitable push that would drag her into deeper darkness.

    But just as Edmund pulled her back, something unexpected happened.

    A sudden voice broke through the tension, its calm yet commanding tone slicing through the panic.

    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you."

 Chapter 12 Misplaced Loyalty

    Isabelle''s eyes snapped open just in time to see a dark figure drop from above, landing between her and Edmund like a shadow made flesh. The force of the arrival sent a gust of cold air whipping through the room, causing the flames in the hearth to flicker.

    Before Edmund could react, the figure''s hand shot out, grabbing him by the neck with an almost inhuman speed and precision. With horrifying ease, the man lifted Edmund off the ground as though he weighed nothing.

    "Ghhh!~ Gkkakk!~ Haak!~ Ghhaha!~"

    Edmund''s hands clawed at the iron grip around his throat, his face contorting with fear. His legs flailed helplessly as he struggled, gasping for air.

    Isabelle stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat. She hadn''t even seen the man''s face, but the sheer power radiating off him was enough to make her knees weak.

    Slowly, her eyes travelled upward, taking in the broad shoulders and commanding posture of her saviour.

    When her gaze finally settled on his face, her heart skipped a beat. It was him...The third son of the Holyfield family.

    Cassius Vindictus Holyfield.

    Her breath caught in her throat, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a strange sense of relief flood over her.

    The same man she had feared earlier now stood as her savior. He met her wide-eyed gaze briefly, his expression neutral but piercing, before returning his attention to Edmund, whose struggles were growing weaker by the second.

    Isabelle''s gaze lingered on the figure before her, the ease with which he restrained Edmund sending a ripple of awe through her.

    ''How is he this strong?'' She wondered, her thoughts racing.

    This was supposed to be a man who had buried himself in drink and despair, a "wastrel" as Edmund and others whispered behind closed doors. Yet here he stood, his power evident, his demeanor cold and unyielding.

    Her attention flicked to his face¡ªsharp, almost harsh features that were strikingly handsome in an unconventional way. His red eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, like embers smouldering beneath the surface, giving him an intimidating, almost thuggish appearance.

    For a fleeting moment, she marvelled at how someone so feared could also carry an air of quiet authority and control. But her admiration was cut short as she heard Edmund''s choking gasp.

    "Gaaa! Hghhh! Hahhghh!"

    Her eyes widened in panic. Edmund''s struggles were weakening, his face turning a disturbing shade of red. It suddenly hit her like a stone to the chest¡ªthis was the man her parents had chosen for her, her soon-to-be fianc¨¦.

    In this world, where marriage was not just a union but a sacred bond for women, breaking off an engagement wasn''t a simple matter. Women might be allowed to work or pursue some level of independence, but the societal expectation still tethered them to the will of men, their futures often dictated by familial alliances. Her fate was tied to Edmund, whether she liked it or not.

    The weight of her predicament bore down on her.

    ''I don''t want to save him...But I can''t let him die either.'' She thought bitterly. The shame of failing her family, the whispers of scandal, the fallout¡ªit was too much to bear. I can''t let this happen.

    Without thinking, she rushed forward, her hands trembling as she grabbed hold of Cassius''s arm.

    "P-Please!" She pleaded, her voice laced with desperation. "Let him go! He¡ªHe''s my fianc¨¦. I can''t...I can''t let him die like this."

    Cassius turned his head slightly, his piercing gaze settling on her. It was like being under the scrutiny of a predator, and she had to suppress the instinct to recoil.

    For a moment, his expression didn''t change, and she feared he would ignore her entirely. But then his grip on Edmund''s neck slackened slightly, though he didn''t release him.

    "Your fianc¨¦?" Cassius repeated, his tone devoid of emotion, as though he were simply verifying an inconvenient detail.

    Behind him, Edmund managed to choke out a gasp, still dangling like a rag doll. His muddled thoughts interpreted Isabelle''s plea in his favor. "You see¡ªShe...She loves me!" He wheezed, his voice rasping with self-assurance even as he dangled in mortal peril. "She can''t live without me!"

    Isabelle stiffened, her nails digging into Cassius''s sleeve as a surge of frustration bubbled up within her. She bit her tongue, choosing not to address Edmund''s delusion for now.

    ''Let him think whatever he wants, as long as he survives this.''

    "Please..." She said again, her voice softening as she met Cassius''s unyielding gaze. "I''ll...I''ll take responsibility for him...Just let him go."

    Cassius''s lips curled into a cold smile, his crimson eyes locking onto Isabelle''s trembling form.

    "And why..." He began, his voice low and cutting. "Why should I listen to the pleas of the woman who so mercilessly poisoned me?"

    The words hit Isabelle like a slap, pulling her back into stark reality. The fire in her chest¡ªher desperate determination to protect Edmund for the sake of appearances¡ªwas extinguished in an instant.

    She realised the truth: she had no right to ask for mercy. She was as much a sinner as Edmund, her hands tainted by her actions, no matter how noble she had thought her intentions were at the time.

    Her lips parted to respond, but no words came out. Shame filled her, and she lowered her head, ready to bow and accept whatever fate Cassius decided for her.

    But before she could, a sudden laugh broke through the tension.

    "Hahahaha!" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius''s deep, unexpected chuckle reverberated through the cold night air, startling her. Isabelle raised her head, her wide eyes meeting his now amused expression.

    "You''re surprising." He said, his tone lighter but still sharp. "I came here tonight to confirm what I already knew¡ªthat you and this imbecile were the ones responsible for my attempted murder. And..." He continued, a glint of dangerous intent flashing in his gaze, "...I was planning to take both of your heads back with me."

    A shiver ran down Isabelle''s spine as she caught sight of the unmistakable bloodlust in his eyes. He wasn''t bluffing¡ªshe could tell. He would''ve killed them both without a second thought if not for...something. She swallowed hard, bracing herself for his next words.

    "But..." Cassius said, his voice dropping to a contemplative tone, "...I''ve changed my mind."

    Isabelle blinked in confusion, her heart racing as he continued.

    "After listening to you just now, I realised you were dragged into this mess by him." Cassius said, jerking his chin toward the grovelling Edmund. "You acted out of a misguided desire to protect innocent women, and frankly, I admire that." His expression softened, just a fraction. "You didn''t do this for yourself, but for others. That''s rare¡ªstupid, but rare."

    The unexpected praise caught Isabelle off guard, and she felt heat rise to her cheeks.

    ''''I..." She began, but the words stuck in her throat as she saw his faint smile return.

    "And..." Cassius added, his gaze flicking disdainfully to Edmund, who was still on the ground clutching his throat, "...Unlike a certain coward here, you were brave enough to confess your sins...That takes a kind of courage not many possess."

    Her blush deepened, her embarrassment mingling with a strange sense of gratitude. She couldn''t tell if he was mocking her or genuinely admiring her, but the way his words warmed her made her chest tighten.

    Then Cassius tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as they raked over her face. "Besides..." He said, his voice dropping into a teasing lilt, "How could I possibly hurt someone as beautiful as you?"

    Isabelle froze, her cheeks now burning crimson.

    She opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out. She knew, deep down, that had she been as treacherous as Edmund, he wouldn''t have hesitated to end her life.

    But hearing those words, even spoken in jest, sent her thoughts into disarray.

    Her heart pounded as she stared at Cassius, his smirk making it impossible to tell if he was serious or just enjoying her reaction. Either way, she knew one thing for certain: this man was far more dangerous than she had ever imagined.

    Cassius''s gaze shifted lazily to Edmund, who was still struggling weakly in his grasp, dangling like a caught rat. "Relax." He said, his voice cold yet calm. "I''m not going to hurt her...You, on the other hand..." His grip on Edmund''s neck tightened slightly, making the man choke. "...You''re the reason all of this happened. I''m going to kill you and leave her alone...That seems fair, don''t you think?"

    At those words, Isabelle''s panic returned in full force.

    "No!" She blurted, stepping closer with her hands outstretched. "Please, don''t do this!...I-I can''t let you kill him just like that!"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, and asked, "And why not? He''s a traitor, a manipulator, and a coward...What''s there to save?"

    Isabelle bit her lip, her heart pounding as she struggled to find the words. "He''s..." She hesitated, unwilling to admit the truth of her situation aloud. "He''s my...future husband." She finally managed, her voice trembling. "Even if I don''t love him, I...I can''t just let him die. It wouldn''t be right."

    Cassius''s eyes flickered with something unreadable before a cruel smile spread across his face. "Your loyalty is impressive, if misplaced." He said, his tone laced with mockery. Then, leaning slightly closer, he asked, "So, you''re saying you''ll do anything to save this miserable excuse for a man?"

    The implication in his voice made Isabelle''s cheeks burn, but she nodded nonetheless, her eyes lowered.

    "Yes...anything." She whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk widening.

    "Anything, huh?"

    He repeated, savouring the way her face turned a deeper shade of crimson.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    To anyone who thinks that the MC is leaving these two off two easily, I''ll just tell you guys that he has deeper plans in mind for both of them...They''ll most definitely get the retribution they deserve.

    You also don''t have to worry about the MC getting backstabbed out of nowhere or getting tricked, as this is a story where you can read it without any stress since the MC can easily handle anything that''s thrown at him.

    ...So kick back and relax and enjoy the depravity that is about to slowly unfold.

 Chapter 13 Cook Me A Meal

    Before Cassius could push further, Edmund seized the opportunity to speak.

    "No! Don''t listen to him, Isabelle!" He croaked desperately, his voice raw from Cassius''s grip. "You don''t have to accept whatever twisted deal he''s offering!"

    Cassius shot Edmund a disdainful look, cutting off his protests with a sharp glare. "Did I ask for your opinion?" He said icily. "Keep talking, and I''ll shove you into that fireplace over there...I''m sure roasted pig would make an excellent midnight snack." His words, though delivered with a calm tone, carried enough malice to make Edmund snap his mouth shut in fear.

    Despite his indignation, Edmund tried again, his voice trembling but insistent.

    "Isabelle, listen to me! I-l meant what I said before. I fell in love with you at first sight. And yes, I wanted to kill him...But it wasn''t just for my ambition!" His voice grew weaker, desperation taking hold. "I wanted you to have a better life...I wanted you to be the lady of the house, not some maid. You mean more to me than you think."

    Cassius rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.

    "Touching." He said flatly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But you don''t get to monologue your way out of this." He glanced at Isabelle, who looked conflicted, her hands trembling at her sides. "Tell me, do his words sway your heart?..Or are you still willing to do anything to save him?"

    Before Isabelle could respond, Edmund, realising his situation was only getting worse, made one last desperate attempt. "Cassius!" He hissed, his voice low but frantic. "Your father, Lord Holyfield! He wouldn''t approve of this...He''ll punish you if he finds out!"

    At that, Cassius''s expression shifted, his cruel smile returning.

    "Ah, you mean my father, the man you tried to manipulate with your sycophantic behavior?" The same man who you betrayed by plotting against his blood?" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Do you really think he''ll mourn you when I tell him the truth?"

    Edmund''s face paled, his bravado crumbling under the weight of Cassius''s words. He opened his mouth to retort but found himself utterly speechless, the hopelessness of his situation sinking in.

    Isabelle, meanwhile, stood frozen, torn between her sense of responsibility and the horrifying realisation of what would happen to her if she agreed to what Cassius said.

    Isabelle stood silently for a moment, her mind racing. The weight of Edmund''s pleading gaze bore into her, but she shut it out. A promise was a promise, and if this was the price of sparing Edmund''s life, she would pay it.

    Taking a steadying breath, she looked at Cassius and nodded, saying, "Fine. I''ll do whatever you ask."

    "Isabelle, don''t! He''s just toying with you! You can''t trust him!" Edmund groaned in frustration.

    Cassius ignored Edmund entirely, leaning back slightly as his piercing red eyes settled on Isabelle. A mischievous smile crept onto his face, and he finally spoke.

    "Good. I''m glad you''re reasonable. Now, my request." He paused dramatically, watching her tense as though bracing for the worst.

    "...I want you to make me a meal."

    The words took a moment to sink in.

    Isabelle blinked, confusion flickering across her face.

    "A...meal?" She repeated, her voice uncertain, as if she had misheard him.

    "Yes." Cassius confirmed, his tone casual yet deliberate. "I''ve been eating meals laced with your lovely poison for quite some time now. It''s only fair I get to enjoy one that won''t kill me." He added the last part with a faint chuckle, as if joking about his near-death experience was the most natural thing in the world.

    Isabelle''s cheeks trembled with embarrassment and shame. Her hands clenched at her sides, but she nodded quickly, determined to make up for her sins.

    "I''ll make you the best meal you''ve ever had." She said with quiet conviction before hurrying off toward the kitchen.

    Cassius smirked as he watched her leave.

    With a content sigh, he pulled out a small, leather-bound book from his coat and sat in a nearby chair, flipping through the pages leisurely.

    The calm, almost domestic scene he created was a stark contrast to the chaos of moments earlier.

    Edmund, still sitting on the floor where Cassius had dropped him, shifted uncomfortably. He tried to rise, but the instant Cassius''s sharp crimson gaze landed on him, he froze.

    The cold, silent warning in Cassius''s eyes was enough to make him sink back down, his pride utterly shattered. He sat stiffly, like a dog waiting for permission to move.

    Cassius returned his attention to his book, ignoring Edmund entirely, as though the man''s very presence was beneath his notice. The fire crackled softly, the only sound in the room, save for the faint clinking of utensils coming from the kitchen.

    Time stretched on, with Edmund occasionally glancing nervously at Cassius, only to find the young master utterly unbothered, as if the events of the evening were nothing more than a passing inconvenience.

    Finally, Isabelle entered the room with a tray stacked high with steaming containers. The enticing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, filling the room with warmth.

    She carefully set the containers on the dining table, revealing a feast of perfectly cooked dishes¡ªroast meat glistening with juice, fragrant rice, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy soup. She then stepped back and surveyed her work, a satisfied glimmer in her eyes as she admired the spread.

    She turned to Cassius, her tone polite but carrying a hint of pride, "Young Master, please take the main seat. I''ve prepared this meal especially for you."

    Cassius glanced up from his book, his crimson eyes flickering with mild interest. He closed the book with a quiet thud and rose from his chair, moving toward the dining table with the grace of a predator.

    His presence filled the room as he approached, making Isabelle feel both nervous and eager for his approval.

    As Cassius took the main seat, Isabelle''s gaze darted toward Edmund, still sitting stiffly on the ground with his head bowed, his pride thoroughly crushed. Frowning, she tilted her head and asked,

    "Edmund...Why are you still sitting on the floor? Come sit at the table."

    Edmund flinched at her words but didn''t move or respond. The humiliation of being reduced to a grovelling dog by Cassius was too much to bear, and his silence spoke volumes.

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, a faint, mocking smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

    "Oh, don''t mind him." He said with an air of nonchalance. "He''s just sulking...Come now, Edmund." His tone sharpened, and his eyes glinted with a cruel edge as he added, "Join us at the table...You wouldn''t want to miss this meal, would you?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The underlying meaning in his words sent a shiver down Edmund''s spine. There was no kindness in Cassius''s invitation, only an unspoken warning.

    Realising he had no choice, Edmund slowly got to his feet, his movements stiff and reluctant. The weight of his earlier defiance hung over him, and his head remained low as he shuffled toward the table like a scolded dog. Cassius''s smirk deepened as he watched the man take a seat opposite him, his unease palpable.

    "Good boy." Cassius murmured, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Now, let''s enjoy this wonderful meal Isabelle has prepared for us."

    His gaze briefly flicked to Isabelle, softening just enough to make her blush before returning to Edmund, his predatory smile still firmly in place.

    The atmosphere in the room was tense, the unspoken power dynamics as clear as the feast laid out before them.

    Isabelle, ever the diligent and composed woman, set about making two plates. She worked with precision, her hands moving deftly as she portioned out the meal.

    Cassius''s plate was clearly given extra attention, with the best cuts of meat and the finest presentation. Edmund''s plate, though still well-made, received far less care¡ªa quiet but deliberate decision on her part.

    Once the plates were ready, she placed them before the two men. She started with Cassius, setting the dish in front of him with a small bow before moving to Edmund, whose head remained lowered in silence. She cleared her throat softly, drawing their attention as she stood by the table.

    "I''ve prepared a variety of dishes today." She began, her tone slightly formal but carrying an undertone of nervousness. "For the main course, we have a spiced roasted lamb with a glaze made from honey and herbs. It''s accompanied by buttered rice and saut¨¦ed vegetables seasoned with a touch of garlic and thyme...The soup is a creamy mushroom bisque, light yet rich. And for dessert..." She hesitated, her cheeks reddening as she glanced at Cassius. "It''s a simple honey cake that I quickly made. I hope it pleases your palate, young master."

    Isabelle thought Cassius would simply brush off her explanation, perhaps give a curt nod or ignore her entirely. That was what most nobles did, after all¡ªdismiss the words of someone they considered beneath them.

    But to her surprise, Cassius rested his chin on his hand, his eyes fixed on her with genuine interest.

    He didn''t touch his utensils. Instead, he asked, "How did you manage to balance the sweetness in the glaze with the spices?...Honey can be overpowering if used too generously."

    Isabelle blinked, caught off guard. "Ah, I used just a hint of vinegar to cut through the sweetness, Young Master." She explained, her voice hesitant but growing steadier. "It balances the flavours without overwhelming the palate."

    Cassius nodded thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering.

    "And the buttered rice, what herbs did you use? I can smell parsley, but there''s something else, isn''t there?"

    "Yes." She said, feeling an unexpected thrill at his attention. "I added a touch of dill. It complements the butter without being too bold."

    He leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing with an almost teasing glint. "And the honey cake, is it dense or light? It looks fluffy, but appearances can be deceiving."

    "It''s light." Isabelle assured him quickly. "I whipped the egg whites separately before folding them into the batter...That helps create a soft, airy texture."

    "Hmm." Cassius mused, glancing at the dishes as if contemplating each detail she described. "You''ve put a great deal of thought into this meal."

    Isabelle found herself feeling embarrassed, unsure how to interpret his sudden interest. "I...I only wanted to do my best, Young Master. I thought it was the least I could do after¡ª"

    She stopped herself abruptly, her words trailing off as guilt flickered across her face.

    Cassius smirked, tilting his head as if daring her to continue. When she didn''t, he let the moment stretch before speaking again.

    "Interesting. You seem skilled¡ªnot just in execution, but in understanding how to create harmony in a dish. I didn''t expect this from someone who..." His eyes glinted mischievously. "Let''s just say he has a history with poison."

    The comment made Isabelle''s heart skip a beat, and she glanced down, unable to meet his gaze. "I-I''ve always taken pride in my cooking." She murmured, her voice trembling slightly.

    "Clearly." Cassius replied, his tone softer now, though his eyes still held their sharp edge. "It''s impressive, Isabelle. You''ve done well."

    She lifted her head, startled by the genuine compliment.

    It was unexpected, coming from a man she had feared and wronged. For a moment, she forgot the tension in the room. Instead, she felt a flicker of something she hadn''t felt in a long time¡ªpride.

    Meanwhile, Edmund sulked as he quietly ate his food, his pride wounded by the stark contrast in the way Cassius treated Isabelle compared to himself. Isabelle barely noticed his sullen presence, her attention entirely on Cassius, whose unexpected interest had shifted her perception of him entirely.

 Chapter 14 He Needs Some Salt

    "You know..." Cassius suddenly began casually, turning his attention to Edmund. "...I distinctly recall you telling me that you enjoy a little extra salt in your meals."

    Edmund blinked in confusion, his mouth opening to protest, only to falter when he caught the eerily pleasant smile on Cassius''s face. The smile promised nothing good. He swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

    "Ah...Yes! Yes, I do like...a lot of salt." He stammered, nodding quickly as if his life depended on it.

    Cassius chuckled softly, as though he''d expected that response.

    "Well then." He said, turning to Isabelle with a relaxed wave of his hand. "Be a dear and add a little more salt to Edmund''s plate...We wouldn''t want him to feel unsatisfied, would we?"

    Isabelle, who had been standing nearby, sighed inwardly. She wasn''t oblivious. She knew Cassius was playing with Edmund for his own amusement.

    Still, she obediently picked up the salt shaker and approached the plate. With careful precision, she sprinkled a light dusting of salt over the food as she said,

    "This should be enough, surely-"

    "No, no." Cassius interrupted, his tone light but firm. "More...He likes a lot of salt, remember?"

    Edmund''s face was covered in indignation, but under Cassius''s sharp gaze, he forced a stiff nod.

    "Yes...more." He grumbled, though his voice barely concealed his growing dread.

    Isabelle hesitated but complied, adding another generous sprinkle.

    "This really should be plenty-" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Still not enough." Cassius said smoothly, leaning forward with a gleam in his eyes. "Sprinkling won''t do...I think spoonfuls would be more appropriate, don''t you think?"

    Both Edmund and Isabelle froze, their faces a picture of shock.

    "Spoonfuls?" Isabelle repeated, her voice faint, unsure if she''d heard him correctly.

    "Yes." Cassius replied, utterly unbothered. "He''s a man of refined taste. Let''s indulge him."

    Edmund''s mouth opened in protest, but he snapped it shut when Cassius cast him a warning glance. Isabelle, biting the inside of her cheek, reluctantly reached for a spoon and began scooping salt onto Edmund''s plate.

    One spoonful...Two...Three...Each clump of salt made the once-edible dish look more like a snow-covered wasteland.

    "Keep going." Cassius encouraged, his grin widening as Edmund''s expression grew increasingly horrified. Isabelle glanced at him uncertainly, but he merely gestured for her to continue. "He''s the one who loves salt, after all."

    By the time Cassius finally told her to stop, the plate was a grotesque mountain of salt, the actual food buried beneath the white crystals. Edmund stared at it in disbelief, his face pale and drenched in sweat.

    Cassius clapped his hands together, his tone as bright as ever, and said,

    "There we go. The perfect meal for someone with such...unique tastes."

    Isabelle stepped back, biting her lip to stifle the laugh threatening to escape.

    Despite the absurdity of the situation, she couldn''t help but marvel at how Cassius managed to reduce someone like Edmund to a trembling mess without lifting a finger.

    Cassius leaned back, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement as he gestured toward Edmund.

    "Go on." He said with a lazy smile. "Have the first bite...You''ve been sitting there so patiently."

    Edmund froze, his hands trembling slightly as he stared at the mountain of salt that used to be his meal. His gaze flickered to Isabelle, whose wide, expectant eyes made it clear she was waiting to see if he''d actually go through with it.

    He clenched his jaw, realising he had no other choice. Cassius wasn''t the type to let him off easily.

    With visible reluctance, Edmund picked up his spoon and dug into the salted monstrosity before him. The food underneath the salt was barely recognisable, but he managed to scoop up a bite. His hand shook as he brought it to his mouth, and the moment the overly salted food hit his tongue, his face twisted in pure agony.

    "Ahh!~ Gahh!~ Ehhh!~"

    It was a struggle not to gag. The salt burnt his mouth, the flavour so overpowering it made his eyes water. He glanced at Cassius, hoping for mercy, but the young master''s cold, expectant gaze made it clear: he was to finish the bite.

    Summoning every ounce of willpower, Edmund forced himself to swallow. The sensation was unbearable, and he coughed slightly, his throat raw from the onslaught of salt.

    Just when he thought he could stop, he noticed Cassius''s raised brow and the subtle nod toward the plate. The unspoken command was clear.

    Edmund gritted his teeth, his pride and dignity shattered as he took another spoonful. His hands shook with every bite, but he continued to eat in silence, his body trembling as he endured the torment.

    Each mouthful felt like torture, the salt scorching his taste buds and leaving a bitter sting in his throat. Isabelle watched, caught between pity and amusement at the ridiculous scene.

    Satisfied that Edmund was sufficiently preoccupied, Cassius turned his attention back to Isabelle, his sharp gaze softening ever so slightly.

    The sudden shift in his focus caught Isabelle off guard, and she suddenly felt embarrassed.

    She looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her apron as she tried to compose herself. Her heart raced as she wondered what he was about to ask of her.

    ''Would it be something as absurd as Edmund''s task? Or something even more daunting?''

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze making her feel like he could see right through her. The intensity of his attention made her blush even deeper, and she bit her lip nervously, waiting for his next command.

    "Isabelle..." Cassius called, making her jump in her place and making Edmund wonder what he wanted from his fiancee.

    But to both of their surprises, he simply looked at the fireplace that was starting to simmer down and said, "Could you please add some firewood to the fireplace?...It''s getting quite chilly in here, and I don''t want to catch a cold with this weak body of mine that mostly consists of alcohol."

    Edmund scoffed under his breath when he heard Cassius so shamelessly call himself weak when he could still feel his solid grip around his neck, where the hand marks still resided. Isabelle also rolled her eyes and gave a reluctant smile at her young master, who liked to joke a lot.

    "Yes, young master...I apologise for not noticing that the fire was slowly starting to go out earlier. I''ll add some right now and make this room feel toasty in no time." Isabelle bowed and went over to the brick fireplace to add some fuel to it.

    Actually, in modern Eleanor, a lot of the new houses that were being built by the upper class or the upper middle class have internal heaters that run on Eather. But because this was a servant quarter built long ago in the past, it had no such function and had to be heated through the old-fashioned way.

    When Isabelle went over to the iron rack where all the firewood should be, she found that there wasn''t any more, to her surprise. She looked around the room and the other, but she still didn''t find any of the fuel.

    "Edmund, where have you kept all the firewood?" She went over and whispered to Edmund who was slowly eating salt as his ears teared up and his nose turned red. "I can''t find it anywhere."

    "I''ve forgot to restock it, Isabelle...I''ve already had a lot on my hands recently, so it just slipped my mind." Edmund replied in an irritated manner since she was basically asking something for Cassius, whom he hated with all his heart.

    "But Edmund! What will young master do now!" Isabelle couldn''t help but whisper in a hurry while glancing at Cassius, who still hadn''t touched his plate like he were waiting for something. "If he were to get a cold, it would be on both of our heads when we''re trying to make up for what we did."

    "Hmph! Who cares about that vile man!" Edmund cursed silently, making sure that only Isabelle heard him. "I hope he dies after getting an illness and a painful death as well."

    "Edmund!" Isabelle couldn''t help but say in a frustrated manner, unable to believe that she was going to marry such a childish and stubborn man, who couldn''t realise the dangerous situation he was in.

    "Isabelle...I asked you to warm up the room, not to have a little lover''s conversation with your fiancee...What''s taking you so long?" Cassius asked while impatiently tapping his finger on the table.

    Isabelle quickly spun around, her cheeks aflame as she stammered.

    "Young master, I wasn''t flirting with my fiancee! I was simply...S-Simply-" She faltered, realising too late that she had rushed to clarify something that didn''t truly matter.

    Why had she been so eager to erase that implication first? The thought unsettled her, but she quickly pushed it aside.

    "I...I apologize for the delay, young master." She said with a bow, desperate to shift the focus. "It seems the firewood has run out. I''ll go out immediately to fetch some more."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his finger pausing mid-tap on the table. His eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as his lips curved into an all-too-knowing smile.

    "Now, now, Isabelle." He said lazily, leaning back in his chair as though settling in for a leisurely game. "There''s no need for you to venture out into the cold night over something so trivial. After all, the room can still be warmed...and I can think of a very practical alternative."

    His gaze slid down from her flustered face to her figure, finally landing on her rotund bottom with a look so pointed it felt almost tangible.

    Isabelle stiffened as she registered the direction of his gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and her blush deepened into a vivid crimson.

 Chapter 15 Warm Pillows

    "M-My lord?"

    Isabelle stuttered, unsure if she was hearing him correctly. The warmth of the dying fire was nothing compared to the heat now flooding her cheeks.

    Cassius rested his chin on his hand, smiling as though they were discussing nothing more serious than the weather.

    "I''m simply suggesting..." He said like he were innocent. "...That your presence here could serve an additional purpose. After all, what''s warmer than the company of a devoted maid?...Don''t you think your young master deserves to have his lap warmed by someone so eager to atone for her sins?"

    The audacity of his suggestion left Isabelle speechless. Her mind raced, torn between indignation, embarrassment, and the knowledge that refusing him outright could risk offending him further.

    She glanced nervously at Edmund, who had been chewing on his overly salted meal in quiet misery.

    For once, his attention was no longer on his own humiliation but on the exchange unfolding before him. His jaw dropped, and his wide-eyed expression made it clear that he was just as shocked as she was.

    "Y-Young master. Isabelle finally managed, clasping her hands together nervously. "Surely you jest..."

    "Do I look like I''m joking?" Cassius tilted his head, his smile growing wider. "You were so quick to clarify your loyalty to your fiancee just moments ago, yet here you are hesitating to do a small favor for me...Don''t you want to make amends, Isabelle?...Don''t you want to do acts of forgiveness for trying to kill a innocent man?"

    Her mind froze for moment. There it was, that teasing, manipulative tone that somehow left no room for argument.

    Isabelle felt trapped, like a mouse cornered by a cat, yet there was no malice in his expression. He was enjoying this far too much, she realized. She lowered her gaze, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to find the words to defuse the situation without outright refusing him.

    "I-I of course I want to atone, young master." she murmured, avoiding his eyes. "But...surely there must be another way."

    "Another way?" Cassius echoed, feigning contemplation as he tapped his chin with a finger. He then gestured lazily toward Edmund, who flinched at the implication and continued saying, "Hmm...I suppose I could let you fetch the firewood after all, but that would mean leaving me here alone with him."

    Isabelle''s eyes darted between the two men, her heart sinking.

    If she left the room now, there was no telling what Cassius might do to Edmund in her absence. She couldn''t risk it, not after everything that had already happened.

    Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, forcing her gaze back to Cassius. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "If... if that is truly what you desire, young master." She said hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then I will comply."

    "Good girl. Come, then. Let''s see if you''re as warm as you are obedient." Cassius''s grin widened, his satisfaction evident as he patted his lap invitingly.

    Isabelle''s hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she stepped toward him. Her heart pounded furiously, and she could feel Edmund''s horrified gaze burning into her back.

    But she couldn''t afford to think about anything else now¡ªnot her embarrassment, not Edmund''s judgment, not even her own pride. For now, all that mattered was surviving this moment and ensuring that Cassius''s anger didn''t spiral out of control.

    As she reached Cassius, she hesitated for the briefest moment before lowering her fat bottom onto his lap.

    Sit~

    The interaction between two soft buns that felt so warm that they felt like they came fresh out of the oven and the stiff lap that was starting to get cold was sublime.

    Her fleshy bottom didn''t even leave any space behind and sank into the gap between his legs because of how much of excess fat there was on her rear, which was just as developed as her chest.

    His arm also immediately wrapped around her waist, steadying her as though she might try to escape. The heat of his body against hers was both startling and strangely comforting, despite the mortifying circumstances.

    She kept her gaze fixed on the ground, too humiliated to meet his eyes she wiggled her ass around in embarrassment.

    "There." Cassius said with a chuckle, his voice low and teasing. "Doesn''t this feel better already?...I must say, Isabelle, you''re quite good at following orders when you set your mind to it."

    Isabelle bit her lip, refusing to respond. She couldn''t bring herself to say anything, afraid that her voice might betray the tumult of emotions raging within her.

    Cassius''s hand rested lightly on her hip, his touch casual yet possessive, as though he were merely staking his claim.

    Edmund, meanwhile, looked as though he might combust from sheer indignation.

    "You...You bastard!" He hissed through gritted teeth, his fists trembling with suppressed rage. "Let her go this instant! She''s not some toy for you to play with! She''s mine!"

    Cassius glanced at him, his expression turning icy in an instant.

    "Careful, Edmund." He said in a tone that sent shivers down Isabelle''s spine. "You''re in no position to make demands right now...Or have you forgotten who holds the power here?"

    "...If I hear a single word come out from your mouth again while I eat my dinner with your future wife, I''ll make sure to use your worthless corpse as fuel for the fire."

    Edmund faltered, his bravado crumbling under Cassius''s piercing gaze. Isabelle felt a pang of pity for him, despite everything he had done.

    She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Cassius''s profile. His eyes, though cold and calculating, held a glimmer of something else¡ªamusement, perhaps, or even satisfaction at having asserted his dominance once again.

    As the silence stretched on, Isabelle forced herself to take a deep breath, willing her heart to calm. This, she reminded herself, was just another trial she had to endure. If playing along with Cassius''s whims meant ensuring her safety, and Edmund''s, then so be it.

    "Now, coming back to our topic Isabelle..." Cassius suddenly said with a friendly smile on his face. "...Let''s talk about your ass, shall we?"

    Once again, Isabelle was thrown off guard as her dainty little ears turned a shade of red.

    This wasn''t because he was asking such lewd questions that one normally couldn''t ask a proper lady, since she was actually used to people in higher positions talking about her in such a way.

    Living as beautiful maid in a household where even the servants who were a little higher in position had a ego, it was only natural that she would hear vile comments about her figure that even she knew was appealing to the eye.

    Every day she would walk down the hallways and she could see the butlers glancing at her with evils eyes, while she simply ignored them and moved.

    Sometimes they would even make a comment out loud which would make her grit her teeth, since she was unable to do anything back because of the position she was in.

    But suprisingly, the questions that her young master was asking didn''t make her feel that way at all.

    Usually, people went out of their way to indirectly talk about her in such a dirty manner and never actually confronted her with those words since they didn''t have the balls to do the same.

    But her young master was different.

    He went straight to the point without thinking of any reprecussions whatsoever. Many would say that he was using his status as a noble to take advantage of her. But in her eyes, it was more like he was simply saying such brazen words to see her reaction and how she would respond for his own amusement.

    Like, as much as she did believe that he had crude thoughts about her, she also believed that he was teasing her for his joy and was expecting her to respond back.

    What especially made her feel that way was his blood red eyes which looked a little evil at the moment.

    Even though they looked a little menacing, so close up, Isabelle could clearly see that there was no lust in his eyes and only admiration. She had witnessed the ugly looks several people around her on a daily basis and she could for sure tell that her young master wasn''t looking at her like she was a piece of meat, or a toy, rather he was marveling at her like she was a rare piece of art that he couldn''t take his eyes off.

    Even if he were to be staring at her plump butt, she would be sure that he wouldn''t simply be thinking of lustful thoughts, but also the beauty of the curves and the tone of her flawless rear like he was looking at her through the eyes of a artist.

    That was why, at this moment, she wasn''t completely offended by his question and was rather intrigued by it which made her ask him a question of her own¡­

 Chapter 16 Growing Interest

    "Young master, don''t you think that''s a bit too direct?"

    Isabelle asked to which Cassius raise his brow in surprise, as she wasn''t talking in a tone of enquiry and rather looked like she was trying to converse with him.

    After seeing that her young master was interested to hear what a maid like her had to say, she continued saying, Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Like, royalty and nobles like yourself are usually taught from a young age to maintain a standard for themselves and keep their images high up in the clouds...So, even if they were to do something wrong which is unfitting of their status, they are taught that they should engage with it in such a way that it seems like they''re on the right side."

    Cassius nodded his head like what she was saying all made sense. This surprised Isabelle as she wasn''t expecting a noble like him to agree so easily to a topic that was usually so sensitive to higher ups.

    While glancing at him curiously and thinking that he really wasn''t like the rest of the nobles that she and seen, she continued saying,

    "That''s why I''m asking why you are so direct when it comes to asking such crude matters, so much so that it makes you look like a hoodlum on the streets?" She asked with a intrigued gaze.

    "Why don''t you follow what the other nobles of your status do and indirectly approach the matter in a hypocritical manner where your status is still intact, rather then what you did now, asking a lady like me to talk about her rear?"

    Isabelle finished her questioning and awaited for her young master master''s answer. She had seen several nobles speak before, so she thought that once again she was about to hear a roundabout excuse as to why he behaved that way.

    But to her surprise he once again replied in a very straightforward manner.

    "Because it''s too tedious Isabelle." Cassius said after sipping some hot tea to warm his body up.

    "Too tedious?" Isabella asked, not expecting his answer to be finished in a few words. "Forgive this servant for asking, but what do you mean by that exactly?"

    "Okay, rather saying that it''s too tedious, I''ll just say that I''m too lazy to talk in such a hypocritical manner." Cassius answered honestly while Bella nodded her head, carefully listening to what her young master had to say. "Sure, I can twist my words in a exaggerated manner and talk about a topic without bringing up the objective until the very end so that I wouldn''t want to be seen as a brute and would appear to be more refined."

    "...But why should I even bother about that when I''m the son of one of the most powerful people in the continent?"

    Cassius sighed like he found the hypocritical talk of nobles to be so boring.

    "Like, why should I waste my time and words for something that I so obviously want, when I can just directly ask them about it, knowing that the other party would agree to it because of the power I hold over them."

    Isabelle thought about it for a second and nodded her head, as even she was one of those opposite parties who had no choice but to comply to his words.

    "And in all honesty, I prefer to talk in a straightforward manner rather then shy around the topic, so it''s only natural that I would ask about your ass directly, rather then compose a 5000 word essay to give a reason as to why I want to sneak a peek in a justified manner."

    Cassius concluded while watching Isabelle''s beautiful face turn red because of his crude comment that resembled something a ruffian would say rather then a dignified noble like him.

    "But young master...Do you not care that others will look down on you if you act like a brazen hooligan?" Isabelle asked with a curious gaze in her eyes, suddenly wanting to know more about her young master who seemed so much interesting now.

    "Oh no¡ªI for one could not give a single fuck about what those hypocrites think of me."

    Cassius smirked while Isabelle also let out a little chuckle when she heard her young master curse others so blatantly. He then looked at Isabelle who was starting to think that her young master was rather funny and said in a knowing manner,

    "And even though I may speak in a brash and direct manner, I speak of it in such a way that the other party wouldn''t even be offended that they heard such a suggestion and would rather be amused that such a interesting person existed."

    "For example, someone like you who isn''t offended that I forced you to sit on my lap and is talking to me in a lively manner like I''m your fiancee, instead of the buffoon sitting over there."

    Cassius grinned at Edmund who had no choice but to grit his teeth after hearing his degrading words and swallowed the salt he had in his mouth.

    Isabelle also didn''t do him any favour as she quietly started to giggle while covering her mouth, since her fiancee really did look like a buffoon from a certain angle.

    "Oh please, young master~ There''s no way a common birth like myself can be a befitting fiancee to someone like you, who has two of the most powerful families in the country running through you." Isabelle joked, feeling much more comfortable with Cassius now that he seemed just as human as others.

    "Well, you''re right Isabelle...There''s no way you could ever be my fiancee."

    Cassius''s immediate acceptance stumped Isabelle as even though she knew what he was saying was true, it still hurt to see him admit it so blatantly.

    But it really wasn''t what she had assumed, as Cassius continued saying while he gazed at her saint like face,

    "If I were to see a girl as gorgeous as you then I wouldn''t even bother with the whole fiancee process and would straight up take you to the church and marry you on the spot."

    Isabelle shifted restlessly on Cassius''s lap, her cheeks warming as his words echoed in her mind. He had praised her beauty, an act she was far from unfamiliar with.

    Countless others had admired her before, their compliments often wrapped in flowery language and ulterior motives, each syllable crafted to woo or manipulate. She had grown adept at brushing such remarks aside, immune to their hollow charm.

    But this time felt different.

    Cassius''s words held no hidden agenda, no trace of artifice. He spoke with a sincerity that pierced through her usual defenses, leaving her uncharacteristically flustered.

    For the first time, she didn''t feel the need to deflect or dismiss. Instead, she let herself bask in the warmth of his appreciation, the authenticity in his tone making her believe, perhaps for the first time, that someone truly saw her¡ªnot just for her beauty, but for all that she was.

    It stirred something deep within her, a rare mixture of pride and vulnerability, as if his acknowledgment had peeled away a layer of doubt she hadn''t realized she carried.

    "You know what, I probably wouldn''t even be patient enough to take you to the church and marry you." Cassius said as he wrapped his hand around her soft but firm waist. He then continued saying as he admired her curvy figure that would make every man turn their head if she walked by, "I''d probably take you straight to my bed and make you mine first, as there''s no way I would be able to resist after seeing that stunning ass of yours."

    "Young master, that''s so wrong!~ You can''t do that!~" Isabelle smiled in a coquettish manner while being amused by her young master''s words.

    "I''m someone who holds a absurd amount of power, Isabelle...I get to decide what''s right or wrong." Cassius said with a arrogant look in his eyes making him look like a fiend. He then looked at the beautiful girl sitting on his lap and said with his lips curled, "So, even if you don''t like it or in love with that maggot over there, you would have no choice but to follow me and make dinner for me like the one before me for the rest of your life."

    Isabelle should have been outraged. The mere idea of someone boldly declaring they could steal her away, stripping her of her agency, was something she would normally scoff at. She wasn''t the type of woman to bend under the weight of power or threats.

    Time and again, she had faced down ambitious men¡ªwealthy businessmen with promises of status and security¡ªonly to reject them all. Isabelle had always been resolute in carving her own path, free from anyone else''s control.

    Yet, for reasons she couldn''t quite name, the notion of Cassius whisking her away didn''t entirely unsettle her...In fact, it intrigued her.

    He wasn''t like the others, with their shallow bids for her hand. She didn''t care about his power, his wealth, or the privileges he undoubtedly commanded. What drew her in was the man himself¡ªthe strange, unpredictable charm that made her laugh despite herself.

    Even worse, she even wanted to say that she didn''t even love Edmund like Cassius suggested. But she kept that to herself, especially with Edmund already looking pale, his composure unraveling under Cassius''s brazen words. Saying anything more might break him completely, and she wasn''t cruel enough to let that happen.

    Still, curiosity got the better of her, and she found herself leaning slightly toward Cassius, asking the one question that lingered in her mind.

    "But what about your family, young master?...Do you think that that they would allow you to take a commoner like me as your bride or even one of your mistresses?" Isabelle asked with a gentle smile on her face as she settled herself in a more comfortable position on his lap.

    She wasn''t asking because she had suddenly fallen in love with her young master, nor because she harbored some secret desire to become his bride.

    No, her question stemmed from sheer curiosity.

    She wanted to hear what unexpected, unpolished answer he would give next, something refreshingly different from the rehearsed, predictable words of the nobles she had long grown tired of.

    "The same family who refused to even speak a single word to me since birth?" Cassius scoffed as he stroked Isabelle''s plump thighs. "I couldn''t even give a rats ass about those imbeciles."

    "...Just let them try to stop me from taking in someone I like, just so that I don''t taint their so called prestige and status. I''ll show them what it feels like to walk on a floor covered in the blood of their own brethren."

    Cassius spoke in a calm, steady tone, his crimson eyes devoid of any anger, as if his chilling words were nothing more than idle musings. Yet, his presence carried a weight that made Isabelle shudder where she sat, mere inches from him.

    She knew he wasn''t joking, he meant every word...Cassius was the type of man who would stain his hands with the blood of his own kin without hesitation if it meant protecting what he cared for.

    Strangely, this didn''t frighten her. While Edmund sat stiffly nearby, his face pale and his expression betraying sheer horror, Isabelle felt something entirely different.

    Her eyes went wide, as her heart skipping a beat. It was a reaction she didn''t expect, but there was something about his brutal honesty and the sentiment buried within it that stirred her.

    No one had ever said they''d defy the world for her, let alone challenge a family like the Holyfields, whose power was absolute. Even if his words were violent, there was a raw, unpolished romance in them that made her feel both flattered and inexplicably drawn to him.

    "D-Do I really look so enticing in young master''s eyes that you would be willing to go to such lengths for the sake of taking me under your wing?" Isabelle couldn''t help but blush and shamelessly insert herself into the scenario, which made her heart race uncontrollably.

    "Leaving you as a person aside, Isabelle, just this juicy ass of yours is enough for me to spill blood."

    Cassius grinned as he slid his hands under her butt, which felt like he was trying to squeeze his hands under a squishy hot pack and he started groping them like he was trying check out their size with his hands.

    "Mmm!?~ Young master!?~ Nnn!?~"

    As Cassius''s strong hands slipped under her generous rear, Isabelle felt like she was sitting on a pile of hot, melting butter that was being kneaded by his firm grip. His touch was possessive and heavy, making her feel lightheaded and weak in the knees.

    "Hnnm!?~ Hmm!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    She couldn''t help but whimper out when she felt his hands squeezing and kneading her plush cheeks was overwhelming. It felt like her ass was being compressed into a smaller shape, only to be released and allowed to spring back to its original size. The pressure was intense, making her feel like she was sitting on a pair of vice grips.

    "See, Isabelle...How can one possibly resist when you have such a fatty bottom which fills my hand in your flesh from a little squeeze?" Cassius said as he slipped his hand out from her botton, like the shameless act that he had committed was simply to prove his point.

    Isabelle whimpered softly as Cassius spoke, his words making her feel even more self-conscious about her ample rear. His hands felt so warm and large engulfing her soft cheeks, like they were made to fit perfectly in his palms.

    What was worse was that she wasn''t even disgusted when Cassius''s hand had suddenly found its way to her behind.

    Instead, a rush of unexpected pleasure coursed through her, leaving her questioning herself. Was she really so easily swayed by a mere touch, or was it because it was his touch¡ªCassius, the man who had just vowed to fight wars and spill blood simply for her?

    She reasoned with herself, telling her mind that this was only natural. After all, if he was willing to go to such lengths for the simple privilege of laying a hand on her, wasn''t it only fair to reward his audacity? Letting him enjoy the moment felt almost...justifiable, or so she told herself to keep from feeling like a pervert.

    Yet, deep down, her thoughts were far from settled. She was unaware of the tangled emotions brewing within her¡ªpart insecurity, part curiosity, and something far more dangerous.

    Her insecurities about her figure surfaced, too, the ones she''d buried for years. In a world where nobles idolized slim, delicate frames, her fuller curves had always been a quiet source of self-doubt.

    But now, with Cassius''s firm grip and his brazen admiration, she felt a strange sense of validation.

    Like a child craving more praise, she found herself teetering on the edge of asking him questions she knew would only lead to more trouble¡­

 Chapter 17 Sharp Eyed Maid

    "Y-Young Master." Isabelle stammered, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to steady her thoughts. "Even though you say you appreciate my behind, I find it hard to believe you''d truly find it attractive. It''s just...It just has an extra layer of fat compared to others."

    She averted her gaze, refusing to look at Edmund, who now sat frozen in place, his bloodshot eyes glaring daggers at the man openly touching what was supposed to be his.

    "I-I mean, wouldn''t you much rather prefer a petite figure like the rest of the men out there?" Gathering her courage, Isabelle looked up at Cassius, her expression shy yet laced with curiosity.

    There was an almost childlike vulnerability in her words, as if she needed him to refute her insecurities, to tell her something only he could.

    "Oh, you don''t understand, Isabelle, nor do the rest of the poor existences in this world who call themselves men about how tantalizing your bubbly behind is." Cassius sighed like he couldn''t believe what he was hearing.

    He knew that the nobles of this world liked their women to be slim and petite, as it gives them a more elagant and dainty look from the memories he had inherited. But he still couldn''t believe that it was true and that some people actually preferred pancakes over some freshly baked muffins.

    "Get up, Isabelle." Cassius suddenly stated, determined to prove his point. "I''ll show you exactly why I like my woman to be thick and plump as you."

    "T-Thick and plump?" Isabelle got up from his lap and looked back with a slightly offended look on her face. "Young master, did you not just tell me that I had a splendid figure. So why are you suddenly changing your mind and calling me fat?"

    "...I mean, I will agree that I have a little too much weight on my chest and behind, but I promise you that my waist is more slender then any of the maids in the household." Isabelle stated and then looked down at her curvy body like she was wondering if she should lose some weight.

    "I''m not calling you fat, Isabelle...Well, I am actually, but fat all in the right places." Cassius said as he watched Isabelle''s bouncy ass rise up from his lap. He then slowly carressed it like it were a cute little animal and continued saying as he felt her tender flesh, "Like your ass right here...It''s got the perfect amount of meat that I just want to get in there and bite a chunk off."

    The frown on Isabelle''s face vanished in an instant as she felt the tender way his fingers traced the curves of her bottom. The touch, so oddly deliberate yet gentle, sent a wave of heat throughout her body. She couldn''t help but blush and smile at the same time when her gaze met her young master''s¡ªhis eyes fixed on her behind like a predator assessing its prey.

    ''So, the young master desires me just the way I am?'' She mused, a flicker of amusement crossing her mind. ''How interesting, when even Edmund and my own parents have told me time and again to slim down before I get married.''

    Turning slightly, she glanced back at him, her gaze lingering on the peculiar man who seemed more captivated by her imperfections than anyone else ever had.

    His amusement was unmistakable as he stared at her rear, almost childlike, as if her body was a treasure he had just discovered, a toy he was unwilling to share.

    "Why are you giggling, Isabelle?...Did anything funny happen?"

    Cassius asked when he heard some muffled laughter coming from her, while focusing his attention on the line in between her cheeks that was quite sunken in.

    "No, young master, it''s just that this humble servant couldn''t help but think that you look rather quite cute right now." Isabelle looked back and said with a playful smile on her face, not even caring that saying such a comment to a noble could give her the death sentence. She then continued saying as she watched him curiously trace his fingers around her cheeks, "Even though you''re already a full grown man and looked so scary earlier that I was actually shivering in my boots, you suddenly look like a baby right now who is curious about everything in the world and I couldn''t help but think of that as endearing."

    Her tone carried a mix of amusement and warmth, as though she''d momentarily forgotten the vast gulf of rank and propriety between them.

    "Calling a noble like me a baby, which most people out there would find to be quite insulting..." Cassius looked up at Isabelle''s playful face with a grin. "...Are you not afraid that I might punish you for what you said, Isabelle?"

    "Not at all young master, as this servant firmly believes that you are not such a petty person who throws people in prison because of a little comment someone said on a whim."

    Isabelle stuck out her chest in a confident manner like she were willing to bet her life that what she thought of Cassius were true.

    She then looked back, her eyes gleaming with an unusual brightness and mix of admiration and intrigue as she continued saying,

    "You''re someone who''s different from the rest...Someone who''s willing to find reason and forgive a sinner like me who tried to murder you, someone who doesn''t seem to mind official status and is even willing to casually talk with a maid like me, someone who for some reason I can''t help but think of as cute even though you''re playing with my body, and finally someone that I wouldn''t mind serving under because of how interesting of a master he is."

    "Damn...So what you''re basically saying is that you aren''t scared of me at all and find me rather amusing like a clown?"

    Cassius asked in an intrigued manner as he already knew that this maid before him was rather smart, but he didn''t expect her to actually figure out a rough idea of what sort of person he was just from a single meeting. Not to mention have the guts to follow through with what she thought, which not many people could do.

    "Not like a clown, young master, but a little doggy who looks a little scary from the outside because of it''s sharp teeth...But in actuality is a sweetheart on the inside, who wants to gets petted by everyone and called a ''good boy''." Isabelle told with a eager and urgent look in her eyes, which were staring at his fluffy bed of hair like she couldn''t help but want to give him a pet herself.

    "Haha...You really aren''t afraid of me at all, my beautiful maid?"

    Cassius''s expression shifted slightly as he contemplated her words. He had tried to project an image of a depraved noble, someone beyond reproach or empathy, but it seemed that no matter how hard he tried to keep up the facade, his true nature was bound to surface eventually.

    And here, in front of him, was Isabelle¡ªsharp-eyed, unafraid, and somehow looking at him not with the fear and awe he had become accustomed to, but with the tender, almost protective gaze one might reserve for a younger sibling.

    He was only 19, after all, still a boy by many standards. Isabelle, on the other hand, was nearing her late twenties¡ªan age where maturity and life experience often shaped how one viewed others. It made sense now, why she looked at him with that warm, almost nurturing gaze.

    To her, perhaps, he wasn''t the powerful and mysterious young master he tried so hard to appear as; instead, he was simply a cute young man who made her smile every time he spoke. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Not at all, young master...I''m not afraid of you at all." Isabelle gave a playful smile and said like she were saying a solemn vow. "After seeing how thoughtful you are, unlike the other nobles and how adorable you looked while you played around with my behind, like a toddler with a toy, I just can''t help but not be scared of you at all."

    Isabelle bit her lips as she held herself back from pulling on her handsome young master''s cheeks, who she couldn''t help but want to spoil as his older sister.

    "Then, that just means I have to work on my act more, unless I want more keen people like you to find out that I''m not who I seem to be." Cassius said some words that Isabelle couldn''t really understand and chuckled.

    He then gestured towards Isabelle to sit down on his lap once again, so that he could continue dinner and know a little bit more about the interesting maid who caught him in his act.

    But to his surprise, Isabelle didn''t sit back down and continued to stand with her round ass facing him. She was looking back at him with a shy gaze like she were telling that he forgot something.

    "Umm...Y-Young master...Did you not say that you were going to show me, why exactly you find my rear to be quite desirable?"

    Isabelle blushed and asked, as she really wanted to know exactly what her young master thought of her, knowing that she was basically sticking out her ass for him when he himself told her to sit down...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    Note: To anyone who thinks that the MC is leaving these two off too easily, I''ll just tell you guys that he has deeper plans in mind for both of them for the purpose the Goddess sent him here...And at the appropriate time, they''ll most definitely get the retribution they deserve, especially Edmund who will have a horrible end.

    You also don''t have to worry about the MC getting backstabbed out of nowhere or getting tricked, as this is a story where you can read it without any stress since the MC can easily handle anything that''s thrown at him.

    ...So, simply kick back and relax and enjoy the depravity that is about to slowly unfold.

 Chapter 18 Daring Words

    "You really are quite bold, Isabelle, asking for another man to tell you why he finds your behind appealing when your actual fianc¨¦e is sitting right next to us."

    Cassius said with a smirk on his face as he glanced at Edmund, who looked so furious at the moment with the way that Isabelle was treating Cassius that his entire face was red as a tomato and his fingers started digging into his palms.

    "But since I''m such a generous young master, I''ll not only tell you why I find your juicy behind appealing, Isabelle, but I''ll even show it to you." Cassius patted Isabelle''s perky butt like he were asking if she was ready, which made her bow her head and blush profusely. "But before any of that, I''m going to ask my boy, Edmund, to keep his head down and make sure his eyes stay on the plate."

    Cassius slowly turned his head to look at Edmund, who was in a wretched state, while at the same time slipping his hands underneath Isabelle''s skirt and caressing her plump thighs.

    "You see, to show why I want to take this lovely ass straight to bed, I''m going to need Isabelle to lift her skirt up all the way and reveal her rear to me."

    Cassius said to Edmund, which made Isabelle tremble as she wasn''t expecting him to see her bare flesh so soon. But she didn''t say anything to reject him and simply looked away in a fluster, which told many different stories. He then continued saying to Edmund with a slight grin on his face,

    "That''s why I''m going to need you to keep your gaze away from both of us, as I''m not a big fan of letting another man or whatever you are watch me indulge myself in a lady."

    Edmund''s fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his jaw tightening with a mixture of fury and frustration.

    "She''s my fianc¨¦e, Cassius!" He barked, his voice rising with indignation. "Why the hell should I look away? If anyone has the right to-"

    "To what?" Cassius interrupted smoothly, his voice cutting through Edmund''s rant like a blade. His eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement as he tilted his head, his grin widening. "To ogle her?...To lay claim to her like some object?...Before you even try to taint her with your gaze, let me remind you, Edmund, that you''re in no position to assert any rights here."

    Edmund''s breath hitched, and for a moment, his rage faltered under the weight of Cassius''s piercing gaze. But his pride wouldn''t let him back down.

    "You think you can just-"

    "I know I can." Cassius said, his voice calm yet laced with icy authority. He turned his attention back to Isabelle, who sat poised on his lap, her face a deep shade of crimson.

    This time, though, her trembling wasn''t entirely out of fear¡ªit was something else, a curious blend of nervousness and intrigue.

    "Isabelle, my dear maid." He asked her for her opinion. "Do you really want him gawking at you while we share this moment?"

    Isabelle''s beatiful face turned even warmer, and her heart raced at his words. Instead of recoiling, she found herself questioning why her young master seemed so captivated by her.

    ''What was it that he saw in her that made him so boldly claim her attention?'' Against her better judgement, her curiosity outweighed her apprehension.

    "I..." She murmured softly, as she glanced briefly at Edmund, who looked as if he''d been struck, before her gaze returned to Cassius.

    "M-Maybe it would be better if he didn''t watch."

    She said hesitantly, her voice lacking the defiance from before. Her tone, while soft, carried a trace of something else, perhaps a desire to understand her young master''s intentions. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Edmund''s mouth fell open, his expression shifting from outrage to betrayal.

    "Isabelle!" He growled, his voice thick with disbelief. "You can''t seriously be siding with him!"

    "Enough." Cassius said sharply, his voice like a whipcrack. His grin vanished, replaced by a cold, chilling expression. "I''ve humoured you long enough, Edmund...Sit down, keep your head down, and focus on your dinner...If I catch you so much as glancing in our direction, I''ll personally gouge your eyes out."

    His words were delivered with terrifying calm, making it clear there was no bluff in his tone.

    Edmund, seething but unable to defy the man who held all the power, dropped his gaze to his plate. He stabbed at the food with his fork, his appetite gone, but he dared not lift his eyes again.

    Cassius turned back to Isabelle, his cold demeanour melting into a teasing grin. "Now, my dear, Isabelle." He murmured, his voice low and smooth. "Where were we?"

    Isabelle''s ears burnt as she fidgeted nervously, avoiding Cassius''s gaze. She glanced down at her lap, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "You...You were going to lift my skirt, young master." Her tone was heavy with embarrassment, and the way she avoided his eyes only added to her flustered demeanour.

    "Ah, what an obedient girl you are, Isabelle...I didn''t even need to remind you." Cassius''s smile widened, the teasing glint in his eyes intensifying.

    Isabelle swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn''t know whether to feel mortified that she was going to expose herself to another man or be strangely flattered by his words.

    She wanted to protest, to say something to preserve her dignity, but the way he looked at her¡ªlike she was the centre of his attention¡ªleft her completely tongue-tied.

    Cassius then reached out and gently touched her lower back, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

    "Now, my beautiful little maid...Could you please arch your back slightly and stick out that lovely little ass of yours?...Let me get a better look."

    Isabelle''s face burnt with embarrassment as she obediently arched her back, sticking her rear end out towards Cassius.

    She could feel his hot breath brushing against her covered-up cheeks, and the knowledge that he was looking at her in such a humiliating position made her want to sink into the ground.

    Bounce~

    As she presented her backside, the outline of her plump, rounded cheeks became clearly visible through the thin fabric of her skirt. The shape was unmistakable¡ªa perfectly spherical ass, pushed out to its fullest extent, the crease of her buttocks forming a deep valley between her twin hemispheres.

    The way her hips flared outwards gave her an hourglass figure, and the skirt stretched tautly across her ample bottom, leaving little to the imagination. From his seated position, Cassius could clearly see how the fabric strained against her full curves, outlining every plump inch of her vulnerable backside.

    Of course, he couldn''t just stop right there after catching a glimpse of the treasure, so he started to pull up her skirt.

    Lift~

    Isabelle''s face felt hotter than the sun as Cassius slowly gathered the fabric of her skirt in his hands, lifting it inch by inch. She could feel the cool air hitting her exposed thighs, then her lower back, and finally, the cool air washing over her hot, rounded cheeks.

    As the skirt rose higher, her plump, pale bottom came into full view, the soft, creamy skin a stark contrast against the dark fabric of her skirt. Two perfect, round globes stared back at him, the crease between them deep and inviting.

    Her bottom was like two ripe, juicy peaches, round and heavy, with a slight jiggle as she shifted her weight from foot to foot in embarrassment. The cheeks were smooth and unmarred, begging to be squeezed and grabbed.

    ''Lord have mercy...With maids like her wandering around the halls with their fat asses swaying about, it''s no wonder that there were so many depraved nobles back in the day...Heck, if I didn''t have a whole lot of self-restraint myself, I would''ve pounced on her myself.'' Cassius couldn''t help but think as he stared at the glorious sight before him.

    As her skirt was lifted higher, he caught sight of the black lace top of a garter belt peeking out from beneath her skirt''s waistband. The contrast of the lacy undergarment against her soft, pale skin made her plump bottom look even more tantalising and erotic.

    "How naughty of you, Isabelle." Cassius murmured, his eyes locked onto the black lace of her garter belt as he pushed his finger under the strap and tugged on it. "Were you wearing this the whole time under your innocent apron?"

    "Y-Yes young master, is there anything wrong with it?" Isabelle asked in a fluster, knowing that her young master was playing with the thin piece of clothing hugging her bouncy butt. "This was what came along with the set of maid clothes that was given by the Holyfield household...Is it possibly not to your liking?"

    Cassius''s grin widened as his crimson eyes roved over the intricate black lace of Isabelle''s garter belt. It contrasted starkly with the innocent exterior she projected in her maid uniform, and he found the disparity utterly amusing.

    "Not to my liking? Oh, Isabelle, you wound me with such a question. How could I dislike something so...artfully designed?" Leaning back slightly, he rested his chin on his hand, his voice smooth and teasing.

    Isabelle fidgeted nervously, her cheeks burning under his intense gaze.

    "I-I wasn''t sure, young master." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "If it doesn''t suit your tastes, I-I could find a way to replace it."

    Cassius chuckled softly, his tone rich with amusement.

    "Replace it? Now, that''s an interesting idea...Tell me, Isabelle, if I said I didn''t like it, would you be willing to take it off for me and stand before me with your naked ass sticking out?" His words hung in the air, laced with a mix of teasing and challenge.

    Isabelle''s breath stopped for a second, her embarrassment deepening as she struggled to find a response. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions¡ªhumiliation, curiosity, and a strange desire to please her young master.

    Finally, she managed a soft whisper, saying,

    "I-I suppose...If it''s what you wish, young master."

 Chapter 19 I Want To See More...

    Cassius''s grin turned wicked, his gaze flickering with delight at her submission.

    But at the same time he didn''t expect her to surrender so easily, as she most definitely wasn''t someone who would be pushed around without putting up a fight.

    To be honest, Cassius felt a twinge of disappointment. He was a man who admired strength and bravery in a woman¡ªthe kind who could hold her ground and face even the harshest realities with resolve.

    Isabelle, for all her sweetness and devotion, had shown glimpses of such qualities before. A woman who had dared to plot murder to protect others from harm, even at the cost of her own soul, and then confessed her sins, fully aware that death might very well be her final judgement.

    That sort of courage intrigued him. It hinted that she wasn''t just some simple maid destined to be crushed under the weight of noble expectations or toyed with as a fleeting diversion.

    No, Isabelle seemed more than that.

    She was a puzzle, a contradiction. A woman capable of such daring acts shouldn''t fold so easily under a bit of teasing pressure. Yet here she was, stammering and in a fluster, obediently submitting to his provocations.

    Cassius sighed inwardly, the faintest hint of disappointment creeping into his thoughts. Somewhere in the exchange, he felt he had lost sight of that unique spark she had shown before¡ªthe very spark that had drawn his attention in the first place.

    Still, Cassius was not one to reveal his inner thoughts. His eyes gleamed with feigned amusement, and the familiar smirk remained firmly in place. Whatever dissatisfaction he felt, he buried it deep beneath his mask of playful arrogance, and he continued with his antics.

    "Such dedication to your role...Truly, the Holyfield household has outdone itself in selecting the perfect uniform and the perfect maid to wear it." He said some half-hearted words while thinking that it was a pity that she gave in so easily. "I should write a letter of thanks to my family for their exquisite taste in accessories and..."

    ''Such dedication to your household.''

    Isabelle''s trembling hands fidgeted around as she tried to steady her breath when she heard Cassius utter those words, completely misunderstanding her intention.

    She avoided his gaze at first, but something within her stirred¡ªa strange courage she couldn''t quite explain. She didn''t want her young master to think she was willing to go so far simply because of her duties as a maid.

    ''It wasn''t just that...It wasn''t just obligation.''

    Finally, she looked up at him, her lashes framing eyes that glimmered with both hesitation and determination.

    "I-I''m not willing to take it off for the household''s sake, young master...Please don''t think that I''m some sort of easy woman who would bend her principles just because she''s forced to." Isabelle murmured, her voice trembling but steady enough to carry the weight of her words.

    She hesitated, not knowing what to say. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let the moment slip away without saying what she truly felt.

    Finally, she took a deep breath and pushed herself to continue, her voice soft yet laced with unshakeable sincerity as she said,

    "I-I want to do it for you....Not because it''s my duty or because I''m expected to, but because I want to please you, young master...I-I''m willing to reveal myself to you if that''s what it takes for you to reveal your true self to me, which you are hiding." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her gaze wavered but didn''t falter completely, her emotions laid bare in her trembling voice and the vulnerability in her eyes. It wasn''t just submission; it was an earnest desire to matter to him in a way that went beyond her role as a servant.

    The moment the words left her lips, Isabelle froze, her heart pounding wildly.

    ''What am I saying?'' She thought, barely able to process the boldness of her statement.

    She had always been careful to keep her composure, to act with propriety, yet here she was, openly admitting her willingness to bend to Cassius''s whims¡ªnot as a servant, but as something far more personal.

    Cassius''s teasing smile also faltered for the briefest of moments, his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

    He had expected her to play along, perhaps stammer an excuse or feign innocence, but this¡ªthis honest and provocative confession¡ªhad caught him off guard. For the first time, he was the one rendered momentarily speechless.

    "Well, well." He said finally, recovering his usual composure, though a hint of intrigue lingered in his gaze. "You''re full of surprises, Isabelle. I wasn''t expecting such...sincerity, I guess."

    ''She''s still the same intriguing woman I always thought she was.'' Cassius thought as a fire to claim this woman before him grew even more than before.

    Isabelle couldn''t meet his gaze now, her face burning with embarrassment. She bit her lip, cursing herself for letting such a thought escape aloud, but part of her couldn''t help but notice the shift in his demeanour.

    His usual playfulness seemed tinged with genuine curiosity now, as though her words had managed to crack through his facade.

    Isabelle''s heart raced, but amidst the whirlwind of embarrassment, a new feeling began to take root¡ªdelight.

    Her young master, always so composed, always wearing that playful yet detached smile, had faltered. Even if just for a moment, she had seen something raw beneath his carefully crafted mask.

    The faint flicker of surprise in his eyes, the way his teasing words momentarily stalled¡ªit was enough to make her feel as though she''d stumbled upon a treasure no one else had discovered.

    ''So even he can get flustered.'' She thought, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips despite her reddened cheeks.

    She couldn''t deny how curious it made her. For all his cold and commanding demeanour, there was something endearing¡ªcute, even¡ªabout seeing Cassius caught off guard.

    And she wanted to see more.

    She wasn''t sure why, but a part of her longed to uncover more of the man behind the mask.

    Perhaps it was because he always seemed so unreachable, so distant even in his moments of teasing warmth. Or maybe it was simply the fact that, for all his power and authority, he was still human¡ªcapable of vulnerability like anyone else.

    Whatever the reason, Isabelle couldn''t help the spark of curiosity that lit within her.

    Of course, Cassius''s sudden voice broke her out of her daydream and brought her back to the present.

    "You''re smiling, Isabelle." He said, his tone teasing yet laced with genuine interest. "What''s going on in that little head of yours?...Have I possibly become a source of amusement for you, seeing as to how you can''t help but smile when you look at me?"

    Isabelle was startled, realising she had indeed been smiling. Her hands flew to her cheeks in a futile attempt to hide her expression.

    "N-No, young master! I wouldn''t dare-"

    Cassius chuckled, cutting her off with a wave of his hand.

    "Relax, my Isabelle. I''m not offended. In fact..." His eyes narrowed slightly, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. "...I''m curious as well."

    "...What is it about this moment that managed to brighten your face like that and made you let out such a gentle smile that it almost seemed like you were at peace?"

    Isabelle hesitated, her heart pounding.

    She could deny it, could deflect as she always did. But something in the way Cassius looked at her now made her feel bold again.

    "It''s just... I didn''t expect to see this side of you, young master." She admitted quietly.

    "This side?" Cassius repeated, arching a brow.

    "Yes." She lowered her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "You were always so composed, so in control. But just now, I think...I think I saw a glimpse of the real you. And it was..." She hesitated, her cheeks flushing anew. "...It was rather cute."

    For the second time that evening, Cassius appeared genuinely taken aback. His eyes widened briefly before his grin returned, though this time it carried a hint of self-awareness.

    "Calling the same man who was thinking about how to slaughter you a little while ago, cute...How endearing."

    "Perhaps it is, young master...But as scary as you seem, I can attest that you have your charming sides as well that make me want to coddle you because of how cute you are." Isabelle''s blush deepened, but she found herself laughing softly despite her nerves.

    Cassius leaned closer, his glaring eyes searching hers, as he said, "Careful, Isabelle...Keep talking like that, and I might start to believe you''re trying to win my favour."

    Her smile wavered, but her gaze didn''t falter.

    "Maybe I am." She said, surprising even herself with the honesty of her words.

    Cassius stilled, his grin softening as he regarded her.

    For a moment, the playful banter between them faded, replaced by a quiet intensity that made Isabelle''s breath stop.

    She had no idea what he was thinking, but she couldn''t help but feel that, somehow, she had reached him in a way few ever had.

 Chapter 20 A Little Brother

    Cassius didn''t say anything back and simply turned his attention from Isabelle to Edmund, who was sitting with his head low and his shoulders tense as he tried to ignore the conversation unfolding behind him.

    "Edmund." Cassius called out casually, his tone dripping with mock politeness. He then continued, saying to Isabelle''s surprise, "You''ve got quite the adorable fianc¨¦e here. Did you know that?"

    "She''s not only charming but also surprisingly obedient as well...Not because she fears the power I hold over her or because she''s a dignified maid of the Holyfield household, but just because she genuinely wants to please her young master, who she finds rather cute." His eyes flicked toward Isabelle, and his grin widened as he saw her ears turn a deep red from his teasing.

    "Y-Young master, please." Isabelle stammered, her hands gripping the fabric of her skirt as she squirmed around, shaking her ass in the process.

    Her embarrassment was evident, and yet she couldn''t bring herself to look up at Edmund, knowing how furious he must be.

    "Adorable, isn''t she?" Cassius continued, ignoring her protests. "The way she blushes, the way she tries so hard to please¡ªit''s truly endearing. You should be proud, Edmund...Few men could claim such a delightful creature as their fianc¨¦e."

    Isabelle couldn''t take it anymore.

    "Young master, please don''t!" She pleaded, her voice soft yet urgent. "Stop bullying Edmund like this. It''s...It''s embarrassing." She lowered her gaze, her face burning as she fiddled nervously with her fingers.

    Edmund''s jaw clenched, but he said nothing, clearly struggling to contain his rage while keeping his head down. Cassius, satisfied with the reaction he''d provoked, turned his attention back to Isabelle, his grin returning.

    "Yes, it''s just like you said; I can''t help but be distracted by the stinkbug that keeps on flying around." Cassius said as he marvelled at the twin peaks before him. "But leaving that aside, do you want to know what makes your butt so great, Isabelle?"

    Isabelle didn''t answer but slowly nodded her head in a fluster.

    "Well, for one, it''s soft and warm like a pillow full of hot water, so it would absolutely be divine to spread your legs apart and rest my head between your cheeks."

    Isabelle''s face turned an even deeper shade of red as Cassius reached out and gently prodded her plump cheek with his finger. He poked and pushed, testing the softness of her butt, marvelling at how it yielded to his touch like a warm, fluffy cloud.

    "I-Is my behind really that soft, master?" Isabelle looked back and asked her master as she watched his finger pressed into her soft flesh, leaving an indent that slowly bounced back into place. "Doesn''t every woman out there normally have a rear that''s rather s-squishy to touch?"

    Cassius chuckled softly at Isabelle''s question, his eyes glinting with mischief as his finger pressed slightly deeper into her flesh, watching the way it yielded before springing back into shape.

    "Oh, Isabelle." He murmured, his tone as smooth as velvet. "Comparing rears to just any other is like comparing pillows."

    "Pillows?" Isabelle asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and embarrassment.

    "Yes, pillows." Cassius replied, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "You see, all pillows are technically soft. That''s their purpose, isn''t it?...But there''s a distinction between an average pillow and one of those rare, exquisite ones that allow your entire head to sink in¡ªa pillow so luxurious that it gives the best sleep in the world."

    Isabelle''s ears grew even redder at his analogy, her lips parting slightly in surprise.

    "A-And you''re saying that''s what...mine is like?" She stammered, unable to believe what she was hearing.

    Cassius tilted his head, his expression one of mock thoughtfulness.

    "Precisely." He said with a playful glint in his eyes. "Your behind isn''t just soft. It''s the kind of softness that ruins you for anything less...The kind that makes you wonder why the world doesn''t make more like it."

    "Young master!" Isabelle squeaked, burying her face in her hands in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. "You can''t just say things like that so casually!"

    "But I''m being honest, Isabelle." Cassius replied smoothly, leaning in to get a closer look at her mounds. "And honesty is a virtue, isn''t it?"

    Her heart pounded as his words washed over her, leaving her both flustered and oddly pleased. But a doubt also crept up in her mind that she didn''t know if she should ask.

    Isabelle hesitated, her heart pounding as her curiosity got the better of her. Though she was flustered beyond relief, she couldn''t help but glance back at him and softly ask,

    "T-Then would you...w-would you like to sleep with this pillow of mine, young master?"

    The room seemed to grow quieter as her words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, she wondered if she had crossed some invisible line.

    But before the panic could fully take root, Cassius''s expression lit up with a delighted grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

    "There would be no greater joy, Isabelle!" He replied without hesitation, his voice smooth and sincere, though the playful edge was still there. "I dare say a single night with such a divine pillow would put me in such a good sleep that I don''t even know if I would be able to wake up and turn me into a comatose patient."

    Isabelle shook her head in a fluster, unable to believe that she asked such a daring question. But also felt giddy on the inside that her master valued her so highly, or at least her that fat ass of hers, which she was slowly starting to appreciate.

    "Now, Isabelle...Let me show another reason why I want to keep your juicy ass all to myself."

    Cassius''s mischievous grin suddenly widened as he slid his hands under Isabelle''s rear, his fingers pressing firmly into the plush softness.

    "Isabelle." He murmured, his tone teasing as he gently lifted her backside. "What exactly is happening here?"

    Before she could respond, he let go of her fat cheeks that he was holding onto his lap and let them fall down, watching intently as her ample curves jiggled with the motion. He repeated the action once more, his eyes flickering with amusement as the supple flesh quivered in response every time he slapped them up and watched them shake like they were mounds of pudding being slapped around.

    Isabelle''s entire body burnt with embarrassment as she stammered, her hands clutching at the hem of her skirt.

    "Y-Young master...It''s, well, it''s shaking around." She finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Shaking around?" Cassius repeated, arching an eyebrow and feigning innocence. His hands remained firm on her hips as he tilted his head to observe her more closely. "That''s an awfully modest way to describe such a mesmerising and erotic sight...You''re being far too humble, Isabelle."

    Isabelle''s eyes darted away, her heart pounding at his words. "I-I wouldn''t know, young master." She mumbled. "It''s not like I''ve ever thought about it before."

    "Then allow me to enlighten you." Cassius said with a glint in his eye.

    "When something so soft and supple reacts this way, it''s not just shaking¡ªit''s an invitation to appreciate the beauty of form, movement, and... well, craftsmanship." His fingers pressed gently into her flesh, testing its softness. "Wouldn''t you call that remarkable?"

    "Young master, you''re exaggerating." Isabelle protested weakly, though her trembling voice betrayed the fluster she felt. "It''s just, well, it''s just me."

    "Well, I guess as a woman yourself, you wouldn''t be able to understand the raw desires of a man...But maybe Edmund would?" Cassius turned his piercing crimson gaze toward Edmund, who was still miserably forcing himself to eat the overly salted meal.

    His hands trembled slightly as he tried to focus on his plate, clearly desperate to block out the humiliating conversation unfolding before him.

    "Don''t you also agree, Edmund?" Cassius continued with a wicked grin. "About the fact that watching the asscheeks of the girl you''re ramming from behind shake all over the place while defying the laws of gravity is a sight worth dying for?"

    Isabelle gasped audibly, her face turning as red as the finest wine.

    "Y-Young master!" She exclaimed, utterly flustered. "That''s such an inappropriate thing to say!" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius chuckled at her reaction, the sound low and teasing. "Inappropriate? Perhaps...But true, nonetheless." He replied smoothly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You should be flattered, Isabelle...I''m merely speaking about the undeniable appeal of what you''ve been blessed with."

    Isabelle''s eyes wandered around restlessly as she quickly tugged her skirt down and covered up her bare butt, the action sharp and hurried as though she could somehow undo the embarrassment that had already unfolded.

    Without missing a beat, she sat herself down on Cassius''s lap once again, this time with an air of determination, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    "It''s time to eat dinner, young master." She said firmly, her voice carrying a maternal edge despite the lingering redness on her face.

    Cassius blinked, momentarily taken aback by her sudden shift in demeanor. Then, his usual mischievous grin returned.

    "But I still want to watch those delightful cheeks of yours jiggle a little more, Isabelle." He said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "Dinner can wait, don''t you think?"

    Isabelle gave him a stern look, one that was almost reminiscent of a responsible older sister.

    "No, young master." She said firmly, folding her arms across her chest. "You have to eat your dinner while it''s still hot. It''s important to maintain your health."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her attempt to scold him.

    "And if I refuse?" He asked, his tone laced with playful defiance.

    Isabelle paused, her hands still resting on the table as she looked at him, unsure how to respond to his teasing.

    "Well...I suppose there''s nothing I can do if you refuse."

    She admitted, her voice tinged with reluctant honesty.

    Cassius smirked, satisfied with her admission, but before he could retort, Isabelle hesitated. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth, and her voice softened as she added in a flustered tone,

    "But...Y-You''d be missing out on the opportunity to be fed by me if you decline, so think about that for a second, young master."

    Her words hung in the air, and Cassius''s eyes lit up with amusement and intrigue.

    ''Oh, so you''re going to make me eat my veggies like that...It seems like she really does want to coddle me like her little brother like she said.'' A slow grin spread across his face as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

    "Isabelle." Cassius called, leaning back with a smirk. "You''re quite the negotiator...Are you saying that allowing myself to be fed by you is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege?"

    Isabelle hesitated, clutching the hem of her apron as if to steady herself.

    "I wouldn''t call it a privilege, young master." She said softly, her cheeks tinged with red. "But if you decline, you''ll...you''ll miss the chance to experience being served by me. I-I mean, compared to eating your dinner yourself, wouldn''t you want your beautiful little maid to do it for you?"

    Her words hung in the air, surprising both of them.

    ''This maid...She really is quite daring, isn''t she?...Worst part being that I like daring women like her and can''t help but be caught in their whims.'' Cassius''s smile faltered briefly, replaced by a flicker of intrigue, before his grin returned in full force.

    "Well, when you put it like that, Isabelle." He said, his voice lowering. "How could I possibly refuse?"

    "But, Isabelle." He added, his tone playful yet firm. "I don''t want to be the one being fed. I''d much rather feed you instead."

 Chapter 21 A Warm Bowl Of Soup

    Isabelle''s eyes widened in shock as she heard her young master''s order-defying words.

    "Y-Young master!" She stammered, completely taken aback. "There''s no way that can be allowed! I''m your servant, and you''re my master. It wouldn''t be proper!"

    Cassius leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a smooth murmur. "Proper?" He repeated, his smile softening slightly. "You always talk about propriety, Isabelle. But don''t you think you deserve to experience something different, something special for once?"

    Isabelle froze, her mind racing as she processed his words.

    In their world, such an offer was almost unthinkable. The dynamics were clear: the wife was subservient to the husband, the servant to the master.

    For Cassius, her young master, to even suggest reversing that, to put himself in a position of servitude¡ªeven for a fleeting moment¡ªwas entirely outside the bounds of tradition.

    Her chest tightened with a confusing mix of emotions.

    On one hand, there was embarrassment. The idea of her young master feeding her felt far too intimate, far too indulgent. Yet, on the other hand, a strange warmth blossomed within her, a hesitant flutter that she couldn''t quite define.

    It was as though his words, unorthodox as they were, were quietly undoing some invisible barrier within her.

    Her fingers fidgeted with the fabric of her skirt as she lowered her gaze, unable to meet his.

    ''Why would he even suggest such a thing?'' She wondered. ''Does he truly think of me as more than just a servant? Or is this just another one of his games?''

    The very thought sent a blush creeping up her neck, and she bit her lip, conflicted. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Young master." She began hesitantly, her voice wavering, "I¡­I don''t understand. Why would you...Why would someone like you want to serve someone like me?"

    Her question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of centuries of societal norms. And yet, beneath her confusion, a small part of her¡ªa part she barely dared to acknowledge¡ªfelt an odd sense of delight, even yearning.

    To be treated as someone worthy, someone seen as an equal, if only for a moment...It was a thought as terrifying as it was intoxicating.

    Cassius leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a charming, almost lazy smile.

    "If there really should be a reason." He began smoothly, his tone carrying a soft, teasing tone. "It''s because a beautiful girl like you deserves to be treated special...Is that so hard to believe?"

    Isabelle''s breath stopped, her cheeks instantly flooding with warmth. She tried to dismiss his words as mere flattery, but there was a sincerity in his voice that made her heart stutter. She wiggled around in his lap as she stammered, "Y-Young master, you¡ª"

    But he didn''t let her finish. "And besides..." He continued, as if her reaction was exactly what he''d expected, "...since you''re the one who made this meal with your own hands, isn''t it my duty, as a man, to serve you and watch that cute little face of yours indulge in it?"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, her embarrassment deepening as his words sank in. He was shamelessly laying out his intentions, leaving her with no room to refute. Her mind spun with confusion and disbelief.

    "You can''t mean that." She managed, her voice trembling. "I''m just your servant, young master. It wouldn''t be proper for you to¡ª"

    "Proper?" He interrupted with a chuckle, leaning forward slightly. "Who cares about what''s proper? I''m more interested in what''s fair...You cooked; I serve. Simple logic, isn''t it?" His expression softened as he tilted his head, meeting her gaze. "Unless¡­You really don''t want me to."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened at his words, and she immediately shook her head, her voice rushing out before she could think.

    "No, young master! I would love to be fed by you personally, and it would be my greatest joy!...I mean, it¡ªit would be an honour to be fed by you!" Her cheeks burned crimson as she realized what she had just said, but there was no taking it back now. She clasped her hands together nervously, unable to meet his gaze as she said, "I wouldn''t dare reject such a k-kind gesture from you."

    Cassius''s smile widened, clearly pleased by her reaction.

    "Well, well, Isabelle. I didn''t expect you to agree so quickly...Here I thought I''d have to persuade you a little more." He said, his tone dripping with amusement.

    Isabelle fidgeted in her seat, her ears turning a bright shade of red.

    "No, I just¡­I didn''t mean to-" She paused, flustered, then let out a small sigh. "It''s just no one has ever offered me something like this before, young master...Especially not someone like you, and I genuinely don''t know how to react because of my inexperience." Her voice softened as she spoke, her heart thudding in her chest as the reality of the situation began to sink in.

    Cassius relaxed himself, the playful grin still tugging at his lips.

    "No need to overthink it, Isabelle." He said smoothly, realising how lost and confused Isabelle was at the moment. "Just enjoy the moment for what it is."

    Isabelle also understood that her young master was trying to calm her down in a thoughtful manner, which made her heart feel warmer than it already was in his presence.

    "Now, tell me, my darling maid, which dish would you like to start with?" His gaze flicked briefly over the table before he returned his attention to her.

    Isabelle hesitated, her eyes darting over the spread of food. Finally, she pointed shyly to a small bowl of creamy soup.

    "That one, young master." She said softly, her tone almost unsure.

    Cassius tilted his head curiously as he picked up the bowl and spoon and asked,

    "The soup, huh? Any particular reason why, since I haven''t ever seen anyone choose soup with such excitement?"

    Isabelle bit her lip, her hands nervously fiddling with her apron as she thought about how to answer. After a brief pause, she gave a small, embarrassed smile.

    "When I was a child, my mother used to make a similar soup on rainy days." She began, her voice gaining a bit of warmth as she spoke. "I always thought it was magic because no matter how gloomy the weather was, the soup made me feel warm and happy...Once, I even told her that the soup had to be made by angels since it was too good for humans to make!" She chuckled softly, her cheeks pink with both fondness and embarrassment. "I guess that''s why I''ve always liked it...It reminds me of those simple, happy moments...Those moments of the distant past."

    "...Ah! I''m sorry, young master!"

    Realising she had been rambling, Isabelle quickly dropped her gaze.

    "That was probably boring for you to hear."

    Cassius shook his head firmly, a rare sincerity softening his features.

    "Not at all, Isabelle. In fact, I''d happily listen to a hundred more of your stories if it meant hearing them in your charming voice."

    Without waiting for her to respond, he dipped the spoon into the soup and brought it toward her lips as he said,

    "Now, let''s see if this soup lives up to your angelic memories."

    Isabelle''s ears turned red as she opened her mouth, letting him feed her the spoonful of soup. The warmth and taste of it were comforting, but the act itself¡ªbeing cared for so tenderly¡ªwas almost overwhelming.

    She let herself relax into the moment, allowing her young master to coddle her. A small, contented smile crept onto her lips as she savoured the soup and the uncharacteristic gentleness in his actions.

    "How is it?" Cassius asked, watching her reaction with a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

    "Delicious." Isabelle whispered, her voice soft but genuine. For once, she let herself enjoy the rare delight of being pampered, her heart fluttering in a way she couldn''t quite explain.

    Cassius smirked as he set the bowl down for a moment.

    "You know, Isabelle, it wouldn''t really be fair for you to judge the dish." He said, swirling the spoon in the soup. "After all, you''re the chef...A little biased, wouldn''t you say?"

    Before she could respond, he brought the spoon to his lips and took a sip himself.

    Isabelle''s eyes widened as her mind immediately fixated on the spoon. ''He''s using the same spoon.'' Her mind was sent to a whirl at the intimate thought, her heart beating faster as she stared at him, waiting for his reaction.

    The moment the soup hit Cassius''s tongue, his eyes lit up¡ªnot with their usual mischievous glint, but with genuine, unrestrained delight. He sat upright, his free hand slapping the table as he let out an exuberant shout.

    "Damn, Isabelle!" He exclaimed, his voice loud and filled with excitement. "This¡­This is incredible!"

    Isabelle jumped at his outburst, startled by his sudden break in composure.

    "Y-Young master?" She stammered, unsure of what to make of his overwhelming reaction.

    Cassius turned to her, his usual calm demeanour completely gone as he launched into an animated stream of praise.

    "This is amazing, Isabelle! The flavour is rich, the texture is perfect¡ªit''s like a warm hug in liquid form! Isabelle, you''ve outdone yourself! You''ve completely outdone yourself!" He leaned forward, his expression uncharacteristically open and full of awe. "This isn''t just food; it''s art! You''ve managed to make something so comforting, so full of heart¡ªhow do you even do it?"

    Isabelle stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. She''d never seen him like this before. His genuine, unfiltered enthusiasm was such a stark contrast to his usual teasing or calculated charm.

    It was raw and sincere, and it made her heart swell¡­

 Chapter 22 Death Would Be Kinder

    "I-I¡­" Isabelle began, her voice faltering as she tried to process his words. She felt her cheeks heat up, not just from the praise but from the sight of this vulnerable, almost childlike side of him that she''d never thought she''d witness. It was¡­endearing.

    Cassius, still holding the spoon, looked at her with wide, excited eyes.

    "Seriously, Isabelle, this might be the best thing I''ve ever tasted...I know you probably hear this all the time, but your cooking is on another level."

    Isabelle smiled softly, bowing her head slightly in gratitude.

    "Thank you, young master." She said, her voice warm but carrying a subtle note of melancholy. "Your words mean a lot to me." She hesitated, her fingers gently fiddling with the edge of her apron. "But¡­Truth be told, you''re the only one who''s ever praised my cooking before."

    Cassius froze mid-bite, lowering the spoon as he looked at her in disbelief, unable to believe what he just heard.

    "What?" He asked, his tone sharp with incredulity. "You''re telling me no one else has said anything about how amazing your cooking is?"

    ''She is joking, right? Since I have a fond interest in delicacies, I''ve visited so many restaurants back on Earth before and have probably tasted every single dish that''s out there...And even by my high standards, her dishes are unlike anything I''ve tasted, so how is it that no one has ever said a word about it?'' Cassius couldn''t help but grumble in his mind, furious that no one acknowledged such godly cooking.

    Isabelle gave a faint smile, her eyes lowering to her lap.

    "No, not really, young master." She admitted quietly. "Most of the time, I was just expected to cook and serve, without anyone noticing or commenting on the food itself...It was always about getting the task done, never about whether it was good or not."

    Her fingers tightened slightly on her apron as a stray thought crossed her mind. Even Edmund had never said anything about her cooking. He ate her meals without a word, as if it was her duty to meet unspoken expectations.

    But here Cassius was¡ªa noble, no less¡ªopenly praising her food, without a hint of hesitation or pride. It was strange, refreshing even, how different he was.

    Cassius''s expression darkened, setting the spoon down with a clink. Leaning forward, his tone grew sharp, edged with disbelief.

    "That''s absurd." He said firmly. "How could anyone eat something this good and not say a word about it? That''s not just ungrateful; it''s downright criminal!"

    "...Honestly, Isabelle, I''d almost say they didn''t deserve to taste your food if they couldn''t appreciate it." Straightening in his chair, Cassius crossed his arms as if offended on her behalf.

    Her cheeks faintly turned a shade of pink, and she quickly lowered her gaze, feeling her heart stir. His sincerity, his lack of arrogance despite his status, made her realise just how different he was from the rest. Cassius wasn''t afraid to voice his thoughts, even if it was something as simple as enjoying a dish.

    "You''re too kind, young master." She said softly, her cheeks warming at his passionate defense. "But it''s all right...Just knowing you enjoy my cooking makes it worthwhile."

    Cassius tilted his head, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Oh, I don''t just enjoy it." He said, his tone lightening. "I''m utterly spoilt now...Don''t think for a second I''ll settle for anything less than your masterpieces from this point on."

    Isabelle chuckled softly, a playful glint in her eyes.

    "Well, young master, I''d be honoured to cook for you for the rest of my life." She said, her tone lighthearted. "It''s the least I can do after trying to take your life."

    Cassius blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her joke, before a smirk spread across his face.

    "Ah, so you''re offering a lifetime of service as penance for a single mistake? How generous." He teased as he wrapped his hand around her waist.

    Cassius leaned closer, his expression softening but with a glint of mischief in his gaze. "You know." He murmured. "What you''re saying sounds an awful lot like something a wife would say to her husband. ''Cooking for him for the rest of her life,'' ''repaying a debt''...You''re practically proposing marriage, Isabelle."

    Her eyes widened at his teasing words, and she felt her face heat up immediately.

    "Young master! You can''t keep teasing me like this!" Isabelle, who was finally fed up with her young master''s antics, let out a cute little yelp. She then looked at the look of surprise on his face at her little outburst and said with her narrowed eyes, "You said that you wanted to treat me today, but here you are bullying me the whole time."''

    "...That''s not expected at all, especially when you''re my caretaker right now!"

    Isabelle declared with a harumph, turning her noble young master, who had royal blood flowing through him, into a simple butler in a matter of seconds.

    Cassius blinked at Isabelle''s bold declaration, his usual smirk faltering as he stared at her in genuine surprise.

    "Wait¡­When did I become your personal butler?" He asked, his eyes wide in disbelief.

    Isabelle crossed her arms and tilted her head, her newfound confidence making her seem far less flustered than before.

    "The moment you decided you were going to feed me, of course!" She replied matter-of-factly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Only a butler, or perhaps a caretaker, would stoop to such tasks. And since you''re clearly neither a maid nor a cook, I''m left with no other conclusion."

    "...Or is that serving a maid like me is too low of a job for you, young master, since if it is, I can most definitely feed myself."

    Isabelle pouted like a child and turned away in an adamant and spoilt manner, resembling a noble''s daughter who did whatever she did on her whims.

    Cassius blinked at her pout, then let out a soft chuckle, his usual coldness melting as he relaxed into his normal, playful demeanor. He shifted slightly, adjusting Isabelle on his lap as he looked at her with an amused glint in his eyes.

    "Well, we can''t have that, can we?" He said with mock seriousness. Then, to Isabelle''s surprise, he leaned forward slightly and bowed his head while still keeping her firmly seated on his lap. One hand rested theatrically on his chest as he intoned, ''''It would be my utmost honour to serve my young lady for today.''''

    Isabelle raised an eyebrow, trying to keep her composure, though a small, victorious smile played on her lips.

    Cassius lifted his head, meeting her gaze with a playful grin.

    "So, my lady, what is your command? What shall this humble butler serve you next?'''' He gestured grandly to the spread of food on the table.

    "Well..." Isabelle said, pretending to deliberate as she glanced at the dishes. "Since you''re offering, I suppose I''ll let you make up for your earlier teasing with something sweet." She crossed her arms, her voice adopting a mock-haughty tone. "That is, if you think you can manage it, young master."

    Cassius let out a dramatic sigh, one hand pressing against his forehead as though her words had deeply wounded him as he said,

    "You doubt my abilities as your caretaker already? I''m crushed, my lady."

    Isabelle rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a giggle at his theatrics.

    "Then prove me wrong. Feed me something sweet, and maybe I''ll forgive you...I wouldn''t mind trying the fruit tarts next."

    Cassius obliged, picking up a dainty tart and holding it to her lips, feeding her with the same care as before. Isabelle took a bite, savouring the tangy sweetness of the fruit.

    "Mmm, this one''s really good." She murmured, her eyes lighting up.

    "Is it now? Cassius asked with a faint smile, watching her with amused affection.

    She nodded eagerly before tilting her head at him.

    "But I need you to try it too, young master. I need to know if you agree."

    Cassius sighed with feigned exasperation. "Again? You really do enjoy making me break all the rules of propriety, don''t you?" But he took a bite nonetheless, chewing thoughtfully. "It''s excellent, young lady. The crust is buttery and just the right amount of crisp, the cream''s sweetness isn''t overpowering, and the fruit adds a refreshing burst of flavor...Your taste in desserts is impeccable."

    Isabelle''s cheeks glowed with pride, and she clapped her hands together like a child who had just received high praise.

    "I knew you''d like it!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And so the process repeated itself. Isabelle would pick a dish, Cassius would feed her, she would insist he try it as well, and he would offer her his approval with a teasing or affectionate comment.

    The atmosphere between them grew lighter, warmer, filled with playful laughter and quiet smiles.

    ...But not everyone shared in their joy.

    Edmund, who had been quietly standing guard in the corner of the room, watched the scene unfold with a face that seemed carved from stone.

    His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and his jaw tightened with every shared laugh and every lingering glance between Isabelle and Cassius.

    ''This¡­This is torture.'' He thought bitterly. ''Death would be kinder than this.''

    The woman he loved was here, smiling brighter than he''d ever seen, but not because of him. She wasn''t looking his way, wasn''t even sparing him a thought. Her entire world, in this moment, revolved around another man¡ªCassius.

    And yet, as much as he longed to intervene, Edmund remained rooted in place, forced to endure the sight of the person he cherished most finding happiness in someone else...Just what kind of life was this?

 Chapter 23 Unintended Consequences

    Pop~

    The sudden crackle of the fireplace broke through their lively conversation, making both Isabelle and Cassius glance toward the dancing flames. The sparks flared up briefly, as though the fire itself had grown impatient with being ignored.

    Isabelle blinked, realising how long they''d been sitting there.

    "It''s already so late." Isabelle murmured, her voice tinged with surprise. She turned her attention back to Cassius, who was leaning comfortably back in his chair, a small, amused smile on his lips. "I didn''t even notice the time. Young master, you...You really know a lot about cooking." She added, still surprised by their long discussion.

    Cassius chuckled softly, resting his chin on his hand as he regarded her with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

    "Why does that surprise you so much? Did you think I was only good for bossing people around?"

    "Well..." Isabelle began hesitantly, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "...You do spend most of your time giving orders. But I didn''t expect you to have such practical skills. It''s really impressive, actually, especially in a time where many people consider cooking to be a lowly task."

    "Impressive, huh?" Cassius''s smirk widened. "So I''ve managed to surprise my charming maid...That''s a rare feat. I''ll take that as a compliment."

    "You should. I didn''t think young masters like you even stepped foot in kitchens, let alone knew how to prepare dishes." Isabelle laughed softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

    Cassius leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hasten as he said,

    "Let''s just say I''ve had my fair share of experiences...Life isn''t always as predictable as it seems, Isabelle."

    Before she could respond, another loud crackle from the fireplace reminded them of the hour.

    Isabelle straightened, her cheeks flushing slightly as she averted her gaze and said,

    "I suppose we should call it a night. It''s getting late, and you''ve already spent so much time here."

    Cassius tilted his head, studying her with a soft expression that momentarily betrayed his usual playful demeanour.

    "Are you trying to send me away, Isabelle?" He teased, though his tone was unusually gentle.

    "N-No, young master." Isabelle stammered, though she couldn''t quite hide the shy smile that played on her lips. "I just don''t want to take up too much of your time...You''re probably needed elsewhere, after all."

    "Perhaps. But right now, I think I''m exactly where I need to be."

    Cassius let out a quiet laugh, his gaze never leaving hers as she looked away in a fluster. He then shifted slightly, the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips deepening as he added,

    "Though I''d offer you a hand to get up so that we can leave, I''m afraid that''s a bit difficult considering you''re still sitting on my lap, Isabelle."

    "Oh! I-" She stammered, her thoughts a whirlwind of panic.

    The realisation hit Isabelle like a bolt of lightning, her face heating up in an instant. She hadn''t even noticed how naturally she''d remained in such an intimate position, as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

    Her heart gave a slight pang as she prepared to move, reluctant to part from the warmth that had enveloped her so completely while she sat on his lap.

    It wasn''t just the physical warmth that lingered; it was the feeling of safety, of being cocooned in an unspoken sense of closeness. His steady presence had been comforting, like the kind of gentle fire one could curl up beside during a winter storm.

    But she couldn''t stay. She knew she couldn''t. What if her young master thought she was overly familiar? Or worse¡ªclingy? The thought made her chest tighten, and with a burst of determination, she quickly pushed herself to her feet, her heart sinking further as the cold, empty air rushed to replace the warmth she had just left behind.

    Even as she stood, Isabelle couldn''t stop her mind from lingering on the contrast. For a fleeting moment, being so near him had made her feel like she was somewhere safe, somewhere she belonged. But she shook the thought away, forcing herself to refocus, even as a hollow ache settled in her chest.

    But because her movements were so rushed that she miscalculated her space, she stumbled back slightly, and her hips accidentally bumped against the edge of the table.

    Bang~

    The force was enough to send a cup of grape juice teetering over the edge. She watched in slow-motion horror as the glass tipped and spilt its vibrant purple contents directly onto Cassius''s lap, soaking his pants right at his crotch.

    Cassius froze, his expression caught between shock and disbelief as the cold liquid seeped through the fabric. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the room filled only with the sound of the fireplace crackling behind them.

    "I-I''m so sorry, young master!" Isabelle blurted out, her hands flying to her mouth as her eyes darted frantically from the table to his now-ruined pants. "I didn''t mean to¡ªoh no, oh no¡ªwhat do I do?!"

    Cassius let out a soft chuckle as he saw the stain spreading below.

    "It''s fine, really...Though, I must say, perhaps it''s your fault for having a butt so big that it knocks into tables." He teased with a smirk as he stared at her massive ass swaying around in panic.

    Isabelle''s face turned scarlet at his comment, her hands immediately flying to her hips as if to defend herself.

    "Young master!" She exclaimed, her tone flustered and indignant.

    Yet, despite her embarrassment, she couldn''t help the tiny smile tugging at her lips.

    Determined to fix her mistake, Isabelle grabbed a hand towel from the table.

    "Let me clean it up." She said firmly, kneeling down beside him as she began dabbing at the grape juice stain on his pants.

    ''This girl-...Does she know what she''s doing?'' Cassius''s smirk wavered slightly as he stiffened in his chair, the situation quickly escalating beyond his control.

    "Isabelle." He said, his tone calm but edged with tension. "There''s no need for you to do that. Really, I can take care of it myself."

    But Isabelle shook her head ignorantly, her brows furrowed in guilt.

    "No, it''s my fault. I should have been more careful." She insisted, her voice resolute.

    She then continued to rub the damp spot with the towel, her movements focused and oblivious to the strain building on her young master''s face because of her innocent actions.

    ''Ahhh...Does this girl really not know where she''s rubbing me? Or is this her attempt at trying to seduce me?'' Cassius wondered as he witnessed his maid focus on his crotch so much.

    "Isabelle." Cassius repeated, this time his voice sounding slightly strained, his hand gripping the edge of the chair. "Stop it. Seriously...I don''t think you understand what you''re doing right now."

    "I''m almost done!" She replied, still intent on her task.

    But as she pressed the towel against the stained area, she suddenly froze, her hand halting mid-motion.

    Her cheeks flamed anew as an odd sensation registered under her fingertips¡ªa firmness that had absolutely nothing to do with grape juice.

    Her wide eyes darted up to Cassius, who was now staring down at her with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

    "Now do you understand why I told you to stop?"

    He asked dryly, though there was a slight curve to his lips that betrayed his amusement despite the awkwardness of the moment.

    Isabelle''s face burnt brighter than the flames in the nearby fireplace. She quickly pulled her hand away as though she''d been scorched, clutching the towel to her chest.

    "I¡ªI didn''t mean to!" She stammered, her voice barely above a squeak.

    Her wide eyes darted anywhere but at him, yet her mind betrayed her as it raced to process what had just happened.

    She couldn''t help but think about it¡ªher young master, always composed and in control, had reacted to her...The realisation made her heart pound even faster.

    ''Did I really just bring about such a reaction?''

    The thought both mortified and fascinated her, a whirlwind of embarrassment and an unfamiliar sense of pride swirling in her chest.

    "I swear, young master." Isabelle managed to say, her voice trembling as she scrambled to her feet, "I wasn''t trying to¡ª I mean, I didn''t mean for that to happen!"

    Cassius, for his part, seemed far less frazzled. Though his face held a faint flush, his usual smirk had returned in full force.

    "Isabelle." He said, leaning back in his chair with an air of deliberate nonchalance. "I believe you. But it seems that your ''helpfulness'' often leads to...unintended consequences."

    His teasing tone only made Isabelle''s embarrassment worse. She wanted to crawl under the table and disappear, but she couldn''t help stealing a glance at him.

    Her eyes drifted downward, drawn to the subtle tenting of his pants like a moth to a flame. She had never seen a man''s clothing bulge like that before, let alone her young master''s.

    It was so large that it strained against the fabric of his pants, making her wonder if it was even possible for a man''s...thing to be that big.

    Her heart raced faster than a galloping horse, and her breath felt shallow in her chest. The sight both terrified and captivated her; she had never seen anything so substantial, so masculine.

    The way it pressed against his pants, so prominent...It made her simultaneously want to run away and study it closer. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The sheer size of it made her wonder if it would even fit. The thought of her small hand wrapping around such a thick, hard thing made her fingers twitch. She felt a strange, empty ache between her legs, a longing she couldn''t comprehend...

 Chapter 24 For The Mission...

    But as much as Isabelle was trying to be secretive, Cassius noticed Isabelle''s look of avid intrigue as she stared at the bulge in his pants long ago.

    He had also noticed how Edmund was currently staring at the plate in front of him with bloodthirsty hatred, hearing everything that was going on and how his fianc¨¦e had ''accidentatally'' managed to make his wood rise.

    Seeing these two things happen made him wonder if he should go back to the original plan as to why he came here and fulfil his purpose.

    You see, the reason Cassius came over to Edmund''s place wasn''t just to catch both of the culprits in the act and bring back both of their heads for what they did. He also had another purpose in mind, and that was the mission that the Goddess had given him.

    The Goddess had told him to be the messenger of her purpose and spread her gospels all throughout the land.

    Yet, unlike the gods of peace or prosperity, his deity demanded something far less noble: acts of debauchery so outrageous, so scandalous, that his name would echo throughout the continent.

    He was to be her herald, her agent of chaos, and his actions would serve as a living testament to her philosophy.

    It wasn''t exactly the life he''d envisioned, but who was he to defy divine will?

    When he arrived at Edmund''s estate, his plan had been clear: ''humiliate'' Isabelle in front of her lover, break their spirits, and ensure their downfall was as public as it was memorable.

    The act itself wasn''t purely malicious¡ªthese two had blood on their hands. They were the reason the old Cassius no longer existed. Ending their lives would be justice, a righteous sacrifice to the Goddess''s cause.

    ...But then, things had shifted.

    Cassius had come to realise that Isabelle wasn''t the cruel and conniving woman he''d been led to believe...Far from it.

    She was earnest, selfless even, throwing herself into danger for others without a second thought. Her mistakes were born of ignorance, not malice, and when faced with the consequences of her actions, she was willing to repent, even if it meant her life.

    Her courage, her vibrant spirit¡ªit all struck a chord in him, the side of him which was the reason he was chosen as a peacekeeper in his previous world. She wasn''t the type of person he wanted to punish, let alone destroy.

    She was...intriguing.

    So, he''d abandoned the original plan. Taking her life would be a waste, a stain he wasn''t willing to bear so early in his journey.

    But that didn''t mean he was going to forgive her for what she did, as even though she didn''t mean to take the life of the old Cassius, a sin was still a sin, and her punishment that he had decided for her, which would ruin her life forever, was slowly approaching.

    Yet, as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, the situation before him had presented a unique opportunity.

    Isabelle had stumbled into an incredibly compromising position, one where it wouldn''t be unusual for a noble like him to exact punishment¡ªor take liberties.

    And she wasn''t exactly discouraging him. Her lingering glances and the way she fidgeted around told him that much. Beside her, Edmund''s silent rage only added to the tableau, practically daring Cassius to act.

    Cassius exhaled, his smirk widening as he leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. If the Goddess wanted a debauched noble to spread her gospel, then this was as good a place as any to start.

    Isabelle''s actions had created a scenario too perfect to ignore¡ªa scenario where her humiliation, witnessed by her fianc¨¦, would send ripples of scandal far beyond these walls.

    And so, Cassius decided to proceed. For the Goddess. For the mission...And maybe, just maybe, for a bit of his own amusement.

    "Isabelle...You''re quite the naughty little maid, aren''t you?" Cassius suddenly spoke in a low voice, which made Isabelle, who was kneeling down beside him jump in fright. "I let you peek at my crotch since you looked rather curious. But here you are taking advantage of the situation and sneaking glances at it every second.

    "...I didn''t expect you to be so lewd."

    Cassius said with a little smile on his face as he looked down at the flustered Isabelle and stroked her puffy cheeks that were blushing profusely.

    "N-No, young master...I-I wasn''t looking there...I was...I-I was-" Isabelle couldn''t bear to accept the fact that her master had seen such a disgraceful side of her, and she tried to cover it up with some kind of excuse.

    But because she had been staring at his wood for so long and her mind was full of thoughts about what exactly was inside of her master''s pants, she couldn''t come up with anything at all and just stammered as she looked up at her young master with pitiful eyes.

    "Don''t lie to me, Isabelle...Be straightforward with me." Cassius suggested in a gentle voice as he wiped away the tears forming in her eyes for being caught in the act and spoke in such a way like he was telling her to confess her sins for the sake of her sanity. "Are you really going to lie to me even after I pardoned your life after you tried to kill me? Even leaving that aside, are you going to deceive me after the time we had with one another tonight?...Did that really mean nothing to you?"

    Cassius spoke like he was aggrieved that Isabelle had led him on for nothing and was asking if any of her time with him was special or if it was all to appease him so that he would forgive her for the sins she had committed.

    Isabelle, of course, took the bait and immediately refused his words.

    "No, young master! Not at all!" Isabelle exclaimed in a panic when her master misunderstood her intentions.

    "T-This night..." Isabelle''s voice softened, her lips quivered as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "This night... I don''t know how young master feels about everything that happened. B-But what I will say is..." She hesitated, then looked up with a sudden surge of courage. "This humble maid of yours will never forget this night."

    She paused, her delicate fingers fidgeting with the hem of her skirt as her voice dropped to a whisper.

    "Not because I came face to face with death tonight, nor because I was granted forgiveness for trying to take your life... But because of the time I got to spend with you, young master. A time that allowed me to glimpse a side of you that few¡ªif any¡ªhave ever seen."

    Her blue eyes, shimmering with emotion, locked onto his. There was a vulnerability in her gaze, but also a flicker of resolve, as if she was baring her soul to him. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "So please..." She pleaded, her voice thick with emotion. "Don''t say this night means nothing to me. For this lowly maid, it is everything. Though fleeting, it''s the most cherished night of my life, and I will carry the memory of it with me always."

    As she spoke, her thoughts drifted to the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced. The night that should have marked her end had instead become a moment of awakening. She had faced the man who could have easily ended her life, only to discover his hidden depths¡ªa man who shattered her preconceived notions of nobility, who praised her in ways that made her heart flutter, and who had unknowingly given her a sense of purpose.

    And as much as she felt unworthy, she knew in her heart: if fate allowed her, she would gladly devote the rest of her life to him¡ªnot out of duty, but out of the quiet, budding affection that had taken root within her.

    "Wow, Isabelle...After hearing what you have to say about tonight, I''m starting to wonder if you really want Edmund over there as your fianc¨¦e or someone else, who you''re obviously so much more interested in."

    Cassius looked down at her flustered face and teased, not expecting to hear such a devoted proposal from Isabelle.

    "N-No, young master...I wouldn''t dare think about taking such an important and prestigious position by your side."

    Isabelle quickly informed him as she felt her master play with her cheeks, which she honestly really liked. She then sighed as she recalled the position she was in and looked up at him with a loveable smile on her face as she said wryly,

    "I''m simply happy to be your beloved maid, young master, and I would be more than satisfied if I could stay by your side as your servant for the rest of my life...I-I wouldn''t dare to ask for anything else than that."

    As Isabelle spoke those words, a bittersweet ache welled up in her chest. Her voice was steady, but deep down, she could feel the weight of her own heart''s unspoken desires.

    A small, hidden part of her yearned for something more¡ªa dream so fragile that she dared not speak it aloud. To be someone truly close to her young master, someone cherished, someone loved, like his wife...It was a foolish thought, she reminded herself, one unworthy of her position.

    The reality of her station as his maid loomed like an insurmountable wall, keeping her dreams at bay. Yet, the solace she found in her current role¡ªbeing by his side, serving him, seeing his smiles, and hearing his laughter¡ªwas enough to bring a strange sense of fulfilment. Even if she couldn''t have more, she would treasure these fleeting moments.

    Her hands clenched slightly against her skirt as she glanced at him, her lovable smile masking the quiet longing in her heart.

    ''This is fine.'' She thought to herself, trying to silence the ache. ''At least I can stay by his side like this, even if it''s only as his servant. That''s enough...isn''t it?''

    Still, as his fingers brushed against her cheek, tender and playful, her heart betrayed her, skipping a beat. She knew her devotion to him was far greater than her words could ever convey, but for now, she convinced herself that the distance between them was one she could endure. Even if it meant hiding her feelings forever¡­

 Chapter 25 Inevitable Hatred

    Cassius''s sharp eyes caught the flicker of emotion that passed through Isabelle''s gaze¡ªthe brief but unmistakable shadow of longing she tried to hide behind her smile.

    It wasn''t the first time he had noticed her devotion running deeper than her words suggested, but tonight, it was clearer than ever. She cared for him in a way that went beyond loyalty or duty, and it stirred something unfamiliar in his chest.

    Still, as much as he wanted to keep someone as steadfast and devoted as Isabelle by his side, Cassius hesitated. His path was not one meant for someone like her.

    It was a journey marked by decisions that would upset many, perhaps even destroy lives.

    He was destined to become someone terrible¡ªa lecherous villain in the eyes of many, a man willing to shoulder the burdens of the fate of the world and the hatred of the women of the world to achieve his debaucherous goals.

    But at the same time, he couldn''t help but think that he could most definitely make her happy, even with the chaos his life would bring.

    He knew he had the means to protect her, to shield her from the worst parts of his world, and to bring some light into her life. The idea of her staying by his side, her presence softening the harshness of his path, was tempting.

    But he also knew he couldn''t force her. If Isabelle was to stay, it had to be her choice. He wouldn''t take away her freedom or push her into a life she might one day resent.

    Whatever she decided, he would respect it. If she chose to remain by his side, he would do everything in his power to make her happy. And if she chose to leave, he would let her go, no matter what.

    ...But at the same time, he was also sure that this little maid of his would surely come to hate him and despise him more then anything in the world after receiving the appropriate punishment for her murder of the previous Cassius.

    He didn''t want to make her suffer, as he was fond of her vibrant spirit. Yet, if he overlooked the sin she had committed, he would be betraying the memory of Cassius¡ªthe one who had given him a second chance at life. His unwavering principles wouldn''t allow that.

    Thus, he resigned himself to the inevitable: her life would be ruined. With a heavy sigh, he braced for what lay ahead, fully aware that the events of the coming days would surely ignite her hatred for him, perhaps more than anything else in the world.

    And if, beyond all that, she still harbored any fondness for him...Well, that would be nothing short of a miracle.

    Cassius studied her face, noting the flicker of conflict in her eyes. He decided to give her space to work through her feelings. After all, this was her choice to make, not his.

    He then chuckled softly, leaning closer to Isabelle, his warm breath brushing against her skin.

    "Regardless of whether you choose to stay as my maid or aspire for something more, your words tonight have touched me, Isabelle. They''re worth a little reward, don''t you think?"

    Before she could respond, he gently pressed a kiss to her cheek, lingering just enough to make her heart race. Isabelle froze, her eyes wide and her blood racing as his lips left a trail of warmth on her skin.

    Warmth spread across her face, making her cheeks burn as if his kiss had left a mark only she could feel. She didn''t dare move, afraid the feeling would disappear if she did. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Pulling back slightly, Cassius studied her reaction with a mix of amusement and intrigue, the playful smirk on his lips softening ever so slightly.

    "What''s this? Did you not like your reward?" He asked, his tone light and teasing, but his gaze holding a flicker of genuine curiosity.

    Isabelle froze at his words, the warmth of the kiss still lingering on her cheek like a mark of fire. Her heart thudded violently in her chest, each beat echoing louder in her ears as she struggled to process the moment.

    The question caught her off guard, but it wasn''t just the words¡ªit was the way he looked at her, as if her answer truly mattered to him.

    Without thinking, her lips moved before her mind could catch up.

    "N-No, young master! I..." Her voice wavered, trembling with the weight of her emotions. She swallowed hard, her gaze darting between his expectant eyes and the floor, and then the truth spilt out, raw and unfiltered, as she said, "I actually wouldn''t mind devoting the rest of my life to you i-if it meant receiving rewards like this from you!...That''s how much your reward means to me!"

    The moment the confession escaped her, Isabelle''s eyes widened in panic, and she clapped her hands over her mouth, as if she could somehow take it back. Her heart thudded painfully as she realised what she had just said. Yet, despite the overwhelming embarrassment, a small part of her, a quiet, daring part, felt relieved to have spoken her truth, even if only for a fleeting moment.

    She couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze, instead staring down at her trembling hands, her mind screaming at her for being so bold. But the warmth spreading through her chest refused to fade, leaving her both mortified and oddly at peace with her impulsive honesty.

    Cassius leaned back, his smirk never faltering as he observed Isabelle, clearly amused by her flustered reaction.

    ''How cute.'' He thought to himself, his eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and teasing. ''She''s so honest, even when she''s embarrassed. It''s rare to find someone as sincere as she is.'' He couldn''t help but feel a soft warmth in his chest, seeing her so vulnerable yet still so devoted.

    ''She''s really something else.'' He thought, marvelling at how she so easily managed to surprise him. ''But I wouldn''t have it any other way.''

    On the other side of the room, Edmund''s fury boiled over as he watched Isabelle speak so freely to Cassius, her words so sincere and unguarded.

    ''What is she doing?'' He seethed internally, his jaw clenching as he fought to maintain his composure. ''She''s...She''s really saying that?'' His mind refused to believe what he was witnessing, the image of her devotion to Cassius burning into his thoughts.

    ''She''s supposed to be mine. Why is she offering herself to him like this?'' Edmund''s anger twisted into something darker, the thought of his fianc¨¦e being so openly affectionate toward another man filling him with resentment.

    ''I can''t stand this.'' The more he watched, the more his anger festered, his hands balling into fists as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

    "I appreciate your honesty, Isabelle, as much as I value the sentiment behind your words." Cassius said in a tender manner as he gently stroked her golden hair, which made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. "But could you be honest one more time and tell me where exactly you were glancing a little while ago?"

    "...You said that you weren''t looking at any place when I asked you, but is that really the truth?"

    Cassius brought her back to his initial question that started this whole flurry of emotions.

    But unlike before, when Isabelle was stumped and didn''t dare tell the truth because of how shameful it was, this time she felt much more comfortable with speaking of what she did. It wasn''t that she didn''t feel embarrassed anymore, but she just trusted that her young master wouldn''t look at her any differently if she were to admit the truth.

    "I-I was looking at the protrusion in your pants, young." Isabelle finally admitted as she played with her fingers to hide her embarrassment. "I was looking at the bump that had come up when I rubbed that place."

    "I see...Well there''s nothing wrong with taking a glance at it, as even I would sneak a peek if one of your plump breasts popped out of your dress."

    Cassius said as he traced his hand down her cheeks and slid it down her smooth breasts. While Isabelle was shocked by his actions but didn''t do anything against it and simply accepted him playing with her chest in silence, he continued saying,

    "But to keep on glancing it over and over again like you''re trying to copy the answers of someone else in a test...Is there any reason you had such an avid interest in the bulge in my pants?"

    "W-Well, young master, it''s actually the first time I had seen such a sight..." Isabelle trailed off as she glanced at the boner in his pants once again with a look of awe in her blue eyes.

    "Huh? It''s the first time you''re seeing such a thing?" Cassius asked, even though he already knew that was true, and then looked at Edmund who looked like he was about to blow up any second with a mocking smile and continued asking, "But what about Edmund?...Isn''t he your fiancee?"

    Isabelle''s face turned crimson, her eyes widening at Cassius''s question.

    "N-No! Young master, we don''t...We''ve never..." She stammered, her voice rising in desperation as she waved her hands frantically. She leaned forward slightly, as if trying to emphasise her point.

    "Edmund hasn''t laid a single finger on me! Not even once! The church strictly forbids such acts before marriage, and I¡ª" She hesitated, her gaze locking onto Cassius''s. "I''ve always followed those rules...I''m still...pure."

    Her voice grew quieter at the last word, but her determination to make him understand shone through.

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her adamant declaration.

    Meanwhile, Edmund''s fists clenched tightly at his sides, his face contorted in rage. Her words were like daggers to his pride.

    ''Why does she sound so desperate for him to know that? Why does she care what he thinks?'' His teeth ground together as his chest burnt with humiliation and fury.

    Isabelle''s insistence on proving her purity to Cassius, of all people, felt like a betrayal, an insult that he couldn''t ignore.

    ''Does she even remember I''m standing right here?'' He thought bitterly, his anger simmering dangerously.

    "Oh? The size caught you off guard, did it?" Cassius asked, wanting to see her flustered face even more. "Care to elaborate on what exactly you mean by that?"

 Chapter 26 Wheres My Ear?

    Isabelle''s face turned red, and her hands fluttered nervously as she tried to find the right words. "W-Well, I mean..." She stammered, glancing anywhere but at him. "It''s just that...It was so-so prominent, young master! I wasn''t expecting something so l-large to be so obvious, even through your clothes." She gestured vaguely toward his lap, her embarrassment mounting with every word.

    "And the shape..." She continued, her voice rising slightly in her flustered state. "I mean, it''s just so defined! I couldn''t help but notice, and it really surprised me because I didn''t think..." Her words faltered, and she covered her face with her hands, groaning softly. "I-I didn''t think that those things men have in their pants would be so big!"

    Cassius''s smirk widened as he leaned back, thoroughly enjoying her spiralling explanation.

    "Prominent? Defined? My, Isabelle, I had no idea you were so observant...It''s almost as if you''re trying to write a poem about my manhood." He teased, his tone light but brimming with mischief.

    Isabelle let out a mortified squeak, shaking her head furiously.

    "N-No, young master! I''m just trying to explain why I reacted like I did!" She protested, her voice tinged with desperation. "It''s not like I was trying to look or anything!" She said even though she kept on glancing at his crotch as she said so.

    Meanwhile, Edmund sat in stunned, seething silence, his rage bubbling over as he watched his fianc¨¦e describe another man''s physique in such agonising detail. His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched as he struggled to contain himself.

    ''How is this happening right in front of me?'' He thought, his fury barely held in check.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more calculated but still teasing.

    "Well..." He began, his voice smooth and deliberate. "...whether you were interested in the sight you saw or not isn''t really important, Isabelle." He paused, watching her squirm under his gaze, before leaning in just enough to make her heartbeat quicken. "But whether you''re willing to take responsibility for what you caused...now that is important, if you know what I mean."

    Isabelle blinked, her mind struggling to process Cassius''s words. She gulped as she shifted nervously, her gaze darting to the now-dried grape juice stain on his trousers before flicking back up to his smirking face.

    "W-What exactly do you mean by that, young master?" She stammered, her voice hesitant but curious.

    "What else, Isabelle? I can explain the stain on my pants as an accident...But how do you expect me to walk back to my mansion with a full hard-on?" Cassius asked as he pointed at his log, sticking out like he were asking who was going to take responsibility. He then looked at her trembling figure with a keen look in his eyes and said, "Don''t you think that someone has to help me settle my little brother down there...Someone who caused it in the first place."

    "...Or is it that you''re going to refuse and let the servants in the mansion see me in such a disgraceful state?" Cassius asked, throwing all the responsibility on the poor little maid before him.

    "No, young master, not all! This humble servant won''t let that happen as long as she lives!" Isabelle let out a shout despite how shy she felt because of the meaning behind the words she said. She then coyly looked towards the direction Edmund was sitting and said, "I-It''s just that Edmund is sitting here, and I don''t know if it would be appropriate to do such a d-dirty favour in front of him...I think it would be better if we went somewhere else private or-"

    "Isabelle, you bitch!" Edmund''s composure finally snapped, his face contorted with a mix of fury and disbelief. His hands trembled as they clenched into fists on the table, and his voice, previously restrained, erupted in anger. "Have you completely lost your mind?..What in the world are you saying?"

    He shot to his feet, the chair screeching against the floor as he stood. His glare was venomous, aimed directly at Isabelle below, though it briefly flickered toward Cassius with unmasked hostility.

    "You call yourself my fianc¨¦e, yet here you are, spouting such shameless nonsense as if I don''t even exist!" He spat, his voice rising with each word. His fingers curled around the edge of the table as though he was mere moments away from overturning it entirely. "And you, Cassius!" He snarled, his anger now directed at the young master. "How dare you sit there and encourage this disgraceful behavior? Have you no shame-"

    Shing~

    Before Edmund could finish his tirade, a sudden, sharp whistle sliced through the air. The sound was so swift, so precise, that he barely registered it before something blurred past his head.

    The room fell into a suffocating silence, broken only by the solid thunk of metal embedding itself into the wall behind him. Edmund froze, his body stiff with an inexplicable sense of dread. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned toward the source of the sound, his breath caught in his throat.

    There, quivering in the wall, was a fork. Its prongs were buried deep, as though thrown with the force of a weapon.

    But that wasn''t what made his stomach churn and his blood run cold. Impaled upon the fork was a severed ear, the jagged edges still dripping crimson.

    Drip~ Drip~

    Edmund''s mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the horrific sight before him. He raised a shaking hand to the side of his head, his fingers brushing against slick, warm blood. The absence of his left ear hit him like a thunderclap.

    His legs threatened to buckle as a strangled gasp escaped him. "M-My ear..." He stammered, his voice trembling, his hand now pressing against the wound in disbelief.

    Across the table, Cassius sat as though nothing unusual had occurred, his posture relaxed, his silver eyes gleaming with a chilling sharpness, akin to the weapon he had so effortlessly wielded. His fingers idly traced the edge of his wine glass as his gaze settled on Edmund with unnerving calm. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As Edmund''s trembling lips parted, likely to spew more accusations or curses, Cassius''s voice cut through the air like a blade.

    "Not. A. Word."

    The words were low and deliberate, yet carried an authority that froze Edmund in place. Cassius leaned forward, his hand moving to grasp another fork from the table, twirling it lazily between his fingers like a predator toying with its prey.

    "Sit back down and listen as your fianc¨¦e sucks my cock off." He commanded, his tone ice-cold and devoid of humour. His silver eyes glinted with a lethal promise as he added, "Unless, of course, you''d prefer the next one to go straight through your neck."

    The fork in his hand stilled, poised as though ready to fly, and the faint smirk tugging at his lips sent a shiver through Edmund''s spine.

    In that instant, Edmund felt as though he were staring into the eyes of the devil himself. Any thoughts of retaliation, of reclaiming his pride, vanished like smoke in the wind. His body trembled uncontrollably, and the defiance that had burnt so brightly within him moments ago was doused entirely.

    Without another word, Edmund sank back into his chair, his hands trembling as they pressed against the still-bleeding wound where his ear had once been. Hot tears spilt from his eyes, and he sniffled pitifully, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as the reality of his situation set in.

    Blood trickled from his wound, dripping onto the pristine white tablecloth and pooling on his plate. He tried to stifle his sobs, but the humiliation and fear overwhelmed him, and his quiet cries filled the otherwise silent room.

    His pitiful sobs filled the air, but they barely registered to Isabelle, who remained seated on the ground, her expression a mixture of confusion and concern.

    She adjusted her position, trying to crane her neck to see what had caused such a shift in the atmosphere. "W-What''s happening?" She asked hesitantly, her hands pressing against the floor as she prepared to push herself up.

    Before she could rise, Cassius''s voice cut through the tension, firm yet tinged with the same calm authority he always wielded.

    "It''s nothing you should bother yourself about, Isabelle." His gaze didn''t even flicker toward Edmund; it remained fixed on her, as if the chaos behind him didn''t warrant any attention. He then grinned and said, "Rather, I think you should be working on the ''problem'' you''ve created, as even your fianc¨¦e doesn''t seem to mind what you''re about to do."

    "...Isn''t that right, Edmund? You don''t mind me borrowing your fianc¨¦e''s mouth for a minute, right?" Cassius asked, to which he didn''t get a reply, or more like Edmund didn''t dare to reply, as his life wasn''t even in his own hands anymore.

    "See, Isabelle...Even Edmund isn''t saying anything against what you''re about to do, so there''s really no need for any hesitation."

    Even though Cassius said that Edmund had accepted the circumstances, she knew that he was most definitely silenced by Cassius''s overbearing nature.

    But she didn''t know if it was because of her sincere desire to help her master out or if she was simply craving to see just how big her young master was; she completely ignored the fact that Edmund was right by her side, and she stared at the tent in Cassius''s pants with trembling eyes¡­

 Chapter 27 The Monster In His Pants

    "I-I want to help you out, young master." Isabelle stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she continued to stare at the bulge in his pants. "But I don''t know what to do...Y-You said something about using my mouth?"

    "Yes, Isabelle, I want you to use your lips." Cassius said as he played with her lips, his fingers tracing the shape of her mouth, occasionally dipping inside to touch her tongue. "Not to kiss me, which I would say would give me the utmost joy as well, but to suck my cock as you wrap your lips around my shaft until it settles down." He continued saying as he pulled his fingers away, only to bring them back to her lips, his thumb pressing against her top lip while his index finger teased her bottom lip.

    Blushing furiously at his explicit words, she spoke in a soft tone, "I-I''ll do it...I''ll s-suck it like you say, young master, if that''s the only way it can settle down." Her voice trembled slightly. "B-But the problem is that it looks so big, and I don''t know if I can fit it in my mouth." Isabelle said as she stared at the behemoth that was trying to escape from the cage it was in.

    Her mind raced as she stared at the enormous member, trying to imagine taking it into her mouth. ''Young master can''t be serious...There''s no way something that big can fit in my mouth. It''s huge!'' She thought to herself, panic starting to set in.

    "Isabelle, stop coming to your own conclusions and scaring yourself to death when you haven''t even seen it with your own eyes." Cassius said as he stared at Isabelle, who was flexing her jaw with a terrified look on her face, mentally imagining taking his dick in a cute manner. He then sighed and continued saying, "First take my cock out and have a look at it yourself before you say anything about it...Once you get to see it, you won''t think it''s too bad."

    Even though Cassius said that he knew that Isabelle was scared stiff right now because of her inexperience. Even the way she looked at his crotch like there was a monster ready to jump out on her was enough to tell her that she would probably faint if he were to take out his dick right now, which even he had to admit was rather intimidating to look at because of how abnormally large it was.

    That was why he decided to allow Isabelle to get used to his dick first by taking her dainty hand, while she was in a daze, and placing it right on top of his tent.

    "Ah!~"

    Isabelle''s hands trembled when she noticed Cassius had placed them on his bulging crotch, and she let out a cute little yelp when she felt the hard sensation in her hands. She thought of immediately taking her hands away when she felt the unfamiliar object in her hand, treating it like some kind of bug because of how scared she was.

    But when she saw her young master look down at her with a solemn and knowing gaze like he were giving her a test, she knew that he was aware of how confused she was at this moment and was giving this opportunity to familiarise herself with the opponent that she was going to meet.

    This deeply touched her as she knew that her young master could''ve just forced her to do what he wanted her to do without caring about what she thought at all. But he went out of his way to consider what she was feeling and was trying to help her out when she was the one who had caused this mess.

    This warmed her heart at how benevolent and kind her young master was to her. She also decided that she didn''t want to waste his grace and finally gathered the courage to check out her young master''s package.

    Touch~ Touch~

    Her small hands began to slowly explore the shape beneath the fabric of his pants, fingers tracing along the length of him. She could feel it pulsating slightly, and her breath caught in her throat at the thought of what it must be doing.

    Her small hands reached the tip, and she could feel the blunt head through the fabric, the way it sat heavy and full. She curled her fingers around it, marvelling at the size and the way it throbbed under her touch...''There''s a bump here.''

    Touch~ Touch~ S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her fingers lingered at the tip, gently rubbing it through the fabric, feeling how sensitive it was. A small gasp escaped her lips as she realised how this small gesture seemed to make his whole body tense. "Oh...It''s so sensitive here." She whispered, continuing her gentle exploration.

    Her hands slowly moved down from the tip, tracing the thick vein that ran along his shaft. The feel of his hardened length beneath her fingers made her heart race¡ªshe could barely imagine what it would feel like without the fabric barrier. ''It''s...so long...I wonder if...''

    She tried to press her hands further down his length, to feel the base, but it was trapped beneath his waistband, and she couldn''t reach. The fabric of his pants seemed to swallow up the bottom part of his shaft, leaving only the thick upper portion for her to explore.

    A small pout formed on her lips as she realised she couldn''t touch all of him properly through the fabric. Her palms pressed firmly against the part of him she could reach, feeling the considerable weight and length that was hidden. She bit her lip in frustration, longingly whispering.

    Of course that look of longing on her face couldn''t escape Cassius, who was enjoying the massage he was getting as she looked down and said to her with his lips curled up,

    "Oh, Isabelle. It seems like you''re finally ready to see the full package...Since you seem like you can''t wait anymore, just unbutton my pants and take my cock out yourself."

    Blushing deeply, she nodded slowly, her small hands reaching for the button of his pants. As she tried to undo it, she found it quite resistant, the fabric stretched taut over the massive bulge.

    Shuffle~ Shuffe~

    Her fingers fumbled with the button, pulling and tugging, but it seemed glued shut beneath the enormous pressure. She could see the outline of his massive length straining against the fabric, making it impossibly hard to unfasten.

    Slip~

    With a grunt of effort, she finally managed to pry the button open, but in her haste, she yanked the zipper too hard. The whole fly flew open, and his pants and underwear both swung wide open, revealing his thick, veiny cock springing free.

    Whoosh~

    Her eyes widened dramatically at the sudden revelation. Her mouth formed a small ''O'' shape as she staring in sheer amazement at his immense size.

    She couldn''t even finish her sentence, her mind reeling from the sight before her. His cock was easily the size of her forearm, thick and long, with prominent veins running along its length. The head was bulbous and engorged, a thick droplet of precum glistening at the tip.

    Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she took in every inch of his massive member. She reached out a trembling hand, as if to touch it, but pulled back at the last second, intimidated by its size.

    Her hand hovered in mid-air, unsure of where to even start. "How...How is this even possible?" She whispered, her voice barely audible.

    She looked up at Cassius, wide-eyed, suddenly realising that she was about to face something much bigger than she had ever imagined.

    "I... I''ve never seen anything so..." She swallowed hard, her fingers finally moving forward, just barely brushing against the base of your shaft. "So enormous...So wild...S-So raw."

    Despite her shyness and intimidation, her curiosity got the better of her as she slowly wrapped her hand around his manhood. She was mortified that she was touching her young master''s privates, but her curiosity about the size and feel of his dick was undeniable.

    Cassius looks down at her with a smirk, his voice low and playful "Well, Bella? How does it feel? As big as you imagined?" His eyes sparkle with amusement as he watches her struggle to find the right words, her small hand wrapped around his thick shaft.

    Her hand moved slowly up and down your shaft, barely able to fit her fingers around it. Her voice was soft and barely above a whisper, "It''s...m-much bigger than I imagined. When I first saw it, I thought..." She blushed harder."...I thought that I was dreaming for a second."

    Cassius chuckled, his voice deep and rumbling. "There''s no mistake, my dear maid. This is just me, in all my raw, unadulterated glory." He watched as her small hand struggled to wrap around his massive length, his smirk growing wider.

    Her hand slowly stroked his massive shaft, her mind racing with questions. "Are all men this big? Or are you just...abnormally large, young master?"

    Her innocent curiosity was adorable, her wide eyes staring at his massive member with a mix of shock and awe, while Edmund''s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he tried¡ªand failed¡ªto keep his composure.

    Every word she uttered stabbed at his pride like a cruel dagger, her innocent curiosity feeding the gnawing insecurities lurking in the back of his mind.

    His fianc¨¦e''s voice, soft and awed, echoed in his mind: ''Are you just¡­abnormally large, young master?'' The way she said it, almost reverent, sent a chill through him¡ªnot of jealousy alone, but of a bitter realisation.

    ''That bastard Cassius wouldn''t even need his power to steal her from me¡­.

    The thought festered, dark and insidious. No amount of titles or wealth could change what now seemed painfully clear to him.

    His mind conjured images he didn''t want¡ªCassius standing there, exuding effortless dominance, while his fianc¨¦e''s small hand struggled to handle the sheer size of him, her blush deepening with every passing second.

    Edmund felt a sick twist of inadequacy. It wasn''t just power Cassius had over him¡ªit was everything.

    His breath came faster, harsher, as frustration and helplessness warred within him. How could he compare to that? How could he hope to satisfy her, to keep her loyal, when she was so clearly captivated by Cassius''s sheer presence? The very thought made his stomach churn.

    Edmund''s eyes burnt with rage, his heart pounding so loud he was certain they''d hear it at any moment.

    Yet even in his fury, he couldn''t bring himself to burst out. Instead, he stewed in silence, every passing second adding fuel to the fire of his envy, frustration, and bitter self-doubt¡­

 Chapter 28 Warm And Alive

    Cassius, seeing the mix of awe and innocence in her eyes, decided to play along, his smirk broadening. "Oh, this?" He gestured nonchalantly towards his imposing erection. "I suppose I''m just about average where I come from."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened even further, disbelief mixing with the shock.

    "Average?" She echoed, her voice tinged with suspicion as her hand gently continued its exploratory journey along his length. She could barely circle her fingers around him, her touch light and tentative, as if she feared she might break something so large. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes, average...Nothing to take notice of." Cassius reaffirmed, his tone teasing, enjoying the embarrassment written all over her face and the way her eyes darted between his face and his cock. "But I must say, you seem quite taken by it, don''t you?"

    Hearing his words, she bit her lower lip, her hand moving a little more confidently now, the curiosity overcoming her initial hesitation.

    "I...I''ve never...seen anything like this, Young Master. It''s not just the size, it''s..." She paused, searching for words, her fingers tracing one of the prominent veins. "It''s everything. The thickness, the veins, the...the way it feels."

    "And how does it feel, Isabelle? Do tell me more about how it feels to you." Cassius chuckled, his voice a low, sultry rumble.

    Her face was now a deep shade of crimson, her breath quickening as she continued to explore.

    "It''s hard, yet there''s a warmth...a-and it''s so...so alive. I can feel it pulse under my touch." She looked up at him, her eyes full of questions and wonder. "Does it always feel like this?"

    "Only when it''s eager and ready to bite..." Cassius replied, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper, "...and it seems quite eager for your attention, doesn''t it?"

    Her hand stopped for a moment, her gaze locked with his, the moment charged with an electric tension. She slowly resumed her gentle strokes, her movements more deliberate now, as if she was trying to understand this new world she had entered.

    "I-I feel like I''m touching something forbidden, something I shouldn''t...But I can''t help it." She said in awe and wonder.

    While Isabelle explored this new, bewildering intimacy with Cassius, Edmund sat frozen, his heart a tumultuous sea of emotions.

    The thought of his beloved, her hands on another man, especially one as vile as Cassius, was like a dagger twisting in his gut. His hands clenched into fists under the table, the nails digging into his palms, drawing blood, but he felt none of it.

    The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in his heart.

    He wanted to scream, to leap across the table and pull her away from that monster, but the weight of Cassius''s power and the knowledge of what it would mean for both of them held him back.

    Cassius, his voice thick with a mix of command and arousal, finally broke through the tension, "You''ve had enough time to just look, Isabelle. Time to do something about it, don''t you think?"

    Isabelle''s face burnt a deeper shade of red, the pink saturation spreading down her neck as she was caught between embarrassment and an intense, confusing arousal.

    Her hand, which had been tentatively exploring, now trembled with a mix of fear and excitement. She began to stroke him, her grip initially clumsy, her movements jerky.

    "Stroke!?~ Rub!?~ Slide!?~ Glide!?~ Press!?

    The sight of her struggling only seemed to amuse Cassius more. "Come on, you can do better than that." He taunted, his voice both teasing and demanding. "Show me your skills as a dutiful maid."

    Flustered yet driven by an odd sense of duty mixed with curiosity, Isabelle''s technique started to improve.

    "Swipe!?~ Brush!?~ Slip!?~ Slick!? Swirl!?~"

    Her hand tightened around his massive cock, her fingers finding their place. She began to stroke more confidently, her pace quickening as she adapted to the feel of him. The head of his cock glistened with precum, lubricating her movements, making her strokes smoother, more rhythmic.

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    Cassius watched her with a mixture of pleasure and command, his eyes locked on her face, enjoying the transformation from innocence to something more knowing.

    "That''s it, there you go." He murmured, his voice now a husky whisper of approval. He leaned back, giving her more space, his cock fully erect and throbbing under her touch.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    Isabelle, despite the degradation, found herself oddly empowered. Her strokes became more deliberate, her hand twisting slightly at the head, then sliding back down to the base with a newfound confidence.

    "Slosh!?~ Plop!?~ Drip!?~ Schlurp!?~"

    Her initial awkwardness gave way to a rhythm that elicited small grunts of pleasure from Cassius.

    "Gloop!?~ Squelch!?~ Thwap!?~ Splat!?~"

    The room was filled with the sounds of her hand working him, the slick, wet noises of her strokes, the occasional sharp intake of breath from Cassius.

    Edmund, bound by his rage and helplessness, could only hear all this while his eyes remained fixed on his plate, his heart breaking with each stroke, each sound, witnessing the perversion of their love.

    Cassius, now fully immersed in the moment, let out a low groan, his hips subtly moving to meet her hand. "You see, Isabelle..." He said, his voice thick with lust. "...sometimes all you need is a bit of encouragement."

    Isabelle, her rhythm now steady, felt a strange thrill at the control she was exerting, however forced it might be.

    "Slosh!?~ Plop!?~ Drip!?~ Schlurp!?~"

    Her strokes were no longer just an act of obedience but something of defiance, learning to wield her newfound power in this twisted game.

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    She gulped, but her eyes had a determined glint as she watched the effect she had on Cassius, feeling his cock pulse in her grip, a testament to her growing skill.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    The explicit nature of the act, the raw sounds of flesh against flesh, the sight of Cassius''s pleasure, all painted a picture of a moment both corrupt and strangely intimate, a dark ballet of power, submission, and awakening desire.

    Cassius''s hand slid through Isabelle''s hair, his fingers tangling in her soft locks as he watched her, his cock standing thick and proud in her grasp.

    His voice, smooth as silk but dripping with authority, then cut through the heated air as he said, "It''s about time you put that pretty little mouth to better use, Isabelle. Don''t worry about taking it all in yet. Start slow....Just lick it¡ªlike a popsicle."

    Isabelle''s hand, still wrapped around his length, moved in a slow, dazed rhythm. Her strokes were unsteady, her heart beating like a horse as she gazed at the impressive sight before her. A faint, unfamiliar scent wafted from him¡ªearthy, masculine, and oddly enticing.

    But when she heard her young master''s words, she was thrown for a loop and was left confused. And seeing as she couldn''t find the answer to her question no matter how much she thought about it, she decided to ask her master himself.

    "My lord...Forgive me for my ignorance, but what is a popsicle?" Her soft voice broke the tension, laced with honest bewilderment.

    Cassius froze for a moment, his brow lifting in genuine surprise. A grin spread across his face, the sharp edge of his teeth glinting as amusement flickered in his dark eyes.

    "You don''t know what a popsicle is, Isabelle?" He asked, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. "It''s a frozen treat. Sweet, cold, something you lick to savour. Like ice cream on a stick...Wait, don''t tell me you''ve never had ice cream either."

    She blinked, shaking her head slowly, her strokes faltering as she whispered, "Ice cream? I...I don''t know what that is, my lord." Her curiosity was evident, mingling with the heat in her cheeks as she dared to glance up at him.

    Cassius tilted his head back, laughing softly, a sound both indulgent and teasing as he realised that the inhabitants of this world don''t know about something as simple and delicious as ice cream¡­

 Chapter 29 Like A Popsicle

    "Now this is a tragedy." He murmured, his hand still resting on her head, guiding her strokes ever so slightly. "You''ve been denied one of life''s greatest pleasures. Ice cream is...magic, if I had to say. Pure indulgence."

    "...Sweet, creamy, smooth. It melts on your tongue, leaving behind bursts of flavour that make you crave more."

    Her brows furrowed in wonder, her lips parting as she tried to imagine the treat he described. Her hand continued to glide along him, her grip tightening slightly as she found herself mesmerised by his words.

    "H-How is it made, Young Master?" She asked in a voice small, though her fascination was clear.

    Cassius''s smirk grew, his body shifting forward, pushing his cock subtly into her hand.

    "It starts with cream..." He explained, as he imagined all the ice creams he indulged in back in his world. "Fresh, thick cream, mixed with sugar until it''s as sweet as honey. Then you add flavours¡ªvanilla, chocolate, strawberries, anything your heart desires. You churn it slowly, folding air into the mixture as it freezes, until it becomes a soft, velvety delight."

    Isabelle''s strokes slowed further, her blue eyes widening as she imagined it¡ªthis magical dessert, cold and sweet, melting on her tongue. Her eyes glimmered with awe, her voice a whisper of wonder. "It sounds...like something from a fairy tale. A dish only gods could create."

    Cassius chuckled, his grip tightening in her hair as he tilted her head back to meet his gaze. His thumb brushed the corner of her lips, teasing the soft skin. "Oh, it''s real, Isabelle. And I can make it for you. Just for you." He paused, his grin turning wicked, his voice dropping to a murmur. "But only if you earn it."

    Her blush deepened, the heat in her cheeks spreading to her neck and chest. "Earn it...How, my lord?" She whispered, though the answer was obvious in the way he guided her hand along his shaft.

    "You''re already holding the answer." Cassius said with a smirk, his thumb pressing against her lips until she parted them slightly. "Treat me like I''m your first taste of ice cream. Start slow¡ªuse that curious tongue of yours."

    "...Lick me. Explore me. If you do it right, I''ll show you just how magical ice cream can truly be."

    Her heart raced, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths as she nodded and said with her voice barely audible,"I...I-I''ll try, my lord."

    "That''s my good girl." He said, his grip on her hair firm but gentle as he guided her mouth closer to his cock. "Start at the base. Slowly...Let your tongue savour every inch of me."

    Isabelle hesitated for only a moment before leaning in, her tongue flicking out tentatively to trace the base of his cock.

    Lick!?~

    The taste was foreign, salty, and musky, but not unpleasant. It was overwhelming in its intensity, awakening something primal in her. Her strokes resumed, her hand steadying his length as her tongue began to explore with more confidence.

    "Slurp!?~ Ohhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Guzzle!?~ Yum!?~"

    Cassius groaned low in his throat, his head tilting back as he watched her as she licked his dick. "Good girl." He uttered, his voice thick with pleasure. "That''s it. Take your time. Imagine the sweetness, the coolness, the way it would melt on your tongue...Just like that."

    Her eyes flicked up to him, the praise igniting something warm and unfamiliar in her chest. The promise of this magical dessert lingered in her mind, pushing her forward even as her body trembled with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation.

    "Sip!?~ Ahhh!?~ Sip!?~ Drink!?~ Mmm!?~"

    She licked slowly, deliberately, her tongue tracing every vein, every ridge, as if she were savouring the sweetest treat in the world.

    Cassius''s hand tightened in her hair, a sharp intake of breath escaping him as she worked.

    "That''s my Isabelle." He uttered, as he felt her cold tongue making its rounds around his cock. "Lick me like you crave it. Please me, and I''ll give you something sweeter than you''ve ever imagined."

    "Glug!?~ Ahhh!?~ Glug!?~ Ingest!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her cheeks burnt, her body humming with the strange blend of humiliation and excitement as she obeyed, her tongue worshipping him with newfound determination.

    The thought of ice cream, of its sweetness, mingled with the heat of the moment, driving her to explore him with a fervour she didn''t know she possessed.

    "Quaff!?~ Ohhh!?~ Quaff!?~ Swig!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Isabelle''s lashes fluttered as her tongue ran along the base of Cassius''s cock, the weight of it in her hand grounding her in the moment even as her mind spiralled into forbidden imaginings.

    His words lingered in her head¡ªTreat me like I''m your first taste of ice cream.

    Her heart thudded against her ribs as she obeyed, licking him slowly, deliberately, as though she could taste sweetness where there was none.

    "Imbibe!?~ Ahhh!?~ Imbibe!?~ Swallow!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her strokes became firmer, her tongue dragging up the thick vein that pulsed beneath her lips.

    ''This is what it must feel like to pleasure a man.'' She thought. ''To savour something decadent, something forbidden.'' She imagined his cock transformed, a cold, frosty treat¡ªsmooth and sweet, melting against her tongue with every lick.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Her eyes fluttered closed as her tongue swirled over the ridges of his shaft, tracing the contours as though they were etched in frozen cream.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    The heat of him against her mouth contrasted sharply with the icy vision in her mind.

    In her imagination, the salty tang became a burst of sweetness, like vanilla, sharp and rich, but with hints of something deeper¡ªsomething exotic and addictive.

    ''Would ice cream feel like this?...Like an indulgence that coats your tongue, that makes you crave more with every taste?''

    She tilted her head, pressing her lips to the side of his cock, her tongue darting out to wet the skin before dragging her mouth along his length in slow, wet kisses.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    ''I''m learning about Young Master...exploring him. Is this what it means to truly give yourself to someone? To feel every inch, to take it in as though it''s yours to worship?'' The thought sent a shiver down her spine, her nipples tightening beneath the thin fabric of her dress as she licked her way back to the swollen head.

    Her tongue swirled around the tip, teasing the sensitive slit as she imagined it was the syrupy centre of her fantasy popsicle¡ªsomething sweet and forbidden, dripping with a forbidden flavour.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Cassius''s low groan above her, the way his body shifted to meet her tongue, only spurred her further.

    "Slurp!?~ Squelch!?~ Lick!?~ Shluck!?~ Gluck!?"

    She lapped at him with more confidence, and shockingly, her lips parted slightly to take him into her mouth on her own, her tongue pressing against the underside of his cock as she sucked lightly.

    "Sluuurp!?~ Smack!?~ Drip!?~ Gulp!?"

    Not far from her, Edmund''s presence loomed, a storm of rage and heartbreak that Isabelle couldn''t afford to confront.

    His eyes burnt with silent fury, locked on his plate full of salt as he heard her tongue worshipping another man.

    His fists clenched at his sides, nails biting into his palms as his breath came in shallow, uneven bursts.

    ''How could she do this?!'' His mind screamed, his body rigid as if he were frozen in place. ''How could she let herself be taken like this, reduced to this?!''

    Isabelle, oblivious to Edmund''s torment, was lost in her task, her tongue exploring Cassius with a growing hunger. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 30 I Want To Make You Happier

    Isabelle continued licking along the underside of Cassius''s cock, her strokes with her hand becoming more synchronised and firmer, as if she could coax out more of the taste she imagined.

    ''He''s so hot...so alive. I can feel his pulse under my lips, the way his body responds to every touch...I-Is this what he meant by savouring someone else''s body?''

    Cassius''s hand tightened in her hair, his voice low and rough as he groaned, "Yes, Isabelle. Just like that. Don''t stop...Show me how much you crave it."

    His praise sent a pulse of heat through her, her lips closing around the head as her tongue flicked over the slit.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    She sucked lightly, her cheeks hollowing as she took him in deeper, inch by inch, her hand stroking the base to match her mouth''s rhythm.

    Her inner thoughts were a mix of shame and exhilaration: ''Am I really doing this? Does he feel this much because of me?'' The thought sent a wave of unfamiliar pride through her, driving her to please him more.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    Her tongue worked with a newfound fervour, swirling over the head, dragging along the sides, teasing every ridge as though it were the texture of her imagined treat.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    Cassius''s groans deepened, his hips rocking slightly as she took him deeper, her lips sliding further down his length until she gagged lightly, pulling back to catch her breath. Her eyes flicked up to him, meeting his dark, hungry gaze, and the intensity there made her stomach flutter.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Isabelle''s lips slid further down Cassius''s cock, the weight of him filling her mouth as her tongue flattened against the underside, feeling every vein and ridge as she descended.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Her hand at the base tightened, stroking in sync with the wet heat of her mouth. Her determination to please him burnt brighter with every low groan that escaped his lips, spurring her on.

    ''H-He''s enjoying this...because of me. I can do this. I can make him happy.''

    The thought gave her courage, and she pushed herself to take him deeper, her lips stretching to accommodate his girth.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    But suddenly, as she reached the back of her throat, the sensation became overwhelming¡ªher muscles clenched, and she gagged suddenly, her body instinctively pulling back.

    "Cough!~ Cough~" A cough erupted from her lips, her eyes watering as she gasped for air, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

    Cassius immediately released his grip on her hair, his hand moving to the top of her head as he looked down at her, concern evident in his voice. "Isabelle..." He said, his tone softer than before. "Are you alright?" He stroked her head gently, his fingers threading through her hair in a soothing motion.

    She looked up at him, her lips shiny and slightly swollen, her cheeks warm from both the effort and the heat of the moment.

    A small, sheepish smile then tugged at the corners of her mouth as she nodded. "I''m fine, my lord." She said, her voice soft but steady as she glanced at his rock-hard penis. "I just got...a little too greedy."

    Cassius chuckled lowly, the warmth of his amusement easing the tension between them.

    "Greedy, were you?" He teased, his thumb brushing against her cheek as he tilted her chin up slightly. "But there''s really no need for you to take so much of me in when it''s your first time, especially since my cock isn''t going to run away and you can slowly take your time getting used to it. "

    The tint of pink on her face deepened at his words, but she shook her head, her smile growing more sincere despite her shyness.

    "It''s my duty to serve you, my lord." She said, her eyes lowering for a moment before flicking back up to meet his gaze. "For all the sins I''ve committed...It''s my responsibility to satisfy you, to bring you pleasure, to give you anything you desire to make up for the inexcusable sin I have committed."

    Cassius exhaled slowly, his thumb brushing across her flushed cheek, but his smirk returned, softer now, his dominant air still intact.

    His voice was low, steady, and threaded with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver through her.

    "You''re full of surprises, Isabelle." He said. "I can see you''re willing to give all of yourself to please me, but you don''t have to force it. You''re already doing more than enough."

    Her heart thudded harder at the understated warmth and familiarity in his tone, but she shook her head slightly, her lips pressing together before she found the courage to speak.

    "It''s not just for you, my lord." She said softly, her fingers curling tighter around his cock as her voice grew more certain. "It''s my responsibility. I''ve sinned, and this...this is my way of repenting. Of showing you my devotion, or at least that''s what I think of it."

    He tilted her chin slightly, his bright crimson eyes holding hers with a calm intensity.

    "You see this as penance?" He asked, his smirk faint, the edge of it teasing but his gaze steady, unreadable. "I see it as something more than that. But you shouldn''t have to hurt yourself just to satisfy me, Isabelle." He concluded even though what he was going to do soon was going to hurt her more then anything she had experienced before.

    Ignorant to the plans he has for her, Isabelle''s ears burnt brighter, but she forced herself to meet his gaze, her voice lowering, growing softer, more hesitant.

    "It doesn''t hurt me at all, Young Master...A-And honestly, I''m not doing this because I''m being forced." She whispered, her lips trembling as she spoke. "In actuality, when I saw how much you enjoyed it, y-you when I went deeper, it made me want to do more. To give you more. You seemed so pleased, and I-I want to make you happy...Happier than you already were."

    Her words trailed off as the weight of her admission settled between them, her warmth on her face spreading down her neck as she dropped her gaze.

    Cassius was silent for a moment, his thumb brushing her lip, tugging it free from where her teeth had trapped it. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His smirk remained, subtle but unmistakable, his expression unreadable except for the faint flicker of warmth in his eyes, and then came a sigh, as if even though what was building here was something he was looking forward to, it was also something that would be destroyed by what he was about to do in the future, which made him feel a bit sad.

    "You''re an eager little thing, aren''t you?" He said finally, his tone quiet but rich with amusement as he decided to ignore the coming future and focus on the present. "So eager to please, you''re willing to push yourself just to see me satisfied."

    Her breath caught at his words, her heart racing as her lips parted to respond. "I just..." She began, her voice trembling. "I-I want to be useful to you, Young Master. To give you what you deserve."

    His fingers tightened slightly in her hair, his smirk widening just a fraction as he leaned closer, his voice a low, commanding murmur.

    "If that''s what you want, Isabelle, then I''ll take what you''re offering. But remember, devotion isn''t about how far you can go¡ªit''s about how well you can obey. There''s no need to overdo it."

    Isabelle''s embarrassment grew as her fingers tightened slightly around Cassius''s cock, her small, bashful smile trembling at the edges with both fluster and resolve.

    "Yes, Young Master." She said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her devotion as she prepared to lower herself again.

    But just as her lips parted, Cassius''s hand tightened lightly in her hair as he pulled her away, halting her movements.

    She froze, her wide, curious eyes darting up to him as he leaned back slightly, an unmistakable glint of mischief flashing across his face. His lips curled into an evil smile that sent a shiver through her, though she wasn''t entirely sure if it was dread or anticipation.

    "Stop for a moment." He said, his voice low but laced with a playful edge. He then tilted his head, watching her intently, his smirk deepening as he spoke, "You''ve been so eager, so devoted...But after that little incident, I think you might need a drink to clear your throat. Don''t you agree, Isabelle?"

    Her eyes brightened as her lips pressed together as she nodded hesitantly. The idea of a drink was appealing, though she couldn''t shake the feeling that he was up to something.

    "Yes, Young Master." She said softly. "I think a drink would be nice."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, the expression almost predatory as he sat up straighter.

    "Splendid!" He said, his tone dripping with amusement. He glanced toward the far end of the table where a silver container sat, condensation clinging to its sides. "Apple juice should do the trick."

    He then reached out lazily, his fingers brushing the edge of the container but failing to grasp it.

    His smirk faltered briefly, and then in an exaggerated manner, without even attempting to pick it up once again, he leaned back in his chair, shaking his head as though lamenting a great tragedy.

    "Alas." He said, his voice loud and theatrical. "It seems I cannot reach it. What a shame."

    Isabelle blinked, her eyes looking up at him in confusion as she looked between him and the container. "Would you like me to-"

    "No, no." Cassius interrupted, waving a hand dismissively as though her suggestion were preposterous. His grin returned, sharper now, as his gaze flicked toward the other end of the table. "Rather than you, Isabelle, I think our dear Edmund should assist us, seeing as he''s the one closest to the container."

    At the mention of his name, Edmund''s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as they met Cassius''s.

    He''d been sitting silently, his shoulders stiff, his gaze fixed on the plate in front of him, trying desperately to drown out the humiliating spectacle unfolding before him. But now, with Cassius''s mocking smile directed his way, he felt every nerve in his body ignite.

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, resting an arm over the backrest as he gestured lazily toward the container.

    "Edmund..." He said with urgency, his tone dripping with false politeness. "Would you be so kind as to pour me a glass? My throat''s quite parched, and Isabelle will need it too, of course."

    His gaze then flicked briefly back to Isabelle, who was thinking that her young master really enjoyed tormenting Edmund, even making him bring refreshments to the same man who was having his cock sucked by his fiancee...

 Chapter 31 Unclean Lips

    Note: Since many of you are asking, I''ll just say that that this novel isn''t entirely based on lemon scenes, nor will it be full of hardcore scenes like this. It will honestly focus more on the characters and their fun romantic developments so you can just take it as a slice of life romance with a little twist.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Edmund''s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together as his hands curled into fists beneath the table. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to defy the order, to throw the container across the room, to shout his rage and humiliation.

    But he didn''t. He couldn''t. Instead, he rose slowly, his movements stiff as he reached for the container.

    The weight of the chilled silver against his palm did nothing to cool the fire burning in his chest as he poured the golden liquid into a glass. His hands shook ever so slightly, the only outward sign of the storm raging within him as he fought against the searing jealousy and helpless rage coursing through his veins.

    "There." He said curtly, his voice low and tight as he set the glass down on the table, his knuckles white against the edge of the wood.

    Cassius didn''t look up, his smirk growing as he traced a finger idly along the rim of the glass.

    "Thank you, Edmund." He said lightly, his tone dismissive. "Your assistance while your fianc¨¦e has a taste of me is always appreciated." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Edmund''s fists clenched tighter at the mocking tone in Cassius''s voice, but he said nothing. He lowered himself back into his chair, his head bowing slightly as he returned his gaze to his plate, though his hands trembled with suppressed rage beneath the table.

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, his smirk lingering as he swirled the golden liquid in the glass. His gaze dropped to Isabelle, who knelt before him, her cheeks puffed out, her eyes flickering nervously between the cup and his face.

    And then, without breaking eye contact, he extended the glass toward her, his voice low and soft.

    "Here, Isabelle. You should have the first sip."

    Her eyes widened in alarm, and she immediately shook her head, her hands clutching the hem of her dress as if to anchor herself.

    "Oh no, Young Master." She said quickly, her voice trembling with a mix of urgency and embarrassment. "There''s no way I could possibly share a drink with you. It would be improper¡ªunthinkable!"

    Cassius arched a brow, amused by her fervour, but he kept his tone light. "Improper? Nonsense. I don''t care about such trivial things. You''re the one who needs it the most right now, so take it."

    She shook her head more vehemently, her cheeks burning brighter as her fingers twisted the fabric in her lap. "No, Young Master!" She stammered. "I couldn''t. It wouldn''t be right for me to drink from the same cup as you."

    His smirk deepened, his amusement clear as he leaned forward slightly, resting the glass on the table within her reach.

    "Isabelle..." He said, his voice carrying a gentle insistence. "I''m telling you, I don''t mind. You''re the one who struggled, after all."

    Her body turned warm, and she glanced away, her voice dropping to a barely audible murmur. "My lips are...u-unclean, Young Master." She finally revealed the reason she was so against the act, her words trembling with mortification. "After what I just...did, it wouldn''t be proper for me to sully your drink."

    Looking at the adamant look on her face, Cassius knew that he had no choice but to follow what she said, as it didn''t seem she was going to let go of her stubbornness anytime soon.

    "Fine, fine...If it puts your mind at ease, I''ll drink first." He said, taking a slow sip of the apple juice as his eyes remained fixed on her.

    Lowering the glass, he placed it back on the table and slid it toward her, the teasing smirk never leaving his face. "There. Now you''ve no reason to refuse."

    Isabelle stared at the glass, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for it. Her fingers wrapped around the cool surface, but she hesitated, her thoughts swirling chaotically.

    She couldn''t look at him as her mind raced. ''The same glass...his lips were just there. It''s...i-it''s like sharing a kiss.''

    Cassius tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied her hesitation. "What''s the matter now?" He asked, as he watched her look at the glass like it was a relic. "Don''t tell me you think my lips are dirty."

    "No, Young Master! Of course not!" Her head snapped up, and she shook it frantically, her voice quick and nervous.

    She then told herself it was just juice, that she was overthinking as she brought it to her lips. But the thought of his lips having been there lingered.

    As the cool liquid slid down her throat, she couldn''t stop the soft gasp that escaped her. The simple act of drinking felt impossibly intimate, and no matter how much she tried to suppress it, her cheeks burnt hotter.

    Cassius''s gaze didn''t waver, his smirk deepening as he caught the subtle shiver that ran through her. "Good girl." He murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

    Determined to compose herself, Isabelle set the glass down and licked her lips nervously. She could feel his eyes still on her, watching her every move, and it sent a tremor through her body.

    She then thought that she couldn''t let him see how affected she was¡ªnot when she wanted to prove her devotion.

    So with renewed determination, she leaned forward, her hands steady as they returned to his lap. Her fingers then wrapped around his cock once more, her grip firmer now as she pressed a soft kiss to the sensitive head.

    Cassius''s breath stopped for a second, his smirk faltering as she took him into her mouth again all of a sudden.

    "Gulp!?~"

    This time, there was no hesitation. Her lips moved with purpose, her tongue swirling and flicking over the sensitive underside as she bobbed her head. The wet sounds filled the room, more audible now as her pace quickened.

    "Shluck!~ Glorp!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Gluck!?~ Smack!?"

    Isabelle''s trembling hands steadied as they wrapped around the base of Cassius''s cock, her fingers tightening slightly as she marvelled at its girth. Her lips parted, her warm breath ghosting over the sensitive head as a mix of shame and exhilaration coursed through her.

    ''He''s so hot in my hands....I-I can feel him pulse against me. Every twitch, every throb...It''s like he''s daring me to see how far I''ll go.'' She thought, her heart pounding as her tongue flicked out to wet her lips.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Leaning in, she pressed another delicate kiss to the swollen tip, the faint taste of salt lingering on her tongue. Her lashes fluttered as her tongue darted out again, this time swirling around the head in slow, teasing circles, gathering the faint bead of pre-cum that had gathered there.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    The flavour was rich, almost electric, and it sent a thrill down her spine as she moaned softly against him.

    Cassius groaned low, his hand tightening in her hair, the sound spurring her on. Her tongue flattened as she dragged it along the underside of his cock, tracing every ridge, every vein, as though memorising the texture. Her hand began to stroke him in time with her mouth, her grip firm but yielding, her movements deliberate.

    "Shluck!~ Sluuurp!~ Lick!?~ Glorp!~ Smack!?"

    Her lips closed over the head, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked lightly, the wet heat of her mouth drawing him in deeper. She worked her way down, inch by inch, her tongue caressing him as her free hand reached up to cup his balls, rolling them gently in her palm.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    Cassius cursed under his breath, his hips jerking slightly as he fought the urge to thrust into her eager mouth. "Fuck, Isabelle...You''re taking this far better than I expected." He said, his voice thick with pleasure.

    Her inner thoughts swirled in chaos, half-shameful, half-proud, as she pushed herself to take more of him. ''He''s enjoying this...Because of me. I''m making him feel this good.'' The realisation only made her more determined.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    She moaned around his length, the vibrations making him groan louder as she began bobbing her head, her pace quickening. Her tongue pressed and flicked against the underside with each movement, savouring the way he throbbed against her.

    "Sip!?~ Gluck!~ Shloop!~ Lick!?~"

    Her lips stretched further as she took him deeper, the heat of him filling her mouth as her jaw ached deliciously. She pushed herself, her throat tightening as she swallowed him down, tears pricking the corners of her eyes.

    "Gaak!?~ Guuk!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    She gagged lightly, pulling back just enough to breathe, her lips slick and swollen, before diving back in with even greater fervour.

    Cassius''s grip in her hair tightened, his groans turning into low growls as his body began to move in rhythm with her mouth. "That''s it, Isabelle." He muttered, his voice strained, a mix of praise and command. "Take it all, Isabelle. Show me how much you want it."

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Her moans grew louder, the wet, messy sounds of her effort filling the room. Drool escaped the corners of her mouth, dripping down her chin and onto her dress, but she didn''t care. She wanted to please him, to push him over the edge, to hear him lose control.

    "Shluck! Sluuurp!~ Gulp!~ Gluck!?~ Smack!?~

    Her hands worked in perfect sync with her mouth, one stroking the base while the other gently massaged his balls. Her tongue swirled and flicked with expert precision, coaxing every groan, every shudder from him.

    Cassius''s control began to unravel as his back bucked again, his groans growing louder. Her newfound aggression was unlike anything he''d expected, and it drove him wild. His fingers tightened painfully in her hair, pulling her closer as his cock throbbed against her tongue.

    "Goddamn it." He growled, his voice thick and strained. "You''re going to¡ª"

    Isabelle moaned again, her tongue dragging along the underside of his cock as she took him deeper still. The way her lips stretched around his girth, the glistening sheen of spit dripping down her chin¡ªit was too much. His body tensed, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he teetered on the brink of release.

    "Shluck!~ Slurp!~ Gluck!?~ Gulp!?~"

    "Isabelle, I¡ª" His words caught in his throat, his hips jerking as she pushed him past the edge.

    And then, without any word whatsoever, Cassius came with a guttural groan, his cock pulsing violently in Isabelle''s mouth as the first hot spurt hit the back of her throat.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    She moaned softly, her throat constricting as she swallowed instinctively, the thick, salty fluid coating her tongue. But it didn''t stop¡ªhis release came in powerful, unrelenting waves, spilling into her mouth faster than she could manage.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    Her eyes widened as she struggled to keep up, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked harder, desperate to take all of it.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    But the sheer volume overwhelmed her; thick trails of cum escaped the corners of her lips, sliding down her chin and dripping onto her trembling fingers, leaving her gasping with a thick cock in her mouth, not knowing what she should do with the thick load of cream in her mouth...

 Chapter 32 What If You Made A Mess On My Face?

    ''It''s so much... I-I can''t believe it keeps coming.'' She thought, her mind scrambling for focus as her body trembled under the intensity of the moment.

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    Her tongue swirled in her mouth, tasting the heat and saltiness of him, trying to make sense of it all.

    But then, an idea sparked¡ªchildish, almost absurd¡ªbut one that grounded her amidst the overwhelming sensation.

    ''Ice cream.'' She told herself, her mind conjuring the image of a soft, melting scoop she had heard about but never tasted. She imagined its texture, smooth and rich, the way it would coat her tongue and melt slowly. The thought of the sweetness softened the edge of her embarrassment, giving her a way to focus and push through.

    "Slosh!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Squelch!?~"

    Her lips tightened around him as she swallowed again, imagining each thick wave as another bite of that imagined treat. She moaned softly, her tongue working to catch every drop, her hand stroking him at the base to coax out the last of his release.

    "Splat!?~ Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Gloop!?~"

    Even as more spilled from her mouth, dripping down her chin and staining her dress, she kept going, determined to savor every ounce.

    Cassius''s groans deepened, his fingers threading tightly into her hair as his hips jerked involuntarily. "Damn, Isabelle." He rasped, his voice raw and unsteady. "I wasn''t expecting you to swallow it all into your mouth."

    The praise sent a flush of pride through her, and she redoubled her efforts, swallowing around him again, her throat working tirelessly.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She didn''t stop until the last shudder wracked his body, and even then, she lingered, her tongue dragging along his length to ensure she hadn''t missed a single drop.

    When she finally pulled back, her lips released him with a soft, wet pop.

    Pop~

    Her chest heaved as she caught her breath, her tongue darting out to lick at the corners of her mouth, cleaning away the remnants of his release. Her cheeks were stained pink, her lips swollen and glistening, her chin and hands still sticky with what she hadn''t been able to manage.

    Cassius stared down at her, his crimson eyes dark with satisfaction as he took in the sight of her. Her messy, flustered state was almost too much to bear¡ªher trembling hands, the glimmer of devotion in her gaze as she looked up at him.

    He chuckled low, his eyes narrowing with both amusement and astonishment as his thumb brushed a streak of cum from Isabelle''s chin, lingering on her swollen lips.

    "Perfect..." He murmured, though his tone betrayed a rare surprise. "I didn''t think you could handle so much, yet not a single drop wasted." He tilted her face up, studying her flushed cheeks and trembling lashes, his smirk returning, sharper now.

    "You''ve surprised me, Isabelle." He said, as he looked into her sparkling eyes with a mix of teasing and approval. "I''ll admit, I didn''t think you had it in you¡ªbut now, I''ll expect nothing less...I guess this is what they meant when they said the Holyfield maids are top tier in every aspect."

    Isabelle swallowed hard, her lips parting as she struggled to find her voice. "I-I just wanted to do well for you, Young Master." She said softly, her face burning as she glanced away. "I...I imagined it was something sweet, like ice cream. It made it easier to...s-so it wasn''t too hard..." She trailed off, embarrassed by her admission.

    Cassius smirked, his thumb tracing her lower lip as his other hand stroked lazily through her dishevelled hair. "Ice cream, hmm?" He asked, amusement lacing his tone. "Perhaps I''ll have to bring you some to compare, though I suspect it won''t be nearly as satisfying as this."

    Her pale ears flamed brighter, but she couldn''t suppress the small, bashful smile that tugged at her lips.

    Despite the mess, despite the overwhelming nature of the act, she felt a flicker of pride at having pleased him.

    And while her young master caressed her face to her joy, her gaze drifted to the ornate mirror mounted on the wall to the side, which made her jump for a second because of how she looked.

    Her messy hair clung to her damp forehead, stray strands falling loose from her braid. Her cheeks were flushed a deep pink, a mixture of exertion and embarrassment, and her lips¡ªshiny, swollen, and slightly parted¡ªbore the unmistakable evidence of her actions.

    Her collar had slipped, revealing more of her slender neck than she would ever dare to show, and there was a faint sheen of sweat glistening on her skin. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The sight made her stomach twist. She looked nothing like the poised, proper maid she prided herself on being. This image was raw, undone, and wholly unbecoming.

    To cover herself up, her hands flew to her face as if to shield herself, panic rising in her chest. "Oh no!" She whispered, her voice trembling. "This is¡ªthis is so improper. I look so...unseemly."

    Cassius caught the shift in her expression immediately. His sharp eyes followed her gaze to the mirror, and his smirk faded into something softer.

    "What''s wrong, Isabelle?" He asked, his tone low and curious, though he already knew why she was acting in such a way.

    She quickly turned back to him, shaking her head frantically as she scrambled to kneel properly again, her hands fumbling to smooth her hair.

    "I-I''m so sorry, Young Master." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I must look horrid right now¡ªdisgraceful even. Please allow me a moment to groom myself. I shouldn''t be seen like this in front of you¡ª"

    But before Isabelle could even finish her words, Cassius moved swiftly, leaning down to scoop her up in one fluid motion to her shock.

    Scoop~

    A startled gasp escaped her lips as he cradled her against his chest, her small frame pressed close to his broad, unyielding one. The effortless way he held her in a princess carry left her breathless as she fidgeted in his arms.

    "Y-Young Master!" She exclaimed, her voice higher-pitched than usual, her hands fluttering uncertainly as though she didn''t know where to put them. "What are you doing¡ª"

    Before she could utter another word, Cassius cut her off with a calm but firm tone. "Quiet, Isabelle." He said, his crimson eyes glinting with subtle amusement. "You''re making too much fuss over nothing...Just relax."

    Relax? How could she relax when her young master was carrying her like a child? She opened her mouth to protest further, but before the words could form, he settled back into the chair with her on his lap, holding her securely as though she belonged there.

    "P-Please, Young Master." She stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and confusion. "You really shouldn''t-"

    Her words trailed off abruptly as he reached for her face, his fingers brushing against her forehead. Isabelle froze, her breath stopping as she realised what he was doing.

    He wasn''t just holding her; he was grooming her.

    Cassius''s movements were uncharacteristically gentle, his touch precise as he smoothed back the stray strands of her hair that had fallen loose. His hands worked with care, as though it were the most natural thing in the world for him to be tending to her. Isabelle blinked, her thoughts racing.

    ''He''s... fixing my hair?'' She thought incredulously. ''Why is he doing this? Shouldn''t he leave such things to me? He''s my master, not my¡ª'' Her internal objections faltered as her gaze drifted to his face.

    There was an intensity in his expression, a quiet focus that stole her breath. His sharp eyes were entirely locked on the task at hand, his lips pressed into a line of quiet concentration. He didn''t say a word as he worked, and the silence felt oddly soothing.

    She wanted to speak, to tell him he shouldn''t trouble himself with something so trivial, but the words caught in her throat. The careful way he tucked her hair back into place, the light graze of his fingers against her skin¡ªit all made her chest tighten in a way she couldn''t explain.

    ''Has anyone ever done this for me before?'' She wondered, her heart aching faintly at the thought. She couldn''t remember a time when someone had tended to her so gently, so thoroughly.

    Cassius moved on to her collar, adjusting it with practiced ease until it sat perfectly against her neck. His fingers brushed the sensitive skin there, sending a shiver down her spine, but he didn''t seem to notice.

    Next, he retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully dabbed at her forehead, wiping away the faint sheen of sweat that had gathered there.

    "You really are a mess." He said softly, though his tone lacked its usual teasing edge. Instead, there was a faint warmth in his voice that made her wiggle in his embrace like a little girl who was in the presence of her first love.

    Her lips parted as if to protest, but she stopped herself again, unwilling to break the quiet rhythm of his ministrations. She lowered her gaze instead, letting him continue, her heart pounding as a strange sense of contentment washed over her.

    Finally, he turned his attention to her lips.

    Isabelle''s breath caught as he leaned in closer, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he focused on cleaning away the remnants of his release. His hand moved with the same careful precision, the cloth brushing against her swollen lips in slow, deliberate strokes.

    "There we are..." He murmured at last, pulling back to admire his work. He folded the handkerchief neatly and tucked it away, his gaze softening as it lingered on her face. "All tidy now."

    Isabelle blinked, her heart stuttering at the quiet pride in his voice. She touched her face instinctively, still feeling the warmth of his fingers against her skin.

    "Young Master..." She whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You didn''t have to...I could have done it myself."

    Cassius smirked, though it was gentler than usual.

    "Perhaps." He said, his tone light. "But I wanted to. Someone has to take care of you when you forget to take care of yourself."

    Her words caught in her throat, and she looked down, her hands clutching her skirt tightly. "I...I must look so improper." She murmured, her voice barely audible. "Messy and...even unseemly for a maid."

    Cassius let out a soft chuckle, tilting her chin up with his fingers. His crimson eyes gleamed with mischief as he said, "Unseemly?...Isabelle, you could be dragged through a storm, covered in mud, and still manage to look beautiful as a flower."

    Her eyes went wide, and she blinked up at him, caught off guard by the teasing lilt in his voice. "Young Master, I¡ª"

    He interrupted her, shaking his head with false seriousness. "No, no, it''s true, Isabelle. There''s no amount of mess in the world that could ruin that face of yours." He leaned in slightly, his smirk softening. "So, stop worrying about it, alright?...Messy or not, you''ll always be beautiful in my eyes."

    Isabelle''s chest swelled with warmth at Cassius''s words, the sincerity laced within his teasing making her heart flutter.

    No one had ever called her beautiful so casually yet so genuinely. She could feel her lips curling into a smile, a soft, bashful expression overtaking her face as a rare sense of joy blossomed within her.

    But that joy carried a hint of mischief, a cheeky thought creeping into her mind that she couldn''t entirely suppress.

    Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she hesitated, glancing up at him with a coy, almost shy expression. "Y-Young Master." She began hesitantly, her voice small but steady. "What you said...Do you really mean it? That no mess could ever ruin my beauty?"

    Cassius arched a brow, his smirk widening as he caught the slight nervous tremor in her voice. "Of course, Isabelle. I never say things I don''t mean."

    Her blush deepened, and she bit her lip before quickly blurting out, "Even if¡ªif instead of my mouth, your...y-your fluids had ended up on my face instead and made a complete mess?"

 Chapter 33 Ill Smile For You Till The End Of Time

    The boldness of Isabelle''s question hung in the air, and she immediately regretted voicing it, her hands flying up to cover her burning face. "Oh no! I-I''m sorry, my lord, I shouldn''t have said something so a-absurd!"

    Cassius blinked, momentarily stunned by her audacity. A rare, unguarded laugh burst from him, rich and genuine, his head tilting back as he let her words sink in. He composed himself quickly, though his crimson eyes gleamed with wicked amusement as he leaned closer, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

    "Well..." He said, his voice low as he stared at her adorable face that had gone red. "...in that case, Isabelle, I might really not call you beautiful."

    Her heart sank for half a second before his smirk deepened, his gaze trailing over her nose that also had a tint of pink on it as he continued saying, "No, at that point, I''d call you something else entirely¡ªsomething far more fitting."

    "W-What would you call me, Young Master?" She peeked at him from between her fingers, her curiosity overtaking her embarrassment.

    Cassius chuckled, his tone dipping as he murmured, "I''d call you overwhelmingly erotic. You''d look like a succubus, Isabelle¡ªtoo sinful to be just considered ''beautiful."

    His words hit her like a bolt, her entire face going scarlet as she gaped at him. "Y-Young Master! You can''t say such things to a lady...I-It''s inappropriate!" She squeaked, unable to form any coherent reply.

    The vivid image his words conjured made her squirm, her body betraying her mortification with the heat rising in her cheeks and down her neck.

    Cassius''s sharp eyes softened as he watched her squirm, the blush on her cheeks spreading all the way to her neck. There was something utterly captivating about her purity, her innocence shining through even in moments like this.

    A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips, a rare departure from his usual smirk when he saw this sight.

    "You know, Isabelle..." He began, his tone lighter now, almost contemplative. "I really like your smile."

    "M-My smile, Young Master?" She blinked, startled by the unexpected compliment.

    He nodded, tilting his head slightly as his gaze lingered on her. "There''s just something about it." He continued, his voice quieter, more thoughtful as he stared at her pink, plump lips that were still moist from the forbidden act that she had just committed. "It''s warm¡ªwarmer than any fireplace could ever hope to be. And it''s comforting to see, like I''m back at home or a place that I can feel safe in."

    Her hands clenched nervously in her lap as she squirmed under his gaze, her eyes darting around everywhere from the overwhelming praise that came out of nowhere.

    "Y-You''re too kind, Young Master...This maid doesn''t deserve such words of praise from you." She stammered, glancing down in an effort to hide her embarrassment.

    Cassius chuckled softly at her reaction, but his smile faltered slightly, a faint shadow passing over his face. His expression turned pensive, his eyes narrowing as though he were lost in thought. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh and leaned back in the chair.

    "Unfortunately..." He said, his tone heavy with something she couldn''t quite place. "I don''t think I''ll be able to see that smile of yours directed at me from tomorrow."

    Isabelle''s head snapped up, her wide eyes filled with concern. The sudden shift in his demeanour made her chest tighten. "My lord, why would you say that?" She asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Is something wrong?"

    Cassius shook his head, his expression unreadable as he avoided her gaze. "I can''t say anything now." He replied, his voice quieter than before. "You''ll just have to find out tomorrow."

    Her stomach twisted uneasily at his words, a flicker of fear creeping into her heart.

    But as she watched him, his face shadowed by something she couldn''t understand, a spark of determination ignited within her. She straightened her posture, her hands curling into fists as she met his gaze with newfound resolve.

    "Then no matter what happens tomorrow, Young Master." She said firmly, her voice steady and filled with conviction. "I''ll follow my duty as your maid¡ªand as the one you so mercifully saved." She hesitated for a moment, her expression softening. "And if my smile brings you even a little warmth, Young Master, then I''ll smile for you until the very end of time or you get bored of this little maid''s face."

    Cassius''s crimson eyes widened slightly when he heard her words of devotion, his lips parting as if to say something, but he stopped himself.

    Instead, he simply stared at her, his gaze searching, as though he were trying to commit every detail of her face to memory. After what felt like an eternity, he let out a heavy sigh and leaned forward, his hand gently patting her head.

    "You''re a strange one, Isabelle." He said softly, his tone laced with a quiet affection. "And what you just said, we''ll see about all of that tomorrow...Whether fate decides to keep us together or not."

    His words trailed off, leaving an unspoken weight hanging in the air. For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the faint crackle of the fireplace.

    Then, as though shaking off the heaviness of the moment, Cassius straightened and offered her a small, mischievous smile.

    "But for now..." He said, his voice returning to its usual teasing cheerfulness. "I should probably head back. If I stay here much longer, people might start thinking someone''s kidnapped their precious young master."

    Isabelle blinked, startled by the sudden shift, and quickly tried to stand, only to realise she was still perched on his lap. Her eyes turned limpid from embarrassment as she scrambled to move.

    "Ah, yes, of course, my lord! I-I''m so sorry!" She stammered, her movements hurried and clumsy in her embarrassment.

    Cassius laughed softly, his hands gently gripping her waist to help her off. "Calm down, Isabelle." He said, his voice rich with amusement as he noticed how slim her waist was compared to her full hips. "You''re going to trip over yourself at this rate."

    As she finally stood, smoothing her skirt with trembling hands, she glanced back at him, her expression still tinged with concern. "Will...Will you be alright, Young Master?"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk as he observed her petite figure. "Well..." He said it as a joke. "...if I said no, would you be willing to carry me all the way back to the mansion? It''s a long way, you know."

    For a moment, she stared at him, blinking in confusion. Then, to his surprise, her expression shifted into one of solemn determination.

    "If that''s what you wish, Young Master..." She said seriously, her voice steady."...then I wouldn''t mind even if my feeble hands snap under the weight. I''d carry you all the way home and not leave your side until I''ve delivered you safely."

    Cassius''s smirk faltered, replaced by an expression of sheer disbelief as he straightened. "Wait, what?" He asked, blinking as she stepped closer, her gaze resolute.

    "I mean it." Isabelle continued, glancing down at her arms with a fleeting look of doubt before nodding firmly. "Even if I have to carry you like a princess, I won''t rest until I see you back at the mansion, safe and sound." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The image of her struggling to princess-carry him all the way through town flashed in his mind, and he let out a laugh so loud and genuine it echoed in the room.

    "Oh, Isabelle~" He said between chuckles, shaking his head. "You really are something else."

    Her determination didn''t waver, though her cheeks tinged pink at his amusement. "I-I''m serious, Young Master...P-Please don''t make fun of my determination." She murmured, lowering her gaze shyly.

    Cassius stepped forward, his laughter softening into a warm smile as he reached out to take her hands in his. Her smaller fingers trembled slightly in his grasp, but he held them steady, his touch firm yet gentle.

    "You''ve got it all wrong, Isabelle." He said, his voice dipping into a more tender tone. "These hands of yours¡ªthey''re not meant for carrying stubborn men like me around." He paused, lifting her hands slightly and running his thumb along her knuckles. "They''re meant to knead dough and craft the most delicious cakes, to create meals that leave me wondering if I''ll ever taste something better."

    Her blush deepened, her heart racing as his words sank in. "Young Master..." She whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Cassius smirked faintly, leaning down and then, to her utter shock, pressing a soft kiss to the back of one hand, then the other.

    Kiss~

    The warmth of his lips lingered against her skin, sending a shiver through her entire body. Her heart felt like it might burst, the gesture so intimate and unexpected it left her completely dazed.

    "So keep these hands safe." He concluded quietly, his crimson eyes meeting hers as he straightened. "I''m looking forward to eating what you make again."

    Isabelle could only nod, her voice caught in her throat as she stared up at him, her cheeks aflame and her body buzzing with warmth.

    Cassius let her hands go gently, turning toward the door and pulling it open with an easy motion. He gestured toward the hall with a playful smirk. "Ladies first." He said, his tone light but firm, thinking that after everything that''s happened tonight, he didn''t want her lingering around here any longer, especially when Edmund looked like a feral donkey at the moment.

    Still caught in a reverie, Isabelle blinked slowly before stepping forward, her movements almost mechanical as she passed him. Her mind swirled with the warmth of his kisses, the sound of his voice, and the intensity of his eyes.

    She barely registered her surroundings as she began walking, her feet carrying her on autopilot down the dimly lit pathway.

    Cassius stepped out, watching her with an amused but faintly exasperated expression. Her dazed state was painfully obvious, her steps slow and unfocused, her gaze distant.

    "At this rate, she''s going to walk straight into a lake." He muttered to himself.

    "I''d better send someone to make sure she gets home safely." Cassius muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a small smile. He glanced toward the path where Isabelle had wandered off, still dazed and stumbling like she was floating on air. "Who would''ve thought she''d be so innocent and gullible that a few kisses on her hands would have her acting like that...She didn''t even react this way after having a taste of me."

    The smirk on his lips deepened, though it held a hint of something more sombre beneath its surface. His crimson eyes flicked to the horizon, his thoughts turning inward.

    "Still..." He murmured to himself, his voice softer now. "I wonder if she''ll still look at me like that after tomorrow." His smirk faltered briefly, and he exhaled slowly, the faintest shadow crossing his face. "Or if she''ll hate me altogether."

    The thought lingered for a moment, heavy and unavoidable, before he shook it off with another faint smile. "It doesn''t matter. And if it does, it''s not something I can interfere in." He said quietly, as though convincing himself.

    "...She''ll get the inevitable punishment she deserves, and all I can do is hope for the best."

    He sighed as he looked up at the pretty moon high up in the sky, not knowing how the ''purge'' he was going to commit tomorrow was going to go.

 Chapter 34 My Duty Isnt To Judge, But Serve

    As Cassius turned back into the room, his eyes fell on Edmund, who remained seated at the table, his head bowed low, fists clenched tightly in his lap.

    The dim light of the room cast sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the intensity in his tightly shut eyes.

    Cassius''s sharp gaze caught the faint movement of Edmund''s lips as he muttered under his breath, the words too soft to hear but venomous in their rhythm, like a curse being silently woven. He didn''t need to hear the words to know exactly what Edmund was stewing over.

    The humiliation of being forced to pour a drink for the man who had so thoroughly claimed his fianc¨¦e was likely eating away at him, corroding whatever pride he had left.

    He was clearly boiling in his humiliation, likely plotting something vindictive to even the scales.

    Cassius''s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. He thought of the man''s hatred, the inevitable schemes that would follow, and how those schemes would play out.

    A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but he said nothing. He didn''t need to. Whatever Edmund had in store, Cassius was more than ready to meet it head-on.

    He gave one last glance in Edmund''s direction, scoffed softly, and turned away, leaving the house behind.

    Outside, he was greeted by a familiar presence standing at the edge of the pathway to his surprise.

    Lucious, his ever-so-loyal butler, straightened the moment Cassius appeared, his bright grey eyes lighting up like a puppy spotting its master.

    "You''re back, Young Master!" Lucious said, practically bouncing on his feet as he hurried over, his soft dark hair catching the moonlight.

    His youthful, almost androgynous features were framed by the glow, making him look more like a girl wearing her father''s tuxedo rather than a butler.

    Cassius squinted his eyes because of the energy radiating from him, almost as if he was looking at the sun itself, and then asked with his tone carrying a note of mild disbelief, "You''ve been waiting out here this entire time, Lucious? Out in this cold night without even a scarf to cover you up?"

    Lucious nodded enthusiastically, his bright eyes wide. "Of course, my lord! I couldn''t possibly leave you alone in there for too long. What if something happened?"

    Cassius let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "I can take care of myself, Lucious...You really don''t need to bother, especially since you don''t look like you can come out winning if a fight were to break out with that tiny frame of yours." He said dryly.

    Lucious puffed up his chest, clearly unconvinced. "I know, Young Master. But it''s my duty to ensure that you''re always safe."

    "...Not to mention that even though I may be useless in a physical fight, I still have a few tricks up my hand because I''m a user of ''Eather''." He declared proudly, his eyes gleaming with earnestness.

    Cassius smirked, his gaze sharpening slightly as he leaned closer. "Well, it seems like you''ve been busy ensuring more than just my safety." He said with a knowing tone, his smirk widening. "Judging by how much you clearly enjoyed listening in on us back there."

    Lucious froze, his wide eyes blinking up at Cassius in shock.

    "Wh-What?" He stammered, his voice raising an octave in surprise. "How...How could you possibly know that, Young Master? I was quiet¡ªI swear! I didn''t even breathe too loudly when I put my ears against the door to hear what was going on inside!"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his expression bordering on amused condescension. "Oh, Lucious." He said, chuckling softly. "Do you really think I wouldn''t notice when it''s written all over your face?" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "My...face?" Lucious repeated, confused.

    "Yes, my adorable butler." Cassius said, gesturing toward him. "You''re blushing like a maiden caught sneaking peeks at her crush...That''s what gave you away."

    Lucious''s hands flew to his cheeks, his palms pressing against his warm skin as realisation dawned. "Oh no!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine horror. "I-I didn''t even realise! My face really is flushed!"

    Cassius couldn''t help but laugh at his butler''s dramatic reaction, the sound rich and genuine as he leaned back slightly. "Calm down, Lucious." He said, waving a hand dismissively. "It''s not the end of the world."

    "But, my lord!" Lucious protested, his expression growing serious. "This is unbecoming of a butler like me! Showing my emotions so openly¡ªit could be detrimental in certain situations!" He paused, his gaze turning contemplative as his fingers tapped against his chin. "Perhaps I should invest in a mask to hide my face...Something simple, but effective."

    "A mask, you say? And what kind of mask are you thinking of, exactly?" Cassius asked, wondering how he would look with a butler wearing a Halloween mask following him around.

    Lucious frowned thoughtfully, clearly taking the question seriously.

    "Well, it would need to cover my entire face, of course." He said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Maybe something elegant to match your unbelievable charm, Young Master...Or perhaps something intimidating, like those worn by the knights of old to scare away anyone that tries to approach you. And that way, no one could ever read my emotions again!"

    Cassius stared at him for a moment, his amusement growing as he imagined the ridiculous sight. Finally, he shook his head with a chuckle. "Absolutely not...Don''t you ever wear a mask, Lucious. I command you not to do so." He said firmly.

    "But why, my lord?" Lucious blinked, startled. "Wouldn''t it make me more effective as your butler if no one could read my emotions?"

    Cassius leaned closer, his crimson eyes glinting with faint mischief. "Because, Lucious." He said as he admired his butler''s delicate features. "I''d rather let the enemies see your true emotions than be deprived of seeing your cute face myself."

    "C-Cute?!" Lucious repeated, caught off guard by his master''s sudden praise, and even took a step back in fright.

    Cassius chuckled softly, patting Lucious on the shoulder. "Yes, cute...Pretty even." He said, his tone teasing but with a genuine warmth that only deepened the blush on Lucious''s cheeks. "So don''t go covering it up with some ridiculous mask, understand?"

    Lucious nodded quickly, his grey eyes wide and bright as stardust as he replied, "Of course, Young Master! I promise, no masks!"

    Cassius smirked but said nothing more, instead turning his attention ahead to the quiet path. Yet, as they walked, a thought crept into his mind, unbidden but persistent.

    He glanced at Lucious out of the corner of his eye, noting the soft curve of his delicate features, the way his dark hair fell in gentle waves around his face, and¡ªmost frustratingly¡ªthe way his rose-tinted cheeks made him look even more enticing.

    ''Maybe he should really wear a mask for the sake of my sanity.'' Cassius thought wryly, his smirk fading into a faint sigh. ''It''s hard enough to consider him as a boy when he looks like that.''

    ''I mean, which man blushes so prettily that it makes you question everything?'' He shook his head subtly, clearing the thought before it could take root any further.

    There were more important matters to consider than the androgynous charm of his overenthusiastic butler. Still, the idea lingered at the edges of his mind, teasing him as they continued their walk through the crisp night air.

    Lucious, oblivious to his master''s internal musings, walked alongside him with the same boundless energy, humming softly under his breath, as if entirely unbothered by the world. If anything, his innocent demeanour only reinforced Cassius''s amusement and his faint exasperation at how careless he seemed when he was by his side.

    As they walked under the soft glow of the moon, Cassius remembered what Lucious had witnessed just now and wondered what he thought of him after seeing such an atrocious act take place. To ease his curiosity, he broke the silence, his voice quieter than usual.

    "Lucious." He began, his crimson eyes glancing sideways at his butler. "What do you think of me now that you''ve seen...everything?"

    Lucious blinked, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "What do I think of you, Young Master?" He repeated, his tone confused.

    Cassius nodded, his smirk fading into something softer, more contemplative. "Yes. After seeing me behave like that¡ªindulging in something so depraved¡ªdo you hate serving a master like me?"

    "...A debaucherous overlord who likes to feast upon the fianc¨¦e of others while they watched everything happen right in front of them?"

    Lucious stopped in his tracks, his expression one of genuine bewilderment when he heard his master''s words.

    "Hate you?" He said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Why would I hate you for something like that, Young Master?"

    Cassius turned to face him fully, crossing his arms as his sharp gaze locked onto Lucious. "Because what I did wasn''t exactly moral." He said as he observed his butler''s expression. "I mean, it wasn''t something anyone would look at and think, ''There''s a good man."

    Lucious stared at him for a moment, his expression softening as he took a step closer. He then shook his head slowly, a faint, earnest smile touching his lips. "Morality has nothing to do with how I see you, Young Master. So no matter what atrocious act you would commit, it wouldn''t change the way I look at you at all." He said quietly, his tone steady but warm.

    "Oh? And why''s that?" Cassius raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.

    Lucious took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with unshakeable resolve as he spoke.

    "Because it doesn''t matter if something is right or wrong. All that matters is that it''s you, Young Master. My duty isn''t to judge you or to question your actions...My only purpose is to follow you, to serve you."

    His voice grew quieter, more intense.

    "So even if the whole world turned against you¡ªif you burnt cities to ash or led us all to hell¡ªI would without a doubt still be by your side."

    Cassius''s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the raw conviction in Lucious''s words. For a moment, the only sound was the faint rustle of the wind through the trees.

    "You''d follow me even then?" Cassius asked, his voice lower, almost tentative.

    Lucious nodded firmly, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, my lord. Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will follow...That is my promise to you."

    Cassius let out a slow breath, his arms falling to his sides as he studied the young man before him. There was no hesitation in Lucious''s expression, no doubt¡ªonly a steadfast loyalty that made something twist deep in Cassius''s chest as he wondered what caused him to be as loyal as a dog.

    "Sigh...You''re either the most devoted butler in existence..." Cassius said softly, his voice carrying a faint edge of wonder. "...or the most reckless fool I''ve ever met."

    Lucious smiled, his bright eyes softening. "If it means I can stay by your side, Young Master." He replied. "I don''t mind being either."

 Chapter 35 A Foolish But Admirable Way Of Thinking

    "Besides, Young Master..." Lucious continued the conversation, his tone steady but carrying a sharp edge. "...those people¡ªthe two you dealt with back there¡ªthey''re sinners anyway. They deserved death long before you stepped into their lives."

    "...The fact that they''re still breathing is already more mercy than they deserve."

    Cassius glanced at him, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly in thought. He didn''t reply immediately, letting Lucious''s words settle in the air between them.

    "Especially that man, Edmund." Lucious continued, his voice dipping lower, almost conspiratorial. "It''s dangerous to let a snake like him roam free. You''ve humiliated him, and he''s burning with revenge. People like that are unpredictable. They''ll lash out when you least expect it." He turned his gaze to Cassius, his usually soft features hardening with an unsettling resolve. "If you say the word, my lord, I can finish him off. Quietly. Cleanly...No one would ever know."

    Cassius stopped walking, his lips curling into a faint smirk as he looked at his butler. There was no doubt in Lucious''s tone, no hesitation in his eyes¡ªit was clear he meant every word.

    "There''s no need for that." Cassius said as he gazed into his mansion in the distance, his voice carrying an air of casual authority. "Edmund''s time will come soon enough. For now, I still want to...play with him a little longer."

    Lucious blinked, his head tilting slightly in confusion. "Play with him, Young Master?" He asked, his tone cautious but curious.

    Cassius chuckled softly, resuming his walk as he glanced ahead. "Let him stew in his anger. Let him scheme; let him try to make his move. I want to see what he''ll do when he thinks he has a chance." He said, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "It''s more entertaining that way."

    Lucious hesitated for a moment, clearly struggling to understand the logic behind his master''s decision. But, as always, his faith in Cassius''s judgement overrode his doubts.

    He nodded slowly, falling into step beside him again. "If that''s your wish, Young Master." He said, his voice soft but resolute. "I trust in your plan, as I''m sure you have your reasons."

    Lucious then thought of something and hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting to the ground. Finally he decided to be open with his master about his thoughts, so he hesitantly said, "Actually, Young Master...There''s something else I''ve been thinking about."

    "Oh? And what''s that?" Cassius asked, glancing at him with mild curiosity.

    Lucious straightened slightly, his usual cheerfulness dimming as a more serious expression crossed his face. "It''s about the maid, Isabelle." He said carefully, as he knew this was a sensitive topic to his young master.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened, his crimson eyes narrowing as he interrupted. "What about her?" He asked, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness. Then, with a raised brow and an almost teasing smile, he added, "Do you think she deserves death as well?"

    Lucious blinked, startled by the question. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, his brow furrowing as he seemed to consider it carefully.

    And then, after a long pause, he spoke, his voice quieter than before. "At first..." He admitted. "...I did. I wanted nothing more than to see her dead."

    "Oh? And why didn''t you follow through with that desire?" Cassius tilted his head, intrigued by the bluntness of the response.

    Lucious sighed, his gaze softening as he glanced ahead. "When I first learnt what she did, I was furious." He said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of frustration. "She poisoned you, my lord¡ªthere''s no crime greater in my eyes. I wanted to see her punished, to make her pay for even thinking about harming you."

    Cassius hummed softly, intrigued. "And yet, here we are, walking side by side, and you''re speaking about her as though she isn''t entirely unforgivable...What happened?"

    Lucious hesitated again, his fingers brushing against the hem of his sleeve as he continued. "After hearing her story, I¡­didn''t feel the same." He admitted reluctantly. "She was tricked into it, manipulated by someone who used her loyalty and innocence against her. It doesn''t make what she did right, but it made me realise she wasn''t as guilty as I first believed."

    Cassius''s smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a look of mild surprise. "Hmm...To think, you, of all people, thinking so rationally about her." He said, a faint chuckle escaping him. "I wasn''t expecting that."

    Lucious stopped in his tracks, his indignant eyes narrowing sharply. "You''re wrong, my lord!" He said vehemently, his voice firm with an edge of restrained fury, like he didn''t want to be thought of as someone who forgave a person who tried to harm his master so easily. "I''m not rational about her¡ªnot in the way you think."

    Cassius turned to face him fully, curious now as he watched the rare intensity flicker across his butler''s usually bright expression.

    "I still think she should be punished for what she did." Lucious continued, his voice rising slightly. "Even if it wasn''t done with malice, even if she was tricked, it doesn''t change the fact that she put your life in danger...That alone is unforgivable."

    His fists clenched at his sides, his teeth chattering like he was ready to bite someone and pull a chunk of flesh out.

    "Your life matters more than anything else in this world, Young Master. I''d give up my own a thousand times over to ensure your safety. So, yes, I wanted her gone¡ªI still do."

    Cassius blinked, his smirk returning faintly as he crossed his arms. "And yet..." He slowly said. "...you haven''t lifted a finger against her."

    Lucious let out a long sigh, the fury in his eyes dimming slightly as he looked away.

    "That''s because I know it''s not my place anymore." He admitted, his voice quieter now. "I mean, after hearing the way you spoke to her inside, it''s clear you''ve taken an interest in her."

    "...I wouldn''t dare interfere with your decisions or your choice in women, Young Master, no matter how much I hate that person."

    "Oh, and what makes you think I''m interested in her?" He asked while thinking that this little butler of his was really attentive.

    Lucious glanced back at him, his expression unreadable for a moment before he spoke. "Because it was obvious." He said bluntly. "The way you talked to her, the things you said¡ªit was like you were trying to woo her."

    "Trying to woo her? You have an interesting imagination, Lucious." Cassius blinked, then let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

    But Lucious didn''t laugh. His grey eyes darkened slightly, and his voice grew more serious. "She doesn''t deserve it, my lord!" He said firmly. "A woman like that¡ªsomeone who almost took your life¡ªdoesn''t deserve your attention, let alone your affection."

    Cassius''s smirk lingered faintly, though his crimson eyes gleamed with intrigue as he studied Lucious.

    "Strong words..." He remarked, his tone light but carrying a hint of sharpness. "But you''re not usually so direct about these things, Lucious. Is there something else you''re not telling me that''s been bothering you?"

    Lucious hesitated for a moment, glancing away before letting out a slow breath, not expecting his contradictory thoughts to be found by his master.

    When he spoke again, his voice was quieter, more thoughtful. "There is." He admitted. "I''ve been conflicted ever since I looked into what actually happened¡ªhow she was tricked into doing what she did."

    "Go on."

    Lucious''s gaze met his master''s again, and there was a flicker of frustration behind his eyes.

    "Well, the thing is, when I found out that a maid like Isabelle, who has such a stellar reputation to the extent that she even visits the local orphanage every week, I wondered how in the world she agreed to something as absurd as poisoning you, Young Master."

    "...And when I couldn''t hold onto my curiosity any longer, I decided to dig deeper into what happened, and to my shock, I found out just how involved Edmund was in the recruitment of Isabelle to follow his schemes."

    "I thought that he had simply lied to her, saying that you were some criminal who molested women, and she was dumb enough to believe his words. But to my shock, Edmund actually went to lengths I didn''t even think possible to make her his accomplice." He said, his voice tight with restrained anger. "That dirtbag Edmund, he knew that Isabelle couldn''t be controlled with simple words or reasoning, so he used everything¡ªfalsified police statements, forged witness testimonies, fabricated medical autopsies, bribery records...the list goes on to incriminate you."

    "...It was so thorough, so convincing, that even I might have believed it if I weren''t as wary as I am."

    Cassius''s smirk disappeared entirely, replaced by a thoughtful frown. "Is that so?" He murmured, his tone neutral but carrying an edge of curiosity.

    Lucious nodded. "He painted you as some kind of...monster. An evil man who preyed on others¡ªon helpless women, specifically. Given all the evidence he manufactured, it''s no wonder she believed him." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But that''s where my confusion comes in. If she had all of that evidence, why didn''t she bring it forward? Why didn''t she use it to prove she was tricked, to defend herself?"

    Cassius was quiet for a moment, his crimson eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considered the question. Finally, he let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

    "Because that''s not who she is." He said simply.

    "What do you mean, my lord?" Lucious frowned, not understanding his master''s words.

    "Well, the thing you don''t know about Isabelle is that she''s a genuinely pure-hearted girl." Cassius explained, his voice quieter now, more introspective. "She believes that she sinned, no matter the circumstances. To her, trying to shift the blame to Edmund¡ªor even justifying her actions¡ªwould feel like making excuses."

    "...So instead, she accepted her fate. She took responsibility for what happened, even if it wasn''t entirely her fault."

    Lucious stared at him, his lips pressing into a thin line as he processed the words. His twinkling eyes flickered with something unreadable¡ªfrustration, perhaps, or admiration.

    "That''s...an unusual way to think." He said finally, his tone tinged with reluctance.

    "It''s foolish," Cassius said, though his voice lacked any real heat. He then smirked faintly, glancing at Lucious. "But it''s also admirable, isn''t it? There aren''t many people who would accept responsibility like that, knowing they could easily shift the blame elsewhere."

    Lucious let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

    "I suppose you''re right." He admitted, like he couldn''t believe that he was actually acknowledging someone that tried to murder his beloved master. "It''s hard not to respect someone like that, even if I still think she should have done more to defend herself."

    Cassius chuckled softly, his smirk widening as he clapped Lucious on the shoulder. "Careful, Lucious." He teased. "If you''re not careful, you might end up liking her after all." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious''s eyes widened, and he shook his head vehemently. "Absolutely not, Young Master!" He exclaimed, his tone firm. "She still doesn''t deserve an ounce of your care or love. But..." He hesitated, his voice softening slightly. "...I can understand why you''re interested in her."

    Cassius sighed when he heard his butler''s words, his eyes glinting faintly in the dim light.

    "Well, Lucious, it doesn''t matter how interested I am." He murmured, his voice heavy with something unspoken. "She''s likely going to despise me more than anyone in the world after the punishment I''m going to give her tomorrow."

    "Punishment, my lord? But...why?" Lucious frowned, confusion flickering across his face. "I thought you''d already forgiven her for what she did."

    Cassius''s smirk returned, but it was smaller, darker, as though laced with a secret he had no intention of sharing.

    "I have no right to forgive her, Lucious ..." He said cryptically as his gaze drifted skyward for a moment, his expression unreadable. "...for it''s not my life that was harmed, after all, and someone else''s."

    Lucious blinked, thrown by the sudden shift in his master''s tone. "Not your life, my lord? T-Then...whose?"

    "Who other than the past Cassius, who once existed in this world?" Cassius smiled, enjoying the perplexity seen on his butler''s face.

    "T-The past...Cassius?" Lucious tilted his head, his confusion deepening.

    "Yes." Cassius murmured, his voice almost wistful as if he were mourning the loss of a close friend. "It''s not about me since I personally don''t have too much of an attachment to my own life...It''s about him."

    "...And it''s my duty as the one who has taken his reins to ensure his revenge is carried out. To see to it that his soul can rest in peace."

    The mysterious statement hung in the air, heavy and impenetrable. Lucious opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it again, sensing that pressing further would yield no answers.

    Whatever his master meant, it was clearly something deeply personal, something that could not be easily explained because of some kind of personal conflict¡ªor perhaps something Cassius simply refused to explain.

    Lucious then nodded slowly, his loyalty outweighing the several questions that were going through his mind.

    "I... I see, Young Master." He said softly, even though he didn''t understand what he was speaking about. "If that''s your will, then I will follow it without question."

    Cassius glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Good...That''s for the best." He said simply, while thanking the gods for giving him such an obedient and adorable butler.

    Lucious fell into step behind him, silent but thoughtful, as they continued down the moonlit path.

    Though his master''s words remained a mystery, Lucious knew one thing for certain: whatever came next, he would be there by Cassius''s side, as he always had been his whole life.

    ...Even as he thought about the depraved purge his master was about to commit tomorrow, the one that would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the family and leave behind irreversible devastation to his reputation, Lucious felt no hesitation.

    Whatever tomorrow brought¡ªwhether it was chaos, destruction, or even their downfall¡ªLucious would follow his master into the depths of it all.

    Even if the world turned against them, he would remain steadfast, standing by Cassius''s side until the very end, and that was his solemn promise...

 Chapter 36 Let Me Apologise

    The grand hallway of the mansion echoed with the murmurs of its gathered staff. Every servant, from the highest-ranking stewards to the lowest washing maids, walked in uneasy groups, their voices hushed as they exchanged nervous glances.

    The soft tread of their footsteps seemed louder in the tense silence, the grandeur of the marble floors and towering ceilings doing nothing to ease their discomfort.

    "Why do you think the head butler called us all here?" A sweeper whispered to the maid walking beside him.

    "I don''t know." She replied, clutching her apron anxiously. "Do you think it''s about...the attempt on the young master''s life?"

    The mention of the assassination attempt sent a ripple of unease through the group. Others joined in the sneering, their voices low but urgent.

    "Could it be about punishments? Do they think one of us is involved?"

    "Don''t be ridiculous." A steward hissed, though his tone carried its own uncertainty. "The staff''s been loyal for years. There''s no way it''s one of us...right?"

    "But then why this meeting?" Another voice chimed in, quieter this time. "And why call all of us at once? This isn''t normal."

    Questions overlapped, their concerns filling the air as the hallway stretched on, its opulent design suddenly feeling oppressive.

    As they neared the end of the corridor, the whispering began to falter.

    All eyes turned forward to see Lucious standing at the grand intersection of the halls, his posture straight and composed, his hands clasped neatly behind his back. His face was a mask of stern authority, a sharp contrast to his usual energetic demeanour. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The servants stopped in their tracks, their uneasy whispers dying entirely under his steady gaze. For a moment, there was only silence, the weight of anticipation pressing heavily on their shoulders.

    One of the lower butlers hesitated before stepping forward, clearing his throat nervously.

    "Mr. Lucious." He began, his voice shaking slightly, "For what purpose have we been gathered here? Is it...is it about the incident with the young master?"

    Lucious''s sharp gaze flicked to the man, and he raised a hand to silence any further questions.

    "I won''t be answering any of your concerns right now." He said, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable authority that brooked no argument. "All of your questions will be addressed once you''re inside. Until then, follow the instructions I give you without delay."

    The butler swallowed hard and stepped back, bowing slightly in acquiescence.

    Lucious nodded once before turning his attention to the rest of the gathered staff. "The men..." He began, his tone steady and deliberate as he gazed at all the men who were well-groomed and well-clothed to meet the standards of the Holyfield estate. "...will proceed to the banquet hall on the left. He gestured toward the ornate double doors at the end of the hallway. "The women..." He continued as he gazed at the women in the crowd who were all mostly maids. "...will go to the drawing room on the right." He pointed toward a smaller but no less elegant doorway on the opposite side.

    The servants exchanged uncertain glances, hesitant to move. A few murmured softly amongst themselves, their unease growing at the odd separation.

    "Why split us up?" A maid whispered to her colleague.

    "Maybe it''s something specific to the men and women separately, someone else muttered.

    Lucious''s sharp voice cut through their hesitation.

    "I said move." He commanded, his tone carrying an edge that made several of the servants flinch. "You''ll find out soon enough. Now, go to your assigned rooms...Do not make me repeat myself."

    The staff hesitated for only a moment longer before reluctantly following his orders. The men shuffled toward the banquet hall, their unease visible in their stiff movements and averted gazes.

    The women cast a few nervous glances at each other before heading to the drawing room, their steps slow and uncertain.

    Lucious waited until the last of the men had filed into the banquet hall before following silently, the grand double doors swinging shut behind him. The noise in the room was nearly deafening¡ªexcited murmurs and speculative whispers filled the air as the gathered staff exchanged their thoughts on the strange meeting.

    "What do you think this is about?" One of the servants asked nervously.

    "Probably a lecture about discipline." A gardener muttered, his arms crossed. "The head butler loves those."

    "I heard it''s about the assassination attempt." Another chimed in. "Maybe they''re going to question us."

    The chatter continued, growing louder and more chaotic as theories flew back and forth.

    But the moment they stepped farther into the room and caught sight of the figure waiting for them, the noise died down all at once, replaced by a heavy, almost oppressive silence.

    Cassius was seated in the centre of the room, a single elegant chair beneath him. His posture was relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, his hands folded neatly in his lap. A faint smile played at his lips, calm and composed, yet somehow unnervingly sharp.

    Next to him, placed deliberately on a small, polished table, was a jagged rock roughly the size of a coconut. Its sharp edges glinted faintly in the light of the chandelier, a stark and unsettling contrast to the otherwise refined atmosphere of the banquet hall.

    And next to the rock is what seemed to be a modern but archaic looking safety helmet that strange patterns on it, a stranger looking version of what the construction workers in Cassius''s past world would wear.

    The men froze in place, their gazes darting between their young master and the strange objects beside him.

    They also noticed that Cassius looked nothing like the man they were used to. Gone was the perpetually drunken, careless wastrel who had stumbled through life in a haze of liquor and indulgence.

    In his place sat someone entirely different¡ªsomeone who, despite his composed act and faint smile, radiated an aura of quiet authority that was impossible to ignore.

    "What''s with the rock?" One of the cooks whispered, his voice barely audible.

    "I don''t know." Another replied, glancing nervously at the jagged stone. "But it can''t be good."

    The tension in the room thickened as the staff exchanged nervous glances, their unease palpable. Yet, among them, one figure stood out, his expression entirely unfazed by the change in their young master''s demeanour.

    The supervisor of the mansion, a tall, middle-aged man with sharp, angular features and a perpetual air of arrogance, stepped forward. His every movement exuded a confidence that bordered on disdain, his lips curling into a faint sneer as he regarded Cassius.

    "Relax, everyone." The supervisor said, his voice carrying easily across the room. "There''s no need to make a fuss."

    The other staff members turned to him, their nervous expressions faltering slightly at his confident tone.

    "But the young master..." One of the servants began hesitantly, glancing back at Cassius.

    "...Is still the same useless fool he''s always been."

    The supervisor finished, his tone dripping with condescension.

    "Don''t let the new look fool you. He might be trying to play the part of someone important, but at the end of the day, he''s still just a drunkard who happens to live here...There''s no reason to concern yourselves."

    The other men murmured in agreement, their shoulders relaxing slightly as they clung to the supervisor''s dismissive words.

    Cassius, meanwhile, remained seated, his faint smile never wavering. His crimson eyes flicked toward the supervisor, gleaming with quiet amusement as if he had found the toy he was searching for.

    Lucious, standing silently near the back of the room, bit his pink lips in frustration. His gaze shifted between the arrogant supervisor and his composed master, and though he said nothing, his clenched fists betrayed his simmering irritation.

    The room''s tense silence stretched as Cassius remained seated, his calm gaze sweeping across the gathered men.

    For a moment, no one dared to move or speak, each man bracing himself for what might come next. The oppressive atmosphere felt as though it might snap at any second, and even the ever-arrogant supervisor seemed to stiffen slightly under the weight of it.

    Then, to everyone''s surprise, Cassius rose slowly from his chair, his movements measured and deliberate. The sound of the chair legs scraping against the polished floor echoed loudly in the stillness, sending a ripple of unease through the gathered staff. Several of the men gulped audibly, their nerves clearly fraying.

    Cassius, however, to everyone''s surprise, smiled brightly, the expression disarming in its sincerity. "Gentlemen..." He began, his voice warm and pleasant. "...First, let me apologise."

    The words left the men blinking in confusion, their tension wavering.

    "I know you''re all incredibly busy with your duties." Cassius continued, spreading his hands in a gesture of humility. "And I''m sure being called here so suddenly was an inconvenience...For that, I truly apologise." He inclined his head slightly, as though bowing in respect. "I hope you can forgive me for taking up your valuable time."

    Sigh~

    A collective sigh of relief passed through the room.

    The men visibly relaxed, their shoulders loosening as the tension melted away. The whispers began anew, but this time, they carried an air of mockery rather than concern.

    "It''s just him apologising." One of the staff muttered, his tone light with disbelief.

    "I knew it." another whispered, shaking his head. "He''s still the same pathetic master as always."

    Even the supervisor scoffed openly, his sharp features twisting into a sneer. "That''s exactly what I thought." He said with a derisive chuckle, glancing over his shoulder at the other men. "Didn''t I tell you there was no reason to worry?"

    Several of the men nodded in agreement, a few even chuckling softly.

    Cassius''s smile didn''t waver as he continued, his tone still pleasant.

    "I also want to assure you." He said, his voice carrying easily across the room. "I have no intention of keeping you here longer than necessary...This will all be over very soon."

    Another round of chuckles rippled through the group, the men exchanging amused glances. The nervous atmosphere from before had all but evaporated, replaced by a sense of condescending amusement.

    "Subservient as always." A measly cleaner murmured under his breath.

    "Spineless." Another agreed quietly.

    But just as the mood had fully shifted into one of careless derision, Cassius''s next words struck like a thunderclap.

    "Of course." He said casually, his smile unwavering, "...That will only happen after I''ve punished the culprit who tried to poison me, who I''ve already discovered."

    The words sent a shockwave through the room.

    The light-hearted chuckles died instantly, replaced by stunned silence. Several of the men stiffened, their expressions twisting into varying degrees of alarm and panic.

    Cassius''s eyes swept over them, his smile widening just a fraction as he took in their reactions. "And..." He continued, his tone conversational. "...the person responsible is actually standing right here, amongst all of you, so it won''t take too long to drag him out and let you all back to your work."

 Chapter 37 Ill Report You To Your Father!

    The room descended into chaos...Whispers broke out in frantic bursts, men muttering nervously to each other as they exchanged uneasy glances.

    "Standing amongst us?!"

    "Who could it be?"

    "It''s not me¡ªl swear it''s not me!"

    "It''s you! You look the most suspicious here!"

    "Well, you look like a fucking pig, so fuck off!"

    Even the supervisor, who had been so smug mere moments ago, looked taken aback. Though he quickly tried to mask his unease with a haughty sneer, there was a tightness around his eyes that betrayed him.

    Cassius watched the growing panic in the room with quiet amusement, his smile never faltering as the servants'' nervous whispers swelled into a cacophony of fear and uncertainty.

    The earlier carefree mood was gone entirely, replaced by an oppressive tension that weighed on everyone present.

    That is until one of the younger guards, unable to bear the silence any longer, stepped forward, his voice trembling as he asked, "Y-Young Master...Who is it? Who tried to poison you?"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, as though giving the question serious consideration. He tapped a finger against his chin, his smile widening ever so slightly.

    "Who indeed?" He murmured, his tone playful. His crimson eyes scanned the room slowly, deliberately, before settling on a single figure.

    He let the silence stretch for a moment longer before speaking again, his voice calm but laced with subtle implication.

    "Well, if I had to guess...perhaps someone in charge? Someone with authority?... Someone who has the most power among you all, so much power that it wouldn''t be unimaginable to think he would try to pull off an assassination." His gaze lingered briefly on the supervisor.

    The room erupted into murmurs, the vague hint enough to ignite a spark of suspicion. Eyes darted toward the supervisor even though Cassius hadn''t mentioned his name, and within seconds, the men began to shift away from him, their nervous glances turning into outright glares.

    "Could it be him?" One whispered.

    "It makes sense." Another muttered, his voice dripping with unease. "He''s always been saying that our master is useless and that he can make a much better noble if given the opportunity."

    The shift was immediate. Those who had been standing closest to the supervisor now took several steps back, their expressions a mix of disdain and fear.

    The supervisor, caught off guard by the sudden hostility directed at him, raised his hands defensively.

    "W-Wait a minute, you all!" He stammered, his sharp features contorting in disbelief. "You''ve got it all wrong! I didn''t do anything!"

    The men didn''t respond, their cold stares unwavering. Seeing that his words weren''t working against the crowd, the supervisor''s gaze snapped back to Cassius, his voice growing louder and more desperate.

    "My lord! You must be mistaken!" He exclaimed. "I''ve been loyal to this household for years! I''d never harm you¡ªI swear it! You must be mistaken!"

    Cassius didn''t answer right away, letting the supervisor''s protests echo through the room. The tension built with every passing second, the gathered servants frozen as they awaited their young master''s judgement.

    Then, to everyone''s utter shock, just when everyone thought that he would insist he was the culprit and then drag him away, Cassius let out a soft chuckle, his smile widening as he spoke.

    "You''re absolutely right." He said casually as the room went silent, confusion rippling through the gathered men.

    He then leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping across the room with an almost lazy amusement. "What I just said was false." He continued, his tone light and unbothered. "We''ve already caught the person responsible for the attempt on my life, so you really aren''t the one who tried to assassinate me."

    The collective relief was almost palpable, but it was overshadowed by the dismay and confusion left in his wake.

    "You...You''ve already caught them?" One of the servants asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

    Cassius nodded, his smile never faltering. "Of course...Catching such petty criminals is nothing for the Holyfield household." He said simply, his tone making it sound as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. He then continued saying, like it was some kind of joke, "I just thought it might be funny to see how everyone would react if I suggested one of you was the culprit."

    His eyes glimmered with amusement as they flicked toward the supervisor, then back to the rest of the room. "And just as I expected." He continued, his voice carrying easily in the tense silence. "Your reactions were rather amusing."

    A few of the servants fidgeted, their earlier nervous energy replaced with shame as they realised how quickly they''d turned on the supervisor.

    Those who had distanced themselves from him moments before now avoided his gaze entirely, their expressions tinged with guilt.

    The supervisor, on the other hand, was visibly seething. His sharp features were twisted in a bitter grimace with veins popping out of his neck.

    He could feel the weight of the servants'' stares on him, their suspicion and unease lingering despite Cassius''s admission.

    The humiliation was almost unbearable.

    Unable to stay silent, the supervisor stepped forward, his voice shaking with barely concealed anger.

    "Young Master!" He shouted as he stared at his master, who was acting like a tyrant all of a sudden. "This is completely unacceptable! You can''t abuse your position like this¡ªhumiliating me in front of the entire staff! It''s a disgrace!"

    Cassius''s smile didn''t falter, but there was a subtle shift in his posture, a slight tilt of his head that gave his expression a sharper, more dangerous edge.

    "A disgrace, you say?" He asked softly, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The supervisor pressed on, emboldened by his own indignation.

    "Yes! This kind of behaviour is unbecoming of someone in your position." He snapped, his tone laced with contempt. "And if you continue down this path, I''ll have no choice but to report your actions to the head of the household!"

    The mention of Cassius''s father hung in the air like a challenge, its weight pressing on everyone in the room. It was a clear attempt by the supervisor to regain control, a calculated move designed to intimidate Cassius back into submission.

    For a moment, the man''s twisted features softened into a smug smirk, his posture straightening as he anticipated the same result he''d seen countless times before: the young master retreating, stumbling over an apology when his father was involved in the picture.

    But instead, Cassius chuckled softly.

    The sound was low and unhurried, yet it seemed to cut through the room like a knife.

    His faint smile widened, curling into something sharper, something cruel. The chill that ran through the gathered servants was palpable.

    "Then, Mr Supervisor..." Cassius said, his tone light and conversational. "...instead of saying it was all a joke, I''ll just really add you to the group of culprits and have you dragged away."

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Cassius took a step forward, the click of his polished shoe echoing in the stillness. His fiery red eyes locked onto the supervisor, gleaming with an amusement that felt almost predatory.

    "And once that happens." He continued. "What exactly do you think you''ll tell my father? Or anyone else, for that matter, when you''re already locked up in chains?"

    The supervisor''s smirk vanished instantly, his face paling as he took an involuntary step back.

    "You...Y-You can''t be serious." He stammered, his voice trembling. "You wouldn''t dare¡ª"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his smile deepening into something colder. "Oh, but I would...I absolutely would." He said softly, his tone almost cheerful. "Oh, and you know that I have the power to do so with just a single order from me."

    The room shifted. The servants exchanged nervous glances, their earlier confidence crumbling into unease. Whispers of disbelief flickered between them, but no one dared speak loudly.

    "I-I''ve been loyal to this household for years!" The supervisor finally protested, his voice rising with desperation. "You have no right¡ªno evidence¡ª"

    "Evidence?" Cassius interrupted, raising a brow as if the concept amused him. "If I decide you''re guilty, that''s all the evidence I need."

    The supervisor''s jaw dropped, his protests faltering as the weight of the words¡ªand the calmness with which they were delivered¡ªhit him like a physical blow.

    The servants were still, their earlier smugness and dismissiveness replaced with wide-eyed disbelief.

    They didn''t dare look at Cassius directly, their eyes flitting instead between the supervisor and the jagged rock and the helmet that sat ominously on the small table beside their young master.

    The supervisor opened his mouth to speak again but faltered, his voice caught in his throat.

    Cassius gave him one last glance, his cruel smile softening ever so slightly as he sat back in his chair, his hand brushing casually against the rock. His posture was relaxed, his tone calm, yet there was something undeniably dangerous in the way he carried himself.

    The servants didn''t say a word, but their expressions spoke volumes. This wasn''t the Cassius they had mocked and dismissed as a pathetic wastrel. The man before them now radiated an authority and malice that left them shaken.

    They didn''t need him to tell them he had changed. They could feel it, and the realisation sent a chill through the room.

    The supervisor, still frozen in place, swallowed hard, his earlier confidence shattered. The silence stretched unbearably, the weight of Cassius''s presence suffocating.

    Finally, Cassius gestured toward the room with a lazy wave of his hand.

    "Shall we move on?" He asked lightly, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather. "I think it''s about time we root out the true traitors of this mansion."

 Chapter 38 Rat Extermination

    The statement about traitors being in the mansion made everyone''s eyes go wide in disbelief.

    The crowd erupted into a mix of reactions. Some of the servants froze, their faces paling as nervous energy rippled through them. Others chuckled uneasily, their laughter thin and strained as they exchanged wary glances. A handful remained eerily silent, their stiff postures and averted gazes speaking volumes.

    It was as though every man present carried some secret, some transgression they feared might now be exposed.

    The tension increased as the murmurs grew louder.

    "Traitors?" One person whispered to the servant beside him, his voice trembling. "What does he mean by that?"

    "Who knows?" The other replied, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "But it''s clear he knows something we don''t."

    In the midst of the commotion, an older cook stepped forward, his round face splitting into an amiable smile. He rubbed his hands together, the gesture nervous despite the warmth he tried to project.

    "My sire..." He said, his tone placating as he bowed slightly. "Surely there''s been some sort of misunderstanding."

    The murmurs quieted slightly as all eyes turned toward the cook.

    "Wherever you''ve gotten your information from." The cook continued, his smile never faltering. "I can assure you, it''s wrong. There are no traitors in this household. Everyone here is loyal to you and your family, my lord...Isn''t that right, everyone?"

    His words were quickly met with a chorus of agreement from some of the servants.

    "That''s right!" One shouted.

    "We''ve always been loyal!" Another added, though his voice carried a faint quiver.

    The cook gestured toward the crowd with both hands, his smile growing as he turned back to Cassius.

    "You see, my lord? There''s no one here who would betray you. You have nothing to worry about."

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his smile widening. There was a knowing glint in his eyes as he regarded the cook, his expression almost playful.

    "Is that so?" He asked, his tone soft but laced with an undercurrent of danger.

    The cook hesitated, his smile faltering ever so slightly.

    Cassius stepped forward, his crimson gaze sweeping over the crowd before settling back on the cook. "Let me ask you something." He said, his voice calm but commanding. "Do you really believe there''s no one here who''s been doing something they shouldn''t?"

    The crowd fell silent, the earlier murmurs and shouts fading as the weight of the question settled over them. A few servants shifted uncomfortably, their gazes dropping to the floor or darting away from Cassius''s penetrating stare.

    The cook opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, his confidence wavering under the intensity of Cassius''s gaze.

    Cassius took another step forward, closing the distance between them. His smile softened, but the cold sharpness in his eyes remained.

    "Look at me." He said quietly. "And tell me, with absolute certainty, that everyone here is innocent. Can you do that?"

    The cook swallowed hard, his round face glistening with a faint sheen of sweat. He lifted his gaze to meet Cassius''s, but the moment their eyes locked, the composure he''d fought so hard to maintain crumbled entirely.

    Cassius''s stare was icy and unrelenting, piercing through the man''s feeble attempts at deflection.

    The cook''s smile faltered, then vanished completely. His shoulders sagged as he broke eye contact, his head bowing in defeat. Without a word, he turned and shuffled back into the crowd, his movements slow and heavy.

    The dismay among the servants was easily noticed. The earlier facade of loyalty and unity had been shattered, replaced by an oppressive silence that spoke louder than any words.

    Cassius took a step forward, the sound of his steps cutting through the suffocating silence. His eyes scanned the room, lingering briefly on the faces of each servant, as if he could see straight through them. His faint smile widened ever so slightly, but it carried no warmth¡ªonly a quiet menace that made the servants uneasy.

    "I don''t know if this may come as a surprise to you all. But I know..." He said as he watched them all shuffle around nervously. "...that there are rats running around my mansion. Selling information about me to other parties and doing other things that I shouldn''t be doing."

    The room shifted as murmurs broke out. Some servants exchanged wary glances, their unease growing. Others stared at the floor, avoiding Cassius''s gaze entirely. A few stiffened where they stood, their rigid postures betraying the secrets they tried to conceal.

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his smile sharpening. "Ah!" He said softly, his tone almost amused. "I see this news doesn''t surprise you all."

    He then lifted his hand slowly, holding it in front of him as if cradling something small. His fingers curled slightly, mimicking the act of grasping an imaginary creature.

    "Let me just say that like anyone here." He continued, his tone shifting into something more intense. "I detest the presence of rats in my household." He glanced down at his hand, tilting his head as if examining the invisible rat he held. "And like anyone, I''d very much like to get rid of them as soon as possible."

    The room fell deathly silent. The servants shifted uncomfortably, their guilt manifesting in the way that they could feel their body heat increasing rapidly.

    "So here''s what''s going to happen." Cassius straightened, his gaze sweeping over the group.

    He then gestured toward Lucious, who stepped forward with a small stack of papers in his hand. The butler placed the stack on the table beside the jagged rock and helmet, his expression as composed as ever. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Two things." Cassius continued, holding up two fingers. "First, anyone here who is guilty of something¡ªanything¡ªwill come forward, sign their name, and write down what they''ve done. Those who confess will receive the minimum punishment, and they will be forgiven."

    A bunch of murmurs swept through the room as the servants glanced at one another, their expressions a mix of uncertainty and fear.

    "And the second option?" A brave guard finally asked, his voice shaking as he stepped forward slightly.

    Cassius turned his attention to the man, his smile widening into something colder, like he couldn''t wait to see the second method take place. He lifted his hand again, curling his fingers tightly around the invisible rat in his grasp.

    "The second option." He said, his voice soft but with an unmistakable edge. "Is when the rat refuses to come forward. And when that happens..." He clenched his fist sharply, his knuckles whitening, as he crushed the imaginary rat in his hands. "...I''ll have to cut off the rat''s head and throw away its twitching body myself."

    The room flinched collectively, the eeriness of the gesture sending a wave of fear through the gathered servants.

    Cassius''s gaze lingered on the guard as he added, "And I''ll let you know that when I find the rat, there will be no forgiveness. Only consequences."

    The guard swallowed hard, his face pale as he stepped back into the crowd, his courage now fully spent.

    Cassius let his gaze sweep over the room once more, his smile never faltering. "So..." He said lightly, gesturing toward the papers. "Who will be the first to take me up on my offer and be lucky enough to escape with losing basically nothing?"

    No one moved. The servants stood frozen, their fear written plainly on their faces. Some glanced toward the table, but none dared to approach it.

    Lucious stood silently at Cassius''s side, his posture impeccable, his expression calm and unreadable. He observed the scene unfolding before him with the sharp eye of a man who missed nothing, though his hands remained clasped behind his back as though he were a mere bystander.

    But despite the oppressive atmosphere, none of the men moved toward the table. Instead, they exchanged furtive glances, subtle shifts of their posture betraying their shared, silent resolve. They were intimidated, yes¡ªbut not enough to give themselves away.

    Cassius''s smile softened, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned back slightly, his relaxed stance completely opposite to the tension thrumming through the room.

    "You''re brave souls..." He remarked, his tone light and intrigued with their decision to abstain. "...to wager your lives like this."

    The servants stiffened collectively, his words sinking like a stone into the silence.

    Cassius gestured toward the table with an almost casual air, his smile widening just a fraction. "Here I am, offering you a way out. A path to redemption, if you will. And yet..." He tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "You choose to stand there and do nothing...Interesting."

    A few of the servants glanced away, his gaze too much to bear. Others stood their ground, their expressions carefully neutral as though trying to mask their unease.

    "But it''s understandable, really." Cassius continued, his voice as smooth as silk. "You must feel confident. Confident in yourselves, in your abilities to keep your secrets hidden." He paused, letting his words hang in the air before adding, "After all, if you weren''t, you''d have come forward by now."

    The faintest murmur went through the room as the servants stared at their master nervously.

    Cassius chuckled softly, as if he couldn''t help but laugh at the fools who were missing a golden opportunity.

    "But you see..." He said, his tone dropping to something quieter. "...confidence is a dangerous thing. It blinds people to the reality of their situation."

    He took a step forward, the sharp click of his steps echoing in the silent room. The servants instinctively moved back, their unease growing with every measured step he took.

    "And the reality..." Cassius continued, his voice soft yet carrying effortlessly across the room. "...is that you are completely naked before me. Every one of you. No secrets, no lies¡ªnothing is hidden from my sight."

    A collective gulp was heard through the gathered servants, the mood in the room reaching a fever pitch.

    "But..." Cassius said, his smile sharpening into something cruel. "I understand. It''s hard to believe something like that, isn''t it? You think, surely, he can''t know everything. Surely, my sins are safe." He gestured lightly with one hand, his movements slow and deliberate. "So, just so you lot know your place, let me make it easier for you."

    "...Let me show you what happens to those who refuse to confess their sins."

    The air in the room turned even more tense, like a massive weight waiting to break loose and crush them, the severity of his words pressing down on everyone present. A shiver ran down the backs of the servants as they exchanged nervous glances, their earlier defiance beginning to waver.

    Lucious, still standing silently beside Cassius, allowed his gaze to move through the crowd. Though his expression remained calm, there was a faint glint of something cold and sharp in his eyes, as if he too were ready to act the moment his master commanded it...

 Chapter 39 Paragons Of Virtue

    Cassius stopped walking, standing still in the centre of the room, his presence looming over the crowd like a shadow. His smile widened, his crimson eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.

    "Don''t worry..." He said softly, his voice carrying a mockery of reassurance. "I''ll make sure this lesson is...unforgettable and will make sure you know never to think too highly of yourself again, so that you don''t lead yourself into such a situation again."

    The servants remained frozen, their fear and uncertainty now visible in the stifling silence. Whatever Cassius planned to do next, none of them doubted that it would leave its mark¡ªand none of them wanted to be the example he spoke of.

    Cassius then moved back to his seat with a relaxed, unhurried grace, settling into the chair as if nothing in the world could faze him.

    His look across the room lingered briefly on the servants, who didn''t know what was going to happen next. Leaning back comfortably in his chair, he then turned his head slightly toward Lucious.

    "Lucious..." Cassius said lightly, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather. "How about I tell you a story?"

    Lucious, who had maintained his usual calm throughout the night, momentarily blinked in surprise. His bright grey eyes lit up, and an eager smile spread across his face, a rare flash of unguarded enthusiasm.

    "It would be my greatest honour to hear one, Young Master!" He bowed his head and said earnestly, his voice tinged with genuine excitement. Lucious then straightened, his curiosity clear. "But what kind of story is it, Young Master?" He asked, tilting his head slightly out of curiosity.

    Cassius tapped a finger lightly against the armrest of his chair, considering the question with a faint glint of mischief in his eyes.

    "Ah, a fine question." He said like he asked the perfect question. He then let the silence linger for just a beat longer before answering. "It''s the story of a man who once worked in the mines of the Holyfield province."

    The room collectively tensed, and even Lucious''s ever-present smile faltered slightly at the mention of the Holyfield mines.

    The Holyfield mining fields were known by everyone¡ªrevered and feared in equal measure. As the largest supplier of Eather, the mines were the lifeblood of the entire continent, fuelling cities, powering machinery, and sustaining entire nations.

    To speak of the Holyfield mines was to invoke the essence of wealth and power, but also the harsh reality of its demands.

    Lucious straightened, his expression becoming thoughtful. "A worker from the mines, you say?" He asked carefully, the thought of the location not lost on him.

    Cassius nodded slowly, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. Not a miner but a worker who worked in those mines, surrounded by the very essence of prosperity and power¡­and yet, he fell."

    Lucious''s brows furrowed slightly, his intrigue deepening. "Fell?" He repeated, his voice quieter now.

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the armrest and propping his chin against his hand.

    "Yes." He said softly, he said as he looked into the distance. "A man who committed sins so vile, so insidious, that they stained the very ground he worked upon."

    The room was utterly silent now, the severity of the situation making everyone present wish they had taken a sick day instead. The servants, though still rooted in fear, couldn''t help but exchange glances, their curiosity piqued despite themselves.

    Even the most defiant among them couldn''t help but lean slightly forward, their ears pricked as they waited for Cassius to speak.

    Cassius let the silence stretch just a moment longer, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his posture as relaxed as if he were seated by a fireside instead of addressing a room full of trembling servants.

    "Now that I have your attention." He said casually while looking at the men who suddenly looked like children waiting to hear a bedtime story. "Let me begin the story."

    "But before I get to the heart of it." He continued. "There''s something you need to understand...To appreciate this story fully, you need to know a few things about the Holyfield family."

    The name itself carried weight. It was impossible not to know the Holyfield name while residing on the continent¡ªit was practically a legend in its own right.

    "For generations..." Cassius began, his tone steady and deliberate. "The Holyfield family has been one of the most powerful families on the entire continent. We achieved long ago what other families still strive for: endless wealth, influence, and power."

    He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing as he added, "So much so, in fact, that even the kings of other nations consider us their equals."

    Faint whispers were heard from the crowd. Though they tried to remain composed, it was clear that the subtle pride in those words struck a chord.

    Some servants couldn''t help but glance at one another, their expressions betraying thoughts of how lucky Cassius must be to have been born into such a family.

    Cassius ignored their reactions, his smile faint and unreadable as he continued.

    "But..." He said, his voice softening slightly. "When you already have everything¡ªwealth, power, influence¡ªwhat else is there to strive for?"

    The question hung in the air for a moment before he answered it himself.

    "For the Holyfield patriarchs." He said, his tone carrying an edge of finality. "The answer was clear: the family''s reputation."

    The murmurs stopped, the servants full attention now locked onto him.

    "After achieving everything there was to achieve..." Cassius explained, his crimson gaze sweeping the room. "...the Holyfield patriarchs dedicated themselves to one goal above all others: protecting the family name."

    "The Holyfield name became more valuable than any treasure, more important than any political alliance or military victory."

    He gestured slightly with his hand, as though brushing away any doubt.

    "For years, they ensured that the Holyfield name was untarnished. Never involved in corruption. Never linked to scandal. Every action was carefully calculated to maintain the family''s spotless reputation."

    "The people..." He continued, his voice quieter now. "...also began to see the Holyfields as saints¡ª incorruptible paragons of virtue, incapable of committing any evil deed."

    The crowd nodded in agreement, showing their acknowledgement. It was true; unlike other noble families who were known for greed, corruption, and backstabbing, the Holyfield name had always been associated with dignity and righteousness.

    Even the most skeptical among them couldn''t deny the family''s near-pure reputation. The Holyfields were seen as untouchable, their honour as unshakeable as the mountains themselves.

    Cassius''s faint smile lingered as he continued, his tone steady and calm.

    "To state a few examples of the deeds, the Holyfields have never indulged in corruption." He said, his voice firm. "Always maintaining a neutral role in the affairs of kingdoms and empires. They never involved themselves in wars or disputes and instead focused on uplifting society."

    He let his gaze sweep the room, noting the quiet nods of agreement from the gathered servants. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "They dedicated themselves to charity." He went on. "Built schools, hospitals, and shelters. They conducted their business with fairness, ensuring that even their rivals could never claim dishonesty."

    Several servants exchanged approving glances, talking softly.

    Cassius smiled faintly as he brought up the main point he wanted to focus on and said, "And one of the most notable aspects of the Holyfields'' reputation was their commitment to their employees and workers. The family took pride in providing the best possible treatment for everyone under their care."

    This was something that the men couldn''t deny, as they were also employed by the Holyfield family and knew all the benefits that came with it.

    "Even the miners who worked in the dangerous fields of the Holyfield estate were treated fairly." Cassius said, his voice carrying a hint of pride like he were honestly impressed by the Holyfield family. "They were paid generous wages¡ªfar more than the industry standard¡ªfor the risks they endured. They were given first-class safety equipment, something no other mining operation had ever done before."

    The room seemed to brighten slightly at the mention of such generosity. The servants exchanged glances, many of them nodding in approval.

    The thought of a noble family caring for its workers so deeply was unheard of, and it only cemented the Holyfields'' magnanimous image in their minds.

    Cassius leaned back slightly, letting the admiration simmer for a moment before continuing.

    "Other lords and families never cared if their workers lived or died." He said, his tone carrying a note of hidden disdain. "But the Holyfields did. They valued every life in their service."

    The servants'' expressions softened as they took in his words, some even smiling faintly at the thought of working for such a family.

    But then out of nowhere, without warning, Cassius''s expression changed.

    His smile faded, replaced by a solemn look that sent a ripple of unease through the room.

    "But unfortunately." He said, his tone quieter now. "Even with all the safety measures in place...accidents can still happen."

    The room grew silent once more, the earlier admiration giving way to a sense of foreboding.

    Cassius''s crimson eyes darkened slightly as he continued. "There was an incident a couple of years ago." He said, his voice steady but heavy. "A mining team, equipped with the best safety gear the Holyfields could provide, met with tragedy."

    The servants leaned in slightly, their curiosity mingling with a growing dread.

    "A loose ridge unexpectedly gave way." Cassius explained, his gaze distant as if recalling the event himself. "A sudden cascade of boulders rained down, striking the miners before they even had a chance to react."

    He paused, letting his words settle over the room.

    "They were killed on the spot." He said softly, while imagining how those miners felt as they felt those boulders crushing their bodies.

    The servants'' expressions grew sombre, their earlier awe replaced by sorrow as the bitterness of the tragedy sank in. The room seemed to grow colder, the oppressive silence full of unspoken grief.

    Even the faintest murmurs had died out, leaving only the faint rustle of clothing as the servants shifted uncomfortably.

    Lucious, standing beside his master, broke the silence with a quiet, respectful tone.

    "What a tragic accident." He said softly, bowing his head slightly. "May their souls rest in peace."

    Cassius''s gaze flicked toward Lucious, and a faint smile curled at his lips¡ªnot one of amusement, but something darker, edged with bitterness.

    "Accident?" He repeated, his voice calm but carrying an undertone that sent a ripple of unease through the room. "Who said that it was an accident?"''

    Lucious blinked, taken aback by the response. His gaze darted to his master''s face, searching for clarification. "What else could it be?" He asked, his voice tinged with shock.

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as his expression darkened. His crimson eyes glinted coldly as he said, "You, as well as everyone else, may not know this, but it was actually murder, Lucious. Cold-blooded murder...driven by the greed of a certain individual."

    The room erupted into quiet gasps, the servants exchanging startled glances, stunned by the sudden twists that made the story only turn worse, and wondered what exactly was his objective by telling such a disturbing story to them...

 Chapter 40 Scurrying Away Like A Filthy Rat

    "M-Murder?" Lucious repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "Are you saying someone intentionally pushed the boulders onto them, Young Master?"

    Cassius chuckled softly, a low, humourless sound that made the hair on the back of their necks stand on end. He shook his head, his smile sharp and insidious.

    "Oh no. Not at all." He said quickly. "That part really was an accident. A freak occurrence, as they say."

    Lucious frowned, his confusion deepening. "Then...What do you mean by murder?"

    Cassius''s gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes gleaming as he spoke, his voice now colder, quieter. "The murder wasn''t in the accident itself." He said, his tone laced with disdain. "It was in what could have been avoided. Lives that could have been saved...if not for the selfishness of one man."

    His words settled heavily over the room, the servants frozen in a mix of shock and dread.

    While they were wondering who exactly was this individual he was talking about, Cassius reached for the table beside him and picked up the construction safety helmet that seemed to have some weird symbols on it. The object gleamed faintly under the chandelier''s light, its surface unmarred, the design sturdy and practical.

    Cassius then turned it over in his hands, examining it as if it held the answer to the very question he had posed.

    "Do you know what this is?" He asked the crowd, his tone soft but commanding, as he held the helmet up slightly, letting the room take in the sight.

    Lucious furrowed his brows but didn''t answer, waiting for his master to continue.

    Cassius ran a finger along the edge of the helmet, his expression unreadable as he continued saying, "To those of you who have never been to the mines before, this is a standard enhanced safety helmet. Every miner in the Holyfield mines was issued one as part of their gear. It''s equipped with an advanced safety feature¡ªan Eather-based repulsion rune."

    The servants exchanged confused glances, their unease growing.

    "The repulsion rune..." Cassius continued, his voice steady as he traced the helmet''s surface. "...creates a short energy pulse that can deflect or soften impacts. Even if a boulder¡ªor anything else¡ªslams into the helmet, the rune activates, pushing it back and drastically reducing the force of the blow."

    Lucious''s eyes widened slightly, his mind quickly piecing together the implications of what his master was saying.

    "This..." Cassius said, his tone turning icy. "...is the standard of safety we provided for every worker in our mines. Expensive, yes. Advanced technology, yes."

    "...But it was worth it, because it saved lives. Every worker had a complete set of such equipment."

    He paused, holding the helmet up higher, his gaze sweeping over the room again. "And yet..." His voice dropped, his next words chilling in their simplicity. "Those miners still died."

    The servants shuddered, the cold truth sinking into their bones.

    Lucious hesitated before speaking, his voice careful. "If they were all wearing this...then how?"

    Cassius lowered the helmet slightly, his eyes narrowing as a bitter smile curled at his lips. "Ah...That, my dear Lucious, is where the murder begins."

    The room grew impossibly quiet, every servant hanging on his words as he prepared to reveal the truth behind the tragedy.

    Cassius held the helmet up, turning it slightly so the gathered servants could see every detail. His expression darkened, his voice growing colder as he continued.

    "This helmet that you see here is not an actual helmet equipped with the repulsion ruin, just like the ones the miners who died wore. This and the ones given to that batch of workers were nothing but a collection of cheap, faulty imitations. Foamy and fake, down to the very runes that should have saved their lives."

    The crowd gasped in disbelief, their eyes widening in shock. A few of the servants began whispering among themselves about the impact of this information, their voices low and filled with horror.

    Cassius ignored their murmurs, his crimson eyes locking onto the helmet as though he could see the betrayal etched into its surface.

    "Apparently..." He continued, his tone laced with venom. "The man in charge of the miners and the equipment they used thought it would be a brilliant idea to purchase low-quality goods with the budget allotted for safety gear."

    He set the helmet down on the table beside him with a soft thud, his fingers lingering on its edge.

    "And, of course." He added bitterly. "He pocketed the rest of the funds for himself, thinking no one would ever notice."

    Another ripple of gasps swept through the crowd, the shock and disgust on their faces unmistakable.

    Lucious''s eyes narrowed slightly, his brow furrowing as he processed his master''s words.

    "But he was caught, wasn''t he?" He asked eagerly, his voice firm with conviction. "Surely, after an accident like that, he couldn''t hide his sins, especially from the Holyfield who would never tolerate such behaviour."

    Cassius nodded slowly, though his expression didn''t relax. "Oh, he was caught." He said. "Red-handed. Once the accident occurred, the truth about the faulty equipment came to light, and his guilt was undeniable."

    Lucious''s eyes lit up, a rare glimmer of excitement breaking through his otherwise composed demeanour. "What happened to him?" He asked, his voice brimming with anticipation. "Did he get the punishment he deserved?"

    Cassius''s lips curled into a faint smile, though it lacked any warmth. He sat back in his chair, sighing as he looked at the helmet by his side.

    "He did." He said simply. "§¯§Ö, along with the supplier who provided the fake goods, were hanged for what they did."

    The servants collectively let out a sigh of relief, their tension easing slightly. A few even said soft words of approval, their unease giving way to a sense of justice served.

    Lucious smiled as well, his posture straightening.

    "That''s a good thing, isn''t it, Young Master?" He said cheerfully. "He got what he deserved." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius''s faint smile didn''t waver, but a shadow passed over his expression, his fiery eyes darkening.

    "Well, it would be a good thing..." He said wryly, his tone edged with bitterness. "...if the man who was hanged had actually been guilty."

    The air in the room froze.

    The servants, who had just begun to relax, now stiffened again, their eyes wide with shock. Even Lucious blinked, his smile fading as confusion and disbelief clouded his expression.

    "What are you saying, Young Master?...Did you not just say they were the ones responsible for the accident?" He asked carefully.

    Cassius leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he clasped his hands together and said, "What I''m saying is that the man who was punished was nothing more than a scapegoat."

    The crowd erupted into hushed whispers, their disbelief turning to outrage.

    Lucious''s brows furrowed deeply, his earlier excitement now replaced with anger. "A scapegoat?" He repeated, his tone sharp. "Then who was the real conspirator?"

    Cassius''s smile widened, though there was no joy in it¡ªonly a cold, calculating amusement.

    "The real conspirator..." He said, his voice carrying a quiet menace. "...was the man who panicked the moment he realised he might be caught. And instead of facing the consequences of his actions, he meticulously framed one of his subordinates, planting evidence and crafting a perfect narrative to shift the blame."

    He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. "And it worked." He continued. "He escaped completely unnoticed, his reputation intact."

    "...To this day, he''s living comfortably, free from guilt, while an innocent man and his family paid the price for his sins."

    The room was silent, the weight of the revelation pressing down on everyone like a lead weight. The earlier sense of justice and relief was gone, replaced by dismay and outrage.

    Lucious shook his head while biting his lips as he struggled to contain his anger.

    "T-That''s...monstrous!'' He said, his voice trembling slightly. "How could something like that happen!?"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming. "How?" He repeated. "Because greed makes men blind. And desperation makes them cruel."

    His gaze then swept over the room, his smile fading as his tone grew colder, and he continued saying, "And that...is exactly why I despise rats. Because when cornered, they will do anything to save themselves¡ªno matter who gets hurt in the process."

    "So tell me, Lucious." Cassius said as he ignored the crowd that felt ashamed to be compared to such a criminal and turned his attention to Lucious by his side. "If you were to get your hands on a rat like that¡ªthe one who framed an innocent man to save himself¡ªwhat would you do?"

    Lucious''s gaze narrowed, his earlier composure crumbling under the weight of his frustration. He clenched his fists at his sides, the anger in his voice barely contained.

    "I...I''m not sure exactly what I''d do, my lord." He admitted, his tone heated. "But I''d want him to suffer the same pain, the same consequences, as the people he sabotaged."

    He paused, his eyes trembling before he continued.

    "It''s only when he falls¡ªwhen he''s brought to justice¡ªthat the people who died because of him can finally rest in peace. And their families...their families can get the closure they deserve."

    Hearing Lucious''s endearing words, Cassius''s expression suddenly shifted out of nowhere, his lips curling into a wide, almost delighted smile.

    "Ah!" He said with excitement, his tone carrying an almost eerie glee. "If that''s what you want to see, Lucious, then you''re in luck...It must be your lucky day as your wish is about to come true."

    Lucious blinked, startled by the abrupt change in his master''s demeanour. "In luck? My wish is about to come true?" He repeated cautiously. "Why do you say that, Young Master?"

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair as his red eyes gleamed.

    "Why?" He echoed, his smile widening even further as he continued saying, "Because the rat that fled from the Holyfield mines....The one who orchestrated all of this ended up seeking shelter here, in the Holyfield household."

    The room erupted into gasps, the crowd recoiling in shock as they exchanged panicked glances. Whispers broke out among the servants, their voices full of disgust that such a person was among them.

    "Here?" One of them murmured.

    "In this household?" Another whispered, his tone trembling.

    Lucious''s eyes widened, his shock mirrored in the expressions of the gathered staff. "He''s...here?" He asked, his voice sharp with disbelief.

    Cassius nodded slowly, his smile softening into something far more sinister. "Indeed...Using his high connections, he managed to worm his way into the estate. He''s been living comfortably ever since, as if nothing happened...As if the lives he destroyed were just a trivial matter."

    Before anyone could muster the courage to ask who it was, Cassius''s gaze shifted. Slowly, deliberately, his eyes locked onto a single figure in the crowd.

    The room fell silent, the weight of his gaze drawing everyone''s attention.

    Cassius''s smile faded into something colder, more insidious, as he spoke.

    "Isn''t that right...Mr. Harland? Or Mr Rat, should I say. You did a splendid job of hoodwinking everyone and creating your own safe haven in this estate, didn''t you?"

    All eyes turned to the man Cassius had singled out¡ªthe middle-aged head supervisor standing near the back of the room, who was the one who argued against his master earlier and even threatened to report him to the patriarch.

    His face paled instantly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he realised the full intensity of Cassius''s attention was on him, even though he prayed to God that wouldn''t happen while he was listening to his own story which no one was supposed to know about.

    Cassius''s voice then dropped, his tone laced with venom as he stared at the guilty man before him,

    "You truly fled a long way, didn''t you?...Like the filthy rat you are."

 Chapter 41 This Might Hurt A Little

    The room was deathly silent, every servant frozen in place as they watched the exchange. Harland''s lips trembled, his hands shaking as he took an involuntary step back.

    Lucious''s eyes narrowed, a cold fire igniting in his gaze as he turned to look at the man his master had just exposed. The immensity of the revelation hung heavily in the air, the once¡ªimposing steward now reduced to a trembling shadow of his former self.

    The supervisor stammered, his words tumbling out in a panicked rush. "M-My lord! I-I didn''t mean any harm¡ªI swear! I never expected¡ªnever wanted anyone to die!"

    His voice cracked as his coat darkened with sweat, his trembling hands gripping at the fabric as though it might anchor him. His legs shook violently, the movement so exaggerated that it seemed as if he were standing in the midst of an earthquake.

    Cassius, however, showed no signs of sympathy. He began walking toward the man, the helmet still in hand, his expression calm but devoid of mercy.

    "Rats don''t speak." Cassius said, his voice carrying an edge that cut through the steward''s desperate pleas. "So either squeak like a rat...or shut up."

    Harland froze, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly. His trembling body seemed to crumple in on itself as he fell silent, his wide, terrified eyes locked on Cassius.

    The crowd instinctively moved away, parting like a wave as Cassius approached, their fear of him overpowering their curiosity. They knew, without a doubt, that something terrible was about to happen.

    Cassius then stopped directly in front of Harland, the helmet held loosely in one hand. His calm demeanour made the tension in the room all the more unbearable.

    And then, with deliberate ease, he lifted the helmet and placed it on Harland''s head, adjusting it carefully so it sat snugly in place.

    Harland flinched at the contact but didn''t dare move, his breathing shallow and rapid.

    Cassius patted Harland on the shoulder with a touch that was almost gentle, his crimson eyes glowing with something dark and unreadable as he suddenly started to sympathise with him by saying, "I understand, Mr Rat...I really do. You''re only human, after all. Tempted by the promise of money, by the allure of worldly treasures..."

    Harland''s trembling slowed slightly, hope flickering in his eyes as he thought, for a fleeting moment, that his master might actually forgive him.

    Cassius smiled faintly, his voice softening further. "It''s natural." He continued. "Greed is an inherent part of being human. You wanted more. You thought you deserved more."

    The steward nodded shakily, his lips trembling as he tried to speak. "Y-Yes, my lord, I¡ª"

    "But..." Cassius interrupted smoothly, his tone turning cold. "It''s only fine to be greedy if you can face the consequences of that greed."

    Harland''s flicker of hope died instantly, replaced by sheer terror.

    Cassius''s smile widened slightly, but the warmth was gone, replaced by something far more sinister as he said, "And now just as my loyal Lucious always says¡ªit''s time for you to face the consequences of your actions."

    He then turned his head slightly, his gaze flicking to Lucious as he said, "Lucious, bring me the rock."

    Lucious didn''t hesitate, his movements precise and efficient as he stepped forward, his expression a mixture of cold resolve and satisfaction.

    "Hggh~"

    He grunted as he hoisted the jagged rock from the table, his face tightening with the strain. It was heavier than it looked¡ªimmensely so.

    He could feel its unforgiving weight pressing down on his arms, his muscles burning as he struggled to carry it. His shoes scuffed against the floor as he staggered forward, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead despite his best efforts to maintain composure.

    By the time he reached Cassius, his arms were trembling visibly, his breath laboured. He extended the rock toward his master, his shoulders sagging under the oppressive burden.

    Cassius didn''t react immediately, his gaze flicking briefly to Lucious''s straining form. Without a word, he reached out and grasped the rock with one hand, lifting it from Lucious''s trembling grip as if it weighed nothing at all.

    The room collectively held its breath, the stark contrast between Lucious''s visible struggle and Cassius''s effortless handling of the rock sending a wave of unease through the gathered servants.

    Lucious straightened, rubbing his sore arms as he stepped back, his wide eyes fixed on his master. Cassius, meanwhile, turned the rock over in his hand, studying its jagged edges with the air of someone inspecting a fine piece of art.

    When Harland saw what was happening, he froze, his breath hitching as his gaze locked onto the stone. His trembling intensified, his knees buckling as if the weight of the rock were bearing down on him even from a distance. The helmet on his head wobbled with his violent shaking, the hollow clinks of its metal reverberating through the oppressive silence.

    "This..." Cassius said as he tapped the helmet on top of Harland''s head. "...is the same type of faulty helmet you provided to those miners."

    The servants exchanged fearful glances, their fear intensifying as Cassius continued.

    "And this rock..." He tilted it in his hand, the jagged edges catching the light. "...is probably the same size as the one that crushed them."

    Harland''s breath stopped again, his knees threatening to give out entirely.

    "And now..." He said, his voice carrying a mockery of cheerfulness. "It''s time to see if you can trust your own life to the products you chose."

    Without waiting for a response, Cassius reached out with his free hand and grasped Harland''s shoulder firmly, his grip like iron. The steward flinched violently, trying instinctively to pull away, but Cassius held him in place effortlessly.

    The crowd began to back away, their fear overwhelming beyond measures they wanted to experience as they moved further from the inevitable scene. They knew what was coming, and none of them wanted to be too close when it happened.

    Harland''s instincts also screamed at him to run, to escape at all costs, but Cassius''s grip made movement impossible. The man''s panic hit it''s peak, his voice breaking into a desperate plea.

    "P-Please, my lord!" He stammered, tears streaming down his face. "I-I''ll do anything¡ªjust, please don''t¡ª"

    But before he could say another word, Cassius''s calm voice cut through his panicked rambling. "I told you..." He said, his tone deceptively gentle, "...rats don''t speak...And even if they do, I''m not in the mood to hear a disgusting animal like you speak."

    Harland''s lips trembled, his sobs caught in his throat as Cassius leaned closer, his expression softening into something almost kind.

    "Now..." Cassius said, his voice quiet but steady, "Clench your teeth and tighten your jaws as hard as you can...As well...This might hurt a little."

    Cassius didn''t give Harland a chance to utter another word. With a single fluid motion, he brought the jagged rock down at full speed.

    "Thwack!~"

    The impact was sickening. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The sharp edges of the rock tore through the flimsy, faulty helmet with ease, shattering it into pieces and driving deep into Harland''s skull.

    "Gush!~ Gush!~ Goop!~"

    There was a nauseating crunch as bone splintered and cracked, the force of the blow leaving a crater in his head. Blood sprayed in all directions, thick and dark, pooling beneath Harland''s body that was still held up by Cassius.

    The room erupted into gasps and muffled cries of horror.

    The servants, already trembling, recoiled violently, some clutching their mouths or turning away, though most were unable to look away from the grisly scene.

    Cassius remained still for a moment, his expression unreadable as he gazed at Harland''s limp, lifeless body. Then, without a word or a flicker of hesitation, he raised the rock again.

    "Crunch!~ Splat!~ Drip!~ Splatter!~"

    The second blow came slower but no less brutal, the jagged stone slamming into what remained of Harland''s skull with a dull, wet thud.

    "Crack!~ Smash!~ Splurt!~"

    Flesh and bone gave way under the force, bits of tissue and blood splattering across Cassius''s face and clothes.

    The crowd froze in utter terror, their collective fear paralysing them. A few servants stumbled backward, their legs trembling, while others turned pale, their eyes wide with disbelief.

    Cassius''s expression didn''t change. His face, now speckled with crimson, remained calm and detached as he brought the rock down again.

    "Squish!~ Thud!~ Splatter!~ Dribble!~"

    And again.

    "Thud!~ Crunch!~ Burst!~ Splish!~"

    And again.

    "Crack!~ Slam!~ Gush!~"

    Each strike was methodical, the sound of the rock meeting what remained of Harland''s head growing wetter and more grotesque with every blow.

    "Splurt!~ Crush!~ Squelch!~ Drip!~"

    Flesh was stripped away, bit by bit, splattering across the floor and staining Cassius''s pristine clothing.

    "Squish!~ Thud!~ Splatter!~ Dribble!~"

    Bone fragments cracked and shattered under the unrelenting force, scattering like shards of porcelain.

    "Thud!~ Crunch!~ Burst!~ Splish!~"

    Blood sprayed in every direction, pooling thickly beneath the mangled body.

    The servants began to break. Some turned away, retching, their stomachs unable to bear the scene any longer. Others covered their ears, their faces contorted in fear and nausea as the sickening sounds of flesh and bone being pulverised filled the room.

    Cassius''s movements never faltered. He struck with the same slow, deliberate force, each blow reducing Harland''s head further into a grotesque mess of gore.

    "Crack!~ Smash!~ Splurt!~ Squish!~"

    By the final strike, there was nothing left resembling a human head¡ªonly a pulped mass of flesh and bone fragments, a sickening pile of red and white that looked like it had been through a meat grinder.

    Blood seeped into the cracks of the floor, spreading out like a dark, viscous tide until it finally created a puddle of blood that reflected a demonic image of Cassius holding a stone that was painted red one hand and a mangled corpse in another¡­

 Chapter 42 Spawn Of The Devil

    Cassius then sighed and let the bloody rock and mangled corpse fall to the side, his hand releasing it with a dull thud.

    His face was splattered with blood, streaks of crimson dripping down his cheek and jaw. His expression remained eerily calm, his breathing steady as he gazed down at the mangled remains.

    The room was silent save for the ragged breathing of the servants, their faces pale and drawn. Some clung to each other for support, their knees threatening to give out beneath them.

    And then it happened¡ªwhat they feared, yet somehow expected. Cassius turned to face the trembling crowd, his crimson eyes sweeping over them like a predator sizing up his prey.

    To the servants, he no longer looked human.

    Blood dripped from his hair, painting his pale skin with streaks of crimson. His sharp features, once elegant and refined, now appeared otherworldly, monstrous. The flicker of light in his eyes only deepened their terror, reminding them of the stories whispered about him behind closed doors.

    He was the devil his father had once referred to¡ªthe unholy offspring that had killed his own mother.

    The room was utterly still, the oppressive silence broken only by the occasional drop of blood falling from his hands.

    And then he smiled.

    It was a harmless smile, soft and pleasant, like one offered in a moment of shared camaraderie. But here, with the mutilated corpse lying at his feet, it was horrifying.

    "Let''s see...Now that you''ve seen what happens to the rats who refuse to leave my house." Cassius said lightly, as he saw everyone who met his gaze look away in terror. "Tell me...How many of you are ready to accept your sins and leave on your own?"

    His smile widened ever so slightly, his crimson eyes shining as he added, "...And how many of you are brave enough to let me find out your hidden sins by myself just like Mr Rat here?"

    The moment those words were uttered, the room erupted into chaos as the crowd reacted with sheer survival instinct. Servants began shouting over each other, their voices desperate as they blurted out confessions of their misdeeds.

    "I-I gave information about your whereabouts to a noble!"

    "I''ve been selling treasures from the library to the market!"

    "I gave information about your daily life to someone¡ªjust once, I swear!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile deepening as he chuckled softly. The sound was low and rich, almost amused, but it carried an eeriness that made the shout out their sins even louder.

    "Now, now." He said, raising a hand to quiet the cacophony. "You guys don''t have to shout your sins to the heavens."

    The room fell into an uneasy silence, the servants ragged breathing the only sound as they stared at him in terror.

    Cassius then gestured toward the stack of papers on the table. "Write it down." He said simply. "One by one. No need to fight over who goes first since you''ll all have your chance."

    The moment he finished speaking, the crowd scrambled toward the table, their earlier terror replaced by a frantic need to escape the fate they had just witnessed.

    Servants shoved and jostled each other, desperate to grab a sheet of paper and confess their sins.

    Cassius himself stepped back slightly, his arms folding across his chest as he watched the chaos unfold. His eyes glinted with satisfaction, his bloodied smile still in place.

    The sound of pens scratching against paper filled the room, the frantic motions of trembling hands betraying the fear gripping each servant as they poured their secrets onto the pages. Beads of sweat rolled down foreheads, and the air grew thick with the stench of nervous bodies packed together, the tension nearly suffocating. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Satisfied with the atmosphere he had created, Cassius turned on his heel, his coat swaying lightly behind him as he strode toward the door. Each step echoed in the tense silence, the servants freezing momentarily at the sound, their pens halting mid-scratch as their gazes darted toward him.

    Cassius reached the doors and placed a hand on the handle, while the servants dared not move, their breaths held as they watched him.

    "Oh." He said suddenly, his tone light, almost as if he''d remembered something trivial. He turned his head slightly, his gaze filled with amusement as he glanced over his shoulder. "I can''t believe I almost forgot."

    The servants stiffened, their earlier relief shattering in an instant.

    "I never mentioned your punishments, did I?" Cassius said, turning back to face the room fully. His lips curved into a faint smile, and the blood splattered across his face only made it more unsettling.

    He then tilted his head, tapping a finger thoughtfully against his chin. "At first, I considered something simple." He mused, his tone light. "I thought about making you all crouch down and kiss my feet as a show of submission, you know, just like something those egotistical and pompous nobles would''ve enjoyed making people do."

    The servants exchanged uneasy glances, but there was a faint flicker of relief on some faces. It was humiliating, yes, but far better than the grisly fate Harland had met.

    Cassius continued, his expression calm. "But then I thought about it for a moment." He said, a glint of mockery in his eyes as he wondered if he really wanted to act like those vile pigs. "And I decided against it. After all, I don''t particularly enjoy the idea of men kissing me in any form, even if it was on my feet."

    The servants gulped even though they had dry throats, confusion flickering across their faces as they waited for him to elaborate.

    "So that''s why, instead, I''ve come up with a much better idea." He said, gesturing lazily toward Harland''s mutilated corpse. "Since Harland was essentially the sacrificial rat who saved you all, it''s only fitting that you thank him properly in a sincere manner."

    The room went utterly still, the servants frozen in place as they processed his words.

    "And that''s why you''ll each crouch down..." Cassius said, his tone light and conversational. "...and give Harland a kiss on the face, right where it truly matters to show your sincerity and repentance over your mistakes."

    A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, disbelief etched onto every face.

    Even Lucious, who rarely showed emotion, blinked in surprise and glanced at the mangled corpse before turning back to his master.

    "Y-Young Master..." He said hesitantly, pointing toward the remains. "How can they enact such a punishment when there''s no face left to kiss?"

    Cassius didn''t even glance back. He turned around as he began to walk toward the exit. "True." He said over his shoulder, his voice calm and unbothered. "But there''s still the flesh and bones of his face left, isn''t there? Let them kiss that."

    The matter-of-factness of his statement made the crowd recoil, and one man, overcome by the imagery, stumbled to the side and vomited noisily onto the floor.

    Cassius didn''t stop walking, his voice carrying effortlessly through the room as he gave his final order. "Lucious." He called out. "Make sure every single one of them completes their punishment. And don''t forget to collect all their confessions before you join me."

    With that, he disappeared through the doors, leaving the hall behind.

    The moment the doors closed behind him, the servants collectively let out a breath they hadn''t realised they were holding. Whispers of relief and dread filled the air as they exchanged wide-eyed glances.

    "The devil''s gone." Someone muttered shakily, their voice barely above a whisper.

    "But he''ll come back." Another replied, their face pale. "He''s not the master we once knew. He''s...something else now...Something evil."

    Lucious''s sharp voice cut through the murmurs, commanding their attention. "You heard the Young Maaster." He said firmly, though even he couldn''t hide the faint unease in his tone. "Line up and complete your punishment...Now."

    The servants exchanged horrified looks, but none dared defy the order. Slowly, reluctantly, they shuffled toward Harland''s corpse, their steps heavy with dread.

    One man broke down before he could even approach, collapsing to his knees and sobbing. Another retched violently, clutching their stomach as they moved closer to the mutilated remains.

    Meanwhile, those still writing their confessions scribbled furiously, their desperation to finish evident as they tried to avoid being last in line, while Lucious managed it all and couldn''t wait to see his master and ask the questions he had on his mind.

 Chapter 43 Just What Are You?

    With the task finally complete, Lucious meticulously gathered the last confession, stacking the sheets with the precision and care for which he was known.

    His expression remained calm, his movements unhurried, but a flicker of curiosity simmered beneath the surface. Questions tugged at the edges of his mind, and he found himself eager to share them with his young master.

    After ensuring the confessions were properly handed off for safekeeping, Lucious stepped into the garden.

    The cool evening air washed over him, a refreshing contrast to the oppressive tension that had suffused the hall. His steps crunched softly against the gravel as he followed the winding path toward the fountain.

    Upon nearing a fountain, Lucious came to an abrupt halt when he saw a rather suprising sight that made him wonder if he was seeing wrong.

    His master stood at the water''s edge, his head fully submerged beneath the surface, sending ripples outward with each faint movement. It was an almost absurd sight, as though Cassius were imitating an ostrich burying its head in the sand, only this time his head was submerged in the water like he was trying to drown himself.

    Lucious blinked, momentarily taken aback, before continuing forward.

    "Ahh!~ That was refreshing!~"

    And just as he did, Cassius suddenly lifted his head from the water, droplets cascading down his pale skin, his wet hair clinging to his face. His blood red eyes glinted with satisfaction, his expression one of serenity¡ªas if he had just emerged from a tranquil bath.

    "Ah, Lucious." Cassius said cheerfully, a playful smirk curving his lips when he noticed his butler approaching. "Hear this...I was hoping to find some fish in this fountain and admire the funny looks they had on their faces. But sadly, there''s nothing but a lonely toad at the bottom."

    Lucious inclined his head, suppressing a faint smile. "I''ll arrange for some beautiful fish to be placed here, my lord. I''m sure it will make your next...bath far more engaging"

    Cassius chuckled softly, accepting the towel Lucious offered. He began to dry his face, erasing the remnants of blood that had stained him earlier. His features, now pristine, appeared far more composed, though his eyes retained their unnerving glint.

    "So..." Cassius began, casually wiping at his damp hair. "Is everything handled? Any complications?"

    Lucious nodded smoothly. "Yes, my lord. Everyone wrote their confessions without resistance. As for the punishment...they followed through, though most were thoroughly shaken by the end."

    "Shaken?" Cassius arched a brow, pausing mid-motion. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious tilted his head slightly, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. "Several broke down weeping afterward. Some even curled up and couldn''t stop shaking and shivering while calling out to their mothers to save them...It caused some delays in getting everything finalized."

    Cassius smirked faintly, leaning back against the fountain''s edge. He draped the towel around his neck, his gaze flickering with faint amusement as he asked, "I see. And what about you, Lucious? How are you feeling?"

    "Young Master?" Lucious blinked, a hint of confusion crossing his otherwise impassive face. "What do you mean by that?"

    Cassius gestured lazily, his eyes narrowing slightly as they studied his butler. "I mean, you were there the entire time, weren''t you, Lucious. You saw it all. Are you not frightened just like the rest of them? Or are you merely maintaining this calm facade to uphold your image as the perfect butler?"

    Lucious remained silent for a moment, his grey eyes catching the faint light of the sun. And then, slowly, a small smile tugged at his lips¡ªa smile that was far too sharp, too unsettling, to be innocent.

    "Frightened?" He echoed, his tone carrying a faint trace of amusement. "No, my lord. Not in the slightest."

    Cassius blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sudden shift in Lucious''s demeanor.

    "In fact." Lucious continued, his voice lowering slightly, "I found it...beautiful. Mesmerizing, even."

    "B-Beautiful?" Cassius''s smirk faltered, unease flickering across his face.

    Lucious''s smile widened, his gaze gleaming with a fervor that bordered on reverence. His voice dropped slightly, his words spilling out with a passion that made Cassius shift uncomfortably.

    "The sound of the rock smashing through his skull..." Lucious began, his tone rich with admiration. "...The weight of the rock as it struck his head...The way it shattered flesh and bone so effortlessly. The way the blood sprayed across your face, my lord¡ª"

    He took a step closer, his expression unguarded, as though describing a work of divine art.

    "At that moment, you looked more handsome than I''ve ever seen you. The calmness in your eyes, the precision of your movements...I-It was breathtaking. Every strike was deliberate, calculated, like a maestro conducting a symphony of destruction."

    Cassius blinked, his hand frozen mid-motion as he wiped his face with the towel. He stared at Lucious, unsure whether to feel flattered or deeply unsettled.

    "And the way you didn''t even give him a chance to speak." Lucious continued, his voice growing softer, almost reverent. "The sheer finality of it...The mercy you withheld, Young Master. It wasn''t cruelty¡ªit was justice, divine justice delivered with the calmest, most elegant manner I''ve ever witnessed."

    "...You painted the scene with his blood as if it were your canvas, each strike perfect in its execution."

    Cassius cleared his throat, taking a deliberate step back, though Lucious didn''t seem to notice.

    "The satisfaction I felt in that moment..." Lucious went on his voice trembling slightly with excitement. "...was indescribable. To see you, my master, holding power over life and death, wielding it so gracefully¡ªit was...art. Pure art."

    Cassius pressed the towel to his face, hiding his expression for a moment as he processed the disturbing enthusiasm in Lucious''s voice.

    ''My cute little butler is definitely unhinged...Maybe even worse then me.'' He thought to himself, swallowing hard.

    Finally, Cassius lowered the towel, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Lucious. "Y-You have a...unique way of looking at things, Lucious." He said carefully, his tone measured like he didn''t want to provoke the little psychopath in front of him.

    Lucious tilted his head slightly, his sharp smile unwavering. "Do I, Young Master?" He asked, his tone polite but laced with amusement. "I simply admire what is worthy of admiration."

    Cassius sighed, rubbing his temples as he turned back toward the fountain. "Remind me never to give you a paintbrush." He muttered, more to himself than to Lucious.

    Lucious''s soft laughter followed him, tinged with that unsettling edge that made Cassius vow silently to keep his butler''s sadistic tendencies in check.

    Cassius then tossed the bloodied towel onto the stone ledge and glanced back at his butler with a faint smirk as a question came to his mind.

    "But Lucious, if you''re so calm after watching a man get brutalized and murdered." Cassius asked casually, his tone light yet probing. "Then why were you blushing so much yesterday, just from eavesdropping on what was happening inside?"

    Lucious froze, his eyes widening in panic when he hears his master''s question.

    His previously composed demeanor shattered, and he waved his hand in the air, his cheeks flushing as he stammered. "Th-That''s too embarrassing to think about, Young Master!" He exclaimed, his voice rising a pitch.

    Cassius chuckled, thoroughly entertained by the stark contrast between the sadistic butler from moments ago and the flustered, almost childlike one standing before him now.

    "Ah, so you can admire the artistry of blood and gore..." He said, his voice dripping with mockery, "...But a little intimacy makes you crumble?"

    Lucious coughed loudly, straightening his posture in an attempt to regain his composure.

    "Ahem! My lord." He said, his tone suddenly serious, though the blush on his cheeks betrayed his embarrassment. "Rather than dwell on such...improper topics, there''s something else I''ve been meaning to ask you about."

    "Oh? And what might that be?" Cassius tilted his head slightly, letting his easily flustered butler go for now.

    Lucious hesitated for a moment, his expression shifting to something more solemn, even nervous. His eyes darted away before returning to meet Cassius''s steady gaze.

    "I noticed something, my lord." He began cautiously, his voice low. "Something that others didn''t seem to catch. Perhaps because they were too focused on Harland and what was happening to him."

    "What exactly did you notice?" Cassius raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the shift in his butler''s demeanor as he didn''t seem like someone who would unnecessarily like he was now.

    Lucious exhaled softly, glancing at the ground before continuing. "When you brought the rock down on Harland''s head." He said, his words a little hesitant like he couldn''t believe what he was saying himself. "I think that, just for a moment...I saw something...A blue light...A blue light flash around the helmet."

    Cassius frowned slightly, leaning in. "A blue light?"

    Lucious nodded, his expression tense. "Yes, my lord. A faint glow that flickered the moment the rock made contact with the helmet."

    Cassius''s eyes narrowed, a faint smile pulling at the corner of his lips as he figured out what his observant buter was trying to ask. "Go on."

    Lucious hesitated again, as if weighing the implications of his next words. "At first, I thought I must have seen wrong. After all, it'' s impossible¡ªor rather, it should be impossible."

    Cassius straightened, a faint air of amusement in his tone as he replied, "And yet, here you are, about to tell me the impossible."

    Lucious glanced up at his master, his gaze filled with both awe and disbelief. "The blue light, my lord..." He said as he remembered the scene he had just witnessed. "...it was the repulsion field activating, was it not?"

    Cassius''s smile deepened, though his eyes remained unreadable.

    Lucious continued, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "I know because I''ve studied the properties of those types of runes before. That rune on that helmet is designed to repel objects, to soften impacts to the point of harmlessness and when it activates it usually shines blue because it is Eather based which is also blue in colour."

    "...It''s advanced technology that''s even used in milita, so not even a massive boulder should have been able to break through it."

    He paused, swallowing hard before adding, "But then I saw the rock you used, Young Master. The crater it left on its surface after you smashed it onto the helmet. And I knew...you didn''t just break through the helmet. You shattered the repulsion field itself."

    Cassius remained silent, his expression calm but his gaze sharp, as though he were studying Lucious with newfound interest.

    Lucious looked at him, a mix of awe and disbelief flickering in his golden eyes.

    "My lord." He said softly, his voice trembling slightly. "How is that possible? Not even a machine built to crush stones could have caused that much damage. And yet you did, with your bare hands."

    "Just...What are you?"

    Lucious looked at his master like he was wondering if he was a normal human or some kind of monster in the skin of a human being.

 Chapter 44 Battle Butler

    Cassius chuckled at Lucious''s question, as he turned to face his butler who looked a bit startled.

    "Why do you look so nervous, Lucious?" He asked, his crimson eyes gleaming with mischief. "Surely, you''re not scared of me now, are you?"

    Before Lucious could respond, Cassius placed a hand firmly on his shoulder, his grip light at first but growing steadily tighter. His fingers pressed into the fabric of Lucious''s uniform, his touch cold yet deliberate.

    "After all..." Cassius continued, his voice dropping to a quiet, almost menacing murmur. "You''ve just learned how easy it would be for me to twist your neck like a helpless little bunny."

    With that, his hand moved to Lucious''s neck, his grip tightening slightly as if to emphasize his point. The weight of his strength was easily noticable, a subtle reminder of the inhuman power he possessed.

    And then, Cassius''s crimson eyes locked onto Lucious''s grey ones, fully expecting to see a flicker of fear. It would only be natural, after all¡ªanyone would be unnerved in the presence of someone with such monstrous strength.

    But to his surprise, Lucious didn''t flinch.

    Instead, the butler''s grey eyes sparkled with an almost childlike admiration. A smile spread across his face, radiant and utterly unshaken. "Why in the world would I be scared, my lord?" He suddenly asked, his voice steady and sincere.

    Cassius blinked, his grip on Lucious''s neck faltering for a moment. "What?" He muttered, genuinely taken aback.

    Lucious''s smile widened, his gaze filled with unshakable confidence. "I mean why would I be scared when this is actually the biggest relief I''ve felt in years." He said cheerfully and with a giddiness in his step that couldn''t be hidden.

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Relief?"

    "Of course!" Lucious exclaimed, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. He placed a hand over Cassius''s, gently pulling it away from his neck. "You see, while I may be an excellent butler in most respects, I lack any real fighting ability. It''s always been a source of concern for me, knowing I wouldn''t be able to protect you if something were to happen."

    Cassius stared at him, speechless, as Lucious continued, his voice growing more animated.

    "But now, knowing that my master is blessed with such strength¡ªstrength beyond anything I''ve ever seen¡ªwell, I don''t have to worry about your safety anymore."

    He beamed at Cassius, his admiration so genuine that it bordered on unsettling.

    "In fact." He added, his tone softening slightly. "It''s genuinely a comfort to know that I serve someone so capable...Truly, Young Master, this only makes me respect you even more."

    Cassius opened his mouth to respond, only to close it again, utterly dismayed. For the first time in a long while, he found himself at a loss for words.

    Lucious, oblivious to his master''s reaction, suddenly lit up with enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he clasped his hands together and leaned toward Cassius.

    "Young Master!" He exclaimed, his tone bubbling with eagerness. "How did you get so strong? Please, tell me! I must know so I can train and become strong so that I can protect you!"

    Before Cassius could respond, Lucious took a step back and struck what he clearly thought was an impressive pose, flexing his arms as if showing off nonexistent muscles.

    "Just imagine..." Lucious said dramatically, his voice rising with excitement. "Me, a mighty warrior butler, ready to crush anyone who dares to harm my master!"

    He shifted into another pose, this time attempting a bicep curl with an invisible dumbbell. His expression was one of pure determination, though his scrawny frame made the display more comical than intimidating.

    Cassius blinked, the absurdity of the scene snapping him out of his daze. A soft chuckle escaped him, growing into a full laugh as he shook his head in disbelief. "Lucious..." He said, his voice laced with amusement. "You utterly hilarious, you know? You might just be able to get the role of court jester with your talent to make people laugh."

    Lucious pouted unabashedly when he saw his master making fun of him. "But my lord! I'' m serious! Tell me your secret! How did you achieve such monstrous strength?"

    Cassius smirked, folding his arms as walked along the well paved paths. "If you must know." He said, his tone teasing. "I followed a very strict workout routine for an entire year."

    Lucious''s eyes widened in awe, his mouth falling open slightly. "A whole year?" He whispered, as if hearing a forbidden secret.

    Cassius nodded solemnly, his smirk widening.

    "Yes. Here''s what I did: one hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats, and a ten-kilometer run...Every single day." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious gasped, his hands flying to his mouth in disbelief. "That''s it?" He exclaimed, his tone somewhere between shock and reverence.

    "That''s it." Cassius said, nodding like a sage.

    Lucious''s face lit up like a child who had just discovered a hidden treasure. He clenched his fists, a look of determination washing over him.

    "I''ll do it!" He declared, his voice brimming with resolve. "I''ll follow this routine diligently, every day! I''ll become strong enough to protect you, my lord!"

    He then began shadowboxing enthusiastically, throwing punches into the air with exaggerated sound effects. "Hah! Huh! Pow!"

    Cassius couldn''t suppress another laugh, shaking his head as he placed a hand on Lucious''s shoulder. "Lucious." He said, his tone half amused and half affectionate. "You'' re going to hurt yourself before you even get started."

    Lucious straightened, puffing out his chest proudly.

    "Nonsense, my lord! I''m ready to dedicate myself fully to this!"

    Cassius chuckled again, draping his arm over Lucious''s shoulder as they began walking back toward the mansion.

    "Just don''t overdo it." He said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I''d rather not have to explain why my butler collapsed from exhaustion while trying out some basic excercise."

    Lucious beamed, nodding eagerly as he matched his master''s pace. "I won''t let you down, Young Master!"

    As they approached the mansion, Cassius''s expression shifted slightly, a subtle glint of anticipation flashing in his crimson eyes.

    There was still the matter of the remaining girls in the other room¡ªan entirely different challenge waiting to be dealt with in a much more ''playful'' and ''exciting'' manner.

    Cassius and Lucious stepped into the mansion, the echo of their footsteps reverberating through the grand hallway as they made their way toward the room where the women were waiting.

    Lucious glanced at his master, his eyes filled with curiosity like he really wanted to ask something.

    "If I may ask, Young Master since I haven''t exactly been informed yet." He began carefully. "Why did you decide to bring about such a drastic purge in the mansion? Was it because of the poisoning incident?"

    Cassius smirked faintly, his eyes gleeming with something unreadable.

    "Partly." He admitted, his voice low and measured. "The poisoning was the spark, I suppose. But the real reason...was that I wanted to start off with a clean slate."

    Lucious tilted his head slightly, his interest piqued.

    Cassius continued, his tone carrying a mix of calmness and disdain. "You can''t build a strong foundation when your own house is filled with rats and snakes, can you? Especially when they''re the kind that are waiting to sink their poisonous fangs in you." His lips curled into a sharper smile. "So I decided to air out the house a bit. Let the filth reveal itself before it festers any further."

    Lucious nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious. "That makes sense, Young Master. A house divided cannot stand, after all."

    They turned down a corridor, the faint murmur of voices ahead signaling that the women were still gathered in the other room. As they walked, Lucious hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

    "If I may ask another question, my lord...How did you figure out that Harland was the true suspect behind the mining incident? Was there something specific that tipped you off?"

    Cassius glanced at him, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

    "Of course." He said lightly. "The thing was I already knew no one would admit their crimes if I simply asked them to. So I needed an example. Someone whose guilt could be easily proven, or at least someone whose life would serve as a warning to the others."

    Lucious frowned slightly, processing his master''s words.

    "Harland caught my attention during my investigation when I went through the records of every servant in the household." Cassius continued. "Most were mundane¡ªsimple transfers, straightforward hirings. But Harland''s case stood out."

    "Why?" Lucious asked, his brow furrowing.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened. "He was transferred here under circumstances that didn''t make sense. No recommendation letters, no formal evaluations. It was as if he appeared out of thin air and was granted a position he had no qualifications for."

    "...A convenient promotion for someone with a past they wanted to hide."

    Lucious''s eyes widened slightly, impressed. "And that alone was enough to suspect him?"

    Cassius shook his head. "Not quite. But when I started connecting the dots¡ªhis sudden transfer, his background in the mines, his suspicious lack of records during the time of the Holyfield mining scandal¡ªit all came together." He paused, his tone turning cold.

    "The rats always leave a trail...You just have to know where to look."

    Lucious nodded slightly, keeping his expression neutral, though his thoughts betrayed the calm facade. ''He truly is remarkable.'' Lucious mused silently, his admiration for his master growing with every passing moment.

    As they approached the door, Lucious tilted his head slightly, and asked, "My lord are we going to use the same method with the ladies? Or..." He paused, his voice dropping to something almost playful. "...Would you prefer a knife this time? Something to change things up?"

    He glanced at Cassius, his expression eerily calm as though ready to gut someone if his master so much as nodded.

    Cassius chuckled softly, shaking his head as he waved a hand dismissively.

    "No, no, Lucious." He said, his tone light yet carrying an unmistakable edge of menace. "I''m not going to use such barbaric methods when the ladies are involved."

    Lucious raised a brow, though he said nothing, waiting for his master to elaborate.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened, a faint glint of mischief sparking in his eyess. "No, with them, I''ll take my time to play with them."

    "...Especially one of them who is already willing to be our ''example'' this time and has volunteered herself to make rooting out the pests much easier."

    Cassius said mysteriously which made Lucious wonder who was crazy enough to go through something''s similar to what Harland had just gone through.

    But there was really no denying the darkness behind the cruel smile he had on his face, the sheer intent that made even Lucious¡ªa man accustomed to Cassius''s ways¡ªfeel a shiver of anticipation.

    The butler gave a faint nod, his composure returning as he stepped aside to let his master lead the way.

    Cassius placed a hand on the ornate handle, his movements slow and deliberate as he pushed the door open. The soft murmur of voices inside immediately fell silent, as his presence alone was enough to shut the mouth of everyone in the crowd.

    He stepped into the room with an air of calm authority, his gaze going over all the gathered women which mostly consisted of youthful maids. Lucious followed close behind, his sharp eyes scanning the room as he silently assessed the tension radiating from the group.

    The women, seated in neat rows on the cushioned benches, looked up at him with a mixture of fear and apprehension. Their nervous glances darted between Cassius and Lucious, as if trying to gauge which one was more dangerous.

    Cassius then took a step forward, his smirk softening into something deceptively kind.

    "Good evening, ladies." He said, his voice dripping with warmth and then continued saying as a eerie grin slowly formed on his face,

    "Shall we begin the second part of today''s purge?"

 Chapter 45 Get Out...

    Cassius stepped further into the room, his calm gaze fleeting over the assembled group of women. He took in their faces, assessing them with quiet amusement.

    Most of them were young or middle-aged, their expressions ranging from anxious to outright terrified. Not a single elderly woman was present.

    Cassius let out a small sigh of relief, internally praising the Holyfield estate for maintaining high standards.

    ''At least I won''t have to enact tonight''s punishments on any old ladies.'' He thought, shivering slightly at the thought.

    The idea alone was enough to make him grimace as the punishment he was going to give them was going to need them all to be quite ''intimate'' with them and he was really into the idea of a granny who''s teeth were starting to fall off getting too close to him.

    As his expression subtly shifted, Lucious, ever the observant butler, noticed immediately. "My lord." He said, his voice quiet but inquisitive. "Is something the matter?"

    Cassius blinked, then waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, no, no. Just...a stray thought." His tone was light, but Lucious narrowed his eyes slightly, unconvinced knowing that his master wouldn''t show such a expression unless something distressing happened.

    Still, Cassius didn''t offer further explanation. Instead, he shifted his attention back to the gathered women. His gaze roamed the group, searching for one specific face.

    And there she was.

    Toward the back of the crowd, nearly hidden behind a few of the taller women, stood the one he had chosen as his example for this group.

    Cassius''s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. And with everything set, and a whole bunch of women standing before him, waiting in uneasy silence, he finally spoke.

    "I''ll be honest with you." He began, his voice smooth and deceptively warm. "Just a short while ago, we finished our interrogation of the men in the household."

    A ripple of nervous energy passed through the women, their hands clutching their skirts, their bodies unconsciously tensing.

    "And." Cassius continued, his smile widening. "After some...extreme methods, they ended up spilling all their sins."

    At those words, Lucious stepped forward with perfect timing, holding up a thick stack of papers. The sheer volume of confessions was enough to send a visible wave of panic through the crowd.

    Gasps echoed through the room, followed by hushed whispers. Some of the women clutched their chests in fear. Others covered their mouths as they exchanged frantic glances.

    "He''s serious." One woman muttered under her breath.

    "They really confessed everything?" Another whispered, her voice trembling.

    Cassius chuckled softly, the sound sending another wave of tension through the air. "Oh, you''d be surprised what people are willing to admit when they realize the alternative is far worse."

    "Oh, you''d be surprised." He said, voice rich with joy like he enjoyed toying with those men. "Surprised at what people are willing to admit when they realize the alternative is far worse."

    A few of the women stiffened, their gazes darting to one another in a silent exchange.

    Lucious then took a step forward, his posture pristine as he adjusted his grip on the stack of confessions. His grey eyes swept over the group before he spoke, his voice polite but carrying the same chilling edge as his master''s.

    "Among these confessions." He said, lifting the papers slightly. "Several of the men admitted that the women were also involved."

    The reaction was immediate.

    A wave of whispers broke out, hushed voices spilling in panic as the women exchanged frantic glances. Some of them tensed, their eyes flickering with barely concealed dread.

    Others bit their lips, clearly debating whether they should speak up before things took a turn for the worse and say that there was no way that was true.

    And yet, no one dared.

    Not because they didn''t want to. But because all of them were guilty of something.

    All except for one.

    One girl stood in the crowd, her posture straight, her face composed. Unlike the others, she neither whispered nor fidgeted.

    She simply stood, hands folded neatly in front of her, listening with quiet diligence.

    And the others noticed.

    Their gazes flickered toward her, some subtly, others openly, hope flickering in their wide eyes. Perhaps she would speak.

    Perhaps she would be their voice.

    But she didn''t.

    She remained silent, her eyes calmly fixed on Cassius, as if waiting for him to continue.

    A collective sigh rippled through the women, disappointment and resignation settling over them.

    Cassius, who had been watching the silent exchange, let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, well." He sighed dramatically. "I had hoped one of you would step forward. But it seems even among traitors, loyalty holds strong."

    He took a slow step forward, his presence like a weight pressing down on the room.

    "Let me make this easy for you." He said, his voice carrying a lazy drawl. "I am exhausted. Truly. A lazy noble like myself isn''t used to such strenuous activities. Interrogating all those men. It''s taken quite a bit out of me."

    Lucious, standing beside him, gave an approving nod, playing along with his master''s act.

    "So." Cassius continued, stopping just short of the front row, his smirk widening. "I''d like to end this quickly."

    The women stiffened, their breaths caught in their throats as they leaned closer to hear their master''s words.

    "Here''s how this will go." Cassius said, his voice deceptively gentle. "You can simply admit your sins. Right here. Right now. I promise, the punishment will be...minimal."

    He tilted his head slightly, his crimson gaze sweeping over them.

    "Or." He added, his smirk deepening. "You can keep your mouths shut. And I can show you what happens when you do."

    The whispering returned, louder this time.

    "What should we do?"

    "Maybe we should just confess." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "But what if he''s bluffing?"

    "He wouldn''t actually¡ª"

    "Did the men really confess? Or is this some sort of trick?"

    The murmuring grew more frantic, uncertainty rippling through them. Some of them looked genuinely afraid, shifting uncomfortably as they debated their choices.

    But then someone scoffed.

    A bolder woman with glasses, standing near the center, folded her arms across her chest, shaking her head. "Come on." She muttered, her voice just loud enough for others to hear. "Think about it. He''s him."

    The realization hit like a spark to dry tinder.

    Cassius could almost see it. The moment they remembered.

    Remembered who he was...Cassius Holyfield.

    The drunken wastrel...The good-for-nothing son of the Holyfield family.

    The man who spent his days wasting money on alcohol and women, the man who stumbled through the estate like an embarrassment.

    The master they never respected.

    The fear in some of their eyes wavered. They exchanged glances, slowly straightening their postures.

    "He couldn''t have actually gotten the men to confess." Another whispered, her voice gaining strength.

    "Yeah. He''s bluffing."

    "He''s just trying to scare us."

    Their fear was still present, but something else was creeping in now. Doubt if what he was saying was true.

    One by one, their expressions hardened, their bodies stiffening as they steeled themselves.

    No. They silently agreed...We won''t fall for this. They weren''t going to say anything.

    The realization hit Cassius like a sweet melody, his smirk widening ever so slightly.

    He exhaled through his nose, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips.

    ''Ah. Perfect.''

    This was exactly what he wanted.

    He lifted his hand to his lips, stifling a soft laugh as he shook his head. Then, slowly, he turned his gaze back to them, his eyes gleaming with something dark and unreadable.

    His voice, when he finally spoke, was barely above a whisper. But it sent a shiver through the room.

    "Well then." He murmured. "I suppose I''ll just have to prove it to you."

    The room fell deathly silent.

    Lucious, standing at his side, smirked knowingly.

    ''The real fun was about to begin.'' Lucious thought as he stood at his master''s side, his eyes practically shimmering with excitement.

    He had been impressed with how Cassius handled the men. But now, he was thrilled to see what tactics he would use on the women.

    He could barely contain his giddy anticipation, already imagining the psychological games that were about to unfold.

    ''What will he do? What method will he use?'' Lucious thought, his fingers twitching slightly in eagerness. ''Will he break them down one by one? Or will he go for something grander?''

    But just as Lucious was brimming with exhilaration, Cassius turned his head slightly and, without warning, spoke in a calm, almost lazy voice.

    "Lucious."

    Lucious immediately straightened, his excitement sharpening into full attention. "Yes, Young Master?"

    Cassius gave him a slow, unreadable look before casually stating, "I need you to leave the room."

    The words hit like a slap.

    Lucious blinked, his excitement vanishing instantly. "...What?"

    Cassius sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "You heard me. Get out."

    Lucious stared at him, utterly baffled. "But why?" His voice was edged with genuine disbelief. "My lord, I¡ªI have to see what you''re going to do!"

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head as he turned back toward the crowd of women. "I simply don''t like having another man as a witness to what I''m about to do." His voice dropped to something more sly, his lips curling into a smirk. "You understand, don''t you? I''d like to admire my treasures and keep them all to myself."

    Lucious''s eyes widened slightly, his face heating at his master''s suggestive tone. "M-My lord¡ª!"

    Cassius turned back toward him, his smirk widening. "Of course, unless¡­you''d like to admit something to me, Lucious?" His crimson eyes gleamed with mischief. "If you just confess that you''re actually a girl disguised as a boy, then I wouldn''t mind you staying to watch."

    Lucious stiffened, his entire body going rigid as a deep blush spread across his face. His mouth opened, then closed again as he scoffed loudly, turning his head sharply away.

    "Of course I''m a man!" He huffed, before immediately spinning on his heel and darting toward the door. "I''ll be waiting outside!"

    With that, he practically fled the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

    Cassius blinked.

    Then, slowly, a smirk crawled onto his lips as he chuckled under his breath.

    ''That reaction¡­was rather interesting to say the least.''

    He had only been teasing, but now¡­he was starting to wonder.

    Still, that was a mystery for another time.

    Turning back to the crowd of women, Cassius rolled his shoulders lazily and let his sharp gaze roam over them. Their eyes flickered between the closed door and his face, nervous energy radiating from their stiff postures.

    "Now then." He sighed, stretching his arms dramatically before letting them fall to his sides. "Since no one is willing to confess, I''m afraid I''ll have to take more ''drastic'' measures."

 Chapter 46 Why Her?

    A eave of unease spread through the women as they realised what this meant, even though they didn''t have a clue about what was actually going to happen.

    "I''ve decided." Cassius continued. "To make an example of someone...Just a little demonstration of what happens to those who keep secrets from me."

    Whispers filled the room.

    "Who''s he going to pick?"

    "Not me¡­Please, not me."

    "He wouldn''t dare¡­would he?"

    Cassius allowed the tension to build, his smirk widening as his expression darkened with amusement. He wanted them to stew in their own panic, to feel the creeping dread of the unknown.

    Then, just as the suspense reached its peak, he exhaled softly and murmured:

    "Mirror, mirror, on the wall¡­"

    The women tensed.

    "Who is the prettiest among you all?"

    His crimson gaze scanned the room slowly, his finger lazily dragging through the air as if he were deciding at random. The women watched in horror, some sucking in sharp breaths as his finger passed over them, their hands trembling as they prayed it wouldn''t land on them.

    Until¡ª

    His finger stopped.

    Right at the back of the room.

    The breathless tension shattered as the women turned their heads to see who the unfortunate soul was. And when they saw her, realization struck.

    A single girl.

    One who had been standing silently, composed, not uttering a single word in panic like the others.

    Golden hair, neatly bound.

    Blue eyes, clear and unwavering.

    An abundant figure that was unmistakable.

    It was her.

    Cassius''s smirk widened with delighted amusement.

    "Well, well." He purred, his voice carrying a quiet, predatory thrill. "Look who we have here."

    The room dropped to an ice-cold temperature.

    The women could only stare in stunned silence as the unfortunate soul turned out to be none other than¡ª

    Isabelle.

    His ever-so-devoted maid.

    The only one who had not panicked.

    The only one who had stood firm without fear.

    And exactly the one Cassius had wanted all along.

    His eyes shone as he took a slow, deliberate step toward her, and the moment Cassius''s finger landed on Isabelle, a heavy silence fell over the room. The women stared in stunned disbelief, their expressions shifting from fear to something closer to...pity.

    Out of everyone... Why her?

    Of all the women present, Isabelle was, without question, the most innocent. She was the one person among them who had likely never even thought of committing a crime. Let alone actually doing so.

    This was a girl who donated half of her earnings to various charities, insisting that she didn''t need the generous salary the Holyfield estate provided. She had always said she was fine as long as she had a roof over her head and three meals a day. The rest, she claimed, was better used for those who needed it more.

    She was the kind of person who sincerely believed in doing good. Not because it benefitted her, but because she genuinely wanted to help. She also had dreams beyond simply being a maid, unlike the rest of them, who were satisfied with their positions.

    And now, she was the one Cassius had chosen...Of all the people.

    A sinking feeling spread through the crowd.

    Even those who had little emotional attachment to her couldn''t deny that it was unfair. Isabelle didn''t deserve this. If anything, she was the last person who should be made an example of.

    But no one spoke up.

    No one dared to.

    Because despite the pity they felt, none of them were willing to risk stepping into her place.

    They weren''t foolish enough to play hero.

    The sad reality was that, while they felt bad, they also preferred it this way. If it had to be someone, then let it be her.

    Cassius observed the silent moral conflict with quiet amusement.

    ''Ah, humans. So hypocritical. So selfish. And yet, so predictable.'' He thought as if he weren''t human himself.

    Not a single one of them would protest. Not a single one would dare challenge his decision.

    Because at the end of the day, self-preservation always won.

    And that was exactly what he had expected.

    Cassius let the silence settle, allowing the tension to coil tighter, feeding on the heavy pressure pressing down on the room. Then, with the slow precision of a noble who expected obedience, he called out again.

    This time, his tone was sharper, laced with something cold and condescending.

    "Isabelle." He said her name lazily, as if it was almost beneath him to repeat it. "Did you not hear me the first time?"

    And the moment he did call out to her, her shift in her demeanour was immediate.

    Her composed stance broke like delicate glass, her bright blue eyes widening with something close to shock. Her lips parted slightly, and for the first time, hesitation flickered across her usually unwavering features.

    Then, she stumbled back half a step, her fingers clenching at the fabric of her apron, twisting it as if searching for something to ground her.

    "Y-Young Master!" She breathed, her voice laced with disbelief, almost too soft to be heard. "There must be some mistake."

    Her words trembled as she spoke them, barely holding herself together. Her head shook slightly, golden strands of hair slipping from their bindings, making her look even more fragile. "I-I don''t understand. I haven''t done anything. I have always been loyal to you. I hope you know this."

    Her breath softened slightly at the end, her chest rising and falling as though she was desperately trying to contain herself.

    And then, in a move Cassius had not expected, she turned toward the crowd.

    A pleading look overtook her features, her large, glistening eyes scanning the sea of familiar faces.

    "Tell him, please!" She begged, her voice rising in desperation. "You all know me. You know I would never¡ª"

    Silence...A heavy, suffocating silence.

    Not a single voice came to her aid.

    The very people who, just moments ago, had exchanged nervous glances with her, who had looked to her for reassurance, now refused to meet her gaze.

    Some stared at the floor, shifting uncomfortably. Others clenched their hands together, their fingers twisting as if to distract themselves from what was happening.

    But none of them spoke...Not a single one.

    And for the first time, Isabelle''s expression cracked.

    Her lips opened slightly, a soft, nearly inaudible breath escaping her as her shoulders curled inward, her frame visibly shrinking.

    Her hands trembled at her sides, her nails digging into the soft fabric of her dress as she looked back at them. Her peers. The people she had worked alongside for years.

    "Please." She whispered, the word barely holding itself together. "You know me..."

    And still, nothing.

    Cassius watched Isabelle tremble, her delicate fingers fiddling at her apron, her eyes wandering around in a perfect display of shock and devastation.

    Her voice, soft and quivering, showing a tale of innocence. Her pleading eyes sought support from the very people who had just moments ago looked to her for reassurance.

    And yet, despite all that...Not a single one of them spoke up for her.

    It was perfect.

    This was exactly how it was supposed to go. The fear, the hesitation, the self-preservation overriding any sense of morality¡ªit was all predictable and expected.

    But what wasn''t expected for Cassius, however, was Isabelle herself.

    Cassius had chosen her for this role. She had agreed to it. They had spoken this morning, laying out the strategy. She was meant to be the ''example'', the sacrificial piece used to drag out the real traitors from their holes.

    And yet¡­The way she was acting now.

    It wasn''t quite what he had planned.

    She was too convincing...Too shaken...Too devastated.

    Almost as if¡­She had forgotten everything they discussed. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of confusion passing through him as he studied her closer.

    Is she improvising?

    That would make sense. After all, he had never explicitly told her how to act. He had only told her to play the part of an accused traitor.

    But this?...This felt too real.

    The way her voice wavered, the way her body curled inward ever so slightly, like someone truly abandoned. The way she seemed genuinely lost, as if she truly believed she had been falsely accused.

    Cassius watched, unable to figure out what to believe.

    This was wrong. Not in the sense that it was off-track from his plan¡ªif anything, the crowd''s reactions were exactly what he had wanted. They were buying every bit of it, believing in her despair, in her desperation.

    But he wasn''t convinced.

    Is she truly acting? Or has she convinced even herself?

    The question lingered in his mind, but he had no time to indulge it. Not now. He had a role to play, and he would play it well.

    His smirk faded, replaced by a slow, unimpressed frown. He let the silence stretch, letting the weight of his gaze press down on her like an iron brand.

    "Come here, Isabelle."

    His words were quiet, but the authority in them left no room for refusal.

    The crowd tensed. Isabelle herself stiffened, hesitation flickering across her features. She remained still, frozen in place, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides.

    Cassius narrowed his eyes. "Are you going to come here on your own?" He asked, voice dipping into something heavier, something more commanding. "Or do I have to drag you here myself?"

    Unease spread through the women, many thinking that they were wrong to think that he was the same master they could push around in the past.

    Isabelle looked at the floor, like she was having an internal debate in her mind. She then exhaled shakily¡ªthen, with reluctant steps, she began making her way to the front.

    Cassius watched her closely.

    Too slow...Too hesitant.

    Yet, the way she held herself, the way she forced herself forward despite her supposed fear¡ªit was perfect.

    He had to give her credit. She was damn good at this.

    When she finally reached him, she kept her gaze lowered, refusing to look directly at him. Cassius let the silence drag for a second longer, then took a step forward.

    Closer...Closer...Until he was right in front of her.

    Until there was barely an inch between them.

    A collective hush fell over the crowd, no one knowing what was about to happen next.

    From their perspective, it looked exactly as he intended. Like a depraved noble admiring his prey, drinking in the beauty of the trembling girl before him.

    It looked disgusting...It looked wrong.

    And that was precisely what made them even more terrified.

    But in reality¡ª

    "Isabelle." Cassius murmured so quietly that only she could hear. "What the are you doing? Did you forget that you''re in on this?"

    Isabelle, who had been keeping her eyes cast downward, suddenly lifted her gaze to meet his.

    And just like that¡ªeverything changed.

 Chapter 47 Nothing Can Faze Me Anymore

    Her frightened expression vanished in an instant. The panic, the trembling, the hopelessness¡ªall gone, as if they had never existed in the first place.

    Instead, her lips curled into a bright, knowing smile.

    Her blue eyes, moments ago brimming with despair, now twinkled with barely contained amusement.

    Cassius stared in disbelief at the sudden change that caught him off guard.

    "Of course I remember." She whispered back, her voice as light as a feather. "I''m just playing my part, Young Master, as you instructed."

    Cassius didn''t reply immediately. He just looked at her.

    At that radiant, carefree expression on her face.

    At the sheer ease with which she had flipped her emotions like a switch.

    ''W-What...the hell?''

    A headache pressed at the edges of his mind. He had spent the last several minutes genuinely wondering if she had lost herself in the act¡ªif she had forgotten their plan and started believing her own lies, but it turned out that she was so good at acting that he himself got fooled for a second.

    It wasn''t just Cassius who was trying to figure out what was happening as a flicker of confusion crossed Isabelle''s face.

    For the briefest moment, she forgot about the crowd watching them, about the oppressive silence filling the room.

    Instead, she focused solely on the man standing before her¡ªthe man who was supposed to be leading this entire performance¡ªyet was currently looking at her like she had just thrown him into a labyrinth.

    ''Why does the Young Master look so troubled? Did I do anything wrong?''

    Her master, who had orchestrated this entire act down to the finest details, was now staring at her as if she had deviated from the script.

    Hadn''t he been the one to ask for her cooperation just this morning?

    Hadn''t he been the one to approach her in the quiet solitude of the library, his voice calm yet laced with something unreadable, as he laid out his intentions?

    ¡ª

    "Isabelle." He had said, his magnetic gaze watching her intently. "I have a task for you."

    She had straightened immediately, heart pounding at the mere thought of being entrusted with something¡ªanything¡ªby him. "Yes, Young Master?"

    "I need your cooperation." He had murmured, tilting his head slightly. "Do you think you can manage that?"

    There had been no hesitation.

    "Of course." She had answered instantly, her voice steady. "I''ll do whatever you require of me."

    Cassius had regarded her carefully for a moment before continuing.

    "I''m going to root out the traitors in this household. And for that, I need an example¡ªsomeone to put in the spotlight."

    Isabelle had listened, her mind already understanding where this was going.

    "You want me to be that example?" She had asked.

    Cassius''s lips had curled into something faintly amused. "Perceptive, as always."

    Her fingers had curled into fists at her sides. "Then I accept."

    "Are you sure? You don''t even know the extent of what I plan to do." He had raised an eyebrow at her readiness.

    But she had simply lowered her head, her voice soft but resolute. "If it''s for you, Young Master¡­I''ll do anything."

    "...N-No matter how painful or humiliating it may be to make up for what I did to you and to serve you." She added as her face warmed up that she had a feeling that her master wanted to do something similar to what he did with Edmund yesterday.

    A beat of silence had passed between them, something unreadable flickering across Cassius''s face.

    Then, his smirk had returned. "Good girl." He had murmured as he put the book he was reading back into the shelf. "Then let''s see how well you perform."

    ¡ª

    That conversation had been clear and direct. And yet, here he was now, standing before her with a look of doubt.

    Isabelle felt something tighten in her chest¡ªnot with fear, but with frustration.

    Had she done something wrong? Had she overplayed it?

    She looked up at him, and in the quietest voice, just enough for him to hear, she whispered, "My lord...Did I do something wrong?"

    Cassius blinked, his focus snapping back to her.

    Isabelle hesitated before continuing. "I thought I was following the plan." She murmured, her brows knitting together. "But if you think it needs adjusting¡ªshould I change my act a little?"

    Cassius stared at her. Then, his lips twitched.

    A soft, nearly exasperated chuckle escaped him.

    Isabelle blinked as she watched him, confused.

    Slowly, Cassius shook his head, his usual smirk returning¡ªthis time, laced with something almost wry.

    "You..." He murmured. "...are far too good at this." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Isabelle frowned slightly, still unsure of what he meant.

    Cassius exhaled through his nose, his voice lowering to something only she could hear. "It''s nothing." He admitted, tilting his head as he studied her. "It''s just¡­" He paused. Then, with an almost reluctant smirk, he murmured, "I actually fell for your act for a second."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened slightly.

    Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "I planned this whole thing." He muttered, half to himself. "And yet¡ªsomehow, you still managed to fool me."

    A tiny, satisfied smile curled at the corners of her lips before she lowered her gaze slightly, voice dipping into something softer. "Then¡­Does that mean I did well, Young Master?"

    Cassius clicked his tongue. "Too well." He admitted. "You almost made me doubt myself."

    Isabelle''s heart soared.

    To anyone else, it was just a passing remark¡ªa teasing comment from a noble to his servant, laced with casual amusement.

    But to her?...It was praise. Real, undeniable praise from him.

    She had done well. No¡ªshe had done too well.

    And her master had noticed.

    Her lips parted slightly, her breath catching in her throat as warmth bloomed in her chest. She had always sought his approval¡ªhad always wanted to be useful to him, to prove herself as more than just another nameless maid in his household.

    And now, she had.

    Her fingers twitched at her sides, the urge to do more¡ªto be more¡ªburning beneath her skin.

    She wanted to keep this feeling. She wanted him to always look at her like that.

    Cassius observed her reaction with mild amusement.. "Hmm¡­" He exhaled through his nose, tilting his head slightly. "But I must admit, Isabelle, I didn''t expect you to be this talented in deception. If I weren''t careful, I might even start to worry."

    Her eyes widened slightly. "Worry?"

    He let his smirk stretch, his voice dipping into something almost thoughtful. "If you can fool me this easily¡­" He trailed off, gaze flickering over her face. "Who''s to say you wouldn''t use those skills against me someday?"

    Isabelle stiffened. The very idea of that¡ªof betraying him, of even thinking about deceiving him¡ªmade her stomach twist in horror.

    "Never!" She blurted out immediately, her voice sharper than intended, which made the crowd behind her think that she was protesting against something Cassius had said.

    She then quickly shook her head, her golden hair slipping loose from its bindings as she took a half-step closer, as if trying to physically prove her sincerity.

    "I would never deceive you, Young Master." She said firmly, her blue eyes blazing with conviction. "Not now. Not ever. No matter what happens, I will always be honest in front of you."

    Cassius studied her for a long moment.

    There was no hesitation in her voice. No wavering...Only pure, unshakeable loyalty.

    Looking at her now¡ªat the sheer, burning sincerity in her expression¡ªhe felt something shift.

    She wasn''t lying.

    Not even a little.

    He let out a slow breath, his smirk softening just slightly. "Well..." He murmured. "That''s certainly a relief to hear."

    Isabelle exhaled, her shoulders relaxing just the tiniest bit. Cassius watched her, finding it interesting how seriously she had taken his words. Then, after a beat, he tilted his head, his lips curling into something more mischievous.

    "Now, then, my dear Isabelle." He said, stepping just a little closer. "Are you ready for what comes next?"

    A flicker of intrigue passed through Isabelle''s eyes. She could hear the knowing edge in his voice.

    He was challenging her.

    And again. She smiled.

    A slow, cheeky little smile that most wouldn''t dare direct at their master.

    "Young Master." She said with a little mischief in her tone. "After what you made me do in front of my fianc¨¦¡­" Her lips quirked. "I don''t think anything can faze me anymore."

    Cassius blinked. Then, he laughed. A sharp, amused chuckle, rich with genuine entertainment.

    "Oh?" He lifted a brow, his smirk deepening. "So you think you''re prepared for anything now?"

    "Yes." Isabelle nodded, her expression unwavering.

    Cassius leaned in just a fraction, his gaze glinting with something dangerous.

    "We''ll see about that."

    Cassius then finally tore his gaze away from Isabelle and turned his attention back to the gathered women.

    They had been watching in stunned, horrified silence, their faces taut with barely concealed revulsion.

    ''Good...Time to really make them really sick.''

 Chapter 48 Lascivious Body

    Cassius let out a soft, contemplative hum, as if considering something deeply. Then, in a voice as if he were describing a painting, he said aloud,

    "She really is pretty, isn''t she?"

    The crowd tensed.

    "Even from a distance, I thought she was quite beautiful." He exhaled, almost wistfully. "That golden hair...Those delicate features..."

    A few women shifted uncomfortably, already sensing where this was going.

    Cassius''s smirk widened.

    "But..." He continued. "It was only after seeing her up close that I realized¡ª" He paused deliberately, drawing out the mood, letting every second stretch like a blade being slowly drawn from its sheath.

    Then, with a soft, almost indulgent chuckle, he said, "Not only does she have a perfect face." His voice dipped, thick with something dangerously suggestive.

    "...She also has a perfect body as well."

    The women flinched. A collective shudder rippled through the crowd¡ªsome out of secondhand embarrassment, others out of sheer disgust.

    Cassius, naturally, relished it.

    "Curvaceous in all the right places..." He murmured, letting his gaze roam leisurely over Isabelle''s frame. "Soft, yet firm...A body made to be admired."

    Several women sucked in sharp breaths. A few looked away, their faces burning with shame at having to hear such things.

    Cassius wasn''t finished. He lifted his hand and slowly, deliberately placed it at Isabelle''s waist.

    The contact was light. Barely even a touch. But the way he did it¡ªso possessive, so casual¡ªmade it feel filthy.

    "And now that I''ve felt her flesh..." He sighed, his fingers barely grazing the curve of her waist, his voice thick with longing. "I find myself wanting more."

    A gasp¡ªaudible and sharp¡ªechoed from somewhere in the crowd.

    "I want to taste her all over."

    A collective gasp this time.

    Someone made a choking noise. Another woman murmured a horrified, "He''s depraved..." under her breath.

    Cassius only chuckled. He wanted them to think that. He needed them to believe it.

    And from the way their faces twisted in a mix of shock, disgust, and sheer helplessness, he had them exactly where he wanted them.

    But Isabelle...Ah. Isabelle was a different story entirely.

    She had frozen the moment his fingers made contact.

    Not in fear. Not in revulsion...But in something else.

    Her heart raced, her body reacting before her mind could even process it.

    It was overwhelming. The way his voice caressed her ears, rich with sinful indulgence. The way his touch¡ªlight as it was¡ªburnt through the fabric of her dress, leaving a trail of heat where his fingers grazed.

    He was praising her.

    Openly, shamelessly. Saying things most men wouldn''t even dare whisper in private.

    And¡ªOh god¡ªit thrilled her.

    Her cheeks flushed, warmth blooming in her chest, her heart pounding far too fast.

    She wanted to hear more. She wanted him to keep talking.To keep touching. To¡ª

    No.

    No, no, no¡ª

    She was supposed to be acting. She had a role to play. And right now, the role was not that of a willing, intoxicated maiden, but of an indignant, scandalised woman...She had to snap out of it.

    So with a sudden, startled gasp, she jolted backward¡ªforcing herself out of his grasp.

    Her eyes widened¡ªtoo wide, too shaken, as if she had only just realised what had been happening. Her hands flew to her chest, clutching at her dress as if trying to shield herself from his indecency.

    "Y-Young Master!" She stammered, her voice laced with a mix of shock and deeply feigned offence. "Please be respectful."

    Cassius lifted a brow, amused by her reaction that he knew was an act.

    Isabelle then took a shaky step back, her cheeks still pink¡ªthough now it looked perfectly like the embarrassment of a virtuous woman being publicly humiliated.

    "H-How could you say such dirty things in front of everyone? She pressed, her voice quivering just right, laced with disbelief. "I-I understand that I serve you, but even so!"

    Cassius let out a slow, amused hum. His eyes glinted with something dark, something deliberate, as he tilted his head, watching Isabelle''s flushed, distraught expression.

    Then, ever so slowly, his lips curled into a wicked, knowing smirk.

    "Dirty?" He echoed, voice dripping with feigned innocence. "Oh, Isabelle...When did I say anything dirty?"

    The crowd blinked in disbelief. The women, already reeling from his previous remarks, exchanged nervous glances, a few of them clutching their skirts as if trying to hold onto some sense of decency in the face of such filth.

    Cassius chuckled.

    "All I did was admire you." He sighed, his voice a lazy tone, as if he were some bored aristocrat discussing fine wine or an exquisite piece of art. "And yet, you react so dramatically. Why is that, I wonder?"

    Isabelle trembled¡ªnot from fear, but from something far more dangerous. Because she knew what was coming next, and only she knew that she wanted it.

    Cassius let the silence stretch for just a second longer, feeding the anticipation, watching the discomfort settle like a thick fog over the room.

    Then, he took a slow, calculated step forward, gaze never once leaving Isabelle''s.

    "Perhaps..." He murmured, his voice dipping into something hushed, almost confessional. "I should be clearer about what I mean."

    The women stiffened. Isabelle inhaled sharply, but she didn''t move away. And then, in the most shameless, depraved tone imaginable, he elaborated.

    "Those lips of yours..." He exhaled, his gaze dropping lazily to her mouth. "Soft. Full. Always pressed together so tightly, like you''re afraid of what you might say if you let them part too much."

    The room tensed, mortification creeping in. Isabelle''s breath hitched, her lips parting on instinct.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened.

    "Ah... So that''s what it takes." He said when he saw her biting her lips like on command. "Just a few words, and look at you, already inviting me to admire them more closely."

    Several women gasped. A few even turned away, unable to bear the vulgar implications.

    But Cassius wasn''t done...Oh, not even close.

    His gaze dipped lower, dragging lazily down the line of her throat, as if he had all the time in the world.

    "And your neck..." He murmured, stepping even closer. "So delicate...So pale...I wonder¡ª" He raised a hand, stopping just short of touching her skin. "¡ªWould it bruise easily if I pressed my fingers around it?"

    Someone choked on their own breath.

    "Or perhaps..." Cassius sighed, letting his gaze roam shamelessly. "I should focus on your lower body instead, which is a work of art on its own."

    A shudder passed through the women. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His fingers then hovered just above her waist, the heat of his skin tantalisingly close.

    "That waist of yours..." His voice was thick, admiring, and hungry. The dip of her body was impossibly small, a perfect contrast to the fullness below, delicate yet made to be held.

    "So small..." His fingers twitched, aching to close around it. That tight, sculpted curve, begging to be gripped, controlled. "So easily graspable."

    The shape of her, that impossibly narrow span, was a tease all its own. His hands would fit there perfectly, locking her in place, feeling every little shudder.

    "I imagine it would fit perfectly beneath my hands..." His breath warmed her skin, his restraint nearly breaking. That waist, so soft yet firm, something to clutch as she moved for him.

    "...as I thrust into you from behind."

    Isabelle, despite her best efforts, shuddered.

    He smirked, shifting his stance just slightly, as if eyeing her for what he would describe next.

    "And those curves..." His voice was little more than a sinful murmur. "Every inch of you is sculpted so perfectly that it makes me want to run my tongue all over your hills."

    One of the women whimpered.

    "Your hips..." His voice lowered further. "Made for being held onto while making sweet love under the sheets."

    Soft, full, and perfectly curved¡ªhips that flared from her narrow waist with an effortless, natural allure. A shape meant to be held, to be gripped, to guide every movement. Plush yet firm, the kind of hips that begged for hands to settle on them, to claim them, to pull them closer.

    "Your thighs..." He sighed, shaking his head slightly, eyes dark with something unspoken. Thick, supple, the perfect balance of softness and tone¡ªhe could already picture how they''d feel beneath his hands, warm and yielding.

    "How cruel of you to hide them under such a modest uniform." His gaze lingered where the fabric clung, teasing at the shape beneath. Each step, each shift, hinted at something even more sinful¡ªthighs meant to be spread, gripped, worshipped.

    "I bet they''re even softer than I imagine." His voice was lower now, thick with certainty. He didn''t just want to see them; he wanted to feel them, taste them, and leave his mark against their plush perfection.

    Someone felt like they needed to take a long bath after the filthiness they were witnessing.

    "And then..." His smirk widened, revelling in the way the air grew heavier, the hush of the crowd thick with tension. His eyes dragged lower, unapologetic, predatory. "There''s your chest."

    A sharp inhale¡ªa few women stepping back in sheer mortification as Cassius locked onto the deep valley of her cleavage, the pale swell of her breasts pushing insistently against the tight confines of her maid outfit.

    The frilled fabric strained, barely able to contain their fullness, the soft mounds rising with each unsteady breath she took.

    His tongue flicked over his bottom lip as he tilted his head, as if considering, as if savouring. The way they pressed together, spilling just enough to taunt him¡ªso full, so perfectly shaped, begging for hands to cup them, to squeeze, to leave fingerprints behind.

    The room felt smaller, hotter, every gaze flickering between him and the shameless way he drank her in.

    But he didn''t care. No, he wanted them to see, to know exactly what he was thinking as he let his eyes linger, as if willing the fabric to give just a little more, to show him everything.

    "Ah, Isabelle." He finally continued after taking in the breathtaking sight of her mountains. "How blessed you are. So full, so perfectly round¡ªlike they were made to be kneaded and molested by a man''s burly hands."

    "Stop!" One of the women in the crowd finally burst out, her face burning with horror. "Y-Young Master, have some decency...!"

    Cassius laughed. A dark, rich chuckle that sent another wave of unease through the women.

    "Decency?" He echoed, feigning surprise. "But why? I''m merely speaking the truth."

    "You''re degrading her!" Another woman snapped, her voice a mix of anger and shame.

    "Am I?'' Cassius smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Or am I simply voicing the truth that no one else would dare to say when they gaze at her lascivious body?"

    The room fell silent.

    Because despite their disgust, despite their shock¡ªthere was something undeniable about his words.

    Isabelle was beautiful and erotic at the same time. And now, he had forced them all to see it. To acknowledge it with their own eyes, even when they were women themselves who held respect for themselves and one another.

    To witness it in a way that would forever stain their perception of her.

    Satisfied with their silence, Cassius turned back to Isabelle, his expression expectant, waiting for her reaction.

    She had been frozen in place, her face burning, her breath uneven...But she wasn''t horrified.

    No, far from it. Because beneath all that surface-level embarrassment, beneath the act, there was something else in her eyes.

    Something dark. Something thrilled...Something deeply, sinfully satisfying.

    But she couldn''t let it show. Not here. Not now.

    So, summoning every ounce of restraint she had left, she let out a soft, choked gasp; she turned and stumbled away from him¡ªher movements perfectly unsteady, like a woman deeply shaken.

    "P-Please..." She whispered, her voice breaking just right. "H-Have some shame, Young Master..."

    Cassius just smirked. Because even though she was turning away, even though she was playing her part flawlessly, he knew the truth...She hadn''t denied a single thing.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Just one doubt, would you guys prefer if the 18+ scenes to be long and very detailed to the extent that go over multiple chapters or do you want them to be rather short and direct?

 Chapter 49 You Dont Deserve To Wear Your Uniform

    The room was thick with suffocating silence, the tension stretching to an almost unbearable degree as Cassius stood before Isabelle, his gaze sharp and unyielding. His expression, a perfect blend of feigned disappointment and cruelty, only made his next words hit even harder.

    He exhaled slowly, the sound almost mournful, though the glint in his eyes betrayed his true enjoyment of the moment.

    "But it''s such a shame." He said, his voice carrying through the room with deceptive gentleness. "Even though you are so beautiful, Isabelle, it''s all wasted because of the sins you have committed against this household."

    Whispers spread through the assembled women, but this time, it was not because they believed his words, but quite the opposite.

    They knew she had done nothing wrong. They knew Isabelle was innocent. And that was precisely why it was so pitiful to watch her be made an example of.

    A few of the younger maids lowered their heads, unable to meet Isabelle''s gaze. Others shifted uncomfortably, clearly struggling to contain their emotions, as if speaking up would change nothing and only bring his attention upon them instead.

    Cassius, of course, was aware of this. He was counting on it.

    He let out another long, disappointed sigh, shaking his head with the air of a man forced into a role he did not particularly enjoy.

    "I even gave you a chance, you know." He continued, his voice laced with deliberate regret. "A chance to open that pretty little mouth of yours and speak the truth about what you had done."

    He made a vague gesture with one hand, as if inviting the crowd to witness his supposed mercy.

    "But alas, the poison of your sins ran too deep." His voice dipped slightly, a quiet, contemplative sorrow filling his tone. "And so you refused to take my offer. You refused to confess. And now, here we are."

    The pitifulness his words settled over the gathered women, their shoulders sagging as they glanced towards Isabelle, their expressions filled not with suspicion, but with resigned sympathy.

    She was merely an unfortunate soul, chosen for this twisted game of their master''s, and nothing she could say or do would change the outcome.

    And Cassius had known exactly what he was doing when he had selected her.

    He had picked the one person least deserving of punishment, someone who would garner pity rather than outrage, someone who would only deepen the fear within the others because if she-the kindest, most virtuous of them all¡ªcould be singled out like this, then anyone could be next.

    The dread in the room filled, sinking into every corner like a damp fog that refused to lift.

    Cassius allowed the silence to stretch just long enough, ensuring that the hopelessness of the situation had been fully understood.

    Then, with a slow, calculated step forward, he turned his attention back to Isabelle, closing the already small distance between them

    His voice, though quieter now, somehow felt even heavier. "Tell me, Isabelle." He said his tone taking on a almost gentle quality, as if he genuinely wanted to understand. "Do you even know what the Holyfield household is known for?"

    He did not wait for an answer.

    "Ethics." His lips curled into a faint smile, one that did not reach his eyes. "Morals."

    He let his fingers trail absently along the edge of his clothes, as if contemplating something far greater than the moment at hand.

    "Our name is synonymous with honor, with dignity, with an unshakable sense of right and wrong."

    His gaze flickered briefly towards the crowd before returning to Isabelle, sharp and piercing.

    "The Holyfield family has never been involved in anything wicked, anything unjust, anything evil."

    There was a cruel irony in those words, spoken so easily, so fluidly, as if he¡ªCassius Holyfield¡ªwere not the very embodiment of wickedness itself with what he was doing now.

    But no one dared to challenge him. No one would dare to laugh at the absurdity. of such a statement.

    Because this was not about the truth. This was about power.

    And right now, Cassius wielded it effortlessly.

    His gaze darkened, the playful in his expression subtly shifting into something far more dangerous. "And yet." He continued. "Someone like you someone who serves under this household¡ªcould betray it so completely."

    Cassius allowed a single beat of silence to pass before tilting his head, his voice dropping to something lower, more intimate, as if he were speaking only to her now.

    "So, tell me, Isabelle..." His tone was so deceptively gentle. "Do you even feel disgusted by what you''ve done?"

    Gasps came, not from Isabelle, but from one of the women in the crowd, a sound so small yet so filled with unease. Cassius pretended not to notice.

    "Or... His voice lowered further, until it was nothing more than a whisper of silk against steel. "Are you so far gone that you do not even care anymore?"

    The room was utterly still, Cassius''s words pressing down like an iron brand on every soul present.

    His voice, though barely above a whisper, sliced through the thick air like a blade, its sharpened edge finding its mark¡ªnot in Isabelle, who remained unmoved beneath the guise of quiet distress, but in the women who surrounded them.

    Isabelle, for all her outward trembling, was entirely unaffected.

    She had long prepared herself for this moment, had steeled her heart against whatever cruel accusations he would throw her way, knowing full well that none of it was real, that it was all just an elaborate performance.

    She understood the role she was meant to play¡ªthe condemned, the fallen¡ªbut inside, she remained completely untouched, untouched by his words, untouched by the weight of the accusations that bore down on her so heavily.

    But the crowd¡­

    The crowd was not so fortunate.

    For they, unlike Isabelle, had truly sinned.

    Each and every one of them had their own secrets, their own quiet betrayals tucked away in the folds of their conscience, hidden beneath the veil of their daily lives.

    And now, as Cassius''s voice dripped with quiet condemnation, as he wove his cruel narrative around Isabelle''s supposed corruption, they couldn''t help but feel the weight of those sins clawing at them from within.

    The words that should have struck Isabelle like a hammer instead buried themselves deep into the hearts of those watching.

    Because even though Cassius''s attention was solely on her, even though it was Isabelle standing before him accused and disgraced¡ª

    It felt as though he was speaking to them.

    The way he spoke of treachery, of betrayal, of dishonor. The way he described someone who had forsaken the Holyfield estate''s values.

    It was almost too much.

    Because they knew, they knew that, in some way or another, they had all done something that could be counted as betrayal.

    They had whispered lies when it suited them.

    They had hidden their wrongdoings beneath polite smiles.

    They had committed small acts of selfishness, of disloyalty, believing they were too insignificant to be noticed.

    But now, now, under his gaze, under his words¡ª

    It felt as though every single one of those sins had been dragged into the open, naked and exposed for all to see.

    And yet, it was Isabelle who stood before him, bearing the burden of his accusations.

    A woman who, they knew, had done nothing wrong.

    A woman whose only crime was being chosen.

    And still¡ªstill, they did not speak up.

    Because that guilt, that quiet, burning guilt¡ªmade them too afraid to intervene.

    Cassius, of course, noticed it all.

    A slow, cruel smile curled on his lips.

    ''Perfect...Absolutely perfect.'' He let the silence stretch, let their self-loathing and unease fester, before exhaling as if burdened by great disappointment.

    Then, in a voice rich with feigned regret, he sighed, "Since all your actions go against the Holyfield estate and its principles¡­"

    He let the words settle, their weight suffocating.

    Then, as his smile twisted into something darker, something more wicked¡ª

    "Then you do not deserve to wear its uniform."

    A sharp gasp tore through the crowd. A few women physically recoiled, their eyes wide with disbelief, with horror.

    Isabelle, perfect in her role, widened her own eyes just enough, her lips trembled in a quiet show of shock, though deep inside, she was already moving to the next step of the act.

    Cassius, his gaze gleaming with anticipation, took a single, measured step closer as he said,

    "Take it off, Isabelle...Take the uniform you so so obviously don''t deserve to wear on your body."

    His voice was not raised, not forceful¡ªbut commanding. The kind of voice that left no room for negotiation.

    The kind of voice that sank into the bones and made resistance feel futile.

    A murmur of panic spread through the maids.

    "H-He wouldn''t¡­"

    "Is he truly going to¡ª?"

    "This is cruel¡­"

    And yet, no one moved to stop it.

    Because fear ruled over them more than their sense of morality ever could.

    Isabelle, still locked in her role, stumbled back half a step, gripping the fabric of her uniform in trembling hands.

    "Y-Young Master¡ª" She inhaled sharply, shaking her head as if trying to comprehend his command. "T-This is absurd! I have done nothing wrong!"

    Her voice cracked, just enough to sound utterly desperate, utterly shattered.

    "I have been nothing but honest my entire life!"

    Cassius, who had been watching her with sharp, calculating amusement, merely clicked his tongue.

    Then, before she could plead any further, he cut her off, his voice dropping into something low, dangerous, and final.

    "I don''t want to hear any of that, Isabelle." He tilted his head, his smirk widening.

    "Just tell me are you going to take your clothes off on your own?"

    His crimson gaze gleamed.

    "...Or am I going to have to do it for you?"

    A fresh wave of horror rippled through the crowd.

    One of the women let out a strangled sound of disbelief.

    "T-This¡­"

    "This is going too far¡­!"

    And yet¡ªstill, no one dared to step forward. The weight of their own sins, their own cowardice, too heavy.

    As the weight of Cassius''s command settled over the room like a death sentence, the assembled women remained paralyzed, their gazes fixed on Isabelle with varying degrees of shock, horror, and helplessness.

    But Isabelle?

    Isabelle wasn''t afraid.

    In fact, beneath the delicate tremble of her fingers, beneath the soft shudder of her breath, beneath the perfectly crafted act of a woman on the verge of despair¡ª

    She was thrilled.

    The moment the words had left his lips, the moment Cassius had commanded her to strip, her heart had leapt in her chest, her body reacting before her mind had even fully caught up.

    ''He wanted to see her.''

    Not just admire her through layers of fabric, not just imagine the shape of her beneath her uniform¡ªhe wanted her exposed before him.

    And oh, if it were anyone else¡ª

    If any other man had dared to demand such a thing of her, she would have spat in his face, she would have cursed him, she would have burned with outrage at the sheer audacity of it.

    But Cassius?...Her master?

    The man whose words had stripped her bare long before his hands ever could?

    For him, she wanted this.

    She wanted to show him what he had already claimed as his.

    She wanted him to see, to witness, to appreciate her fully, just as he had always done. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The knowledge that he¡ªand only he¡ªhad the right to demand such a thing from her sent a shiver through her body, one she had to force herself to suppress.

    But she knew she couldn''t just throw away her clothes as though she were stepping into a warm bath.

    She couldn''t let her eagerness show.

    She couldn''t let the anticipation that curled within her be seen by anyone but him.

    So, forcing herself into the role of the unwilling, the reluctant, she hesitated, allowing a soft, shamed whimper to escape her lips as she cast a desperate glance toward the gathered maids.

    None of them met her gaze.

    None of them dared to.

    Because they couldn''t help her.

    Because they wouldn''t.

    And that was exactly what she needed them to believe.

    Exhaling shakily, as if forcing herself through unimaginable humiliation, she reached up with trembling fingers, hesitating once more before her hands finally found the first button of her uniform.

    Her breaths came uneven, her chest rising and falling in delicate, stuttering motions as she pinched the fabric between her fingers, feeling the cool metal against her skin.

    Then, slowly¡ªhesitantly¡ªshe undid the first button.

 Chapter 50 Taste Of Flesh That Reeks Of Sin

    As Isabelle''s fingers lingered on the first button, a hush fell over the room, the air thick with anticipation and tension.

    She drew in a long, quivering breath, letting her fingers dance delicately over the next button, her movements an art of seduction veiled in reluctance.

    Each button surrendered under her touch with a whisper of fabric, revealing more of her porcelain skin, which seemed almost luminescent in the dim light of the room.

    The uniform parted slowly, revealing the smooth expanse of her collarbone, then the gentle curve of her shoulders. Her skin was like silk, unmarred and glowing, contrasting starkly against the dark fabric of her uniform.

    She paused again, her eyes lifting just enough to catch Cassius''s gaze, a silent acknowledgement of the power he held over her¡ªa power she was willingly, thrillingly, submitting to.

    With each button undone, more of her body was unveiled. The uniform slid off her shoulders, hanging loosely around her arms, exposing the delicate lace of her bra, a garment chosen for its ability to tease and conceal in equal measure.

    Her breasts strained against the delicate lace, the fabric barely managing to hold in the fullness of her flesh. With every excited breath, the shadows between her breasts grew darker, her nipples visibly hardening beneath the thin material, teasing with each rise and fall of her chest.

    Her fingers moved to her waist, where the fabric clung to her form like a second skin. She tugged gently, allowing the uniform to slip further, revealing her slender waist and the hint of her hips. As the material cascaded down, pooling at her feet like a dark puddle, her plump, round butt was unveiled, the curves accentuated by the tight, delicate lace of her underwear and the straps of her garter belt.

    The garter belt itself was an intricate web of black lace and straps, hugging her hips and drawing the eye down to where her stockings ended, just above the knee, with a teasing promise of what lay hidden beneath.

    She finally stood there, now only in her undergarments, the air feeling cooler against her exposed skin, her body language a mix of feigned shame and underlying desire.

    Her skin seemed to glow with a blush of excitement, her cheeks tinged with color, her blue eyes bright with a mix of fear and thrill, all under the piercing gaze of Cassius.

    The room, filled with silent observers, seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable as Isabelle stood, half-clothed, a vision of both innocence and seduction, her body a canvas of contrasts between the dark lace and her pale, perfect skin.

    Cassius, a smile playing on his lips like the prelude to sin, spoke with a voice thick with desire,

    "I don''t mean to sound rude or direct, Isabelle, but your body truly is a masterpiece...Perhaps you should wear this attire more often; it suits you far better than the mundane maid uniform."

    His words sent a ripple of scandalised whispers through the room, the other women viewing him with a mix of horror and fascination at his depravity. Isabelle, for her part, managed a soft blush, her eyes darting away in feigned modesty, though her heart raced with a secret thrill.

    He then approached her with the confidence of a man claiming what he believed was his by right, his gaze locked onto her ample breasts, which seemed to strain against the confines of her lace bra as he said,

    "Especially your breasts...They are breathtaking, so full they seem to defy the very fabric that holds them."

    With deliberate slowness, Cassius reached out, his hands cupping her breasts from below, lifting them gently as if he were handling the rarest of treasures.

    Lift~

    Isabelle''s breath hastened, her cheeks deepening in colour, her body betraying her with a shiver of anticipation.

    His touch was slow and meticulous. His palms pressed against the soft flesh, fingers spreading to feel every contour.

    Carress~ Grope~

    He kneaded her breasts with a rhythm that was almost hypnotic, his movements languid as if savouring every sensation.

    "They''ve grown so bountiful, thanks to the generous meals the Holyfield household has provided." He uttered, his voice a velvet caress. "You surely wouldn''t see something like this in a common village and their malnourished diet."

    Cassius''s hands moved with an erotic precision, lifting her breasts, then letting them fall slightly to watch how they moved, the weight and bounce of them captured in his hands.

    "Ahnnn!?~ Uaghh!?~"

    He would press his fingers together, watching how the flesh of her breasts spilt around them, then relax, allowing them to regain their shape, only to repeat the process, each time with a different angle, a different pressure.

    "Hmm!?~ Hnnn!?~"

    Isabelle''s nipples, now hard peaks under his touch, betrayed her arousal, visible through the thin fabric. His thumbs brushed over them, causing her to gasp softly, the sound mingling with the silence of the room.

    "Ah!?~ Ahnn!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Each touch sent a tremor through her that made her whimper out; he would lift one breast, letting the other fall, then switch, his hands never still, always exploring, always claiming.

    The room watched, some in disbelief, others with a voyeuristic fascination, as Cassius''s hands danced over her, each movement slow, each squeeze deliberate, drawing out the moment, the tension, the raw eroticism of his possession.

    Isabelle stood there, a portrait of conflicting emotions, her body responding to his touch with an undeniable eagerness, even as she tried to maintain the facade of reluctance, her chest heaving with shallow, excited breaths, a flush spreading down her neck, a silent testament to the pleasure his touch evoked.

    But just as the crowd thought that Cassius would be immersed by her plump breasts that were still covered up, he stopped and cast her a solemn gaze as he said,

    "Isabelle...Even after all the sumptuous gifts the Holyfield household has lavished upon you¡ªafter every decadent luxury that has sculpted your plump, enticing form¡ªyou have still chosen to betray the very house that has fed you. "

    A ripple of whispers coursed through the gathered crowd, their eyes locked on the scene unfolding before them. Yet Cassius, ever the master of his performance, raised a hand to silence even their unspoken judgments.

    A wry, predatory smile then curved his lips as he continued, his tone now dripping with derisive amusement.

    "Yet, fortune smiles upon me, as even though you and this body of yours have chosen to betray me, it turns out that actually works in favour of me."

    "You see, I was raised with a discerning palate, sampling every kind of meat one might imagine: from the most common of birds to the rarest of reptiles. Over time, I''ve grown weary of such mundane and exotic flavours alike." His gaze swept slowly over Isabelle''s luscious curves, lingering on the soft swell of her breasts beneath the thin lace of her undergarments. "But tonight..." He continued, a smug smile playing at his lips, "tonight I am truly exhilarated. For I have the rare privilege of feasting upon plump, fatty meat¡ªso thoroughly marbled by greed and desire that it promises a taste beyond any I have known before."

    "...It would be unthinkable to refuse such an exquisite feast, would it not?"

    Isabelle''s lips trembled as his words brushed over her, a shiver of both fear and forbidden delight racing through her. Though every fibre of her being ached to yield to him, the role demanded that she feign reluctant protest.

    A soft, trembling "M-Master please...Y-You can''t..." escaped her lips¡ªa pitiful murmur meant to echo the image of a betrayed soul, even as her eyes betrayed a secret hunger for his touch.

    And before she could utter another syllable, Cassius strode purposefully toward a richly carved chair set in the centre of the room. With the ease of a man well accustomed to commanding both desire and dread, he reached out and seized her wrist.

    "Come now." He commanded, his voice a silken mixture of authority and indulgence. "Follow me so that I may have a taste of the sins that your body holds and so that I can figure out if treacherous desire tastes sweet or spicy."

    The crowd gasped audibly, their collective shock mingling with an almost tangible anticipation.

    Isabelle''s heart pounded wildly¡ªevery instinct urged her to comply with the forbidden pleasure that coursed through her, yet the guise demanded that she feign resistance.

    She pulled away, her tone laced with an act of desperate protest, "Master, please...I-I don''t want to ¡ª"

    But Cassius was unyielding. With a swift, almost casual motion that belied the intensity of his command, he swept her aside and dragged her to the waiting chair.

    As he lowered himself onto its cushions, he extended his hand toward his lap and said, "Sit." His single word was a decree¡ªa silent edict that brooked no argument.

    For a suspended moment, Isabelle hesitated. Her eyes flickered with that secret longing¡ªthe undeniable pull toward him¡ªyet she mustered another pitiful, feigned protest, her voice soft and tremulous, "Master...I...I must protest¡ª"

    But no matter what she said, Cassius''s gaze flashed with a dangerous, possessive heat as he silenced her with a firm, almost imperious pat on his lap.

    "No more words, Isabelle." He declared, his tone both tender and merciless. "Your role here in this mansion is that of a chef who makes delicacies for her master, and as your master, I say that I want to have a taste of your obnoxious breasts."

    "...So keep your mouth shut and quickly seat yourself on my lap, as your young master here is hungry, and he''s in the mood to eat some tender, fatty meat."

    His eyes roved over her form, lingering on the gentle rise and fall of her exposed breasts, the delicate curve of her thighs, every inch of her a canvas for his dark indulgence. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    With the gathered crowd watching in a mix of scandal and voyeuristic fascination, Isabelle''s resolve crumbled.

    Unable to resist the hypnotic magnetism of his command¡ªno matter how much she had to feign despair¡ªshe allowed herself to slide onto his lap.

    In that charged instant, her plump thighs nestled against his strong legs, and the soft lace of her undergarments brushed intimately against his chest.

    Cassius''s eyes danced with impish mischief as he grinned down at Isabelle, his tone relaxed and playfully direct.

    "Alright, my dear maid, it''s time to indulge in some meat that''s been marinated in sin and desire."

    And then without even waiting for a reply, he reached out and deftly unclasped the delicate hook of her lace bra, tugging it down from her shoulder. In one smooth motion, the garment slipped away, revealing her full, sumptuous breasts to the spellbound onlookers.

    Drop~ Bounce~

    For a breathless moment, the room fell silent as Isabelle''s ample bosom was laid bare.

    Her breasts, lush and rounded in all their uninhibited splendour, were the very picture of decadence. They were large and irresistibly plump¡ªeach mound a soft, smooth expanse of pale, inviting skin that seemed to glow under the dim light. The gentle curve of her cleavage, accentuated by the way her skin caught the light, made them look as if they were sculpted by desire itself.

    Cassius''s gaze roamed hungrily over her exposed flesh as he murmured with direct, unabashed pleasure, "Isabelle, look at these beauties. They''re so full, so incredibly plump¡ªthey''re like the finest cut of meat I''ve ever seen." His voice was casual yet laced with a possessive edge, as if every word were a promise of indulgence.

    His hand, confident and teasing, traced the soft, enticing outline of her upper mound. The subtle swell of her breasts beckoned him; their softness was heightened by the way her nipples, already hardened into playful little peaks at his touch, stood out in stark contrast against her smooth skin.

    "Seriously..." He continued with a roguish chuckle, "I''ve been raised on nothing but the best, and tonight I finally get to feast on something truly otherworldly. These breasts¡ªthey''re like ripe, irresistible fruit, begging to be savored."

    His fingers caressed the gentle curve of her flesh, and every soft squeeze and lingering touch underlined his intent to enjoy every inch of her.

    And while the crowd was in disbelief at what was going on, in a hushed, conspiratorial tone meant only for her ears, Cassius leaned in close and murmured, "Isabelle, are you ready for what''s coming next? After this, I won''t stop, and the intensity will only build." He made sure his low, intimate words went unheard by the others, his gaze locked solely on her.

    A gentle smile curved Isabelle''s lips, her eyes glimmering with anticipation. In a soft, sultry reply, she whispered, "I''m ready for anything you''ll give me, Young Master."

    "...E-Even if it means devouring these breasts, I wouldn''t mind and would happily offer them to you."

    With a teasing lift of her delicate hands and a creeping blush on her cheeks, she highlighted the generous fullness of her bosom. Her ample breasts, already revealed in their voluptuous glory, now seemed to command even more attention.

    The soft, supple curves contrasted beautifully with the pale, smooth skin, while her pert pink nipples¡ªperfect little peaks of desire¡ªstood boldly, a tantalising promise against the delicate lace that had just barely shielded them.

    At her words, Cassius''s playful smile deepened into something wicked and inviting.

    And without any further hesitation, he let his eyes trail appreciatively over the exposed curves before him. Then, with an impulsive burst of lustful energy, he leaned forward and captured one of her plump mounds in his warm mouth...

 Chapter 51 Unexpected Reactions

    Cassius''s lips enveloped Isabelle''s nipple, pressing warmly against her skin. He sucked it into his mouth with a hunger that was almost feral, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak, teasing it with deliberate strokes.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    The warmth of his mouth, the wet heat of his tongue, and the gentle suction he applied made Isabelle''s breath tremble.

    He focused solely on her nipple, his lips tugging lightly, pulling it deeper into his mouth, his tongue flicking back and forth, then circling with a slow, torturous pace. Each movement was designed to tease out her pleasure, to make her squirm with desire.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    He sucked harder, drawing her nipple out further, making it glisten with his saliva before letting it pop free from his lips only to claim it again with renewed vigor. The suction was intense, the sound of it filling the room, a primal, erotic symphony.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    His tongue would then dance over the tip, lapping at it, then flicking it with a rapid, teasing motion that had Isabelle''s toes curling.

    He alternated between sucking deeply, pulling her nipple into the cavern of his mouth, and then releasing it with a soft pop, only to immediately attack it again with his tongue.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    The sensation was maddening, each suck, each lick sending waves of pleasure coursing through her, her nipple now a hard, throbbing point of ecstasy under his antics.

    "Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~"

    Isabelle felt a rush of foreign, tingling warmth course through her body as his lips closed around her nipple.

    It was the first time anyone had lavished her with such attention, and her inexperience only seemed to heighten each sensation.

    A cascade of soft whimpers tumbled from her lips, although she fought to stifle them, embarrassed by how loud she might sound in the quiet room. Yet she couldn''t deny how pleasurable it was¡ªher flesh growing exquisitely sensitive beneath his mouth, her heart pounding as if it might burst from her chest.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    But despite the trembling excitement that made her toes curl, Isabelle found herself unexpectedly enchanted by the sight of him.

    In the midst of this undeniably heated act, he looked almost vulnerable¡ªa determined devotion clear in the way he suckled and licked at her. An odd affection bubbled up inside her at that moment: she wanted to reach out and stroke his hair, to reward him with a gentle pat for pleasing her so deeply.

    But she knew her place, aware that such a gesture would break the unspoken rules between them.

    So, she gripped the clothes on his back instead, fingers twisting in the fabric as he released her first nipple¡ªnow swollen and glistening with his saliva, a new pulse of excitement shot through her when he shifted his focus to the other breast.

    But this time he didn''t immediately start sucking her milkers like a madman, and instead he cupped it gently, lifting it as though admiring the soft weight in his hand.

    His eyes flicked upward, and Isabelle felt a blush burn across her cheeks when she realized he was watching her reaction. She was already panting, her breath catching every time he moved, and his unwavering gaze only pushed her excitement higher.

    Maintaining that smouldering eye contact, he then to her surprise brought his lips down to place a single, tender kiss on her pink nipple.

    Kiss!?~

    It was an unexpectedly sweet, almost chaste gesture that sent a molten pulse of heat coursing through Isabelle''s veins.

    And to her own surprise, the nipple¡ªalready stiff with arousal¡ªseemed to tighten further under his warm breath and the softness of that kiss.

    Cassius, noticing this, gave a quiet, knowing chuckle, clearly pleased by her body''s immediate response.

    And then with a care that bordered on reverence, he began planting a series of slow, lingering kisses around her areola, like he was worshipping her flesh.

    "Mmm!?~ Smooch!?~ Ahhh!?~ Kiss!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    Each press of his lips radiated a delicious warmth, and Isabelle could feel her pulse beating frantically just beneath her skin.

    "Mwah!?~ Slurp!?~ Ohh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmm!?~"

    In that moment, he seemed like the most attentive, devoted lover she could ever imagine¡ªhis mouth moving in time with her shuddering breaths, as though reading her every desire.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    Then, his attention turned to the nipple itself¡ªnow glistening and even more prominent than before.

    He nuzzled it playfully, letting her feel the fleeting brush of his warm breath before enveloping the hardened bud in a gentle suction.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    The sensation was electrifying: a slow, tantalizing pull that made her gasp out loud.

    Isabelle squeezed her eyes shut, teeth biting down on her lower lip, trying not to moan too eagerly. Each pull of his lips, each swirl of his tongue coaxed another wave of pleasure through her body, her legs trembling from the sheer intensity.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    She felt his soft, wet mouth leave behind faint little love-marks wherever he kissed or sucked, each one a tiny jolt that deepened her need.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Goosebumps rose along her arms, and her thoughts spiraled into nothing but the rhythmic motion of Cassius''s lips and tongue.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    When he finally let her nipple slip free, she shivered at the rush of cool air, only for him to capture the swollen flesh again a heartbeat later¡ªhis determined mouth returning with an intoxicating blend of tender kisses and sensual suction.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A fierce wanting also swelled in Isabelle''s body at by this time.

    She had never been touched like this before, never realized how each focused lick, each playful nibble could unravel her so completely.

    Part of her yearned to tangle her fingers in his hair, to guide him or maybe just pet him adoringly for the exquisite pleasure he was bestowing.

    But she held back, her mind spinning with the knowledge that any breach of decorum was off-limits. Instead, she simply surrendered to the flood of sensations and let her young master, who seemed so adorable like her little brother, especially since he was quite younger than her, spoil her body that was on the verge of an outbreak.

    And already overwhelmed by the cascade of sensations, Isabelle felt herself teetering on the edge of ecstasy when Cassius decided to elevate the experience further.

    With a gentle yet firm grip, he lifted her breasts above his head, taking a moment to admire them from below, the view of her full, heavy orbs both a sight and a promise of what was to come.

    Lift~

    The cool air contrasted sharply with the heat of her skin, but it was his tongue that truly sent shockwaves through her.

    "Ahhh!?~ Noo!?~"

    He began to lick the area beneath her breasts, tasting the salty tang of her sweat, an intimate act that was both shocking and deeply arousing. The sensation was unlike anything she''d experienced, his tongue exploring the sensitive, hidden skin that rarely saw the light, sending tremors through her body like ripples in a pond.

    "Ahhh!?~ Stop!?~ Mmph!?~ Y-You shouldn''t!?~ Nnn!?~ Oooh!?~"

    Isabelle, feeling the rush of embarrassment and an odd sense of cleanliness being violated, attempted to protest, her voice a mixture of shock and desire,

    "Master, no, you can''t do that!?~"

    But her words were cut short when Cassius, with a playful yet possessive bite, nipped at her flesh. The bite was a blend of pain and pleasure, eliciting a whimper from her, a sound that was both a plea and an invitation.

    "Oooh!?~ You can''t!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmm!?~ Nooo! ?~"

    Each time she squirmed in self-conscious protest, he responded with that mischievous little bite¡ªnever harsh enough to truly hurt, but enough to command her submission. It was as though he enjoyed coaxing out these involuntary sounds from her, savoring each gasp and whimper.

    "Nooo!?~ Don''t!?~ Suck!?~ Y-You naughty thing!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Isabelle quickly found herself torn between the urge to sink into the sensations coursing through her and the urge to preserve some shred of dignity.

    Yet the arousal flooding her system only grew more potent with every lick and playful bite.

    Cassius, for his part, seemed enthralled by her reactions. He continued to kiss and lick the perspiring underside of her breast, leaving slight impressions from his teeth that flared into delicious warmth once his mouth moved on.

    In that moment of vulnerability, Isabelle felt her own body betray her embarrassment¡ªher back arching, her breath growing ragged, her lips parted in a silent moan.

    Between the slick heat of his tongue and the teasing pressure of his bites, she could hardly think straight. Every nerve in her body seemed attuned to his playful getsures, and her chest began rising and falling more rapidly in a desperate attempt to steady herself.

    Eventually, Cassius paused just long enough to glance up, a glint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

    The sight made Isabelle''s heart flutter¡ªand also reminded her that, for all his domineering confidence, there was something adorably intent about the way he studied her reactions.

    The realization that he found her worthy of such focused desire sent another flush of heat across her cheeks.

    Then, without breaking eye contact, he pressed another lingering, sensual kiss to that spot beneath her breast.

    Kiss!?~

    A shiver ran the length of her spine, and she let out a shaky exhalation that hitched in her throat.

    Despite the swirling mix of mortification and growing excitement, she couldn''t deny that Cassius''s attentions were eroding any sense of restraint she might have had left.

    By the time he finished, Isabelle''s chest felt hypersensitive¡ªthe slight weight of her own breasts suddenly exquisite, each brush of air against her sweat-kissed skin setting off tiny tremors of pleasure.

    She realized with a burst of self-consciousness that she was trembling so much she could barely remain upright. His gaze, meanwhile, promised that he was far from finished, and the knowledge sent a fresh surge of warmth straight to her lower body.

    Cassius allowed himself a self-satisfied smile as he admired Isabelle''s trembling figure. Every taste of her skin, every quiver of her body, had been more intoxicating than the last, and he caught himself thinking he could suck and nibble at her sweet flesh all day.

    The warmth of her, the slight saltiness of her sweat, and the enticing way she arched under his mouth were more addictive than any flavor he''d experienced.

    But he drew in a deep breath, reminding himself that there was a larger scheme at play.

    Just moments ago, he''d nearly forgotten they had an audience¡ªso lost was he in the fever of his own desire.

    But a quick glance around the room was all it took for him to recall the circle of maids standing at a careful distance, their gazes fixed on the scene he was orchestrating.

    Originally, he''d envisioned how they would recoil in fear or outrage.

    He''d imagined shocked gasps, trembling shoulders, perhaps even some of them fleeing from the room in horror at his brazen behavior.

    After all, what he was doing with Isabelle, was meant to push boundaries, to make the rest of the staff wary and uneasy, to rattle secrets out of them knowing that they could be next to suffer such a humiliating experience.

    ''Haha...They must be imagining how it would feel to be in her place right? How horrible it would feel if I tease them in front of everyone and sucked on their body like a filthy dog in heat?'' The thought brought him a smug sense of victory.

    ''Yes, fear me!'' He wanted to project. ''Fear the lengths I''ll go to, so you''ll finally confess.''

    But as his gaze settled on the watching maids, that smugness cracked as his face contorted in disbelief.

    Instead of the revulsion or terror he had counted on, he noticed flushed cheeks and wavering eyes to his utter dismay.

    Even worse, some of them appeared fascinated, even enraptured by the sight.

    Like he spotted one maid biting her lip, her feet shifting awkwardly as though she were trying to rub away an ache between her legs. Another seemed to be unconsciously clenching and unclenching her thighs.

    Others had turned their gazes to the side, a pinkish hue coloring their faces, but they still peeked every few seconds¡ªunable to tear their eyes away entirely.

    The possibility that they were...enjoying this... hadn''t occurred to him.

    ''W-What''s going on? Why are they reacting like this?...It''s not like they''re shy little girls who have never witnessed such intimate acts.''

    He reasoned as many of them were older or married¡ªsurely not new to the intimacies of the bedroom.

    ...So how could this scene be making them blush with excitement rather than shrink back in terror?

    A flicker of confusion passed across his features, chasing away the self-assured grin. He took in the maids reactions more carefully: wide eyes, parted lips, shallow breathing.

    Even as some of them tried to hide their faces, it was clear many were deeply flustered, perhaps aroused.

    ''W-What in the world?'' Cassius wondered, momentarily forgetting his big plan.

    He had counted on fear, on condemnation¡ªon them thinking he was depraved beyond measure.

    But now they were looking at him almost as if...as if they wanted more.

 Chapter 52 Depravity Turned To Comedy

    While Cassius stood there, silently wrestling with the difference between what he''d expected of the onlooking maids and the reality of their intrigued, even aroused, reactions, the truth of the matter ran much deeper than he could have guessed.

    In fact, Cassius¡ªand the inexperienced Isabelle, too¡ªremained unaware of the full scope of the maids'' thoughts.

    The truth was that the women who encircled them weren''t foolish or indiscriminate; they prided themselves on belonging to a prestigious household, maintaining both their dignity and discipline in public settings.

    They had no desire to behave like a gaggle of gossiping, wide-eyed girls at the slightest hint of impropriety.

    Yet it was precisely this performance¡ªthe slow, intimate way Cassius had lavished attention on Isabelle¡ªthat stirred something in them that was far from common.

    To understand why, one must know how :making love'' worked in this world.

    Here, men approached sex less as mutual pleasure or an affirmation of affection and more as a matter of establishing dominance¡ªand, above all else, furthering their bloodline.

    These men placed procreation first in every sexual encounter, aiming to merge with the woman, impregnate her, and thus secure their lineage. Once their own goal was met, the act was, for them, largely complete.

    To put it into perspective in this world, sexual encounters tended to mirror the raw efficiency of animal mating: swift, driven by a nearly single-minded aggression, and concerned solely with the goal of impregnation.

    A man would mount his partner with mechanical urgency¡ªhardly bothering to spare a word or glance for her enjoyment¡ªrushing toward his own release so the ''task'' would be done. Pain, or at least discomfort, was common for the woman, and there was rarely any sense of shared intimacy or affection.

    Everything was reduced to a cold, almost brutal transaction of flesh. This left most of the women they bedded unfulfilled.

    The sex itself often defaulted to dry, functional positions¡ªlike a predictable, bare-minimum missionary, devoid of tenderness or concern for the woman''s enjoyment.

    Men sought control over their partner and satisfaction for themselves but rarely gave thought to the other person''s pleasure.

    As long as their purpose was achieved, the rest was irrelevant.

    So, while there was no shortage of married maids or those in relationships, it wasn''t as if they were accustomed to any particularly fulfilling intimacy. If anything, most knew sex in the deeply traditional way of this world¡ªroutine, brief, and impersonal.

    Few, if any, had experienced the kind of slow, thorough attention Cassius was giving Isabelle: the tender tasting of skin, the deliberate exploration of her body, the lingering desire to discover her every response.

    Such genuine focus on a lover''s pleasure was, for many of them, only a rumour or fantasy.

    That was why, instead of looking at Cassius with fear or scorn, the maids found themselves both stunned and inexplicably enthralled. They had never seen a man teasing a woman''s body in such a careful, almost reverent manner.

    In their eyes, it was so foreign, so different from the cold, duty-focused encounters they had grown used to. With each heated glance they stole, they recognised a level of sensual care and indulgence that none of their husbands or partners ever attempted to provide.

    As a result, even those who believed themselves steeled against witnessing such acts felt subtle waves of longing and curiosity. They found themselves blushing because the scene on display awakened cravings they''d never quite identified in themselves: to be devoured in slow, deliberate kisses, to feel a lover''s mouth trailing along their skin simply for the sake of pleasure.

    Some unconsciously clenched their thighs because, for the first time, they were watching a coupling where the woman''s enjoyment was not merely an afterthought but a focal point.

    And all the while, Cassius, caught in the thrall of his plan, remained blissfully unaware of this cultural gap.

    He had expected disgust, shock, and fear.

    Never in his wildest schemes had he imagined his audience would respond with quiet fascination, their body language revealing intrigue and even envy at the thoroughness of his attention to Isabelle.

    Had he understood the true nature of most men''s approach to intimacy in this world, he might have anticipated that his display would seem enthralling rather than appalling. Instead, he stood there, perplexed, his plans hovering on the edge of unraveling¡ªall because he''d misjudged what these women longed to see.

    Cassius sat still, forcing himself to reclaim that haughty, commanding demeanour, and he tried to ignore the flurry of conflicting reactions he''d glimpsed among the maids.

    ''I''m just overthinking their looks. They must be horrified, just better at hiding it than I gave them credit for.''

    Cassius thought, and if there was doubt lingering in his mind, he resolved to banish it by pressing forward, determined to see his plan through.

    So, with newfound resolve, he cast a sharp look up at Isabelle, who was still catching her breath in the aftermath of his attentions.

    Her chest rose and fell unevenly, the faint sheen of perspiration along her collarbones and underside of her breasts glistening under the light.

    And at his silent gaze, she looked down, eyes wide, cheeks still painted with embarrassment.

    Cassius then cleared his throat and announced in a voice meant to echo across the hall, "You''ve proven to be quite an indulgence, Isabelle. The taste of your so-called ''sinned flesh'' has been...exquisite to say the least."

    His lips curved, attempting a show of haughty satisfaction, but there was genuine heat behind his words.

    He then shifted his gaze toward his lap that had suddenly become really wet and slippery due to some fluids dripping down onto it, recalling the unmistakable warmth he had felt and continued saying,

    "And it appears you enjoyed yourself as well, Isabelle, even though this was supposed to be your punishment."

    "...I could practically feel how ''aroused'' you were, even through your clothes."

    That brazen statement made Isabelle''s face flare crimson. She quickly dropped a hand over her crotch as though trying to hide that telltale evidence.

    Never had she imagined being so exposed before her master¡ªlet alone the entire gathering of staff. Embarrassment rushed through her, so strong it nearly rivaled the lingering pleasure thrumming in her veins.

    But the effect on the audience of maids was even more dramatic.

    Collective gasps filled the air, blending with murmured exclamations as some women covered their mouths in shock. Others pressed their thighs together nervously, a few audibly swallowing as if trying to keep their own excitement at bay. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    For them, merely hearing of a woman''s body responding so openly¡ªso obviously¡ªwas nearly legendary. It was one thing to suspect men could, in theory, bring a partner to that kind of arousal; it was another to see and hear living proof of it.

    Cassius caught sight of their reactions, and his confidence almost faltered again.

    ''Why in the world do they look so...captivated?'' He wondered. ''Are they truly enthralled rather than horrified?''

    The confusion roiled inside him, threatening to break his composure. Still, he steadied himself, unwilling to let the moment slip through his fingers.

    If they weren''t yet cowering, then by all means, he would force them further into the realm of scandal¡ªsurely that would achieve the intimidation he needed.

    Meeting Isabelle''s gaze once more, he allowed his voice to deepen in a provocative command.

    "You''ve had your fun." He purred, intentionally emphasizing the word to heighten her blush. And then with a casual downward tilt of his head, he indicated the now¡ªprominent bulge straining against his trousers.

    "...So now I think it''s time for you to return the favour with those very tender breasts of yours, if you know what I mean, my dear maid." Cassius said with a lecherous look in his eyes, thinking that he had finally managed to frighten the crowd with his statement.

    Yet, even as he silently congratulated himself on setting the stage for pure shock, the faintly ragged breathing and pink-cheeked interest of his audience remained.

    Some pressed trembling fingers to parted lips; others fidgeted with their skirts. And none of them were showing the horrified expressions he was sure he should be seeing.

    If anything, the heat in their gazes only grew more intense as they realised what was about to happen next. He even caught sight of a maid near the front¡ªsomeone older, with greying temples, lowering her eyes in embarrassed fascination, her cheeks flushed a light rose colour.

    It was unbelievable, to say the least, and it spurred a fresh wave of uncertainty inside him.

    But then, what truly threw him into disarray was Isabelle''s next move.

    Instead of the protests and feigned outrage he had expected her to act out after hearing what he asked her to do, Isabelle, with her cheeks still flushed from the intensity of their encounter, slipped off his lap with a tenderness that was utterly unscripted.

    Her eyes, heavy-lidded and filled with a lustful intent, held his as she gracefully descended to her knees before him on the cold, hard floor.

    Cassius''s jaw slackened in shock.

    This was not how it was supposed to go; she was meant to be defiant, to play the part of the unwilling, to make the others fear their own potential punishments.

    Yet, here she was, her obedience unexpected, her submission overwhelming.

    Now, why was she suddenly acting like she completely forgot the plans in mind?

    Well, after the intense bout of pleasure, Isabelle''s mind was a whirl of emotions and sensations, all rational thought drowned by the throb of desire and loyalty to her master.

    So when he had spoken of her returning the favour, she didn''t hesitate; her role, her act of reluctance, was forgotten in the heat of the moment.

    She knelt before him, her position one of complete surrender, her gaze fixed on his crotch with a hunger that was visible, her earlier defiance replaced by an eager willingness to serve.

    Cassius also tried to remind her of what was going on and did his best to glare at Isabelle with the kind of imperial superiority a noble was known for. But Isabelle didn''t seem to notice and simply sat quietly on her knees, her cheeks flushed a charming pink, looking up at him in a way that defied any notion of reluctance to his dismay.

    Slowly, he became aware that his mouth was hanging open just a little. He snapped it shut, trying to think of something ominous or menacing to say in a last-ditch effort to seize control.

    "Ahem." He coughed and said in what he hoped was a threatening baritone. "Isabelle, you you...are hardly in a position to¡ª"

    But before he could continue, he paused, lost for words, because she was barely listening to his stumbling attempt at intimidation.

    Her gaze had once again dropped to the unmistakable bulge at the front of his trousers, and the bright sparkle in her eyes unmistakably said:

    Yes, Master, I see exactly what you need.

    Mortified, Cassius risked another quick look at his staff. And unfortunately, the audience seemed even more enthralled by this unexpected twist.

    One maid had clasped her hands over her heart, gazing at them with a mixture of shock and...approval? Another was biting her lip like she couldn''t decide if this was scandalous or the best performance she''d ever witnessed.

    ''T-This is escalating so fast.'' He lamented internally.

    A hundred cautionary thoughts raced through his head: Stop her before it goes any further...Remind the maids that they should be cowering...Glare more...Do something.

    But even that thought process when a stray whisper reached his ears¡ªtwo maids covertly whispering to each other:

    "She''s so bold, isn''t she?"

    "I-I can''t believe this is happening in front of us...But...Oh my, why does my body feel so hot while watching it."

    "I know, right? Is it supposed to look...so, um, sensual? I didn''t think men ever cared about well, you know...foreplay and were always rough with their ways."

    Cassius swallowed a groan, fiercely determined to block out the rest.

    ''Is it too late to put the cat back in the bag?'' He thought as he hadn''t meant for this kind of scandal.

    He''d meant for another kind of scandal.

    Yet, there he was, perched in a chair like an unwitting monarch overseeing the strangest display of loyalty he''d ever seen, with a circle of heated onlookers apparently enthralled in a theatrical performance he never rehearsed.

    And Isabelle, with every trembling breath and gentle, obedient movement, was happily abandoning any notion of protest to serve him in the most public, shameless way possible.

    A wave of self-consciousness washed over him, overshadowed only by the bizarre sense of comedic irony swirling in the back of his mind.

    This was supposed to be a carefully orchestrated spectacle of depravity.

    ...But now it was practically turning into an erotic comedy.

 Chapter 53 Keep Your Eyes On Mine

    Cassius braced himself and forced down the flustered mess his mind threatened to become. Enough, he told himself, trying to claw back the iron-fisted demeanour he''d cultivated for so long.

    He needed to escalate, to be more aggressive, more shameless¡ªthen surely the maids would recoil in horror...Or so his reasoning went.

    So with a sharp glare down at the kneeling Isabelle, he adopted a colder, haughtier tone.

    "It seems like you''re quite eager to follow my words, Isabelle, even though you looked so reluctant earlier." He said, letting a sneer tug at his lips. "So, since you''re so avid to serve your master, you can start by taking out my cock and putting those fat tits of yours to good use."

    He felt a small spike of triumph at how harsh his words sounded.

    ''That should do it...No one would think a man commanding his maid so crudely was attractive in any way, right?''

    It was all the arrogance and depravity of a man who cared only for his own pleasure¡ªexactly the image he wanted to project.

    But instead of the wave of revulsion he expected, he heard a collective intake of breath from the onlooking maids.

    Far from looking offended, more than a few of them looked...intrigued.

    ''Did I just hear a quiet sigh of longing from somewhere off to his left?'' Cassius almost lost his composure again. ''Why on earth are they¡ª?'' He promptly squashed the thought.

    ''No matter how they act.'' He assured himself. ''Just keep going, and they''ll surely succumb..''

    Meanwhile, Isabelle, who had been borderline hypnotised by the sight of his boner in his pants, snapped instantly to attention at his words.

    The roughness of his tone seemed to thrill her, if anything. She nodded eagerly¡ªtoo eagerly¡ªand reached for the waistband of his trousers with trembling fingers. Cassius tried to maintain a smug expression, but he could practically feel his heart hammering in his chest.

    She then tugged downward, and his rock-hard penis sprang free into the open air.

    Whoosh~

    The sudden reveal drew a loud, collective gasp that ricocheted around the room.

    Several maids clamped hands over their mouths; others stared wide-eyed, cheeks going from pink to scarlet in the span of a heartbeat.

    He even caught glimpses of a few extending their index fingers, as though measuring in the air, with baffled looks that said: That''s...bigger than my...?

    Cassius bit back a bark of incredulous laughter at the absurdity of it all.

    ''Are they really comparing me to their husbands right now?'' He thought, completely torn between embarrassment and an odd sense of pride he couldn''t suppress. He picked up whispers here and there:

    "Gods, that''s...well, it''s bigger than I expected

    "Do men even get that large?! I mean, is he even human at that point and not a full-on stallion¡ª"

    "My husband...W-Well, never mind."

    Their reactions, rather than sending them scurrying away in fear or disgust, seemed only to stoke the weird, mounting fervour in the room.

    Some of the younger maids looked as though they might faint at any moment. The older ones fanned themselves more intensely, some giving each other sidelong glances that practically screamed: That was a unexpected surprise...but a pleasant, one nontheless.

    Inwardly, Cassius was teetering on the edge of his own composure. This entire plan was sliding further out of control by the second.

    Still, he clung to the idea that if he simply pressed onwards with his show of dominance¡ªkept it shocking and over the top, someone, somewhere, had to recoil in horror.

    ...Right?

    He then fixed his gaze on Isabelle, who, for her part, couldn''t peel her eyes away from his now¡ªexposed member. He watched her gulp, her lips parting in an almost disbelieving fascination.

    The flush on her cheeks deepened, a pink that spread down her neck, and her breath came in shallow gasps.

    Despite his determination to stay stern, Cassius''s own pulse kicked up another notch. Isabelle''s undisguised eagerness was...well, it was extremely difficult not to be affected.

    He straightened and forced a smirk, doing his best to exude arrogance instead of confusion.

    ''Yes, that''s it. Keep acting like the depraved noble you''re supposed to be, and eventually they''ll see this is a debaucherous act.'' He told himself one last time.

    He then forced himself to look down at Isabelle''s naked breasts and, in as cool a tone as he could manage, demanded. "Are you going to keep staring at it all day, or are you going to begin already?...My cock is going to start withering at this rate and shrivel up like a ballsack." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    That snapped Isabelle out of her daze. She blinked rapidly, her cheeks glowing hot as she tore her gaze away from his exposed length.

    Yes, she''d seen it before, but never quite like this, surrounded by the entire household staff.

    With a stammered apology and a deep breath, she scooted closer, intent on pleasing him as she''d been told...only to freeze at the crucial moment.

    ''W-Wait, what exactly had he ordered her to do?''

    Isabelle knew the words ''use those fat tits of yours to please me'', but she had no idea what that actually entailed.

    She leaned back slightly to glance at her own generous cleavage, then looked uncertainly at Cassius''s member, as if trying to puzzle out how, precisely, her breasts might be used in such a way.

    Her confusion was painfully obvious. She squared her shoulders, lowered her head respectfully, and murmured an apology. "Forgive me, Master, but...I-I don''t understand. I''m not sure what you...want me to do with them."

    Behind her, the maids in the audience collectively leaned forward, eyes wide.

    ''They''re curious, too? Why are they trying to do?...Learn the techniques here and practice them on their husbands?'' Cassius thought, almost losing his composure at the sheer absurdity of the situation.

    He could practically feel the anticipation crackling in the air. It was as if a whole class of students were awaiting a particularly scandalous lesson.

    Ignoring them and then summoning every ounce of swagger he had left, Cassius let out a low, self-satisfied chuckle as he said,

    "Hah. You have the nerve to carry around such sinful assets, Isabelle, yet you don''t even know how to use them?"

    He then, to Isabelle''s surprise, bent down and grabbed Isabelle''s generous breasts in both hands.

    Grope~

    His grip was firm, but not harsh, as he parted them wide enough to reveal the plush valley between. Isabelle let out a soft, mortified squeak, her entire face going beet-red at being handled so openly.

    "Tell me, my beautiful maid." He purred, feigning calm despite the chaotic swirl of emotions in his head. "Do you have any idea what this sweet little hollow is for?" His thumbs brushed the soft skin in a show of familiarity that was supposed to degrade, but ended up looking rather...possessive.

    Isabelle''s breathing grew shallow. She stared at the space he''d created as though it were some mysterious artifact. "I...I-I don''t know, Young Master." She admitted finally, voice quaking with embarrassment.

    Cassius gave a grin he hoped appeared wicked. ''Please let them be appalled now.'' he silently pleaded, then said aloud.

    "Why, of course it''s there to slide a man''s cock right between these lovely cushions. To keep it nice and warm in the cold winter weather." His tone dripped with insolence, clearly intending to scandalise.

    But instead of grimacing in disgust or recoiling, Isabelle just went rigid, her eyes going wide in dawning realization¡ªand, from the look on her flushed face, a distinct sense of excitement.

    As for the maids around them, many appeared even more enraptured. A few exchanged flustered glances, while others attempted to avert their eyes but failed miserably, peeking through parted fingers. Cassius could swear he heard a handful of them exhale in unsteady, heated little gasps.

    ''Of course they''re not horrified...Those damn perverted maids, making me lose the image I''m trying to maintain over and over again.'' He almost groaned aloud, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. ''They''re actually more turned on? Why does this keep happening?''

    Cassius could practically feel a vein pulsing at his temple. The whole situation was bordering on farcical at this point, but he refused to let it rattle him any further.

    ''If they''re all crazy, so be it...I can''t deal with crackheads at the moment.''

    Deciding that there was no point in trying to reason with the entranced maids, he drew in a calming breath and turned his full attention to Isabelle and the task at hand.

    He shot her a glance, voice low and commanding. "Quit dawdling, Isabelle. My cock''s chilled from all this exposure, and you wouldn''t want me falling ill, would you?" He said it with a hint of mockery, as though trying to shame her into immediate action.

    The moment he mentioned the possibility of him getting sick, Isabelle''s eyes went wide with concern.

    "N-No, of course not, Young Master!" She stammered, sounding almost frantic.

    Her worry for his well-being overrode her embarrassment in an instant. With trembling resolve, she rose up a bit taller on her knees, wrapped her hands around her ample breasts, and slowly lowered them over his length.

    Lower~ Push~

    As her soft flesh slid down, she drew a shaky inhale¡ªshe hadn''t realised just how warm he was until that very moment.

    He, meanwhile, watched her breasts envelop him completely, but then, to everyone''s surprise, the head of his member peeked out at the top, right under her chin.

    Isabelle looked down and nearly let out a squeak. She hadn''t expected it to emerge like a little snake coming out of its burrow.

    Unbeknownst to Cassius¡ªwho was now steadfastly ignoring the peanut gallery behind them¡ªthe entire row of onlooking maids was craning their necks to see.

    A series of soft gasps fluttered through the group as they realised he was so large that not even Isabelle''s generous bosom could conceal him fully.

    In unison, more than one woman found herself glancing at her own chest and mentally measuring¡ªsome even pressing their arms together to see if theoretical coverage might be possible.

    The results, from the way they shared wide-eyed, blushing glances, were not encouraging, as they didn''t have the abundant assets Isabelle.

    For his part, Cassius didn''t catch their subtle self-comparisons. He was too focused on Isabelle''s plush warmth now cradling him.

    The sensation tugged at his composure, and he forced himself to speak with detachment. "Well..." He said, arching a brow. "They may be uselessly fat, but at least they make a decent blanket."

    To his further bewilderment, Isabelle actually looked pleased¡ªher cheeks flushing at what was both an insult and a compliment rolled into one.

    If he''d meant to degrade her, she was too relieved and perhaps too smitten to notice. She shifted slightly, hoping to coax more heat into him, determined not to let him catch a chill.

    "That''s better." Cassius remarked, reaching a hand out to smooth his thumb along her cheek with the faintest of smirks. "But I still feel a little cold. Move them around..." He ordered. "...rub them against my cock like you''re trying to warm my body. And.."

    He paused, tilting his head in an almost theatrical display of arrogance as he lowered his gaze directly into Isabelle''s eyes. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, drawn into the tension between them.

    Cassius''s next words came out in a rumbling hum,

    "...while keeping your eyes on mine, I want you to kiss the tip with the utter devotion you owe to your master."

    The hush that fell over the maids was absolute.

    Many of them leaned in as though drawn by a magnet; a few pressed trembling fingertips to their lips in a mixture of curiosity and shock.

    Isabelle''s ears burnt at the scandalous command, but she couldn''t bring herself to defy him.

    Heart pounding, she lifted her face, locking her gaze with his.

    And then, her lips, soft and parted, made contact with the swollen tip of his length in the gentlest, shyest kiss imaginable.

    Kiss~

    A ripple of reaction swept through the spectators, leaving them dizzy with secondhand excitement. One or two actually brought their hands to their chests, as if steadying hearts that threatened to gallop away.

    Cassius, still settled in the chair, lifted his gaze from Isabelle''s trembling lips to the wide, entranced eyes meeting his.

    It took all his willpower to maintain the fa?ade of calm authority, especially given the roiling heat in his veins and the dozens of curious onlookers. For a heartbeat, the entire room seemed suspended in anticipation, as though every maid in the place had briefly forgotten how to breathe.

    "Don''t stop." He uttered another command, letting a hint of huskiness colour his voice. "Keep kissing me just like that until my bulging tip is stained in the beautiful pink colour of your lips."

 Chapter 54 Unrelenting Kisses

    Isabelle''s cheeks coloured to a deeper shade of rose when she heard his passionate words, but she obeyed him without question.

    Her face lingered close, the warm breath from her slightly parted lips ghosting over his tip. Every brush of air drew a subtle twitch from him¡ªan undeniable sign of how powerfully he was reacting to her touch. And even as she dipped her head to press her mouth against that sensitive apex again, she kept her eyes locked on his.

    "Kiss!?~"

    The second kiss was more intentional and infinitely more sensual.

    Her lips melded softly to his flesh, lingering for a breath longer than before. She treated it almost like a reverent gesture, as though bestowing upon him a devotion she could hardly put into words.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    And then with each press of her mouth from the coming kisses came a faint, wet sound that made Cassius''s chest tighten, a low hum of tension coursing through his body. He let out a measured exhale, trying not to betray the stirring excitement that threatened to coil his spine.

    All around them, there was an unmistakable hush.

    The maids¡ªstill enthralled¡ªheld their collective breath, cheeks flushing as they saw the subtle slide of Isabelle''s breasts pressing around him, cradling his length in voluptuous warmth. More than a few unconsciously pressed their own hands against their chests, as if trying to imagine how it might feel to be in Isabelle''s place.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Smack!?~ Mwah!?~ Sip!?~"

    The next time Isabelle brought her lips to him, she couldn''t help letting her eyes flutter half-closed, her focus shifting to the tactile sensations under her mouth.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    The scent of him and the lingering taste against her lips sparked a rush of heat down her neck and across her collarbones. She found herself almost trembling with a curious blend of eagerness and bashfulness.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Even so, she never fully lost that eye contact he had demanded¡ªlifting her gaze in between each gentle kiss, making sure he could see the shy longing shimmering in her eyes.

    Cassius felt an unexpected pang of satisfaction at her obedience, the heady thrill of having someone so thoroughly attuned to his desire. He shifted in the chair to lean slightly forward, one hand skimming along her jawline until his fingertips traced the curve of her ear.

    The intimacy of the gesture¡ªtender and almost affectionate¡ªcontrasted sharply with the raw, unguarded hunger they both shared in that moment.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    His voice then dropped low, laced with a thread of barely contained tension. "Just like that, Isabelle." He murmured, guiding her with the barest brush of his thumb near her chin. "Slowly¡­take your time."

    She nodded, swallowing audibly, and bent again to lay another trembling kiss on his tip. This time, she added the faintest hint of her tongue, as though testing her own courage.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    The warm, velvety pressure drew a tight hiss from Cassius, and she felt a surge of pride¡ªknowing she could evoke such a reaction from her master. That single, subtle movement unleashed another wave of electricity through the room.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    A few maids had to clamp their hands over their mouths to keep from gasping too loudly, and the air felt charged, heavy with arousal and disbelief.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Kiss!?~ Peck!?~ Taste!?~"

    Her mouth made contact with the very tip, her lips parting just enough to envelop him in the warmest, wettest kiss. She sucked gently at first, her lips forming a perfect seal around the head, her tongue darting out to tease the sensitive underside, circling with exacting precision.

    "Mmm!?~ Smooch!?~ Ahhh!?~ Kiss!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    Each kiss was a pang of enthralling emotions, her lips sliding over the smooth, swollen cap, her mouth pulling him in slightly with each loving suck.

    "Mwah!?~ Slurp!?~ Ohh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmm!?~"

    The sensation was electric, each kiss sending a jolt through Cassius. He watched, entranced, as her lips stretched slightly to accommodate him, the pink flush of her cheeks deepening with her arousal.

    Her tongue danced over him, tasting, teasing, the tip of it flicking against the slit at the top, coaxing out a bead of moisture, which she eagerly lapped up. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hmmm!?~ Mwah!?~ Haa!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Isabelle''s lips moved with an erotic rhythm, up and down, over the head of his cock, each kiss a little deeper than the last, her mouth enveloping him in warmth and wetness. Her eyes, wide with both desire and submission, never left his, communicating a silent plea for his approval, for more of this intimate connection.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Smooch!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    Her kisses turned more passionate when she saw his hungry gaze, her mouth now taking in more of him, her lips sliding down until they reached the ridge where the head met the shaft, then pulling back up with a slow, lingering motion that left a trail of her saliva.

    "Ohhh!?~ Lick!?~ Sigh!?~ Nibble!?~ Mmm!?~"

    The sound of her kisses, wet and soft, filled the room, a symphony of seduction that left no doubt of her skill and her eagerness to please.

    And despite all his bravado, Cassius couldn''t entirely conceal how deeply her touch affected him. He raked his teeth over his bottom lip, a quiet groan escaping before he could catch it.

    Focus, he told himself, determined to play his part. Yet the swirl of desire in his lower body made it increasingly difficult to keep a measured distance.

    "Stay just like that." He instructed, voice edging into a growl. "Let me see those pretty blue eyes of yours."

    Obediently, Isabelle tilted her head back, letting him watch the soft flush in her cheeks and the flutter of her lashes.

    She kept one hand cupping the underside of her breasts to maintain the snug, pillowy pressure around his cock, and with the other, she carefully supported herself against his thigh.

    And seeing that her master was satisfied and feeling a dizzy rush of warmth, she leaned forward again, lips parting in a slow, deliberate kiss.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Smack!?~ Mwah!?~ Sip!?~"

    "Good." Cassius managed in a low voice, fingertips briefly digging into the arms of the chair. "Keep going...Show me everything that mouth can do."

    In response, Isabelle began to explore him with shy enthusiasm¡ªeach new kiss slightly bolder, each light lap of her tongue more assured.

    "Mwah!?~ Slurp!?~ Ohh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmm!?~"

    She''d lift her head, meet his eyes for a charged moment, then lower her mouth again with a growing sense of confidence. Her breasts, pressed tightly around him, shifted each time she moved, creating a friction that sent sparks down his spine.

    "Hmmm!?~ Mwah!?~ Haa!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~"

    From behind her, hushed exclamations and the occasional rustle of fabric told the story of maids too entranced to tear their eyes away.

    Despite their presence, Isabelle found it harder and harder to concentrate on her usual sense of decorum. All she could focus on was the way Cassius''s body responded to her touch and the inexplicable warmth blossoming in her own core.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Smooch!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    "Closer..." Cassius murmured. The single word dripped with command, but beneath it lurked the ragged edge of hunger. He laid a hand atop her head, not harshly, but firmly enough to guide her forward.

    Isabelle responded by pressing her breasts more snugly around him, letting them slide over his length in a slow, sensual motion. She felt him twitch at the increased pressure, and it made her heart flutter.

    ''He really is so warm.'' She thought in wonder, remembering how he''d teased about needing to ''keep him from getting cold.'' Every brush of her skin against his left her more attuned to the pulsing heat throbbing between them.

    Feeling the crescendo of pleasure building to an unstoppable peak, Cassius''s voice was a rough command, edged with desire. "Hug those breasts tight, choke my cock with them, Isabelle...Rub them up and down while you suck me off."

    Isabelle, her eyes alight with devotion and lust, complied eagerly, her hands coming up to press her soft, ample breasts together, creating a tight, warm valley around his length.

    She squeezed them hard, her flesh molding around him, the pressure intense, almost as if she were trying to wring pleasure from him.

    "Ohhh!?~ Lick!?~ Sigh!?~ Nibble!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her breasts, though lush and full, couldn''t completely envelop his size, leaving him partially exposed at the peak of each stroke.

    But the sensation was maddeningly sweet; her flesh was like velvet, sliding up and down with an aggressive, rhythmic pace. Each movement was a blend of friction and warmth, her nipples brushing against him, adding to the sensory overload.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Smack!?~ Mwah!?~ Sip!?~"

    Simultaneously, her mouth descended on his tip once more, her lips never leaving him as she sucked with a fervent need. Her tongue was relentless, swirling around, flicking at the sensitive spot just beneath the head, tasting him, teasing him.

    "Mmm!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~"

    She sucked harder, her cheeks hollowing as she took him in, her mouth a perfect, wet suction that matched the pace of her breasts.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Her eyes, locked with his, were filled with a look of pure adoration, of love mixed with raw desire, each gaze a silent confession of her feelings. Even in this act of intense physical pleasure, she was giving herself to him completely, with every stroke, every suck, every loving glance.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    The room was filled with the sounds of their union¡ªthe wet sounds of her mouth, the soft, squelching noise of her breasts moving against him, her moans vibrating around his tip.

    Her movements were aggressive, driven by a need to bring him to the edge, her body working in harmony to push him closer to release.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Cassius was on the brink, the combination of her mouth and her breasts an intoxicating assault on his senses.

    He could feel every stroke, every lick, every loving gaze as if it were the touch of fire on his skin, his control slipping away with each passing second.

    His breaths were ragged, his body tensing, all while Isabelle continued her worship, her lips never leaving his tip, her breasts never ceasing their rhythmic dance.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    And then, Cassius''s voice became a hoarse, desperate whisper, strained with the edge of release.

    "I-I''m going to cum...now, Isabelle¡ª"

    Without waiting, he pressed down on Isabelle''s head, guiding her further onto him, his fingers tangled in her hair as he reached his climax, a torrent of his cum burst forth, filling Isabelle''s mouth.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    She kept all his fluids in her mouth, her cheeks puffing out slightly as she held his essence within her, her eyes wide with an enthralled look, communicating her devotion and her pleasure in this act.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her lips remained sealed around him, not letting a single drop escape.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    Isabelle didn''t flinch or draw back as she took all his fluids inside of her; instead, her gaze remained locked on his, a mixture of awe and devotion shining behind her flushed cheeks.

    She accepted each hot surge of his climax with an almost reverent air, lips sealing around him to catch every drop.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    Cassius, for his part, felt the last of his restraint melt beneath the electrifying pleasure. His body went rigid, then shuddered, breath stuttering in a series of harsh gasps.

    He stayed that way, head tilted back, for several seconds¡ªspilling what felt like wave after wave of pleasure into her mouth.

    Only when the last drop was spent did Cassius release her head, allowing her to pull back slightly, her mouth still a reservoir of his cum. She didn''t swallow, keeping it all within, her breath coming in short, controlled bursts through her nose.

    The spectators, who had been holding their breath during this display, felt a mix of shock and arousal.

    The act, meant to be one of depravity, had transformed into something mesmerizingly seductive.

    Some of the maids felt a tremor run through them, their bodies reacting to the raw, unfiltered intimacy they had just witnessed. Their cheeks were flushed, their breaths uneven, the sight before them igniting a fire of curiosity and desire they hadn''t anticipated.

    And when Isabelle finally decided to gulp down the fluid filling her mouth, the maids couldn''t help but wonder in awe and fascination just how much cum Cassius had released, causing her cheeks to swell so dramatically. Their minds raced with scandalous thoughts, imagining what it would feel like if such a volume were to be released inside them.

    The very idea sent a shiver of pleasure through them, their bodies responding with an involuntary quiver. And almost as if on cue, several of the maids, caught in the throes of their shared fantasy, felt a small, unexpected squirt release from their own bodies, dampening their skirts just slightly.

    Each maid was dealing with her own wet predicament, their skirts subtly darkened at the edges, a testament to the shared, unspoken desire that had been stirred by the display.

    This had undoubtedly created an unexpected bond among them, a secret they all held, their bodies betraying their true feelings in a moment of collective, hidden ecstasy...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    NSFW illustrations of Isabelle gave been posted on the discord...Check them out!

 Chapter 55 Why Dont You All Come A Little Closer?

    Cassius heaved a tired sigh, his eyes flicking over the gathered maids who had all but given up on hiding the flush staining their cheeks.

    Their fascination only reinforced his suspicions¡ªthey weren''t repulsed at all by the scandalous display, they were actually intrigued, perhaps even excited.

    ''Perverted maids...'' He thought wryly, feeling more resigned than shocked at this point. ''No matter how far I go, they just seem to grow more enthralled.''

    With a faint shake of his head, he decided there was only one way to drive home the sheer depravity of what they were all witnessing and that was to cover them in the ''filth'' of what they were witnessing to bring them back to reality.

    Turning his attention back to Isabelle, he commanded in a low voice, "Stand up, Isabelle...Let''s try something else."

    She complied at once, bracing herself on unsteady legs. Her disheveled state revealed the enticing curves of her half-naked body¡ªhair tousled, her breasts shaking around, and the sultry gleam in her eyes betraying just how affected she was by it all.

    Cassius rose from his seat as well, passing close enough to Isabelle that she could feel the heat of his body. Under his breath, he mumbled something that only she could catch: a soft, almost apologetic note.

    "I''ll replace them with another set." He murmured, eyes flicking to her remaining garment.

    A question formed on Isabelle''s tongue, but before she could voice it, Cassius made good on his cryptic promise. In one swift, startling motion, he reached behind her and seized the thin fabric of her underwear.

    Tear~

    "Kyaa!?~ "She let out a gasp of surprise, but there was no real protest in her voice¡ªonly a faint shock that he was taking such a bold step in front of everyone.

    The maids'' collective exclamation echoed through the hall.

    Now fully exposed, her vagina glistened with arousal, the lips slightly parted, revealing the wet, pink interior that spoke of her readiness. Her buttocks, firm yet bouncy, quivered with the sudden coolness of the air against her skin.

    They were round and full, the flesh smooth and inviting, each cheek jiggling slightly with the force of the underwear being removed. The contrast of her pale skin against the now¡ªexposed, darker areas was stark, drawing all eyes to her most intimate parts.

    Cassius allowed his gaze to linger on Isabelle''s newly exposed form.

    Her cheeks, already flushed, turned a deeper shade when she realized just how fully he was taking her in.

    Then, leaning in almost imperceptibly, he whispered, "You look absolutely stunning."

    There was a softness to his words that seemed at odds with everything that had just occurred¡ªa moment of genuine appreciation woven into his otherwise brazen display.

    Isabelle''s cheeks flared with renewed heat. Her heart thudded loudly against her ribs, torn between shy gratitude and the awareness that she stood half-naked, openly exposed before an entire gathering of her fellow maids.

    She murmured a faint, "Thank you, Master," unsure what else to say, the sincerity in her eyes showing she was deeply moved by his remark, no matter how quick and subdued it was.

    Straightening up, Cassius then turned from her to face the crowd.

    He noticed how each maid''s gaze flickered between Isabelle''s body and his own face¡ªseveral of them trembling with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and lingering embarrassment. More than one face bore a glow of guilty fascination they couldn''t quite hide.

    And then, with a sudden shift, Cassius plastered on a wide grin that made the assembled staff tense with anticipation.

    To them, it seemed more sinister than friendly, though it was impossible to discern any real threat in his tone.

    "So..." He began, sweeping a hand in the direction of Isabelle as if presenting a prized work of art. "It''s quite obvious you''ve been enjoying the show from back there, looking at how''s it''s basically written on your faces that all look as red as a tomato."

    "So, since you''re all so eager, why not come closer a little closer and have better look of what''s going to happen next?"

    A ripple of apprehension passed through the group.

    Some lowered their gazes in embarrassment, others reflexively took half a step back, but none of them outright refused.

    "Come, now." Cassius coaxed, his voice smooth yet threaded with the confidence of someone who knows he holds all the cards. "I want my beloved maids to have the best view of what''s coming next, that''s all...You don''t have to be so scared."

    It was a challenge, and they knew it.

    So reluctantly, yet undeniably drawn, they began to shuffle forward. The distance between them and the couple shrank as they formed a hesitant semicircle, like onlookers at a performance they couldn''t tear themselves away from.

    Mutual glances were exchanged, silent acknowledgments that none could bring themselves to break the tension by speaking up. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As the maids finally settled into position, Cassius surveyed them, briefly meeting each anxious face with a steady stare. Isabelle also with her garments torn away, shifted her weight from foot to foot, acutely aware of every flicker of movement in the onlookers'' eyes.

    "Watch closely." Cassius said with a smile that was both charming and predatory. "Consider this a treat for all your hard work." His voice held a note of mischief, a reward wrapped in scandal.

    He then turned to Isabelle, gently guiding her to sit back in the chair.

    Sit~

    Her plump cheeks squished against the seat, sending a shiver through her as the cool leather met her warm, exposed flesh. She was still adjusting to the feeling of being so openly displayed when to her shock, Cassius suddenly began to spread her legs apart.

    Spread~

    The sudden movement caught Isabelle off guard, and she instinctively closed her legs, a reflex of modesty in this moment of exposure.

    Close~

    But when she looked up and saw Cassius''s reassuring smile, a sense of calm washed over her. She knew she was under his protection, his care, and there was no need for fear.

    With that trust, she allowed him to part her legs once more, her feet coming to rest on the armrests of the chair, opening herself completely to the room.

    Spread~

    Her pussy, now fully revealed, was a sight of pure delight.

    The lips were plump and slightly parted, glistening with her arousal, the moisture catching the light in a way that made her seem almost to gleam. The pink, tender flesh within was visible, the inner folds delicately ruffled and inviting, the entrance to her body an alluring, wet promise. A small trail of her excitement had begun to trickle down, highlighting her readiness and desire.

    The contrast of her pale thighs against the dark leather of the chair, the way her legs were spread so wide, gave an unobstructed view of her most intimate area.

    Her clit was also slightly swollen, peeking out from its hood, a beacon of her arousal.

    Every detail was laid bare for the maids to see, from the soft, trimmed hair around her mound to the way her labia seemed to beckon with their wet, inviting sheen.

    Isabelle was momentarily gripped by fear, worrying that Cassius might find the sight of her pussy, glistening with her own arousal, revolting.

    But when she caught the look in his eyes¡ªa gaze filled with admiration and a desire that promised to shower her with all the love in the world¡ªher fears melted away.

    His eyes were gentle, filled with an affection that reassured her. Emboldened by this, she spread her legs even wider, offering herself to him fully, her modesty forgotten in the heat of the moment, even with the flustered maids as witnesses to her boldness.

    As the maids held their breath, wondering what would unfold next, especially from such a close vantage point, Cassius leaned in closer, his face nearing Isabelle''s exposed vagina.

    And then to everyones shock, he took a deep, deliberate sniff, his nose brushing against her sensitive flesh.

    Sniff~

    The scent of her arousal was a heady mix of musk and sweetness, like the first bloom of a flower after a rain, or the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla and honey. It was intimate, personal, and intensely arousing, causing both Isabelle and the crowd to flush with embarrassment and excitement.

    Then, like a dog discovering a rare and delicious treat, Cassius dragged his tongue along her lips, tasting her for the first time.

    "Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~ Noo!?~"

    The sensation was electric, his tongue warm and probing, collecting the nectar of her desire. Her taste was exquisite, a blend of salt and sweetness, the essence of her pleasure on his tongue sending shivers through both of them.

    His lick was slow, savoring, each movement designed to tease out more of her flavor, to make her squirm with delight which ultimately made Isabelle''s body respond instantly, a moan escaping her lips as she felt the warmth of his breath, the wet heat of his tongue exploring every fold.

    Her pussy, already wet, seemed to grow even more aroused under his antics, her legs trembling with the effort to stay open, to give him all the access he desired.

    After that first taste, Cassius seemed to lose all restraint, his tongue and lips attacking Isabelle''s pussy with the voracity of a wild animal.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    His tongue flicked out, darting between her folds with a speed and precision that had her gasping, the flat of it pressing hard against her clit, then circling it with a relentless rhythm.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    He sucked at her labia, drawing each lip into his mouth with a possessive hunger, his lips pulling, his tongue teasing the sensitive flesh within.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    The sounds of his feasting were lewd, wet, and utterly primal, filling the room with an erotic orchestra of pleasure.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Isabelle''s moans only grew louder, her body arching off the chair as waves of pleasure crashed through her, while the maids watched with gaping mouths at the sight of her pussy leaking out viscous fluids like a broken faucet, not knowing that they were going to be covered in it in a few minutes...

 Chapter 56 Rainfall Of Sweet Nectar

    Cassius''s technique was aggressive, unrelenting.

    "Mmmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Noo!?~ Slurp!?~"

    He''d lick Isabelle''s pussy with broad, sweeping strokes, then narrow his focus, his tongue flicking rapidly over her clit, sending electric shocks through her system.

    "Ooh!?~ P-Please Young Master!?~ Mmm!?~ Smack!?~"

    He''d alternate between these intense licks and sudden, deep plunges of his tongue into her, mimicking the act of sex, tasting her deeper, making her squirm with each penetration.

    "Nnn!?~ Lick!?~ Suck!?~ G-Good!?~ Feels so good!?~ Mmph!?~"

    Isabelle''s reactions were visceral; her hips bucked against his face, her fingers clutching at the arms of the chair, her breaths coming in short, sharp pants.

    Her pussy seemed to pulse with each aggressive move he made, her wetness increasing, providing more for him to taste, to savor.

    "Ahh!?~ Just like that!?~ J-Just like that, my lord!?~ Mmmph!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Every flick, every suck, every time he buried his face deeper into her, she felt herself losing control, her body singing with raw, unfiltered pleasure.

    He growled against her, the vibrations adding another layer to her sensations, making her legs shake violently. His hands gripped her thighs, holding them apart, ensuring she couldn''t close them even if she wanted to, not that she did; she was too far gone in the throes of this intense, animalistic pleasure.

    "Mmm!?~ Oh God!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ J-Just what is this feeling!?~ Ahh!?~"

    The maids watched, some with hands pressed to their mouths to stifle their own gasps, others with eyes wide in shock and arousal, as Cassius devoured Isabelle like she was the last meal on earth.

    And after the intense torment she was going through, Isabelle felt an unfamiliar sensation building within her, an intense pressure that seemed to be culminating into something she''d never experienced before.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ N-No, something coming!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Somethings coming, Young Master!?~"

    In her flustered state, she pleaded, her voice a mix of fear and excitement, "S-Something''s going to come out, Young master!?~ Ahhh!?~ Oh, please move away, or it might pour right on your face!?~"

    Cassius, however, only smiled wider, his plan unfolding perfectly.

    And then, with a look of dark delight, he spread her pussy even further, his fingers pulling her lips apart to expose her inner walls fully. He dove in with renewed desperation, his mouth enveloping her, sucking on her inner walls with a voracity that had her entire body tensing like it was being electrocuted.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nooo!?~ Slurp!?~ N-Not there, please!?~ Nnn!?~ I can''t!?~"

    Her back arched off the chair, her hands gripping the armrests for dear life as she felt the pressure reach its zenith.

    "S-Something''s coming! P-Please move away, my lord!?~ Please!?~ I can''t hold back anymore!?~" She cried out again, her voice breaking as her body gave in to the overwhelming sensation.

    And then it happened¡ªa torrent of clear, warm squirt burst from her throbbing pussy with astonishing force, a flood of liquid pleasure that was impossible to contain.

    "Ahhh!?~ Ahh!?~ Haughh!?~"

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    There was so much of it, an overwhelming cascade of her arousal.

    "Slosh!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Squelch!?~"

    And Isabelle, in a moment of panic, realized the stream was about to drench her young master and felt a rush of embarrassment at the thought of him being covered in her fluids.

    But in a swift, surprising move, Cassius dodged out of the way, his agility turning the moment into one of unexpected dominance.

    The stream of squirt, now without its intended target, soared through the air, arcing high above before descending like a warm, erotic rain.

    The maids, who had been watching in a state of rapt fascination, were caught completely off guard. Unlike Cassius, they had no such reflexes to escape the deluge.

    "Splat!?~ Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Gloop!?~"

    The squirt showered over the front row, droplets cascading down in a sensual, fluid dance, landing on their clothes, their hands, and most importantly, their faces.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    It dripped down, slow and deliberate, tracing paths over their skin, a warm, intimate kiss from Isabelle''s pleasure.

    One maid, who had been leaning forward with rapt attention, now found herself with a droplet hanging from her nose, her eyes wide in disbelief. Another, trying to shield her face, ended up with wet hands, her expression one of bewildered amusement.

    And just as Isabelle was about to let out a sigh of relief, even though she was deeply embarrassed that she actually enjoyed her fellow maids, Cassius swiftly moved again.

    With an intention to stir even more chaos, he thrust his fingers into her still-throbbing pussy without warning, aggressive and unyielding, not giving her a moment to recover her breath.

    Push~ Enter~

    He then began to finger her with an intensity that bordered on madness, his fingers moving in and out with a pace that was both punishing and exhilarating, which caught Isabelle off gaurd.

    "Stroke!?~ Rub!?~ Slide!?~ Glide!?~ Press!?

    "Ahhh!?~ Noo, Young Master!?~ You can''t start so suddenly!?~ Haughhh!?~"

    His movements were deep, his fingers curling to hit that sweet, sensitive spot inside her, each thrust accompanied by the wet, lewd sounds of her arousal.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    His hand itself was a blur, the rhythm relentless, pushing her body to the brink once more.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ No, Master!?~ Shloop!?~ T-Thats too much!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    Isabelle''s pussy, already sensitive from her recent climax, throbbed under his assault. Her walls clamped down on his fingers, trying to hold onto him with each withdrawal, only to be stretched and filled again with each aggressive thrust.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ S-Slow down, please!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ I-I can''t handle this much stimulation down there!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    Her body seemed to vibrate with pleasure, her hips lifting off the chair, meeting his hand, her moans turning into sharp cries as waves of sensation crashed through her. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The sight was one of pure eroticism; her pussy glistened, the lips swollen and red from the friction, her clit standing at attention, begging for more even as she was overwhelmed.

    His fingers were merciless, spreading her wide, twisting inside her, each motion designed to wring out another reaction from her trembling form.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? That''s too fast!?~ Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ T-That part of mine can''t handle it!?~ Shlick!?~"

    The maids, already dampened by her previous squirt, watched in a mix of shock and awe as Isabelle''s body responded to this new onslaught.

    Her pussy was visibly pulsing around his fingers, the muscles contracting with each aggressive stroke, her arousal clear, dripping down his hand and onto the chair below. Her legs shook, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her entire being focused on the pleasure that was being so ruthlessly extracted from her.

    The maids were enthralled by the scene, their own bodies reacting to the display, even as they felt the remnants of Isabelle''s previous squirt dripping off them.

    "Ahhh!?~ Oh, no!?~ Hnnn!?~ Somethings coming o-out of me again!?~ Haughh!?~"

    And then sabelle, overwhelmed by Cassius''s relentless torment, couldn''t hold back any longer. With a shout that echoed through the room, she squirted again, a powerful stream erupting from her.

    "Haahhh!?~ Haann!?~ It''s coming!?~ Aughh!?~ It''s coming out of me!?~"

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    This time, Cassius was not only swift in moving out of the way but also cunning in his next move.

    With one strong push, he sent the chair Isabelle was sitting on skidding to the side.

    The sudden movement meant the arc of her squirt, now free from any obstruction, flew directly into the crowd of maids who had, until this moment, remained untouched by the previous chaos.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Thwap!?~ Squish!?~"

    The stream of her juice splashed over them, a warm, unexpected shower that left them gasping and wide-eyed.

    "Plop!?~ Schlurp!?~ Splat!?~ Slosh!?~"

    It coated them, their clothes sticking to their skin, their faces wet and glistening under the room''s light, each drop a mark of Isabelle''s pleasure and it caused an undeniable erotic charge as the newcomers to this intimate baptism felt Isabelle''s release on their skin, their own bodies tingling with the shared, vicarious pleasure.

    Isabelle, still in the throes of her climax, was oblivious to the new wave of shock and arousal she had just unleashed on her unsuspecting colleagues, her body quivering with the aftershocks of her pleasure, her breath coming in sharp, uneven pants.

    But before Isabelle could even settle her ass back onto the chair after arching her back in ecstasy, Cassius was upon her again.

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    His fingers plunged back into her vagina with a ferocity that spoke of possession and desire; the splashes from her arousal coated his hand, already slick from her previous climax.

    As if it were an inevitable continuation, the sensation was too much for Isabelle. Her body, still buzzing from the last peak, responded with another explosive squirt.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    Cassius, anticipating this, shifted the chair to the other side with a swift, purposeful movement.

    "Gloop!?~ Squelch!?~ Thwap!?~ Splat!?~"

    The stream of her squirt, now directed to the previously unaffected side of the crowd, cascaded over them in a warm, erotic wave.

    It was as if he had orchestrated this moment, ensuring that no one was spared from participating in this intimate, shared experience.

    And then like a man with a mission to drench every onlooker in Isabelle''s essence, Cassius repeated this a few more times.

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    Each time she squirted, he maneuvered the chair, ensuring that no maid was left untouched by the spray of her pleasure.

    "Slosh!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Squelch!?~"

    The maids, rooted to the spot in awe, felt themselves growing wetter with each passing second.

    And despite the instinctual urge of their bodies to move away from the repeated sprays of Isabelle''s fluids, found themselves rooted to the spot.

    Their minds, captivated by the passionate spectacle unfolding before them, overruled the logical desire to escape. They stood, mesmerized, watching with wide eyes as Isabelle was brought to peak after peak by Cassius''s relentless attacks on her soaking wet pussy.

    Their own arousal was visible; the erotic display before them stirred something deep within, causing their own pussies to leak, the juices slowly trickling down their thighs.

    Hence, the wetness was not just from Isabelle''s squirts but from their own bodies reacting to the scene.

    Each maid felt a confusing mix of envy, arousal, and fascination, wondering how Isabelle could endure such intense pleasure, how she must feel under the relentless gaze and touch of their master, and if they would also let out so much fluid that it could fill a bucket if they went through the same treatment she was going through.

    And finally, like a water gun that had run out of ammunition, Isabelle''s pussy could produce no more.

    After several explosive releases, only a small, final drop of squirt emerged, signaling the end of her body''s capacity to give any more...

 Chapter 57 Punishment To Reward

    In her haze of exhaustion and satisfaction, Isabelle saw the maids around her, drenched in her love juices, their expressions a mix of disbelief and fascination.

    She was terribly flustered by the sight and wondered how she was ever going to look at their face again, knowing that they once had her love juices dripping down their faces. But more then her embarrassment, she was more concerned if she had blasted her master with her streams of liquids and prayed to God that she didn''t make a mess of him.

    Her trembling eyes then found Cassius, standing by, completely dry and safe from her sprays, having planed this shower of pleasure with a cunning precision.

    And after seeing her young master unscathed, Isabelle let out a sigh of relief, her body slumping back into the chair in utter exhaustion as she passed out after knowing that her master was safe.

    Isabelle''s head was about to hit the back of the chair in her exhausted slump, but Cassius was quick to react.

    He caught her head gently, guiding it to rest comfortably against the chair''s back.

    And then, looking down at her ravishing face with a gentle gaze, he murmured, "You did really good, my dear maid...I''m proud of you," as he tenderly caressed her cheek.

    Even in her sleep, Isabelle responded with a cute, contented smile, her face the picture of peace despite the compromising position she was in.

    Cassius couldn''t help but think how adorable she looked, even with her legs spread and her most intimate parts exposed to the world.

    However, his smile faded as he turned to face the crowd of maids.

    They were all drenched in Isabelle''s fluids, looking back at him in a dazed, almost dreamlike state.

    To his disbelief, rather than seeing repulsion or shock, he saw in their eyes a new kind of hunger, a craving that suggested they were wondering when it would be their turn to experience such raw, unfiltered pleasure.

    Their expressions were those of longing and desire, their bodies visibly aroused, clothes clinging to them, the sight of which was a stark contrast to the innocence of Isabelle''s sleeping smile.

    The maids, now seemingly more turned on by the display than ever, looked at him with eyes that spoke volumes of their curiosity and eagerness, a development he hadn''t fully anticipated.

    Cassius had intended for this spectacle to serve as a harsh wake-up call, a way to drag the maids back to reality by making them literally come into contact with the raw, visceral reality of what they were witnessing.

    That''s why in a move meant to be both literal and metaphorical, Cassius decided to ''splash'' them with something that would surely bring them back to their senses.

    And instead of using water, he used Isabelle''s love juices, thinking that if they were covered in the physical evidence of what had transpired, it would act as a massive wake-up call.

    He planned the scene so that each maid would be marked by Isabelle''s pleasure, hoping the intimacy and shock of it all would make them realize the gravity of the situation.

    However, as he surveyed the maids now, their eyes locked onto him, filled with a mix of desire and curiosity, he was met with disbelief.

    His plan to shock them into awareness seemed to have backfired spectacularly.

    Instead of recoiling or showing signs of being jolted back to reality, they appeared even more enthralled, as if the very act of being drenched in Isabelle''s essence had only deepened their fascination and longing.

    Cassius felt his jaw twitch as he took in the utterly shameless, dreamy-eyed expressions of his maids.

    He had done everything¡ªeverything¡ªto shake them, to make them see the depravity of what they were witnessing. He had staged the most scandalous, debauched spectacle he could conjure, all in the hopes that they would recoil in shock, that their composure would break, that fear would finally settle into their bones.

    Instead¡­ they were looking at him as if he were the most desirable man on the planet, their gazes filled not with horror, but with longing. Some of them were even fidgeting where they stood, looking like they were preparing themselves for something, as if waiting for him to call on them next.

    Cassius felt his vision blur at the sheer absurdity of it all.

    ''No¡­No, this can''t be happening.''

    With a slow, agonizing exhale, he staggered backward a step...Then another. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His mind reeled. His fingers curled uselessly at his sides.

    And then¡ªhe dropped.

    With all the grace of a man who had just been punched in the gut by fate itself, Cassius crouched down to the floor, shoulders slumped, head hanging low in utter, utter defeat.

    The silence in the room stretched for a long moment.

    Then, he let out a choked, near-hysterical laugh.

    "I-I lost." He whispered under his breath, his voice hollow, distant, as though he couldn''t quite believe it himself.

    The maids blinked in confusion, their fascination unbroken.

    He lifted his head slightly, staring at nothing in particular as reality settled in. "I actually lost." He repeated, a little louder this time. "And of all people to lose too, it was a bunch of perverted, shameless, depraved maids."

    His hands dragged down his face in sheer despair.

    ''How did this happen? When did this happen?!'' He ussd to someone who, back on Earth, could solve any problem, no matter how complicated. A man who was once known as the ''Peacekeeper'', a name given by ''Gaia'' herself with the purpose of restoring balance to the world.

    And yet¡­ here he was, a broken man, utterly powerless against a crowd of women who, instead of falling into scandalized fear, had only grown more enthusiastic the more he pushed.

    A sob nearly choked him.

    ''This was supposed to be a display of absolute control! He had thought. ''Oh, I''ll make them submit. I''ll teach them their place. I''ll be feared! But¡ª''

    Instead? Instead, he was now staring at the floor, experiencing his first true failure, while a group of dazed, panting maids waited eagerly for their turn.

    It was so surreal he wanted to scream.

    And while he was sulking, one of the maids took an unconscious step forward, perhaps about to say something.

    Cassius flinched.

    ''Oh no. Oh no, no, no. If I hear a single one of them ask if it''s their turn, I might actually start crying.''

    So he stayed on the floor, crouched like a defeated animal, staring blankly at the floor, trying to figure out where exactly his life had gone so horribly wrong.

    The maids in the other hand were concerned, their eyes fixed on Cassius who now looked defeated, sitting on the ground.

    Despite his current state, there was no derision in their gazes; in fact, their attitudes had shifted dramatically from the past.

    They had once looked upon him with disdain, seeing him as nothing more than a man who squandered his days in drink and brothels, behavior they found utterly unworthy of respect.

    But now, observing the pleasure he had bestowed upon Isabelle, their perspective had changed.

    Even though he seemed off, there was a newfound respect in their eyes for him.

    He had managed to ignite a fire within Isabelle, a pleasure so intense that it left them all feeling hot and restless in their own skin, without even being the direct recipient of his touch.

    This was something their own partners had never achieved, leaving them to think of Cassius as a true man, unlike the men they knew who left their women feeling unfulfilled and dull.

    One maid, her hair slightly damp from perspiration, finally mustered the courage to step forward.

    "Um... M-Master Cassius?" She ventured in a timid voice.

    Another maid, emboldened, moved to join her, perhaps intending to offer him a hand or at least inquire if he needed help.

    But just as they drew close, Cassius lifted his head.

    He let out a long, weary sigh, then slowly pushed himself up to his feet. His shoulders sagged in a way that suggested he felt decades older than he was.

    When his gaze finally fell on the concerned faces before him, the maids felt an unexpected flutter.

    Something about his expression¡ªperhaps the lingering sadness or the faint glimmer of raw determination, made their hearts skip a beat.

    Even in his exhaustion, he looked...strangely resolute. Like a man who had just run a marathon he never wanted to sign up for in the first place.

    Cassius then studied them in silence, the corners of his mouth slowly quirking into a half-smile that was part wry humor, part defeat.

    "I swear..." He muttered, raking a hand through his hair. "...this is not how I imagined things were going to turn out."

    He paused, and his gaze flicked over each maid in turn. Some lowered their eyes, bashful under his scrutiny; others found themselves holding his stare, strangely drawn in. The entire group seemed to lean forward, hearts pounding, as though anticipating some grand declaration.

    Cassius cleared his throat. "Right...So." He huffed a quiet laugh¡ªone that didn''t reach his eyes.

    "Remember how I said that all of you would end up like poor Isabelle here if you didn''t spill your secrets?" He gestured with one hand toward Isabelle, who still slumbered in the chair, her features serene despite the...compromising position that exposed her wet pussy to the cold air.

    A ripple of uncertainty passed through the maids. The mention of his earlier threat rekindled a flurry of confused, heated memories¡ªhadn''t he promised something quite scandalous would befall them if they refused to confess their sins? S-Something just like what Isabelle had gone through?

    And yet, they felt little dread.

    In fact, if anything, some felt an odd twinge of hope at the mention of being ''punished'' in the same way.

    Cassius let out another sigh, shaking his head slowly. "Well, even though I said that, I might just have to take that back after seeing that it doesn''t work on you bunch and change it up a bit." He said at last, tone resigned. He then looked at them with a wry smile on his face like he had no other choice and said, "Let''s say I''m...reversing that statement."

    The maids gasped and waited for his next words in a revenant manner like it was the word of god.

    "Instead of punishing you like I did with Isabelle for not speaking up, I''ll be giving you a reward of the same treatment that Isabelle went through if you do decide to confess the truth."

    "So, what do you say my traitorous maids?"

    Cassius asked as he saw the light in their eyes shine when they realised the significance of his words.

    "...It''s not a bad offer, is it?"

 Chapter 58 Flowers That Become More Beautiful Every Year

    An immediate stir moved through the maids¡ªan excited buzz that had them edging closer, their eyes brightening as if they''d just been told, ''Yes, there''s a chance after all!''

    Some parted their lips, half-ready to voice the question that burned on all of their tongues: Does that mean we get a turn?

    Cassius smiled, a knowing, almost teasing smile that seemed to see right through their excitement.

    "Now, now, don''t get too excited." He said, his voice carrying a playful warning. "I can see it in your eyes, the way they lit up at the mention of punishment turning into reward." His words made the maids blush, embarrassed at how transparent their desires had become.

    He continued, his tone becoming more serious.

    "But just like any reward, it needs to be earned. You all must confess your sins, and yes..." He paused, letting the weight of his next words sink in. "...you will not only be confessing but also be kicked out of the mansion because of your mistakes."

    The light in their eyes dimmed slightly at this, the reality of consequences setting in.

    However, in their hearts, many were already prepared for this outcome.

    They had come to see that their master had truly changed, and there was no doubt he would uncover their misdeeds himself if they didn''t confess.

    They had braced themselves for the possibility of losing their positions, accepting it as the natural consequence of their actions and sighed, the sound a collective acknowledgment of their fate.

    But then, another thought drifted across the maids faces all at once, something that made the corners of their lips quirk upward or a hint of color return to their cheeks.

    ''Wait. Didn''t he also say something about reward?''

    With the memory of Isabelle''s reward still burning bright in their minds, hearts began to pound anew. If we''re on the verge of being thrown out anyway, more than one maid thought, ''We might as well enjoy ourselves first, right?''

    Cassius noted the sudden ripple of renewed excitement. He caught the soft gasps, the faint flush creeping back into their cheeks.

    One or two of them exchanged glances that practically shouted: I can''t believe I''m saying this, but I''m actually okay with it, aren''t you?

    He arched a brow, half-amused. "I see you''ve reached some sort of...understanding." His voice carried a wry edge, as though even he couldn''t fully believe how quickly they''d gone from despondent to elated again. "Let me guess: you''re all perfectly willing to talk if it means you can...experience what Isabelle did, is that right?"

    Dead silence. Not one dared to speak a word, but the collective flush deepened, and that was answer enough.

    "Huh." Cassius said quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "So... just to be clear: you''re going to willingly march up to me, spill out every skeleton in your closet, accept being tossed out of the mansion, and in return, you want¡ªwhat, exactly? A demonstration of my talents?"

    He almost winced at his own phrasing, but the group of maids looked more thrilled than offended.

    A smattering of timid nods and barely contained stares told him all he needed to know.

    This is insane, he thought, mind flickering back to his plan''s original intent. He''d wanted them uneasy and penitent¡ªbut it seemed that though they were uneasy, they were also very, very eager.

    A hush settled over the hall after Cassius''s wry comment about ''handling everyone'', though his tone suggested the conversation was far from over.

    In that small pause, one of the maids stepped forward who was also the head maid of the mansion, also the same one who scoffed at her master and told everyone how incapable he was, even that thought has completely been erased from her mind after what she had just seen.

    She wore thin-framed glasses and had her black hair pinned into a neat bun, giving her an air of stern propriety. Yet the soft tremor in her voice told a different story¡ªshe was clearly as nervous as the others.

    "M-Master Cassius." She began, pushing her glasses up her nose in a slightly anxious gesture. "I know this isn''t something we should be asking when you''ve already been so generous with traitors like us¡­But if we go through with this, what are we supposed to tell our¡­our husbands and parents?" Her cheeks colored immediately at the question. "I mean..." She added in a rush. "...we''re about to do something we''re not exactly supposed to do. And if word gets out¡­"

    A few of the other maids nodded vigorously, clearly having the same concern. They leaned closer, waiting to hear Cassius''s response, as though each word he spoke might absolve them of an undeniable moral predicament.

    We have men at home¡ªmen who might never forgive us, many of them thought, their hearts thumping in apprehension.

    Cassius chuckled, a sound that was both dismissive and reassuring.

    "Well, you can say that you were simply forced to do what you had to do by your young master, asI''m willing to take all the blame myself." He stated, his tone light but his words heavy with implication. "What sort of husbands would they be if they got mad at their wives for what happened here, and not at the perpetrator himself?"

    His shocking response made the maids look at him with a new kind of admiration, seeing him take the bullet for their desires, even if those desires were fueled by their own curiosity and lust.

    The head maid''s eyes went wide. She certainly hadn''t expected him to take responsibility so easily¡ªparticularly after all his efforts to scare them into submission.

    Her heart fluttered with a strange mix of gratitude and guilt. ''He''s taking the blame for us?'' She thought, recalling just how¡­enthusiastic they had been despite their show of reluctance.

    "Master¡­" She ventured hesitantly. "that''s¡­quite generous." The faint waver in her tone implied as if she were asking if it were alright.

    Cassius shrugged again, though a small, almost self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips. "It''s no grand sacrifice, believe me. Besides, if your husbands are half as grumpy as I suspect, they''ll be more than happy to beat on me rather than blame you." Despite the humor in his words, he exuded a certain confidence, as if unconcerned by the potential fallout.

    A ripple of soft, almost reverent sighs spread through the maids. They might not have spoken it aloud, but in that moment, they saw Cassius in a different light¡ªa man prepared to stand in the line of fire for them, even if the entire thing was half their idea in the first place.

    Their respect for him surged, and some felt a pang of regret that they''d dismissed him so easily before. Yes, he''d once been a wastrel who wasted his nights drinking, but perhaps there was more to him than met the eye.

    ...But in fact it wasn''t just that he was willing to shoulder the blame just because he didn''t care, but mostly because he was going to use this incident to spread his atrocities, which was the same as spreading the gospels of the Goddess of Debauchery.

    The older maid adjusted her glasses once more, cheeks still aflame. "I see¡­ Then¡­" She paused, glancing at the other maids who were looking on expectantly. "I¡­I have another question, but¡­it''s a bit inappropriate." She confessed, her voice dropping to a near-whisper.

    Cassius''s eyebrows rose. "After everything you''ve witnessed today..." He teased lightly. "...can anything really be that inappropriate?" He made a sweeping gesture, indicating the very obvious evidence of their earlier activities still lingering in the room. "Go on, speak."

    The maid pursed her lips, summoning her courage.

    "You said that¡­ we could come forward one by one, confess our sins¡­and, well, receive this ''reward.'' " She cleared her throat, glancing meaningfully at Isabelle''s resting form in the chair. Her voice nearly trembled with embarrassment as she asked. "That means everyone present, right? It''s not just¡­I mean¡­W-What I''m trying to say is that w-would you even be able to handle all of us?"

    She got the words out in a rush, cheeks glowing scarlet.

    Meanwhile, the other maids found themselves holding their breath, eyes shining with equal parts anticipation and bashfulness. Several sets of hands twisted in their aprons.

    A few exchanged looks that practically screamed, ''Yes, we''re dying to know too!''

    Cassius''s grin turned into a big, almost evil smile as he pointed at a stack of papers nearby.

    "Well, the only way you''ll find out if I can handle all of you is if you confess your sins and come forward to get the reward you deserve." He said, his voice a mix of challenge and seduction. "So, if you truly want to know how capable your young master is, I think you better get to writing and come forward to experience exactly what Isabelle went through."

    This statement sent a shiver through the room, the maids now looking forward to what was to come next, their minds racing with the possibilities, their bodies already responding to the promise of pleasure.

    The maids exchanged glances, each one silently communicating the gravity of what they were about to do, but there was no objection. And then with a nod from the head maid, they moved to the table where the stack of papers awaited.

    One by one, they began to write down their confessions, detailing their sins, their faces a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

    Cassius watched this with a wry smile, his plan having spiraled into something far beyond his initial intentions, but he was still on track to reach his end goal.

    His gaze then softened as he looked down at Isabelle, still sleeping peacefully, her beauty untainted by the chaos around her.

    With gentle care, he lifted her from the chair and carried her to a nearby sofa, laying her down with the tenderness of someone cherishing a precious artifact.

    He covered her with a silk blanket, the material whispering against her skin, and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. In her sleep, she let out a giggle, a sound that was both innocent and joyful, a stark contrast to the room''s earlier fervor.

    But his tender smile faded as he walked away, as the weight of her finding out about the punishment he had prepared for her sins against the old Cassius.

    ''She''ll probably hate me for what''s going to happen later on.'' He thought, shaking his head as if to dismiss the inevitability of it all.

    But he had to face it; it was part of the path he had chosen.

    Cassius didn''t brood too long as the smile on his face quickly returned as he strode back into the hall and found that every maid had finished writing their confessions.

    They stood in a loose semicircle before the chair he was sitting on, faces flushed and eyes lowered in shy anticipation. With a wry tilt of his head, he walked towards them and remarked, "Quite eager, aren''t we? I can''t believe you all managed to scribble essays in barely a minute." He sat back in his chair, gesturing for the papers to be handed over.

    The head maid stepped forward, presenting the bundle of confessions before retreating to her place among the others, watching intently as Cassius began to read. His eyes raced through the papers at inhuman speeds and didn''t take him long to skim through them all, his eyes scanning the pages with an amused, almost disbelieving expression.

    When he finished, he looked up at them, his smile broadening.

    "I''m surprised." He said, his tone light with mockery. "I thought for sure there would be many more sins, given how you were all hesitating and how the male servants were literally stealing from the treasury. But it turns out, 90% of you were just stealing cooking supplies for your families, and the other 10% is idle gossip about what I eat for meals and what clothes I wear daily, which you''ve been informing to the main household and other external parties."

    He shook his head, the smile never leaving his face.

    "These are offenses, yes...And they most definitely would make you lose your jobs, if found out." He continued. "But you could simply confess to the main household and likely be let off with the lightest of punishments." He teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. "So do you really want to go through with the ''punishment'' I have, instead of simply getting off easy with the other route I mentioned?" He posed the question with an air of knowing exactly what their answer would be.

    The room was silent, no maid spoke up or moved to agree with his suggestion. Their silence was loud, a clear indication of their choice.

    They had come this far, driven by a mix of curiosity, desire, and perhaps a wish to experience something extraordinary, something that wouldn''t be found in a simple confession to the household.

    Cassius gave a nod of acknowledgment, his smile now one of satisfaction.

    "Very well then." He said, his voice low and resonant. "Let''s proceed with the rewards you''ve all so eagerly signed up for."

    "...And to start it all off why don''t you reward me first by stripping down and letting me witness the glorious sight of your naked bodies, so that we can move on."

    The maids were visibly flustered by the command, their cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

    For those without partners which was only a small number since most of the maids were mature women, this was a moment of uncharted territory, a first exposure to another man''s gaze in such an intimate way.

    And for those with partners, the act felt even more scandalous, given the strict doctrines of the Holy Church that preached chastity and loyalty, even if their partners often didn''t reciprocate the respect they deserved.

    In this patriarchal society, where women without high status or elemental affinity were often overlooked, this moment felt like a rebellion against the norms that bound them.

    Their hesitation was evident, each maid grappling with the societal implications of what they were about to do.

    But as they met Cassius''s gaze, there was something in his eyes¡ªa gentleness, an understanding¡ªthat seemed to wrap them in warmth, making them feel oddly comforted and emboldened.

    With hearts steeled by this unexpected reassurance, they began to undress.

    One by one, the crisp, streched fabric of their maid outfits fell to the ground, like leaves surrendering to autumn. Each piece of clothing dropped with a soft rustle, revealing more of their skin to the cool air of the room.

    Their movements were initially shy, fingers trembling as they unbuttoned and unzipped, but as each layer was shed, a sense of liberation seemed to take hold.

    First, the blouses were peeled away, baring delicate shoulders and the enticing swell of breasts, still modestly cloaked by sheer, lacy bras that did little to hide the soft, inviting curves beneath. Each piece of fabric fell with a whisper, hinting at the lushness waiting to be fully revealed.

    The skirts dropped next, cascading down over hips that rocked ever so slightly with the motion, pooling at their feet.

    Left in just their underwear, the contrast was striking¡ªlace and satin in colors that whispered of seduction, against the austere black and white they had previously worn.

    Their bodies were now canvases of desire; some in delicate pastels that seemed to blush against their skin, others in bold, dark hues that spoke of deeper, hidden appetites.

    And then they paused there, in their underwear, a sea of nervous glances and breaths held in anticipation. The room was filled with the silent acknowledgment of what was about to happen, each maid standing in her own little world of vulnerability and defiance.

    Then, the head maid, with a deep breath that seemed to echo in the quiet room, stepped forward. Her hands moved to her bra, unclasping it with a decisiveness that spoke of her resolve.

    Her breasts, freed from their confines, were a sight of natural beauty, full and slightly swaying with each movement. She then hooked her fingers into her panties, sliding them down with a grace that belied her nervousness, revealing everything to the room.

    This act of boldness was like a signal, igniting a chain reaction.

    One by one, the maids followed, each movement a dance of seduction. The air was thick with the sound of fabric sliding against skin, punctuated by the slight gasps of excitement and trepidation as each piece of underwear was peeled away.

    Breasts of all sizes were revealed¡ªsmall and perky, full and heavy¡ªall crowned with areolas of varying widths, some like tiny rosebuds, others wide and dark, nipples hardening in the cool air, under the lascivious gaze of their master.

    Hips curved into waists, some slim and delicate, others thick and voluptuous, each line and curve telling a story of feminine beauty. As they stepped out of their last layer of modesty, thighs parted, showcasing a spectrum of butts¡ªfrom slender and firm to round and plush.

    And their hidden gardens down below...Some had kept a natural tuft of pubic hair, a dark shadow accentuating their femininity, while others were smooth and bare, the skin silken and inviting.

    Each maid, with her unique attributes, contributed to an erotic tapestry of womanhood, a celebration of the diverse beauty of women. The room was a gallery of desire, where every body part, from the curve of a breast to the arch of a back, was an ode to the sensuality and allure of the female form.

    Unfortunately, many of the maids weren''t proud of their own bodies, especially the older ones who had grown to see themselves in the same light as the head maid.

    She, with her plump figure that she didn''t particularly admire, felt a pang of self-consciousness and because of that she apologized to her master, her voice laced with a mix of embarrassment and humor.

    "Please excuse the sight, Young Master Cassius. You must have seen so many better women because of your status. We can hardly compare and must stain your eyes with such unseemly sights." She said with a wry smile, her arms moving to cover her body in a gesture of shame.

    Her words echoed the sentiments of several others, who, despite the erotic display and the acceptance of their own nudity, felt the weight of societal expectations and personal insecurities.

    Their laughter was nervous, their apologies a blend of jest and genuine humility, as they stood before him, each grappling with their own perceptions of beauty and worth in the eyes of someone they believed to be accustomed to perfection.

    They stood there, expecting Cassius to respond with a dismissive comment or perhaps a light chuckle, brushing off their self-deprecation.

    But instead, he simply stared at them, his gaze intense and heated, as if he could see through their insecurities right to the core of their being. This look, filled with an unexpected passion, made them even more flustered; none of them had ever experienced such a gaze, one that seemed to appreciate rather than judge.

    The tension in the room reached a peak, the air filled with anticipation and vulnerability. Then, with a solemn expression, Cassius broke the silence, his voice firm yet gentle.

    "Stop covering yourselves up. Show yourselves to me openly."

    His command sent a wave of fluster through the group. Their insecurities were still fresh, their bodies feeling exposed under such scrutiny, so the head maid, gathering her courage, opened her mouth to protest, perhaps to shield her fellow maids from further discomfort.

    But Cassius was quick to silence her with a simple wave of his hand, his eyes never wavering. "Do as I say." He instructed.

    Seeing that their master was so adamant and they had no other choice, they complied. Arms that had been protecting their modesty slowly fell to their sides, revealing themselves fully once again.

    A tense silence followed Cassius''s command, as if the room itself held its breath in anticipation.

    The maids could feel his gaze trailing over every inch of skin, lingering on the delicate slopes of shoulders, the gentle curves of hips, and the soft plushness of bellies they had always thought unappealing.

    Even those who possessed firmer bodies couldn''t help a flush of color staining their cheeks¡ªit was one thing to be undressed, but quite another to be so openly seen.

    Just when it seemed the tension might become overwhelming, Cassius''s stern expression shifted, the corners of his lips quirked upward, and a glimmer of warmth lit his eyes.

    "That''s more like it." He said, quietly but with unmistakable approval.

    The sudden change in his demeanor sent another ripple through the maids¡ªpart relief, part astonishment.

    They''d braced themselves for the next command, something that might test their fragile confidence further. Instead, Cassius''s voice was almost gentle, laced with what could only be described as genuine admiration.

    He then let his gaze roam over the group, pausing on the older maids who had long considered themselves past their ''prime'' and when he spoke again after doing so, his tone was calm yet carried enough weight that every ear strained to catch his words.

    "I know that many of you have served in this mansion for years. You''ve witnessed its trials and joys, and you''ve given it your best in return."

    A few of the older maids exchanged glances, uncertain where he was going with this, though their hearts pounded at the mere mention of their age and years of service.

    "You probably believe..." Cassius continued. "...that your youth has fled. That you can''t compare to the so-called younger girls who share these halls. And you say it with such...resignation."

    Several faces fell¡ªnostalgic smiles tinged with sadness. They had already accepted this narrative, told to them by society, by their husbands or families, and even by their own reflections in the mirror.

    One of them let out a wry chuckle, cheeks warming at being called out so directly.

    But Cassius didn''t pause. Instead, he looked directly into the eyes of a maid with delicate lines etched around her mouth, then another whose body had grown softer with the weight of time and childbearing and said, "But you''re only half right."

    That earned a few startled blinks. Hesitance flickered among them, as if bracing for some carefully worded dismissal.

    "The truth is..." Cassius said. "..yes, you have changed¡ªjust as a flower does each year."

    "It grows stronger roots, richer petals. And when it blooms, sometimes it carries the experience of storms weathered and sunbaths enjoyed. But that doesn''t make it any less beautiful. In fact..." He paused, letting the silence stretch, forcing each woman to really listen. "...it makes it more vibrant and alluring than ever."

    A rush of heat tinted the cheeks of those older maids, and even the younger ones felt an unexpected twist in their chests at hearing such unabashed praise.

    Cassius continued, his voice low yet resonant.

    "Some of you have lines on your faces that speak of laughter and tears. Others have curves or softness you think is unwanted. But all I see is a blend of experiences¡ªand it only makes my admiration for you grow." He swept an arm, gesturing for them to look at each other. "If only you''d let yourselves see it, too. You''re hardly ''past your prime...You''re actually in it."

    A murmur of disbelief rippled through the group, but it was accompanied by faint, hopeful smiles¡ªlike sparks of light in a room that had long been dimmed by self-doubt. No one spoke, as they were too busy grappling with the honesty in his voice and the raw sincerity in his eyes.

    The head maid, who had been the first to disrobe, felt her heart clench at his words.

    She''d grown accustomed to teasing remarks about her age and weight¡ªjests she''d waved off with feigned amusement but which had slowly chipped away at her confidence.

    But here was Cassius, claiming her body, her face, her every perceived flaw, were all part of a unique and growing beauty which made her eyes go wide.

    He looked at her directly then, and there was no guile, no pity. Only a quiet, intense admiration that made her mouth go dry.

    His next words rang in the hush.

    "Let me tell you that each one of you has something singular and precious that sets you apart...It''s time you realized that, too.

    A blush spread across her cheeks. In that moment, she found herself swallowing a knot of emotion.

    She stood straighter, letting her arms fall at her sides, unconsciously mirroring the posture of pride in his words.

    It was a seemingly small shift, but it felt monumental.

    A younger maid, perhaps no more than nineteen, also felt a revelation at his words as she peeked at an older colleague''s face.

    She realized, that she had never truly looked at her fellow maids before¡ªalways seeing them as older, more experienced, but never as women with their own soft allure.

    But now, in the midst of Cassius''s words, she found herself noticing the gentle, dignified beauty of a mature woman in a way that startled and inspired her.

    And it wasn''t just her or the head maid, as all around her, the other maids followed suit, their postures becoming less guarded, the arms that had been crossed over chests or bellies slowly falling away.

    Shoulders squared and chins lifted just a bit higher.

    Even those whose bodies had once made them feel ashamed¡ªscars, stretch marks, the softness and shapes they believed undesirable¡ªwere standing with new confidence. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As though, for the first time, they were hearing and believing that they, too, were worthy of admiration...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Quick reminder not to hate on the maids, as they have their own reasons for acting the way they did to their master at the beginning and I''ll just say it''s because of a man who had to eat a whole lot of salt.

    Also the NSFW illustrations for this scene and the NSFW illustrations of the head maid are all available in the discord...Check them out!

 Chapter 59 Uplifting Spirits And Stealing Hearts

    A wave of excitement passed through the group like a sudden breeze, lifting their spirits as well as their confidence.

    Moments ago, they had been timidly uncovering themselves, yet now they found a rush of bold curiosity coursing through their veins.

    And then because of this excitement that they couldn''t handle, one by one, the maids began voicing the insecurities they had carried for years¡ªinsecurities that suddenly felt lighter in the presence of Cassius''s unwavering admiration.

    A maid with short, wavy hair was the first to speak up, her cheeks still flushed but her voice laced with an eagerness that surprised even herself. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Tentatively, she cupped her breasts and lifted them to show to Cassius. "Y-Young Master..." She hesitated, glancing sidelong at her fellow maids before forging ahead. "M-My breasts...They''re...sagging more than I''d like. But are they still... appealing in your eyes?"

    Cassius offered a small smile¡ªwarm, yet undeniably mischievousand and tilted his head a little, taking a moment to appraise her without shame or hesitation.

    "Appealing?" He repeated, one brow quirking. "If by ''appealing'' you mean absolutely irresistible, then yes. Very much so."

    The maid let out a tiny, startled laugh, her face brightening with both embarrassment and delight. She let her arms fall away, no longer trying to support what she now realized didn''t need her apology.

    Nearby, another woman¡ªslender, with hair pulled into a loose bun¡ªturned around, exposing a rear she''d always considered too flat. She glanced over her shoulder, biting her lip.

    "I know...it''s not much." She stretched a hand back, almost as if to emphasize its shape. "But...is it okay?"

    Cassius''s grin widened. He rose partway from his seat, just enough to lean forward and make it clear his attention was pinned on her.

    "Okay?" He repeated with feigned disbelief. "I can promise you, if you weren''t all standing here, I''d have half a mind to test how perfectly my hands might fit around you."

    Her cheeks heated instantly, and she let out a squeak of mortified laughter. The other maids teased her gently with elbow nudges, and her heart pounded with a giddy sense of validation she''d never felt before.

    Then a quieter maid stepped forward¡ªher braids swaying over her shoulders¡ªand shyly tugged at the edge of the tuft of hair between her thighs. Her voice dropped to a near-whisper, hardly audible in the hush of the hall.

    "Don''t misunderstand Master Cassius since I usually trim it, but I''ve been too busy lately and I haven''t gotten the chance...So, it''s just¡ªit''s messy, isn''t it?" Her gaze flicked downward, as though she couldn''t bear to see Cassius''s reaction.

    Cassius answered without missing a beat, his tone gently playful.

    "Messy? Or perhaps...naturally inviting?" He let his gaze travel to her eyes, making sure she could see the sincerity there. "I happen to think you wear it beautifully. There''s a certain allure to seeing a woman as she truly is. Nothing to be ashamed of."

    Her breath caught in her throat, relief and thrill mingling in equal measure. A couple of the other maids murmured in agreement, some nodding as they, too, took comfort in hearing that all these tiny details, which they had feared might be embarrassing, were seen in an entirely different¡ªand far more flattering-light.

    One after another, more voices joined in.

    A handful of younger maids asked about the size of their hips¡ªwere they too wide, too narrow?

    An older maid pointed self-consciously to the silver lines across her stomach, relics of childbirth, only for Cassius to tell her that such marks were a testament to her strength and resilience.

    For every supposed flaw, Cassius replied with genuine interest and a hint of that roguish charm that had them hanging on his every word.

    The air around them almost fizzed with a new energy, their earlier reservations melting away in this candid back-and-forth.

    Laughter bubbled up here and there¡ªa release of tension, a realization that what they had once seen as faults were, in his eyes, parts of their unique allure.

    With each praise Cassius bestowed¡ªeach playful promise or cheeky quip about how they looked-the maids felt their hearts skip a beat.

    It wasn''t merely flattery for flattery''s sake; there was an undeniable honesty in his gaze, the kind of look that told them he truly believed what he was saying.

    That truth, more than the words alone, made them feel as if they glowed from the inside out.

    And then as this delightful scene unfolded, the head maid''s soft, tinkling giggle echoed through the hall as she let her eyes dance merrily over the scene.

    "Oh, I must say, Young Master." She began in a light, playful tone, her cheeks still tinged with blush. "It''s so wonderful to hear such compliments, for it truly makes me feel like a real woman again." And then all of a sudden, her smile faltered into a wistful sigh. "If only my own husband could say such things to me."

    "...Oh, how happy I would be."

    Her words, tender yet laced with a quiet longing, caused a stir of sympathetic murmurs among the other maids. They too recalled the days when a single kind word from their husbands could lift their spirits; now, those eyes rarely met theirs, and such warm affirmations were all too scarce.

    But before any melancholic mood could settle, Cassius¡ªever the rogue he was with a mischievous glint in his eyes¡ªinterjected with a dismissive scoff that cut through the tender air.

    "Hmph! Who cares about husbands who can''t see the beauty right before them?" He declared, his tone teasing and irreverent.

    And then, in an act that both shocked and amused everyone, he suddenly shifted his position.

    With a swift, almost comical motion, he reached down into his pants and, to the collective astonishment of the room, whipped out his massive, rock-hard cock.

    Swing~

    And then in an exaggerated display meant to rouse both laughter and a sense of daring defiance, he began waving it about in a playful, almost theatrical manner.

    "Listen up, all of you!" He boomed in a tone that blended mischief with bold challenge, as he swung his cock like a mighty sword. "The next time any of you find yourselves compared to some other woman¡ªor feel insignificant in any way because of your partners¡ªsimply tell them to first grow a cock like mine that even towers over their figure before they even think of speaking another word!"

    For a long, suspended moment, the hall was filled with stunned silence before erupting into a cascade of giggles, flushed laughter, and exclamations of surprise.

    The unexpected display, laced with his silliness and unbridled confidence, had a liberating effect on the maids. They found themselves both mortified and exhilarated¡ªflustered by the raw audacity of his act, yet buoyed by the joyful irreverence of it all.

    Cassius''s wild antics and cheeky words transformed the atmosphere from one of tentative vulnerability into a boisterous celebration of self-acceptance.

    Each maids insecurity¡ªonce a secret burden¡ªwas now met with the undeniable truth of his gaze and his words.

    In that singular, charged moment, the room became a space where the imperfections of age, the scars of a lifetime, and every mark of time were not liabilities but badges of beauty, celebrated with unabashed humor and a wink of rebellion.

    Cassius''s smile widened as he surveyed the transformed expressions before him¡ªa mixture of playful astonishment and newfound pride. His display had not only lifted the mood but had also empowered them to see themselves through his eyes, where every curve and line told a story of resilience, passion, and raw, unfiltered beauty.

    Cassius the sighed as he sat and leaned back into his chair with a confident, almost playful smirk, his eyes roaming over the exposed forms before him before saying,

    "Now, now my beautiful maids...Notice how you all are naked and my cock is out at the same time." He announced, his voice low and commanding. "So why are you waiting any longer? Go ahead and have a taste of your treat that you''ve been longing for so long."

    At his words, a collective shiver of excitement ran through the maids. They exchanged uncertain glances and slight, daring smiles¡ªas if silently asking one another, ''Who will be the first?''.

    Yet Cassius''s tone left no room for hesitation. "It doesn''t matter who goes first or last." He continued, his gaze warm yet daring. "As by the end of this, each and every one of you will be thoroughly pleasured, so step forward without hesitation and have a experience of your lifetime."

    Emboldened by both his words and the newfound energy in the room, the head maid stepped forward.

    With deliberate care, she approached, lowering herself into a kneeling position near the impressive length before her. She was so close now that she couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer size of his member¡ªits girth and firmness commanding her full attention.

    Noticing her intense stare, Cassius teased. "Why are you looking at it so intensely? My cock might just feel a little shy under that gaze."

    Her cheeks flared a deeper shade of crimson as she murmured. "I-t''s just...it''s so big, Young Master a-and because of that it looks rather intimidating."

    With a roguish chuckle, Cassius quipped. "Oh, my maid, you don''t have to worry about that my cock is like a dog with big teeth and sharp paws that you can''t help but be scared of at first. But trust me when I say that it''s actually a sweetheart once you get to know it."

    "..Why don''t you pet it, and you''ll understand what I''m saying."

    The head maid hesitated only a moment before reaching out. Her fingers wrapped around his impressive length as she marveled at its girth and solidity.

    The moment she grabbed onto it, her mind swirled with a rush of sensations.

    In her thoughts, his cock felt as hard as an iron pole¡ªso firm and unyielding that she marveled at how her hand could barely wrap around its full girth.

    As her fingers, initially tentative, began to explore further, she found herself slowly sliding them along the bulbous tip and then down the length of his long, pulsating shaft.

    Every subtle contour, every ridge along the sensitive skin, sent shivers up her arm, and she let her hand drift further until it rested over his balls, which she caressed with a tenderness that spoke of both awe and longing.

    In that touch, she realized what it truly meant to feel a man''s strength¡ªraw, undeniable, and utterly captivating.

    Unable to control the surge of desire that now coursed through her, she lifted her eyes to meet Cassius''s, her expression a blend of shyness and pleading.

    In a quiet, almost trembling voice, she asked. "May I continue, Young Master?" Her words, soft and tentative, hung in the charged air.

    Cassius''s gaze softened as he replied in a low, inviting tone. "Please do...Today, my cock belongs not to me, but to all of you."

    Those words stirred something deep within her. With that gentle permission, she allowed her resolve to overtake her hesitation.

    Drawing nearer, she lowered her face toward him, her eyes never leaving his, as if seeking reassurance in every glance. Then, with a careful yet eager motion, she let her tongue slip forward.

    It began with a single, exploratory lick along the underside of his shaft¡ªa delicate caress that made her heart race.

    "Lick!?~"

    And then from there, she licked from base to tip, her tongue dancing over the veins that stood out with his arousal, each lick a study in sensuality.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    The head of his cock was given extra attention, her tongue circling it, flicking over the sensitive spot just beneath, tasting the slight saltiness of his pre-cum.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    She moved down again, her tongue now lapping at the sides of his shaft, exploring every inch, her actions becoming more fervent, more adoring.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Each stroke of her tongue was like a painter''s brush, carefully detailing every part of him.

    She felt an intoxicating mix of power and submission, her tongue tracing paths she had only imagined in her wildest fantasies, now brought to life with the taste and texture of Cassius under her fervent tongue.

    Her actions were not just of physical pleasure but of a deep, primal satisfaction, her eyes occasionally flicking up to meet his, seeking approval, finding only encouragement, which fueled her further. She was lost in the moment, her body responding with its own wetness, her heart racing in the excitement of this forbidden exploration.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Cassius''s hand also moved in slow, deliberate caresses through the head maid''s dark hair, his touch both possessive and tender as her warm, eager mouth continued its artful devotion.

    Every subtle motion of her tongue and gentle suction drew out a low, appreciative hum from him, deepening the charged intimacy of the moment.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Across the room, the other maids watched with eyes alight in feverish anticipation. Sensing their silent invitation, Cassius''s lips curved into a confident, knowing smile.

    "You know...I can handle more than one tongue at a time." He murmured, his voice low and commanding as he gestured for them to approach. "So why don''t you any of you two come forward and help you head maid out, as I don''t think she can handle all of my cock herself."

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    The illustrations for the head maid are also available in the comment section...Check them out!

 Chapter 60 Not Even Half Way In...

    Without a moment''s hesitation, the two maids advanced.

    Dropping gracefully to their knees¡ªbare, unashamed, and driven by their own arousal¡ªthey positioned themselves alongside the head maid.

    And then, in a seamless, almost choreographed motion, they joined in the act of shared adoration.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Their mouths converged around the length of Cassius''s throbbing cock, each seeking to trace and explore every curve and sensitive vein with their tongues and lips.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Together, they began to share the task, their tongues meeting at the base of Cassius''s shaft, licking upwards in synchronized motion.

    Their lips brushed against each other''s occasionally, but there was no sign of reluctance; instead, they seemed to revel in the shared intimacy, their tongues dancing around his length, each exploring, tasting, and worshipping his cock in their own way.

    "Nnn!?~ Slurp!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    One maid would focus on the side, her tongue tracing the thick veins, her saliva making the path slick and inviting.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmph!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck! ?~"

    The other maid would take the other side, her tongue flicking against him, her lips forming gentle kisses along the shaft.

    Their combined efforts created a symphony of wet sounds, the room filled with the lewd, rhythmic slurping and sucking.

    "Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn!?~ Mmmph! ?~"

    The head maid, in the center, took the tip into her mouth, her head bobbing with a rhythm that matched the others'' movements, her tongue swirling around the head, occasionally dipping into the slit, tasting the essence of his arousal.

    The teamwork was erotic, their mouths and tongues working in unison, their actions a blend of hunger and reverence.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Cassius reveled in the pleasure, each maid attending to a different part of him.

    One devotedly sucked on the tip, her lips tight around him, her tongue teasing the sensitive head. Another worked on the shaft, her mouth sliding up and down, her tongue never ceasing its exploration. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Meanwhile, the head maid, displaying both courage and greed, began to lavish attention on his balls, her tongue circling them before she attempted to take one into her mouth, her actions filled with a bold desire.

    "Mmph!?~ Ooooh!?~ Suck!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    As waves of pleasure coursed through him, Cassius smiled, his gaze shifting to two maids standing close together in the crowd, their arousal evident by the glistening wetness between their thighs. He pointed it out with a teasing grin. "Oh, look at how wet you both are. Come here; I''ll help you clean up since we can''t have you standing like you just wet yourself."

    Confused yet drawn by the command in his voice, the two maids approached, one on either side of him. They didn''t fully grasp what he meant by ''clean up'', but the promise in his tone and the current scene of pleasure was enough to compel them forward, their steps hesitant yet eager to please and perhaps find relief from their own arousal.

    Witt them standing by each of his sides, Cassius issued his next command with a voice thick with desire.

    "Lift your legs and place them on the armrest of the chair...Then push your wet vagina as close to my face as you can like you''re trying to feed me the fruits inside your tight little holes."

    The maids, already flushed with embarrassment and excitement, complied. They lifted their legs, resting them on the armrests, which forced them to spread their legs wide.

    Lift~ Spread~

    This action unveiled their pussies in all their glory¡ªone completely bare, the smooth skin accentuating the pink, swollen lips glistening with arousal, and the other adorned with a soft tuft of hair, the dark contrast highlighting the wet, eager flesh beneath.

    Cassius then positioned his hand beneath the first maid''s legs, his hands reaching around to grip her ass firmly. And then with a sudden pull, he brought her forward, her body tensing with shock as her pussy was brought directly to his face.

    He took a moment to admire the sight, the rawness of it, the way her lips parted slightly, revealing the moist, inviting interior.

    Then, with a deliberate motion that caught the maid off guard, he extended his tongue, giving one long, luxurious lick from the base of her vagina to the top, collecting all the fluid that had gathered there.

    "Ahhh!?~ Nooo!?~ Haughh!?~"

    The sensation was electric, the direct contact of his tongue against her sensitive flesh causing her to release a loud, unabashed moan, her body trembling with the sudden onslaught of pleasure.

    "Hnnn!?~ Ohh!?~ Ohhh!?~ Ohhhh!?~"

    The other girl watched, her body trembling at the sight before her, the act looking so raw and filthy yet undeniably arousing. She witnessed how, with one single, masterful motion, Cassius had cleaned the other maid''s vagina, leaving it glistening but devoid of the previous wetness.

    Her eyes also couldn''t help but notice how the maid''s nipples had hardened into firm peaks, responding to the intense pleasure.

    When Cassius''s gaze finally fell upon her, filled with both desire and unspoken invitation, her heart skipped a beat. For a suspended moment, she feared he might approach her with the same fervor.

    But instead, his low, commanding tone broke the charged silence.

    "Do you want me to clean you, too?" He asked, his voice smooth yet insistent¡ªa promise of intimate indulgence that ignited both her embarrassment and her secret longing.

    Timidly, her eyes lowered in response¡ªa single, subtle nod betraying the tempest of anticipation roiling beneath her bashfulness.

    Sensing the need to be utterly sure and to tease her a bit, Cassius added, "If you truly desire it, then spread yourself wide for me, so I clean you from the inside out."

    Though every instinct screamed caution when she heard his words, the yearning within her overpowered her shyness.

    Slowly, with hands trembling yet determined, she reached down to the delicate folds of her thighs.

    Spread~

    Gently, she parted them, revealing the soft, pink inner sanctum of her pussy¡ªa hidden, inviting garden bathed in a natural blush of arousal and vulnerability.

    The exposed, dewy petals of her inner walls shone in the dim light, each curve and contour a silent plea for the cleansing, passionate touch of her master.

    Cassius''s eyes roamed appreciatively over her revealed intimacy. And then with deliberate care, he leaned in closer, his presence both reassuring and electrifying.

    His fingers lightly brushed the sensitive skin at the edge of her inner folds, sending a cascade of shivers up her spine. Then, with a measured, sensual pace, he brought his lips close to her exposed flesh.

    Her heart pounded in her ears as she braced herself, expecting the familiar, teasing caress of his tongue traveling slowly from the base to the crown of her exposed flesh.

    But in that electrified moment, however, her anticipation turned to shock when Cassius, with an intensity that belied his usual measured pace, pressed his tongue all the way into her pink cave.

    "Ahhhh!?~"

    The unexpected intrusion sent a jolt of raw, overwhelming pleasure through her, and she instinctively clutched at his head.

    His tongue didn''t seem to mind her holding him for support as it moved with deliberate precision, expertly dragging along the sensitive inner walls of her most private depths.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Each slow, fluid sweep of his tongue elicited shudders of delight that coursed through her body, mingling surprise with an intoxicating blend of vulnerability and arousal.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    The sensation was unlike anything she had ever experienced¡ªan exquisite, almost ritualistic exploration that made her gasp and tremble.

    His tongue''s soft, wet caresses glided over every hidden contour, as if intent on meticulously cleaning and awakening every inch of her delicate, inner sanctuary.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Overcome by the intensity, she grabbed onto his head, her fingers tangling in his hair, not knowing whether to push him away or pull him closer.

    The feeling of his tongue moving inside her was too much, her legs weakening, her mind lost in the throes of pleasure that was both cleaning and corrupting her all at once.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    When he finally thought that he had finished his job, Cassius withdrew from her, a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he allowed her to lean against him for support.

    His touch lingered on her skin, a final, fleeting caress that affirmed his control and her surrender. Then, with a playful, knowing smile, he murmured as he looked at the maids sucking his suck in a fervent manner.

    "I''m going to cum...Get ready."

    At his words, the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.

    The three maids, already aflame with desire, sprang into action. Their movements were a mixture of urgency and eager competition as they vied for position at the crown of his throbbing cock.

    In their haste, they jostled gently against one another, each determined to claim the prime spot from which to capture every drop of his potent release.

    But before any one of them could fully secure their place, Cassius''s arousal reached its peak.

    In a moment of overwhelming passion, he exploded¡ªa sudden, powerful surge of jizz arcing upward like a creamy, rain-soaked fountain.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    The warm, thick cascade rained down in a lavish shower, splattering across the expectant faces, dampening soft strands of hair, and tracing glistening trails over the supple contours of their breasts.

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    And rather than recoiling, the maids welcomed the unexpected deluge with unabashed delight. Their eyes widened in collective disbelief and fervent awe as they absorbed every droplet of his magnificent load.

    They looked at each other, faces and bodies marked with the evidence of his pleasure, their own arousal and excitement noticeable in the air.

    As the maids were taking in the sight of his cum on each other''s faces, dripping from nipples, Cassius suddenly called out to them, his voice filled with renewed vigor.

    "You know that I''m still raring to go and have a true taste of one of your pussies...So I would appreciate it if someone would take their seat already and let me show you a good time."

    When they looked up to see what he was talking about, to their utter astonishment, they found out that he was holding his cock, which somehow hadn''t lost its firmness at all; it was as erect and demanding as ever.

    And when his words truly sunk in, the two maids scrambled to move, eager to claim the position. But the head maid, with her usual diligence, was quicker.

    She got up and positioned herself on his lap, her pussy rubbing coyly against the tip of his cock, her movements hesitant, the fear of his size evident in her eyes.

    She was also deeply worried, her movements tentative as she rubbed her pussy against Cassius''s tip, concerned that her hesitance might irritate him or that he would grow impatient with her for not taking him in fully.

    The size of him was intimidating, and her heart was a tumult of fear and desire.

    But instead of scolding her for her timidity, Cassius noticed her nervousness.

    With a gentleness that contradicted his commanding presence, he took her hands and placed them on his shoulders, providing her with the support she needed. He then steadied her by holding her hips, his touch firm yet reassuring.

    And just when she thought she couldn''t be more surprised by his patience, gestured her to come closer and when she leaned in, he kissed on the lips in a way that caught her completely off guard.

    "Kiss!?~"

    And just when she was on a high from the kiss that was so tender, filled with an unexpected warmth that seemed to melt away her fears, she was sent to a higher peak as Cassius eyes, bright and full of approval, searched hers as he murmured, "You''ve done so well, my darling. Not just here, but your whole life. I know you''ve given your best, even if no one else sees it."

    "...And I know I''m in no place to say this but I''m proud of the little girl who has blossomed into such a splendid woman today. I''m truly proud of you and so should you be."

    He finished with a gentle smile and another peck on her trembling lips like he was reaffirming his words with that small gesture of love, while the head maid herself was lost in some sort to dreamy state.

    Why?...Because his voice was like a balm to her years of silent service, his smile a beacon of acceptance and appreciation.

    This sudden acknowledgment, the kiss, the supportive touch, all combined to make her feel as if she were on top of the world.

    It wasn''t just the physical sensations she was dealing with; it was an emotional awakening, a validation of her worth that she hadn''t known she needed so desperately.

    Her body also responded to this emotional surge, her pussy naturally spreading and slowly enveloping his cock, a gasp escaping her lips as she was consumed by the dual sensations of physical pleasure and emotional fulfillment.

    "Hnnn!?~ Ah!?~ Mmmm!?~"

    The two maids, still kneeling, watched in astonishment as the head maid''s pussy stretched in a way they hadn''t thought possible around Cassius''s impressive girth.

    The sight of her accommodating him so fully, her body adjusting to his size, sent a mixture of awe and a strange, aching desire through them. Their own pussies throbbed in response, a mix of sympathy for the stretch and a craving to experience such fullness themselves.

    Yet, what truly captivated them was the expression on the head maid''s face.

    As she descended further down his shaft, her look of ecstasy was unmistakable. It was clear that amidst the initial pain, there was a profound enjoyment, her face flushed with pleasure, her eyes half-closed in bliss.

    And if there was any doubt left about whether the head maid was enjoying what was happening, it was obliterated when, to the shock of both maids, she began to tremble.

    She had only taken in half of Cassius''s cock, and it seemed to push her to her absolute limit.

    And then suddenly, her body seized up, and she started to squirt with a force that could only be described as torrential.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    Her pussy juice erupted like a geyser, a relentless stream of clear, warm liquid cascading down, soaking Cassius''s crotch in a flood of her ecstasy.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    The amount was astonishing; it wasn''t just a squirt but a celebration, her release so full that it dripped off him, pooling on the floor beneath, a testament to how overwhelmed and pleasured she was.

    Her body seemed to convulse with each wave of squirt, her face contorted in a mix of shock and pure ecstasy, leaving no question to everyone watching in awe and disbelief that she was in the throes of an orgasm far beyond her control...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    What do you guys think of the 18+ scenes? Do you like that I''m taking my time with each moment or do you just want me to make the protagonist bang everyone and then move on?

 Chapter 61 Its My Duty To Serve You

    Cassius''s gaze swept over the scene below with a knowing, amused glint. His pants, still darkly stained and completely soaked from the head maid''s overwhelming release, clung to him as evidence of how gratified she felt at the moment.

    But he didn''t seem to mind that his pants felt like someone had poured hot oil on them and shifted his focus to the head maid, whose body still trembled in his embrace after having her insides so fully filled by his cock.

    With a soft chuckle and deliberate care, he adjusted her position, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible despite the intensity of their encounter.

    "Forgive me for asking this, my dear maid." He began in a low, teasing tone as he lightly brushed a stray lock of hair from her flushed face. "But are you actually still a virgin? I''m only asking because I can see that you''ve reacted quite violently to that single penetration, almost as though you''re barely holding on and it''s your first time." He noted how she looked like she was barely hanging on, her body still shuddering with aftershocks.

    The head maid, catching her breath, managed a weak chuckle as she looked up at her master.

    "Of course not, Young Master, I''m far too old for that, already having a boy of my own who''s going to start working next year." She said, her voice a mix of humor and embarrassment, secretly enjoying how he looked at her with such youthful curiosity. She then blushed and continued saying in a coy manner, "I-It''s just that...that you''re a little too big, and I''ve never gone this deep before"

    Cassius''s smirk widened at her confession. "Not even with your husband?" He probed, his tone playful yet probing.

    She shook her head, still trying to regain her composure. "Not even half as deep as I am now." She admitted, her voice a whisper of both confession and excitement.

    "A pity." Cassius responded, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "A ravishing lady like yourself deserves to have all her holes filled all the way." His words were bold, causing her to blush profusely.

    The other maids, who had been listening intently to this exchange, also felt their cheeks heat up too, the air around them charged with a mix of scandal and desire.

    The head maid, feeling a surge of both embarrassment and arousal at his words, managed a shy smile.

    "You do have a way with words, Master Cassius." She murmured, her eyes lowering, not out of shame but from the intensity of the moment. "I suppose there are some...benefits to serving under such an...attentive master."

    Cassius laughed, the sound warm and genuine.

    "And I suppose there''s much more to explore for such a diligent and beautiful maid. But let''s not keep the others waiting, shall we?"

    His eyes flicked to the other maids, who were now watching with a mix of anticipation and envy, their bodies responding to the scene before them.

    The head maid nodded shyly, her cheeks still flushed from the intensity of her experience and the boldness of her confession.

    But just as Cassius was about to initiate further, she quickly looked up at him, her eyes meeting his with a newfound determination.

    "You don''t need to move, Young Master." She said, her voice soft yet firm. "It''s my duty to serve you, and even though I haven''t been doing my part properly lately because of the ''rumours'' going around about you, I''ll surely do my service now."

    Cassius raised his eyebrows at the mention of rumors, his mind briefly wandering to wonder what tales had been spun about him in the household, that seem to have influenced the maids into mamin bad decisions.

    However, his thoughts were cut short when he felt the head maid tighten her grip around him, her arms pulling her closer so that her breasts pressed against his chest. The warmth and softness of her against him were immediate, her intention clear.

    And then with a gentle sway, she began to move up and down on his still-hard cock, her pussy slowly stretching around him, testing the limits of her capacity.

    "Hnn!?~ Ohhh!?~ Unghh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    Each movement was completely unfamiliar to her, the sensation of his massive girth stretching her, filling her, was both daunting and exhilarating. She felt every vein, every pulse of his cock inside her, the pressure against her inner walls igniting a fire of raw pleasure mixed with a sharp edge of pain.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Her mind was awash with the intensity of the moment; she had underestimated him, and now, with him buried deep inside her, she realized the rumors had done him no justice. The fullness was overwhelming, her pussy spasming around him, adapting to his size with a mix of urgency and delight.

    "Ohhh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Nnnm!"

    Looking up at Cassius, she saw the pleasure in his eyes, spurring her on. Eager to please him, to push herself to new heights of ecstasy, she quickened her pace.

    Her movements turned aggressive, her hips slamming down onto him with a force that made her breasts bounce wildly. Each thrust was a dive into deeper pleasure, his cock hitting spots that sent electric shocks through her body.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Her moans were now uninhibited, filling the room with the sound of her pleasure. The wet, rhythmic slap of their bodies meeting was erotic music to their ears. She could feel her own juices flowing, making each descent smoother, each stroke deeper.

    "Aaaah!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mmmmm!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmmm!"

    Leaning forward, she changed the angle, allowing him to penetrate even further, causing her to cry out in ecstasy. "M-Master!?~" She gasped, her voice a mix of prayer and plea, acknowledging the pleasure he was giving her, the pleasure she was taking.

    "Ohhh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Aahhh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her movements were now a frenzy of lust, her pussy gripping him with each rise and fall, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her eyes locked with his in a silent, intense communication of desire.

    Cassius, feeling her need for more, for that connection beyond the physical, leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was as deep as his penetration.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    His tongue delved into her mouth, mimicking the rhythm of his cock inside her, creating a dual assault of pleasure.

    Her body, already struggling with the overwhelming sensation of his hard cock filling her to the brim, reacted to this new invasion with a shudder of pure ecstasy.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    The kiss was not just a meeting of lips but somethin primal, his mouth dominating hers with a passion that matched the ferocity of their bodies union.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Each swirl of his tongue, each taste of her, brought her to another level of pleasure she had never known existed before. It was as if he was claiming every part of her, from her pussy to her soul, through this profound, erotic connection.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    Her moans were swallowed by his kiss, her body trembling, her pussy clenching around him in response to the dual stimulation, her mind spiralling into a vortex of sensation where pleasure was the only reality.

    With a sudden pull away from her mouth, Cassius took in a deep breath, his eyes dark with lust as he surveyed the room.

    The two naked maids by the sides of his chair, their eyes wide and their cheeks flushed, had been watching the intimate scene unfold before them with rapt attention. They had received instructions to wait, serve, and be ready when called upon, and now it was their turn.

    He beckoned with a crooked finger, his voice a low, gruff command. "Come here, you two. I believe your breasts are begging for my attention as well." The maids, feeling a rush of excitement, took a tentative step closer, their breasts heaving with anticipation.

    As they approached, their hands automatically rose to offer their mounds to him. The head maid, still riding his cock, watched with fascination and slight bitterness as her fellow servants eagerly presented themselves. Her own breasts felt neglected, her nipples hard and sensitive from the intense ride she had been on.

    And then without any hesitation, Cassius took the maid with curly brown hair and a youthful face breast into his mouth with a hunger that was palpable, his lips sealing around her nipple, sucking with a ferocity that sent a jolt of pleasure straight to her core.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmph!?~ Yes, Young Master!?~ Jsyb like that~ Slurp!?~ Ooh!?~"

    He bit down gently, then harder, the sharp sting of his teeth followed by the soothing suction of his mouth, creating a delicious push-pull of sensation that made her gasp in delight. Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, her back arching in surrender, offering more of her breast to his eager mouth.

    "Oooh!?~ Suck!?~ Just like that!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh! ?~ Suck my breasts, please!?~"

    The other maid with short, straight black hair, who seemed to be her close friend, driven by a mix of jealousy and desire, leaned in, her own breasts brushing against his cheek, the soft skin begging for attention. Her breath was shallow, desperate, as she pressed herself against him, her body trembling with anticipation.

    "Nnn!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahhh, yesss!?~ Sluurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    With a smirk, he switched to the other maid, his mouth capturing her nipple with a voracious enthusiasm, his tongue swirling around it before he drew it deeper into his mouth, sucking hard.

    "Ahh!~ Lick!?~ Mmmph!?~ Oooh! ?~"

    His free hand didn''t waste time either; it reached up to fondle the neglected breast of the first maid, his fingers pinching and rolling her still-sensitive nipple between his thumb and forefinger, sending another wave of pleasure through her.

    "Ah!?~ Ahh!?~ Ahhhh!?~"

    She moaned, her body reacting to his touch, her nipple hardening further under his skilled manipulation. Meanwhile, his mouth was relentless on the second maid, biting and sucking, alternating between gentle and rough, his actions driving both maids to the brink of ecstasy.

    "Mmmm!?~ Sip!?~ Nnnn!?~ Ahhh! ?~"

    Both of the girls who were getting tested met eyes; their shared experience created a silent bond of desire between them. They were no longer just observers; they were participants in this decadent dance of lust.

    "Ohhh!?~ Mmm, perfect!?~ Aaahh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm!?~ Unghhh!?~"

    The head maid''s rhythm also grew erratic as she watched her colleagues breasts being pleasured by her master''s skilled mouth.

    Her own need grew, her pussy clenching around his cock, desperate for release. She felt her orgasm building, a crescendo of pleasure that threatened to shatter her into a million pieces.

    "Yesss!?~ Ohhh!?~ Mmm, just like that!?~ Unghh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    Cassius, ever attuned to the needs of his playthings, reached up and grabbed her hips, holding her still as he took control of their rhythm.

    His movements grew more deliberate, more intense, as he drove his cock into her, the pleasure on his face a mirror of the ecstasy she felt. The maids by his sides watched with wide eyes, their own need felt in the air as they awaited their turn.

    "Ohhh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Aahhh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmm!?~"

    As she continued to rock her ass up and down, the head maid felt her climax approaching like a freight train, her entire body tensing as she hovered on the edge.

    Her pussy clamped down hard around him, and with a final, powerful thrust, she screamed out her release, her body convulsing with pleasure.

    "Ah!?~ Ahh!?~ I''m¡ªI''m cumming!?~ I''m cumming!?~ Ahhhh!?~ Ahhhhhh!?~" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The sight of her head thrown back, her mouth open in a silent scream of ecstasy, was too much for the other maids to bear.

    But even though they couldn''t bear to see her cumming once again, making such a mess, they found themselves unable to tear their eyes away from the scene.

    Their gazes were locked not only on her, who looked like she was on cloud nine, but also on their master, Cassius, whose prowess had brought her to this peak of pleasure.

    His command over her body, the way he could elicit such intense reactions, held them in a thrall of fascination and desire, their own bodies responding to the raw display before them.

    As the head maid''s cries of pleasure subsided, Cassius looked up, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "Your turn." He murmured, releasing both of the maids nipples he was sucking on with a pop, his voice thick with desire.

    The two maids by the chair stepped closer, their bodies quivering with anticipation. This was the moment they had been waiting for, the moment they had hoped would come when they had been chosen to serve him.

    The head maid, her body still quivering from the intense pleasure of her orgasm, knew that she was supposed to let the others have their own fun now, but she found herself unable to move on her own.

    Her legs were weak, her mind a haze of ecstasy.

    Sensing her condition, Cassius, with a strength that belied the gentleness of his touch, grabbed her by the hips and lifted her off his still-hard cock as if she were weightless. As he did so, his member slid out of her with a wet sound, leaving her feeling both empty and fulfilled.

    One of the maids nearby quickly moved to assist, gently guiding the head maid to the ground where she sat, her body throbbing with the aftershocks of her climax.

    She leaned back, her breathing heavy, her eyes closed in the afterglow, her skin flushed with the heat of her release, which sent shivers to the rest of the maids watching, wondering if they''ll also have such a lewd expression by the end of this sultry experience...

 Chapter 62 I Can Handle Both Of You

    With the head maid settled, the two maids by Cassius''s side, filled with a playful and sisterly camaraderie, didn''t hesitate to vie for the next turn.

    Their hands reached for his cock simultaneously, each trying to claim it for herself, their laughter mingling with the soft, playful sounds of their struggle.

    "Oh, I want my turn too!" Cooed one in a teasing tone, lightly tugging at him as she laughed.

    "Not so fast¡ªMy turn is coming up next!" The other retorted, her voice rising in a soft, sultry giggle as they both tried to secure their position.

    Their movements were gentle yet determined, a friendly rivalry that was as affectionate as it was competitive.

    From a discreet corner of the room, the older maids observed the scene with a blend of bemusement and wistful nostalgia.

    One older maid sighed, a half-scold in her tone as she murmured. "Oh dear, must we always be so unruly in front of Master? We''re supposed to maintain our dignity."

    Another, though trying to sound stern, couldn''t hide the twinkle in her eyes as she added. "Indeed, there was a time when decorum mattered¡ªbut these youthful passions have a way of reminding us of our own once¡ªfiery desires."

    Just as the older maids were about to step in to restore some semblance of order, Cassius raised a hand, gesturing for them to stop. His voice was calm yet commanding as he spoke to the two playful maids. "You don''t have to fight." He said, his voice a seductive purr that sent shivers down their spines.

    "...I can handle both of you."

    Confusion flickered across their faces, unsure of his implication.

    But before they could ponder it further, Cassius acted. He swiftly picked one of the girls up by her waist, her body light in his strong grip.

    And with no warning, he positioned her above his cock and then, with a motion that was both merciless and precise, he dropped her down onto him.

    "Ahhhhh!?~ Haughh!?~"

    His cock penetrated her fully in one swift descent, stretching her wide, the sudden fullness causing her eyes to widen in shock and pleasure.

    "Hnnn!?~ S-So deep!?~ Ahh!?~ I can''t b-breath!?~ Hmm!?~"

    The sensation was overwhelming; she was unprepared for the depth, the intensity. Her body reacted instantly, her pussy clenching around him, triggering an immediate orgasm.

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She squirted, her release a powerful gush that splashed over them both, her moans filling the room as she shuddered in his lap, taken in by the sudden, intense pleasure.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Thwap!?~ Squish!?~"

    Overwhelmed by the tsunami of pleasure coursing through her, the maid blacked out, her body twitching in the aftermath of her intense orgasm.

    The sight made all the maids gasp, especially the one who had been eagerly awaiting her turn.

    Now, fear replaced her excitement; she took a step back, her mind racing with second thoughts about what she had so eagerly anticipated.

    Cassius noticed the maid stepping back, her body language screaming retreat. His voice, a mix of amusement and command, cut through the air, "Where do you think you''re going?"

    Before she could respond or even think of escaping further, Cassius moved with the speed of a predator. He grabbed her, his grip firm and unyielding, pulling her towards him.

    And with a swift motion, he threw her down onto his still-erect cock as well, impaling her in one fluid, aggressive movement.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Too deep!?~ Thwap!?~ T-Too deep!?~ Squish!?~"

    The sounds of their union were immediate and intense, echoing the raw physicality of their coupling.

    "Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Noo!?~ Ooooh!?~ Unghhh!?~ I can''t handle this!?~ Nnnmm!"

    His thrusts were punishing, each one a declaration of his dominance, filling her with such force that her initial fear quickly morphed into a whirlwind of sensations.

    "Ohhh!?~ Mmmh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Noo!?~ Ughhh!?~ Nnnmmm!?~"

    Her body, initially tense with apprehension, soon surrendered to the relentless rhythm. Cassius fucked her with a ferocity that left no room for doubt or hesitation.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Yes, yes!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Deeper!?~ Nnnmm!"

    Each thrust was deep, sending waves of pleasure through her that she couldn''t escape even if she wanted to.

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ I can''t!?~ Aaaah!?~ This to much!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnn!?~ My pussy feels so full!?~"

    Her moans, at first reluctant, soon became cries of undeniable pleasure, the sounds mingling with the erotic symphony of their bodies.

    "You thought you could run?" Cassius taunted, his voice a low growl against her ear, his breath hot on her skin. "You''re mine now, just like the others."

    Her body responded, the fear replaced by the undeniable thrill of being so thoroughly claimed.

    Her legs wrapped around him instinctively, her back arching to meet his thrusts, her mind overwhelmed by the intensity of the pleasure he forced upon her.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Yes, master!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Ravage me!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm! Ravage me with that monster cock of yours!?~"

    She had thought it wouldn''t be so bad, recalling how the head maid had taken it, not reacting as dramatically.

    But now, as Cassius''s rod impaled her, the electrifying sensation was beyond anything she had anticipated; she couldn''t even muster the words to express the intensity of her pleasure.

    Her last coherent thought was one of newfound respect for the head maid, who had handled it with such grace and composure. She admired the other woman''s endurance and elegance, realizing just how much of a champion the head maid had been.

    Then, as Cassius rammed into her with full force, reaching the deepest parts of her, the pleasure exploded within her.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She squirted powerfully, her release arcing through the air as she leaned back all the way until she was hanging off the chair to land among the crowd in front of her. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    The overwhelming ecstasy was too much, and like her predecessor, she too passed out, her body slumping forward as the last waves of her orgasm pulsed through her, leaving her in a state of blissful unconsciousness.

    Seeing this, Cassius chuckled softly, his voice echoing with a mix of amusement and satisfaction as he rose from his seat. His gaze swept over the room, taking in the slightly frightened yet curious expressions of the gathered maids.

    "Now...Who''s coming up next?"

    He asked, his tone still laced with that seductive purr that had earlier commanded the room, while his erect cock that looked like a log was hanging down as hard as they first saw it.

    The crowd hesitated for just a split second, the memory of the intense orgasms and the subsequent unconsciousness of their colleagues fresh in their minds. But then, the images of ecstasy on those maids'' faces before they blacked out seemed to stir something within them.

    A sudden shift came about in the atmosphere; fear turned to eager anticipation.

    In a rush, more then a dozen maids, all previously reticent, surged towards Cassius. Their movements were desperate, almost frenzied, as they pressed their bodies against him, their breasts pushing forward in an almost comical but undeniably enthusiastic bid for attention.

    "Please, Master Cassius, me next!" One maid pleaded, her voice high with excitement.

    "No, no, choose me!" Another interjected, her hands reaching up to caress his shoulders, her eyes wide with desire.

    "No, no, don''t choose them! They can''t handle your massive penis! Choose me instead!" Another maid said even though she doubted she could take him before passing out even before he puts his tip in.

    The room filled with a cacophony of similar pleas, each maid vying for the next moment of pleasure, their earlier reservations forgotten in the heat of the moment.

    Looking at the tantalising sight of all his beautiful maids fighting for his cock before him, Cassius''s smile widened, the corners of his mouth curling with a blend of amusement and predatory delight.

    "Haha...Seeing as so many of my maids want my service, I would be a horrible master if I were to actually reject them, wouldn''t I?" His voice was a velvet caress, resonating with confidence and a playful challenge.

    And then without waiting for an answer, he quickly reached out, grabbing one of the maids directly in front of him.

    His hands were swift and sure, turning her around with ease so that her back was pressed against his chest. Her breath hitched, a mix of surprise and anticipation escaping her lips as he seized her wrists, holding them firmly behind her back.

    The room quieted for a moment, all eyes on them, the air thick with the scent of lust and the palpable energy of the gathering.

    "Ahhhh!?~"

    Then, with no further preamble, Cassius thrust forward, his cock entering her with a force that made her gasp loudly, her body tensing then relaxing into the rhythm he imposed.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    He began to move, each thrust violent and powerful, driving into her with a pace that was both punishing and exhilarating.

    "Ohhhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnmmm!

    Her moans filled the space, echoing off the walls, each one louder than the last as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations. The sight was both erotic and commanding, Cassius''s control over her evident in every motion, every sound she made.

    "Ooooh!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnn!

    Her legs trembled, struggling to keep her upright as he pounded into her, but his grip on her wrists was all the support she needed.

    Her head lolled back onto his shoulder, eyes closed, mouth open in a silent scream of pleasure.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Around them, the other maids watched, some with envy, others with their own desires rekindling, their fears of the intensity now overshadowed by the raw display of pleasure.

    "You like that, don''t you?" Cassius whispered into her ear, his voice a low growl as he continued his rampage. "You''ve been waiting for this, haven''t you? Craving to feel me inside you."

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnn!''

    Her response was a moan, her body already trembling with the intensity of his penetration.

    "Y-Yes, Master!?~ Ahhh!?~ I wanted this for so long, t-that you don''t even know!?~" She managed to say between breaths, the words coming out in short bursts as he continued to pound into her.

    "You''re so tight around me." Cassius continued, his dirty talk fueling her arousal. "I can feel how much you want it...How much you need this."

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm!"

    Her head fell back against his shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations. "Yes, Young Master!?~ I want it!?~ Hnnn!?~ More, please!?~" She begged, her voice a mixture of desperation and ecstasy.

    "More?" Cassius chuckled, his pace increasing, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through her. "You can take more, can''t you? You''re going to take all of me, every inch, until you''re screaming my name."

    His words were like an aphrodisiac, pushing her closer to the edge with each filthy promise. "Yes, yes!?~" She cried out, her voice echoing in the room, mingling with the sounds of their bodies colliding.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    "You''re mine to use, aren''t you?" He taunted, his grip on her wrists tightening as he drove into her with relentless force. "Say it. Say you''re mine."

    "I''m yours, Master!?~" she gasped, her body now shaking uncontrollably as she approached her climax. "All yours!?~"

    "That''s right." Cassius growled, feeling her body tighten around him, signaling her impending release. "And I''m going to make you come so hard you''ll forget your own name and now only mine...Your master, the one who owns this filthy body of yours."

    His dirty talk, combined with his unyielding rhythm, pushed her over the edge.

    "Young Master!?~ Ahhhhh!?~ I-I''m cumming!?~ Ahnnnnn!?~"

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    She screamed his name, her orgasm hitting her with a force that left her vision blurred, her body convulsing in his arms.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    Without missing a beat, Cassius let go of the now limp maid, who was gently helped by her colleagues to the side, her body still trembling in the aftermath of her intense release.

    Then, his eyes, dark with lust, scanned the crowd until they locked onto another maid whose anticipation was visible in her flushed cheeks and wide eyes, which made a evil smile form on his face like he found his next victim...

 Chapter 63 God Of Pleasure

    "Come here." He commanded, his voice allowing no argument.

    The timid looking maid stepped forward, her movements both hesitant and eager, drawn by the magnetic pull of his command. Before she could speak, Cassius grasped her, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.

    He turned her to face him, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist for support. His hands found her hips, lifting her slightly before he impaled her on his still-erect cock with a ferocity that made her eyes widen in shock and pleasure.

    "Ahhhh!?~ Young Master!?~ Haughh!?~"

    "You wanted this, didn''t you?" He hissed into her ear, his tone aggressive, almost feral. "You watched, you waited, and now you''ll take it all."

    "Mmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Yesss!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmm, perfect!?~ Unghh!?~"

    His movements were brutal, each thrust lifting her off the ground slightly only for gravity to assist in slamming her back down onto him.

    "Ohhh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Aahhh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmm!?~"

    She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders, her moans loud and uninhibited as he fucked her with a relentless intensity.

    "Yes, Master!?~" She cried out, her voice shaking with each impact. "Fuck me, use me!?~"

    "That''s right." Cassius growled, his grip on her tightening, holding her up with one hand while the other roamed over her body, squeezing her breasts, pinching her nipples, adding to her sensory overload. "You''re just a toy for my pleasure. Can you handle that?"

    "Yes, I can handle it, I want it!?~" She screamed, the pleasure¡ªpain of his dominance fueling her desire. Her body was his to control, to bend to his will, and she relished in it, her orgasm building with each harsh thrust.

    "Yesss!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Ohhh, yes, just like that!?~"

    Cassius''s pace was unyielding, his cock driving into her with a rhythm that was both punishing and divine. The room echoed with the sounds of their union, her cries, his grunts, the wet slap of flesh against flesh.

    He was not just fucking her; he was claiming her, marking her with each deep penetration.

    "Feel that?" He taunted, feeling her body start to convulse around him. "You''re going to come for me, aren''t you?"

    "Yes, yes!?~ Ahhh!?~ I''m going to cum all over you!?~" She could barely form words, her climax hitting like a tidal wave.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her body shook violently in his arms, her scream of release piercing through the air as she squirted, the intensity of her orgasm making her momentarily lose consciousness, her head lolling back.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    Cassius held her through it, his own climax close, the sight of her in such pleasure almost too much.

    But he was not done; there were more maids to satisfy, more to dominate, so he gently set her down, where she was caught by the others, and his eyes immediately sought out the next eager participant in this relentless dance of lust and power.

    And then like a man on a lustful rampage, Cassius''s hunger seemed insatiable.

    He moved through the room, each step bringing him closer to another maid, his hands grabbing whoever he could reach.

    There was no order, no waiting; he took them all, one after another, sometimes even at the same time, his actions those of a beast unleashed among his willing prey.

    He started with one, bending her over the nearest piece of furniture, her back arched, her ass presented to him. He entered her from behind, his thrusts deep and relentless, the sound of their bodies meeting echoing in the room.

    "Oooh!?~ You can''t!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmm!?~ Nooo! ?~"

    His hands held her hips in a vice-like grip, dictating the pace, leaving red marks where his fingers dug into her flesh. Her moans filled the air, her body shaking with each powerful penetration.

    But he didn''t stop there. While still buried inside one, he reached for another maid, pulling her close. With one hand still controlling the one he was fucking, he used his other to slide between the legs of the second maid, his fingers finding her slick with anticipation.

    "Mmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Yesss!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmm, perfect!?~ Unghh!?~"

    He fingered her with the same intensity he fucked the other, his digits working in and out, her wetness coating his hand as she writhed, her cries mingling with the first maid''s.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Then, without warning, he pulled out from the first, only to push the second onto her back on the floor.

    He spread her legs wide, entering her with a thrust that made her scream in pleasure. He fucked her with a ferocity that seemed to shake her to her core, her breasts bouncing with each powerful movement.

    "Aaaah!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mmmmm!?~ That feels so good!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmmm!"

    Meanwhile, he beckoned another maid to him, positioning her so he could reach her with his mouth.

    "Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Yes, Young Master, yes!?~ Ooooh!?~ Suck me just like that!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm! Use your tongue to relish my soaking wet pussy!?~"

    He devoured her, his tongue exploring her as he fucked the one beneath him, creating a system of pleasure.

    Cassius also didn''t just handle them one by one; he took multiple at once, his stamina and desire seemingly endless.

    Like how on his back, one maid riding him, her hips moving in a rhythm that matched his upward thrusts, her moans loud and uninhibited.

    To his side, he had another maid, her legs spread over his face as he ate her out, his tongue working magic.

    And with his free hand, he was fingering yet another, her body quivering next to him, her hands roaming over her own breasts in ecstasy.

    "Nooo!?~ Don''t!?~ Suck!?~ You naughty thing!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    In a different position, he had one maid on all fours, taking her from behind while another knelt beside them, her face close enough to lick and suck on the first maid''s breasts, adding another layer of pleasure.

    Cassius, all the while, had another maid straddling his face, her moans of pleasure muffled as she ground against his mouth, his lower face so wet with her arousal that it looked like he had heard made of her love juice.

    "Yesss!?~ Ohhh!?~ Mmm, just like that!?~ Unghh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    The room became a collection of erotic chaos, each maid experiencing him in unique, intense ways.

    He was everywhere, his touch, his mouth, his cock, all instruments of pleasure, driving them towards mind-bending orgasms.

    Some passed out from the intensity, others collapsed in exhaustion and fulfillment, but all bore the marks of his dominance, the scent of sex permeating the air, the sounds of their pleasure echoing long after the acts themselves.

    As time went on, and more and more bodies dropped to the ground, exhausted from the overwhelming intensity of their experiences, the maids perception of Cassius also transcended mere admiration.

    They began to regard him not just as a master of pleasure but as standing pillar among men. The sheer number of maids he had satisfied, dozens in total, each with an intensity and variety that seemed superhuman, left them in awe. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Their respect for him reached its zenith as they lay there, some still twitching with the aftershocks of their orgasms, others in a state of blissful unconsciousness.

    The whispers among those who could still muster the strength to speak were not just of satisfaction but of reverence. They spoke of his stamina, his creativity, and his utter dominance over their bodies and desires.

    "He''s not just a man." One murmured, her voice a mix of exhaustion and awe. "He''s more...like a force of nature."

    "His stamina...it''s endless. He fucked us until we couldn''t even walk, until our bodies gave out, but he...he just kept going." One maid said, her voice trembling with the memory of the relentless pleasure.

    "Look at him, even now, he''s still so...so handsome. His eyes, they burn with such intensity. It''s like his desire for us never wanes." Another added, her gaze fixed on Cassius with a mix of lust and respect.

    "The way he filled me...I''ve never felt so complete, so utterly claimed. Every thrust was like he knew exactly how to touch my soul." A third whispered, her hand unconsciously moving to where she had felt him most deeply, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

    "He doesn''t just pleasure us; he commands your body, your innate lust. It''s like he''s sculpting our orgasms with his cock, his hands, his very presence." Came from another maid lying flat on the ground along with the rest of the naked maids, her tone one of absolute submission to the experience.

    "The sounds we made, the sounds he made us make...Oh my, I''ve never heard anything so embarrassing, so raw. It''s like he unlocked something inside me I didn''t know existed." Another maid confessed, her voice a mix of embarrassment and pride in the ecstasy she had experienced.

    "And his creativity...the positions, the ways he took us, one after another, sometimes all at once. It''s like he has an endless repertoire of ways to make us feel...everything." A maid who couldn''t even move her fingers said, her breath catching as she recounted the variety of their encounters.

    "The fullness...Oh gods, the fullness. It wasn''t just physical; it was like he filled us with his essence, his dominance. I felt marked by him in every way." Murmured another who still had his cum dripping out of her bruised pussy, her hand resting over her heart, feeling the echoes of his possession.

    "None could give us this." The head maid who had finally woken up agreed, her eyes still glazed with the remnants of her climax. "He''s a God of Pleasure, truly...Our God of Pleasure, the third son of the Holyfield, Cassius Vindictus Holyfield."

    The sight of so many, each having experienced the heights of pleasure under his command, was a testament to his prowess. They couldn''t help but look up to him, their respect now mixed with a kind of worship.

    And as the last of the maids who could still stand gathered around him, their eyes were not just on him but on each other, the shared experience binding them in a new light.

    They saw in each other''s eyes the same reflection of awe, the silent acknowledgment that they had all been part of something extraordinary, led by a man whose sexual mastery was beyond anything they had ever known or could imagine.

    Cassius, standing amidst the aftermath of his lustful attack, was not just their master but had become a figure of legend in their minds, a deity of desire whose name would be whispered in the halls with both fear and adoration.

    His ability to please, to command, to bring so many to such ecstasy, had elevated him in their collective consciousness, cementing his status as a God Among Men in their eyes...

 Chapter 64 In Honour Of Lady Florence

    Hours had passed since the fevered moments of passion, and now the grand banquet hall lay in quiet stillness under the soft glow of the setting sun. The space, once alive with fervent energy, had transformed into a serene haven where exhaustion mingled with deep contentment.

    Across the hall, plush sofas were scattered about like islands of comfort. On each one, the maids slept peacefully, their bodies curled under delicate blankets.

    Their faces bore the unmistakable marks of satisfaction¡ªa gentle, almost dreamlike smile that spoke of a night filled with pleasures too profound to forget. In the quiet, every slow rise and fall of their chests whispered of intimate memories and unspoken ecstasy.

    But the truth was that the maids never consciously chose the sofas, as the exhaustion had quite literally overtaken them.

    One by one, they had actually simply dropped to the floor, their energy spent from the night''s tumultuous events. The polished marble was cool against their skin as they dozed off in small clusters, breathing softly in a shared post-passion haze.

    It was Cassius who noticed them scattered about the floor and felt a tinge of sympathy, so he helped them all. One by one, with a gentleness that contrasted his earlier vigor, he lifted them¡ªlight in his arms¡ªand carried them to the nearest sofas or cushions, arranging them carefully so no one would accidentally roll off.

    He draped blankets over each, tucking them in as though they were cherished friends rather than mere servants. A few stirred, murmuring soft, contented sounds, but none fully awoke. Their bodies were simply too spent, lulled into deep rest.

    ...And, where was the third son of the Holyfield estate now?

    Well in the very center of the hall, he was seated in the grand chair he''d occupied earlier, his posture relaxed, yet still exuding that commanding presence.

    Across his lap, the head maid sat without a stitch of clothing¡ªher blanket apparently forgotten. The firelight and the last rays of sunset flickered over her skin, giving it a warm, honeyed glow.

    Her dark hair spilled down her shoulders, free of the usual restraints she employed to maintain a strict, professional image. Absent, too, were her glasses¡ªa small detail, yet it made her look unexpectedly vulnerable and undeniably captivating.

    She attempted to fold her arms across her chest at first, more out of habit than modesty, but Cassius gently brushed her hands aside.

    "You know." He mused with a low chuckle. "I always suspected you were beautiful behind those frames. But seeing you like this..." He let the words hang in the air, deliberately savoring the moment before continuing with a teasing grin. "It''s more than I imagined."

    She flushed, a subtle pink rising to her cheeks-an almost girlish reaction beneath her usually composed demeanor.

    "Oh?" She answered softly, her voice a gentle mixture of amusement and lingering fatigue. "I didn''t realize my glasses were so distracting, Master."

    With a slow, leisurely movement, Cassius brought one hand up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The head maid''s breath caught at his touch; despite everything they had shared tonight, a simple gesture of tenderness still made her heart flutter.

    "They''re not distracting." He corrected, his gaze warm. "But there''s a certain mystery to you without them. A different kind of allure. Maybe it''s just...seeing you more clearly."

    She laughed softly, leaning into him. The movement caused the blankets around them to shift, revealing more of the curve of her hips and thighs.

    Ordinarily, she might have rushed to hide herself, but the exhaustion and the intimacy of the night had banished the usual formalities. Instead, she nestled closer, resting the side of her head against his shoulder.

    "You''ve seen quite a lot of me tonight." She teased in return, trying to mask her self-consciousness.

    Still, she couldn''t help but feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her, a stark reminder of how alive and present he was¡ªand how safe she felt with him, even in her complete nudity.

    Cassius laughed quietly, his chest rumbling beneath her. "And I intend to see more." He replied with a gently mischievous glint in his eyes. "But for now, just let me enjoy the view."

    The head maid leaned gently against Cassius''s broad chest, her bare skin tingling with the reminder of their recent intimacy. Yet beneath the lingering warmth, a quiet ache stirred in her heart¡ªa mixture of gratitude, remorse, and a longing she''d never felt so keenly before. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Though married, she had never experienced such solace with her husband. In their younger years, he had been attentive and charming, but as time wore on, his interest waned, drifting elsewhere.

    She could never pinpoint the moment he started finding any woman younger than herself more appealing, but she knew it happened nonetheless. He drifted from her bed, from her conversations, from her life.

    And that slow erosion of companionship left her with only duty, routine, and a vast emptiness she had numbed herself to for so long.

    Until tonight.

    Cassius''s warmth and the depth of his attentions-physical and otherwise¡ªhad awakened something dormant. The gentle, contented way he held her now fueled the quiet determination in her eyes as she looked up at him, her soft hair falling away from her face.

    She felt a sudden need to confess, to open herself up in a way she hadn''t dared before.

    "Young Master." She began, her voice tremulous yet sincere. "I want to apologize for what I did, for what all of us did, and...for treating you with such disrespect before. I never truly meant it."

    Cassius-half lost in the rhythm of her slow, steady breathing-raised an amused brow at her solemn tone. "Why bring that up now?" He asked, letting out a short scoff. "It''s natural you''d all feel that way toward a so-called wastrel master who spent his days drinking and fooling around, no?"

    She shook her head immediately, the vehemence of her denial making him pause.

    "No, that''s not...that''s not why things ended up the way they did." She insisted. "You have no idea how people felt¡ªwhat they said. There''s no way everyone would turn on you just because of those habits. I mean..." Her voice dropped to a murmur as she averted her gaze. "...Especially since you were Lady Florence''s son."

    In that moment, Cassius''s posture shifted. He wasn''t exactly tense, but a prickling alertness overtook him. Even though she was still on his lap, still nestled intimately against him, he radiated a focused energy.

    "My mother?" He echoed, a note of curiosity lacing his tone. "What does my mother have to do with it?"

    Realizing the gravity of what she''d blurted out, the head maid glanced away, her cheeks coloring anew. This time, it wasn''t from embarrassment at being naked in his arms, but from wrestling with something deeper¡ªa subject that had remained, for too long, a whispered secret.

    "Forgive me, Master, I...I might be overstepping." She began carefully. "But there were...rumors."

    His dark gaze grew sharper, and he gently but firmly tilted her chin so he could see her face. "I''m listening." He replied, his voice quieter now. No trace of the playful banter remained; this was different, more real. "Go on. You say the disrespect wasn''t just because I was a useless heir? Then what?"

    The head maid took a deep, steadying breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. Though her body was still pressed against Cassius''s, her mind drifted back to memories that felt both distant and fresh¡ªan emotional mixture of fondness and regret.

    "When I arrived here, I was just a girl." She began, her voice soft with remembrance. "Everyone told me I was lucky to be serving in Lady Florence''s household. And they were right. Lady Florence¡­" She paused, as if searching for the right words to encapsulate her former mistress. "She was unlike any noble I''d ever heard of. She treated her maids like sisters¡ªalways concerned for our well-being, always ready to listen."

    "We were often scolded for letting our chores fall behind because we''d get lost in conversation with her, or we''d linger too long over tea at her invitation."

    Cassius''s expression softened as he listened about his mother that he had absolutely no recollection off, but seemed like a wonderful person.

    "Even after Lady Florence trafically passed..." The head maid continued. "...you could feel her presence in the hallways, in the garden she loved so much, in the hearts of those she left behind."

    "The other older maids¡ªsome of whom have retired by now¡ªwould speak of her grace, her beauty, her warmth. It was a comfort, especially for newcomers like me. Almost like having a guiding star whose light lingered." She gave a gentle smile as she remembered those days of the past.

    She then let out a small sigh, tinged with sadness.

    "That''s why when you started to slip into your¡­darker habits, Master¡ªlocking yourself in your chambers, drinking well into the morning¡ªnobody truly despised you for it."

    "We remembered Lady Florence''s love for you, and for us. We all thought that maybe you were simply a lost soul, numb from grief or uncertain of your path. Some called you a wastrel, yes, but not out of hatred¡ªmore out of pity...We believed if you could just find a reason to climb out of that darkness, you''d be fine."

    Cassius''s flinched slightly, evidence of the guilt the previous Cassius still carried. "I was¡­a broken fool." He admitted softly, a hint of self-reproach coloring his tone.

    She offered a small, understanding nod. "Perhaps you were." She agreed gently. "But we never turned our backs on you, not truly¡ªnot while we thought you were only hurting yourself."

    Her eyes suddenly flickered with bitterness at the memory of what came next.

    "That changed a couple of years ago. You probably recall, the atmosphere in the estate shifted. People became more distant, more¡­guarded."

    Cassius nodded, recalling in his memories the subtle shift that, at the time, which the old Cassius hadn''t fully understood. "Yes. It felt like one day, everyone was just¡­colder."

    The head maid''s voice grew quieter, heavy with regret.

    "Well, at a certain point rumors started cropping up. Hideous, unsettling rumors that you had molested and even killed women, disposing of their bodies to hide the evidence. At first, most of us refused to believe it. You may have drunk away your days, but we''d never known you to be cruel."

    "B-But didn''t help..." The head maid said carefully. "...It didn''t help your case when there appeared to be some proof. Stories of missing women, alleged sightings, a few suspicious accounts that placed you in places no one expected. It felt contrived, but convincing enough that the staff couldn''t ignore it."

    She exhaled, struggling with her own recollection.

    "Your worst vices, the alcohol and self-imposed isolation, made it harder for you to defend yourself. Everyone assumed your reclusiveness hid something darker."

    Cassius stayed silent, but the gleam in his crimson eyes told that he had already figured out who was behind this.

    "We tried to rationalize it." She continued. "We told ourselves: ''Lady Florence''s son could never do such things.'' But the rumors persisted, fueled by outsiders, then echoed in hushed whispers within the estate''s walls. Eventually, even those who''d once pitied you started to have doubts. And doubt can be deadly. It spreads, it festers."

    "Before long, even the maids who once would''ve done anything for Lady Florence''s child found themselves¡­disgusted. Outraged."

    She swallowed, her throat tight with emotion.

    "Drunkenness and sloth? Some might forgive that. But rape, murder, cruelty? No one who cared about Lady Florence could accept that in her son. It felt like you had tarnished not just yourself, but her memory as well. We started looking at you with contempt¡ªsome in fear, others with a sense of betrayal."

    "And then the rebellion in the staff began in earnest. We snubbed you behind your back, neglected your simplest requests, mocked you when you weren''t listening. Some of us went further, refusing to even speak to you, or ensuring you received subpar services. It was our way of¡­punishing you."

    Her voice trailed off, subdued by the weight of recalling those events. The banquet hall was hushed, the shadows of early evening stretching across the floor. Outside, the wind stirred the trees, a soft counterpoint to the tension in the room.

    "You see now, Young Master" she whispered, looking up at him with equal parts remorse and sincerity. "It wasn''t your drinking or your brooding that led us to despise you, Master. We never truly looked down on you for that. These rumors¡ªthese claims of brutality, they were what changed everything."

    A rush of sincerity shone in her eyes as she lifted them to his. Her voice trembled with the intensity of her feelings, yet she spoke swiftly, wanting to lay everything out.

    "Of course I know now those rumors aren''t true, Master. There''s no way someone as gentle and caring as you could ever do something so monstrous."

    "...I¡­I''m sorry I lost faith in you, in Lady Florence''s son. If you wish to punish me for doubting you¡ª"

    Cassius shook his head and raised a hand to brush against her cheek, silencing her apology before it could go further. Though his touch was soft, there was a quiet authority in it.

    "There''s no need for that." H said, his tone firm but calm. "You and the others weren''t at fault. You stood by me for years, or at least you never truly despised me during my¡­darker times. I''m the one who should thank you¡ªfor not abandoning me when you had every reason to."

    A flicker of relief crossed her face, tears threatening to form at the corners of her eyes. She swallowed hard. "But¡­we still believed those lies, we¡ª"

    He cut her off with a soft chuckle that reverberated through the quiet hall.

    "Stop apologizing." He teased gently. "You did what anyone would do when faced with horrific rumors and so-called proof. If anyone''s to blame, it''s that four-eyed fool who started all those damned lies in the first place."

    The head maid''s eyes went wide at the sudden mention of a possible culprit.

    "W-Wait¡ªyou know who spread them, Young Master?" A spark of shock and hope lit her features. "Then¡­who was it? Why would anyone¡ª?"

    A dismissive wave of his hand silenced her again.

    "I''m not about to tarnish this moment by uttering that imbecile''s name." He said, his voice dropping with quiet, simmering disdain. "He''s nothing but a stain on my memory. I''ll deal with him at the appropriate time, when I need to make a statement to my father, but that''s for another time. Right now¡­"

    He trailed off, his gaze warming as it settled on her. A tender, almost playful light danced in his eyes.

    "...I''d rather focus on someone far prettier."

    Before she could muster a reply, Cassius tilted his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, then moved along the delicate curve of her temple, planting slow, lingering pecks across her cheeks.

    Each brush of his lips sent a thrill coursing through her, and she felt her heart flutter in her chest. Despite all that had happened¡ªher fears, confessions, and doubts¡ªhis nearness now enveloped her in a serene sense of belonging.

    Poke~

    As Cassius continued his trail of kisses, she felt something hard poking against her from behind.

    Her cheeks flushed with realization, her mind quickly connecting the sensation to what it must be. In a fluster, she stammered. "M-Master, how can it still be so...active after everything that''s happened?"

    Cassius smiled, his grin playful and knowing. "It''s only natural when I have such a tempting sight in front of me." He responded, his voice low and teasing.

    And then without warning, his hands moved to her plump breasts, his fingers finding her nipples underneath the blanket . He began to play with them, gently at first, then with more intent, rolling and pinching them in a way that sent shivers of both arousal and embarrassment through her.

    And just as he was about to lower his lips to claim her nipples with his warm, teasing breath, a soft rustling sound from behind broke the moment.

    His eyes darted toward the source, and he saw the familiar stir of a maid¡ªthe one he''d been eagerly waiting to wake.

    A resigned sigh escaped him as he realized that fate had other plans for the night.

    He straightened up and gently released his hold on the head maid. In one smooth, efficient motion, he scooped her up and, with careful consideration, placed her back onto the sofa.

    "I have some messy matters to tend to, right now." He murmured in a low, teasing tone, his eyes promising that their fun would resume later.

    And before she could say anything in response, he pressed a lingering, warm kiss to her lips¡ªa silent apology and promise all at once.

    Left on the sofa, the head maid''s heart raced like that of a young girl experiencing a first, forbidden thrill.

    As she watched him move away, she couldn''t help but marvel at the captivating aura that defined him¡ªtruly, she thought, he was Lady Florence''s son, a man of surprising tenderness and magnetic allure that couldn''t be matched by any other...

 Chapter 65 Your Dream...

    Isabelle stirred awake, still half-lost in the haze of post-sleep drowsiness.

    Her eyelids fluttered open, and as her surroundings came into focus, she realized she was in the banquet hall¡ªthough the once-lively room was now subdued, its torches burning lower in the late hour.

    Groggily, she blinked to clear her vision and that was when she noticed her young master, Cassius, standing right in front of her, and a small, contented smile graced her lips by reflex.

    Then, with a startle, she remembered where she was¡ªand, more importantly, how she was dressed. Or rather, how she wasn''t.

    In a single frantic motion, she looked down, discovering that the blanket draped over her offered her only the barest modesty. Her cheeks flamed, and she let out a shriek of embarrassment, yanking it tighter around her body.

    Cassius chuckled softly at the sight, crossing his arms as he surveyed her reaction. "It''s a little late to be covering up." He teased, his voice tinged with humor. "I''ve already seen everything, remember?"

    Isabelle''s mind flashed back to the events that had unfolded earlier in the night¡ªthe intimacy she had shared with her young master and the unabashed way her body had responded to him.

    That memory alone was enough to make her face burn even redder, her heart thumping a wild rhythm in her chest. Yet, embarrassment warred with something else: a lingering warmth from the closeness they had shared.

    Trying to regain her composure, she pulled the blanket around herself more securely. Then came the realization¡ªshe recalled how she had gone off-script from what Cassius had intended for that evening, letting her emotions sweep her away.

    Guilt flooded her all at once and in a quick motion, she bowed deeply, head nearly touching her knees, her hair spilling forward.

    "Y-Young Master." She stammered. "I''m so sorry. I-I messed up. I was supposed to help execute your plan to root out the traitors perfectly, but I¡­I got carried away. I lost sight of our objective because of my own impulses...Please forgive me."

    She held her breath, bracing herself for the scolding she was certain would come. After all, it had been an important plan¡ªa delicate one that required discreet coordination. And she, in her eagerness and, admittedly, her desire, had let the situation run off course.

    But instead of the harsh scolding she was expecting, she felt the gentle weight of Cassius''s palm on the top of her head.

    His touch was warm, reassuring, and when she dared to look up, she found him smiling, the expression equal parts amusement and genuine affection.

    "You did fine." He murmured, stroking her hair. "Don''t fret so much. In the end, everything worked out. We uncovered more about those who''d been¡­less than loyal and imbecile who created this mess. And¡­" He paused, a hint of playfulness creeping into his tone. "You, well, you had your fun, didn''t you?"

    She blinked, her ears turning scarlet. "I¡ª" She struggled to protest, but Cassius didn''t let her finish.

    "I mean..." He continued, letting his hand slip from her head to her cheek, lightly tracing her jawline. "I don''t see any other reason you''d become so¡­deliriously enthusiastic, unless it was enjoyable for you."

    That casual remark, paired with his low, knowing voice, made her fold inward on herself. Another bow followed, even deeper this time, as if trying to hide her flaming cheeks in the folds of the blanket. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It¡­I''s nothing like that." She mumbled, though her words lacked conviction. "I mean¡­it was just¡ª"

    Her young master silenced her rambling with an indulgent, understanding chuckle.

    "It''s all right, Isabelle." He said. "Honestly, I''m not angry, since you''ve helped me more than you realize and helped me uncover a lot more of what actually happened. But next time..." He added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "...let''s try to stick closer to the plan, hmm?"

    She nodded fiercely, daring to look up just enough to catch his expression. The warmth in his eyes, the gentle tilt of his lips¡ªthese were all the forgiveness she needed. Relief washed over her, replaced swiftly by another wave of flustered gratitude.

    "I promise." She managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Next time, I won''t let my¡­urges¡­get the better of me."

    Cassius lifted an eyebrow, a mischievous glint dancing there.

    "Oh? You might consider that a promise, but I''d call it an¡­opportunity to test your resolve." He winked, taking one slow step closer. The proximity made her acutely aware of how little she was wearing under that thin blanket. "Because now I know exactly how easy it is for you to, well¡­lose focus."

    She swallowed hard, her heart pounding. Words fluttered on her lips, but she found herself momentarily speechless.

    It was enough that he wasn''t upset; that, in fact, he seemed rather amused and even flattered by her lapse in professionalism. The scandalized part of her wanted to protest, to defend herself¡ªbut some traitorous part of her couldn''t help but relish his playful teasing.

    Gathering her courage, Isabelle managed a small, determined nod. "I¡­understand, Master."

    "Good." Cassius said, his tone soft yet carrying a weight that made Isabelle''s heart flutter with apprehension. But then, his eyes, which had just moments ago danced with playful warmth, now turned solemn as he continued, "I need to talk to you about something important. Quickly dress up and come outside...I''ll be waiting for you."

    Without another word, he turned and strode away, leaving behind an echo of quiet authority.

    For a long, disoriented moment, Isabelle simply stared after him, her mind still reeling from the sudden shift. Then the reality of his command pulled her from her daze. With a startled exclamation, she rose to her feet and hurriedly began searching for her dress.

    To her astonishment, arranged neatly on a nearby chair was a set of maid''s clothes¡ªimpeccably pressed and tailored. The soft fabric, carefully chosen and cut, spoke of a familiarity with her form that sent a blush racing up her cheeks.

    As she picked up the garment, a myriad of questions raced through her mind.

    ''How had her master known her size so perfectly?''

    The thought made her ears grow warm with a mixture of embarrassment and a secret thrill, for she recalled the gentle, deliberate way his hands had traced every curve of her body not long ago.

    With trembling fingers, Isabelle slipped into the dress. The fabric hugged her contours exquisitely, as if it had been designed solely for her.

    As she fastened the bodice, she couldn''t help but wonder aloud in a soft, incredulous murmur, "He must have measured me¡­ all of me." The notion made her blush even deeper, but it also filled her with an odd sense of comfort.

    It was as if Cassius cared for every detail of her, however intimate that might be.

    Once dressed, she padded softly toward the door. Along the corridor, the dim glow of lantern light revealed a surreal sight: scattered throughout the room were the rest of the maids, each lying on sofas, wrapped only in thin blankets.

    Their expressions were peaceful and contented, a silent chorus of satisfied slumber. The sight stirred a bittersweet mix of emotions within Isabelle.

    On one hand, she felt a pang of longing and regret at not having witnessed the full extent of Cassius''s prowess¡ªa secret performance of passion that had apparently left every one of them utterly spent.

    On the other, she marveled at the raw power it implied, a testament to the beastly intensity of her master''s capabilities.

    As she moved down the hall, her eyes caught sight of the head maid¡ªher mentor and the woman who had taught her so much when she first joined the household.

    The head maid lay in quiet repose on a chair, her gentle features softened by sleep.

    Isabelle offered her a small, respectful nod. The head maid responded with a knowing smile, one that conveyed silent reassurance.

    In that simple exchange, Isabelle''s heart eased a little; she was glad to know that someone she admired so dearly was safe and content, untouched by the night''s turbulent events.

    And with a final glance back at the quiet, slumbering maids of the banquet hall, Isabelle stepped out into the corridor beyond, ready to face whatever conversation¡ªor challenge¡ªher master had prepared for her outside.

    Stepping into the cool night air, Isabelle felt a gentle breeze brush against her cheeks, carrying with it the faint scent of dewy grass and distant blossoms.

    Immediately, her eyes were drawn to the silhouette of her young master. He stood just beyond the doorway, head tilted skyward, his posture serene as he gazed at the myriad stars shimmering overhead.

    Something about that scene¡ªhis almost dreamy stance against the canvas of the night¡ªmomentarily stole her breath. She found herself wanting to linger, to imprint the sight in her memory before reality beckoned.

    Still, she was a maid, and she had her duties. Gathering her resolve, Isabelle quietly approached from behind, intending to announce her arrival with a polite clearing of her throat. But before she could speak, Cassius''s voice broke the silence in a soft, reminiscent tone.

    "You know, Isabelle, when I was a child..." He began, not turning to face her. "I used to dream of touching those stars out there. It seemed like they were always watching me from so far away¡­and I was tired of only being the one gazing upward." A nostalgic smile laced his words, audible even if she couldn''t see it on his face. "I thought, wouldn''t it be grand to do the opposite? To sit on a star while gazing back at the world below?"

    Isabelle, caught off guard by his admission, couldn''t stop the giggle that tumbled from her lips. It was a joyful, light sound, prompted as much by his whimsical vision as by her relief at finding this vulnerable side of him so enchanting.

    Cassius''s eyes remained on the stars, but his tone shifted, laced with amusement. "Hmm. You find my dream silly?"

    She instantly shook her head, though he wasn''t looking at her. "No, Master." She replied gently. "I find it rather cute."

    He exhaled a small huff of laughter, and despite the darkness, she could imagine him quirking a brow at her.

    "Cute, huh?" He echoed, shaking his head as though amused at her choice of words. "Well then since your teasing me about my last dream, let''s hear something about your dreams, Isabelle."

    "...You''ve heard some of mine. It''s only fair I get to hear yours."

    Her heart skipped a beat at the question. Isabelle had never confided her aspirations to anyone in the household, except the head maid who had mentored her. Her cheeks warmed, and she hesitated, glancing at the back of his head as he continued to watch the stars.

    But, finally, she swallowed her nerves.

    It was just him, she reminded herself. He''d seen sides of her she''d never shown another soul. If she couldn''t share her dream with him, then who could she share it with?

    "I¡­Well." She began awkwardly. "It''s not as grand as sitting on a star. Actually, it''s a bit embarrassing to say out loud. But since you asked¡­" She took a breath and pressed on, her voice growing steadier with each word.

    "I wanted to open a restaurant."

    Cassius turned his head just enough for her to glimpse a raised eyebrow. "A restaurant?"

    Her cheeks felt hot, but she nodded, spurred on by her own resolve. "Not just any restaurant, though. I want to create a place that serves the kind of dishes only nobles normally eat¡­but to common people."

 Chapter 66 Her Punishment

    There was a momentary silence where she saw her master''s posture shift. Even from behind, she sensed his curiosity ignite.

    "And how exactly would you do that?" Cassius asked, a measured note entering his voice. "Ordinary folk can''t afford the sort of prices those fancy dishes command."

    Excitement flared in her eyes as she clasped her hands together.

    "That''s precisely the point, Young Master!" She said, her tone brightening with fervor. "I want to serve those same dishes, but at prices that regular people can manage!"

    "I''ve been working on ideas¡ªlearning how to recreate noble cuisine more affordably, using substitutions for ingredients that are just as flavorful but not so expensive...I''ve spent hours experimenting in the kitchen whenever I had free time, trying to find that balance between quality and cost."

    She paused to draw a breath, her mind drifting back to the memory that fueled this ambition.

    "You see, Master, growing up, I was like most commoners. Food was a necessity, something that just kept us alive. We ate the same simple stews and bread day after day. It became routine to the point where I never imagined food could be¡­special."

    He finally turned halfway, casting her a sidelong glance. She could see the curiosity in his eyes, the reflection of the stars dancing there. "What changed?"

    A wistful smile touched her lips. "When I was ten, my father took me to the capital for my birthday. We weren''t wealthy by any means, but he''d saved up a little money and decided to give me something extraordinary. He brought me to this¡­fancy restaurant. I don''t even remember its name now, but I remember how it felt¡ªlike stepping into another world."

    "...It was the first time I tasted something beyond the dull meals we had at home."

    She laughed softly, a note of fond nostalgia coloring her tone.

    "I couldn''t even name half the dishes, but I remember the burst of flavors, the aromas, the way each bite made me realize just how amazing food could be. It was like I''d spent my life seeing the world in black and white, and suddenly, I discovered color."

    She exhaled, turning her gaze up at the same stars he''d been admiring. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "After that, I couldn''t stop thinking about how different my life would have been if I never experienced that taste. I started cooking at home when I could, trying to emulate even a fraction of what I''d eaten. It¡­It became a dream, I guess. I wanted to share that sense of wonder with everyone, especially the folks who might never get the chance to step foot inside one of those fancy restaurants."

    From the corner of her eye, she saw Cassius shift, his posture hinting at subdued approval. "Quite a dream." He remarked softly. "Providing noble cuisine at commoner prices¡­that won''t be easy."

    She felt her cheeks tug into a humble smile.

    "I know. It''s an enormous risk. But I had faith that if I work hard enough¡ªif I master the craft and find clever ways to reduce costs¡ªit can become a reality. And I thought at that time, I''d rather try and fail than spend my life never attempting it at all."

    They stood in silence for a stretch.

    In that hush, Isabelle sensed the depth of his thoughts. She could almost feel him weighing her words, imagining her ambition, considering the obstacles.

    The wind swept by once more, carrying with it the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of the nocturnal world.

    Eventually, Cassius broke the quiet, his voice low, carrying more warmth than before. "It''s not a silly dream at all." He murmured. "It''s¡­admirable."

    The unexpected praise made her blink in surprise, and a renewed blush colored her cheeks.

    "T-Thank you, Young Master." She stammered, dipping her head. "That means a lot coming from you. Sometimes, I worried in the past that it''s too grand or too foolish. People might ask, ''Why do I care so much about feeding strangers food they''ll never afford otherwise?'' But to me, it''s more than just food. It''s¡­It''s giving people hope that maybe there are more possibilities in life than they realize."

    She realized she had spoken quite freely, but he showed no sign of annoyance. If anything, there was a certain softness in his expression, as though seeing her in a slightly different light.

    "I see..." That was all he said at first, turning his head back to the sky. The stars shone on him, outlining his features in faint silver. "You''ve got your own star you''re trying to touch, then."

    She couldn''t hide her grin, touched by how he connected their dreams. "In a way, yes."

    He gave a slight nod, and for a moment, Isabelle wondered if he might add something¡ªperhaps another wry comment or a murmured word of praise for her ambition.

    Yet no further encouragement came.

    Instead, Cassius remained poised there, his gaze trained on the glittering expanse above. His hands slipped behind his back, his shoulders tense, as though he needed that small barrier to shield himself from the weight of what he was about to say.

    A reluctant sigh fell from his lips, and when he spoke again, his voice was markedly subdued¡ªsomber in a way Isabelle had never heard before.

    "It''s a wonderful dream." He began quietly. "And part of me wants you to achieve it with all my heart. But¡­I''m afraid that won''t be happening."

    She felt her pulse falter. The wind seemed to pause around them, as if even nature held its breath.

    "Wh-Why would you say that, Master?" She asked haltingly, her voice edged with a sudden apprehension. "You''ve been supportive¡­Just now, you even said you found my dream admirable."

    He iinhaled slowly, pressing his lips together before continuing. "Why?...Because from here on out, you''re never going to have the opportunity to build a restaurant, Isabelle. Nor will you ever work in one. Even if you tried, no one would approve it¡ªno one would accept you."

    Her eyes went round in alarm. She took a step closer, confusion and a creeping dread flooding her system.

    "What¡­What do you mean by that?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don''t understand."

    He still refused to turn around. She could see his profile beneath the moonlight, the tense line of his jaw, the faint quiver in his posture that betrayed his reluctance.

    "It''s because..." He said finally, his tone cracking faintly. "...ou''ve already been revealed to the public as¡­the one who attempted to assassinate me."

    From here onwards, Cassius knew that if she heard her voice right now he wouldn''t be able to fully say what he wanted to say because of the immense amount of guilt he was feeling.

    Because of that he decided to not let Isabelle speak for a second on her own and as he looked away from her. He decided that he would ask the questions that she was probably also going to ask herself and also answer it himself in one long monologue, so that she wouldn''t have any questions or a chance to interupt.

    "Now, I know that you want ask about the promise I made to you..." He questioned himself on his own on her behalf, before she could say anything and he also quickly replied to his own statement.

    "I know." Cassius broke in softly. "I did promise you''d be absolved. I promised that because I believed you acted with¡­well, reason. And deep down, I never truly wanted you to suffer for it. That was my original intention: to free you from all consequences, to let you walk away unburdened by your past." His voice warbled, thick with regret. "But¡­something changed. It''s difficult to explain."

    "That night when the poison took effect..." He said slowly, as if measuring each word, as he imagined Isabelle''s reaction. "...someone else died. Not me, but the man you knew before¡ªthe Cassius you served¡ªhe¡­he''s gone. Truly."

    "You probably don''t understand what I''m saying right now, as your master Cassius is right in front of you and not dead like I say he is." He explained his cryptic words, knowing that she wouldn''t comprehend what he''s saying. "But just take it as it the there were two parts of me for my whole life and after the assassination, one part of me died and was forgotten forever."

    He lifted a hand in a silent plea for her to listen.

    "The old Cassius was a poor soul, Isabelle. He lived a wretched life¡ªfull of regrets and betrayals. So, to leave him without any form of retribution for his untimely demise¡­it felt wrong. It felt as though his soul would never rest if we just swept the matter under the rug. I know this sounds insane to you." He added, voice heavy with resignation. "But¡­I need to do right by him. By the original Cassius."

    "Now, you might be trying to understand how all that leads to you being¡­ publicly revealed." He said as his head lowered, eyes fixed somewhere on the ground as he seemed to wrestle with the guilt.

    "Well, that''s because I needed to punish you." He admitted at length. "Not for my sake, but for his. I knew, from investigating your background, just how precious your dream was. How you spent years scraping and saving, all for that one chance to open the restaurant of your fantasies¡ªone that would make noble dishes available to the common folk. And I realized that taking away that dream would be the only punishment severe enough to honor the injustice he suffered."

    "...I decided to target that very dream because I knew it would shatter you."

    Despite his harsh words, his tone was anything but triumphant. He sounded almost self-loathing.

    "I announced to the public that you tried to assassinate me. You know how rumors in the noble circles and beyond can spread like wildfire. They''ll never trust you now, not with something as important and delicate as running a business that caters to families or travelers."

    "...People will surely be saying, ''Why would we eat at a place owned by a maid who attempted to kill her master? Who''s to say she wouldn''t poison her customers next?''" Cassius said with a sigh like he was speaking against his will.

    "And you also might think that they won''t believe such rumors. But let me tell you that they definitely do." He continued softly. "I made sure they would.¡­But I also ensured your livelihood wouldn''t be completely destroyed." His voice turned dry and hollow. "I couldn''t bring myself to ruin you entirely. So I told them that after your attempt, you turned over a new leaf¡ªthat you went on to help me unmask and remove the real traitors from my household. Because of that, society might cast scornful looks your way, but they won''t push you out completely."

    Cassius imagined Isabelle digging her nails into her palms, eyes stinging with disbelief and hurt. She probably had no words, no way to articulate the dizzying swirl of betrayal and sorrow tangling in her chest.

    "Your job here is still yours, if you want it." Cassius went on, forcing a neutrality into his voice that couldn''t hide the tremor. "I''ve made sure no one in my estate will cast you out. You can stay as a maid, keep your life. But¡­" He paused, a rueful laugh escaping him as he shook his head. "I doubt you''d want to remain in a place where your own master broke his promise and set you up to lose the future you''ve worked for your entire life."

    A heavy, expectant silence stretched between them the moment Cassius finished speaking.

    He stood there under the pale moonlight, head still half-turned away as though he couldn''t bear to watch Isabelle''s expression. In his mind, he was prepared for the worst¡ªfor the furious shouts, the wounded shriek, or the bitter sobs.

    ...After all, he had just admitted to destroying her dream with the cold precision of a man settling a debt and there was no forgiveness for such a cruel act.

 Chapter 67 By Your Side

    Cassius drew in a slow breath, steeling himself, dreading the eruption that must come. "Go on." He muttered under his breath, low enough that she might not hear. "Shout at me, curse me, do whatever you need. I deserve it."

    But the outburst he feared never came.

    Instead, from behind him, there was only a light sound of¡­relief? He thought it might have been his imagination at first, but then, clear as day, he heard her exhale¡ªa long, audible sigh.

    "Oh, thank goodness." Isabelle said out loud, her tone so unexpectedly calm that Cassius stiffened. "I was worried it was going to be something far worse. For a moment, I feared you were banishing me from your side or something like that...But it turned out to be something as insignificant as handling my punishment...What a relief."

    Cassius''s eyes flashed wide, and in the same instant, he spun around. His gaze fell on Isabelle¡ªstill standing there, no tears, no trembling fury.

    If anything, she looked almost¡­comforted. He felt an odd twist in his stomach, a mix of shock and disbelief.

    "T-That''s¡­ all?" He managed, voice catching in his throat. "You''re not angry? You''re not sad that I broke the promise we made? You''re not¡­furious with me for b-betraying you like this?"

    "Betraying me?" Isabelle repeated the word with a faint tilt of her head, as though she hadn''t heard him correctly. Her expression remained perplexed. "When exactly did you betray me, Master?"

    Cassius''s lips parted. "When¡­W-What do you mean when?" He paused, uncertain how she could not see it. "When I declared there''d be no punishment, but then I did precisely that." He explained, the confusion knotting his brow. "Surely you remember me saying you''d be spared?"

    But to his surprise, Isabelle simply shook her head, the smallest of gentle smiles tugging at the corners of her mouth.

    "No, Master. I think that''s where you''re mistaken...You never promised to abolish my crimes altogether. You only promised to spare my life. That night, you said you''d keep me from facing certain execution so I could live. And you did exactly that." She bowed her head, recalling the moment he intervened on her behalf. "I''m beyond grateful for it, truly."

    Cassius drew back a fraction, taken aback by her matter-of-fact reply.

    "But I¡­I have effectively ripped away everything you''ve worked for." He insisted, the desperate edge in his tone betraying his unease. "You saved and scrimped for years to open a restaurant. I''ve condemned you to a public that will never trust you...Doesn''t that make your blood boil?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She regarded him calmly, as though she was cataloging his words and carefully considering them.

    "Yes, that restaurant dream was the most precious thing I had." She admitted softly. "I used to wake up every morning, motivated by the thought that I''d bring genuine joy to the masses through my cooking. It gave me a reason to keep going." A wistful note crept into her voice.

    "...But that was...until the moment I decided to kill you."

    "Until¡­that moment?" Cassius felt an odd jolt of both confusion and something like hope.

    She nodded, resolute.

    "You see, when I chose to assassinate you, I knew there was a very real chance I''d be caught and executed. That was the natural consequence of my decision. At that point, I''d already made peace with the idea that I''d never see my dream realized. I prioritized what I believed was a greater good¡ªpreventing other girls from meeting a tragic fate in your hands and altering the lives what could''ve potentially been a countless number of innocent lives lost." Her gaze flickered, as though recalling old convictions. "So even if I died, I would have died knowing that I saved someone that still had her entire life worth living ."

    His breath caught. He''d learned bits and pieces of her motive before, but seeing her calm resolve laid out so plainly left him momentarily speechless.

    Meanwhile, Isabelle pressed on, almost as if to reassure him. "Since I''d already resigned myself to losing my dream back then, this punishment about having no chance to open a restaurant doesn''t come as a surprise. In fact..." She added, lips curving with a subdued smile. "...it''s kinder than I expected. I''m alive, free to stay in the estate¡ªfree to go, if I ever wish. I''d call that mercy, not betrayal."

    Cassius didn''t know what to say, so he latched onto the next point.

    "But what about the¡­rumors? I told everyone you tried to kill me. That''s going to follow you no matter where you go, Isabelle. Don''t you realize that means you can''t just run off and build a new life? No one''s going to want to hire someone with such a reputation. Surely you see how that''s not¡­well, kind."

    To his continued astonishment, she let out a little laugh, albeit a subdued one.

    "Actually, Master, if you want the truth, it''s somewhat of a blessing since I was dreading the upcoming marriage with Edmund." She pursed her lips briefly. "You know how I have no interest in him at all, and I wasn''t looking forward to that future, especially after what happened. So, now that word of my assassination attempt has spread, I''m quite certain my father will rescind the arrangement out of shame. Edmund alos wouldn''t want to marry a rumored murderer. And that suits me just fine."

    Cassius felt his jaw slacken. He grasped for composure, but the conversation had taken such an unexpected turn that his carefully nurtured guilt and self-loathing were now overshadowed by the surreal sense that none of this was going as planned.

    "Oh, and something else." She added brightly, clasping her hands in front of her as though sharing a pleasant bit of gossip. "I used to get hit on constantly wherever I went, and it became quite tiresome." A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. "Now, though, with everyone thinking I''m some deadly assassin, I doubt anyone will be brave enough to pester me. It''s like a blessing in disguise, Master!"

    She giggled, her expression so at odds with the gravity of the conversation that Cassius could only stare in disbelief.

    He blinked, momentarily forgetting his self-reproach. "Wait, you''re¡­glad that rumor is out there because it keeps suitors away?"

    Isabelle shrugged with an amused smile. "Well, it spares me the headache of rejecting unwanted advances. I never liked that sort of attention anyway, so I don''t mind one bit."

    Cassius''s composure threatened to unravel further. He had expected tears, rage¡ªanything but this breezy acceptance.

    Still, he managed to piece together a question. "But¡­this means finding work outside these walls will be nearly impossible. If, at some point, you wanted a fresh start¡ª"

    She shook her head, cutting him off with uncharacteristic boldness. "I''ve never thought about leaving your side, Master...Not once."

    Those words struck him like a sudden gust of wind. Something in his chest tightened at the revelation. "You¡­never considered leaving? Even after all this?"

    Isabelle''s cheeks warmed, a flush creeping across her face as she realized how ambitious her statement sounded.

    But she pressed on, determined not to lose momentum.

    "That''s right." She confirmed softly. "To be honest¡­from the moment I truly got to know you, I stopped thinking about going anywhere else. I want to remain by your side until¡­well, until the end of time, if you''d let me."

    She paused, as if weighing the impact of her words. A faint tremor ran through her posture¡ªan endearing sign of nerves¡ªbut she lifted her chin, deciding to follow through.

    "Maybe that sounds foolish, or naive. But you see, my purpose in life used to be cooking and spreading happiness with my dishes. Then it shifted to something darker¡ªtaking another life in hopes of protecting many more lives. And now¡­"

    For a moment, her gaze flickered upward, catching Cassius''s eyes. She steeled herself with a breath, cheeks aflame.

    "Now, my purpose has changed again, because of you. Because you''re¡­well, you''re someone I want to serve." She said, voice trembling slightly with earnestness. "Someone who fascinates me, who keeps me guessing. Someone I find worth knowing¡ªworth dedicating myself to. Someone I¡­I can''t help but want to be near at all times."

    She swallowed, forcing herself to meet his astonished stare.

    "After meeting you, realizing how you think, how you carry yourself, how you look after people even when you pretend not to¡­I felt drawn in. It''s like I''d finally found a new direction for my heart. And so, if I must define my purpose now..." Her voice dipped to a gentle hush. "...it''s to stay by your side as your maid, or servant, or whatever title best fits¡ªand make sure every single one of your needs is met."

    A glimmer of conviction shone in her eyes.

    "I¡­I don''t fully understand it, either." She admitted. "I can''t explain why I feel so strongly about this, only that I do. It makes me happy to imagine taking care of you, ensuring you have what you need¡ªmaybe even being part of your journey if you''ll let me."

    As the last of her words faded into the quiet night air, Isabelle slowly lowered her gaze, her nerves finally catching up to her. Her heart pounded so loudly that she half-expected Cassius to hear it.

    Yet a sense of resolve mingled with her embarrassment. She''d come this far, said things she''d never dared voice, and though it terrified her, it also felt incredibly¡­right.

    For his part, Cassius stared at her, the tension in his posture shifting from guilt-ridden bracing to pure, unfeigned astonishment.

    He''d spent countless hours anticipating how this confrontation might play out, and not once had he imagined a scenario where Isabelle ended up offering¡ªso eagerly, so earnestly¡ªto remain with him.

    Words failed him in that moment.

    He opened his mouth, but found nothing coherent waiting on his tongue. The myriad emotions in his chest¡ªregret, relief, confusion, a faint flutter of an unnamed warmth¡ªswirled together, leaving him acutely aware of how fragile and vital this moment was.

 Chapter 68 The Fish I Reeled In Escaped

    A breeze brushed past them, stirring a few leaves and carrying the faint scent of night-blooming flowers.

    Isabelle''s eyes flicked up again, uncertain yet determined to see his reaction. In the low light, her face was haloed by the gentle glow of moon and starlight, her expression laid bare in all its sincerity.

    Realizing he had to say something, Cassius finally cleared his throat. "Isabelle¡­" He let out a breath, shaky yet resolute. "Do you¡­Do you really want to stay. Even though I''m the reason you lost the dream you nurtured for so long?"

    She bowed her head again, but her shoulders remained firm. "Yes, Young Master." She said softly. "I lost that dream the moment I raised a blade against you. The fact that I''m here now, alive and by your side at all, is already more than I dared hope for."

    "...And if you''ll allow me, I''d like to devote myself to serving you."

    Cassius inhaled, steadying the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.

    Slowly, the tension in his features melted away, replaced by a quiet, renewed confidence. He then took a step closer, letting his gaze sweep over Isabelle with an unmistakable hint of mischief in his eyes.

    "Well, Isabelle..." He murmured, voice tinged with playful warmth. "...from the way you''re talking, I''d think you wouldn''t mind if I even made you my slave. You sound so ready to give yourself over to me, after all."

    Isabelle''s ears flared a becoming shade of pink, but she didn''t shy away. Instead, she straightened her posture, raising her chin just a fraction.

    The starlight seemed to reflect in her eyes, making them shimmer with a mix of embarrassment and something deeper¡ªdevotion, longing, maybe even love.

    "If that''s what you wanted, Master." She said softly. "Then I wouldn''t object. Whether it''s as your cook, your servant, your¡­slave¡ªor even as a girl who does nothing but keep your bed warm¡ªI''d accept any role, as long as it means I can stay by your side."

    Her candor startled a faint laugh from him¡ªhalf incredulous, half admiring. He stepped forward in one smooth motion, bridging the last bit of space between them. And then, with gentle but deliberate pressure, he tilted her chin upward until her gaze locked onto his.

    In the quiet of the night, the only sounds were the soft hum of crickets and the faint rustle of leaves in the garden.

    "Is that really just devotion you''re talking about?" He asked, his voice hushed. "Because it sounds a lot more¡­enchanting than simple loyalty." A roguish spark danced in his eyes as he watched her expression.

    A tender smile curved Isabelle''s lips. She didn''t pull away, even as her face burned under his scrutiny.

    "You''re not wrong, Young Master...I probably have fallen for you, more then you could ever know." She said, her voice light but sincere and with pure love in her twinkling blue eyes.

    "But it''s only natural for me to fall in love when I have such a charming young master...And that''s your fault, you know." A teasing glint sparked in her eyes, banishing any lingering nervousness. "How dare you be so fascinating and make me fall for you?"

    Cassius''s low chuckle reverberated through the still air.

    "Ah, so it''s my fault, is it?" His tone was equally playful, but beneath it ran a gentle seriousness. He cupped her cheek, fingertips grazing her skin. "In that case, it''s only proper that I take responsibility for turning your head. And that means taking care of you as my beloved maid and lover for the rest of my life, that is if you allow me to."

    Isabelle stood on her toes, the invitation clear in her softly parted lips. "I...I''d like that." She breathed, her lashes fluttering as she closed her eyes.

    And then without wasting another second, Cassius leaned in, closing the scant distance between them.

    "Kiss!?~"

    Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss¡ªneither rushed nor hesitant, but infused with the sweetness of unspoken promises.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    Isabelle''s breath trembled at the first brush of contact, her heart pounding in a heady mix of relief and excitement. His warmth surrounded her, a comforting presence that seemed to erase the turmoil that had brought them to this moment.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    They pulled each other closer, cherishing this fragile, unexpected bond that had formed against all odds.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Kiss!?~ Peck!?~ Taste!?~"

    Eventually, they drew apart, breathless yet smiling, foreheads gently resting together.

    Isabelle opened her eyes, gazing up at Cassius as if he were the center of her entire world. In that reverent hush, their hearts pounded in unison¡ªa quiet settlement to the mysteries of fate and forgiveness.

    Cassius then brushed a strand of hair away from her face, an affectionate light in his eyes. "Funny..." He mused. "...how life works. One moment we''re at odds, the next¡­" He trailed off, letting the press of her body against his fill in the unspoken end of the sentence.

    Isabelle''s lips curved into a gentle, knowing smile.

    "Yes." She agreed, voice as soft as the night breeze. "I suppose destiny can be playful, weaving our paths together like this."

    In that moment, the night felt boundless, the future brimming with possibilities neither of them had foreseen. And though the path ahead would doubtless hold struggles and heartaches, the shared warmth between them beneath the stars was proof enough that, sometimes, the unlikeliest beginnings could blossom into something profound¡ªsomething worth cherishing for a lifetime. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And looking at Isabelle''s ravishing face under the moonlight, Cassius couldn''t hold himself back anymore and his passion flared as he pulled Isabelle back into another fervent kiss, one that was more insistent and deep than before.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Smack!?~ Mmm!?~ Lick!?~"

    His desire surged, and before either of them could fully comprehend the intensity of the moment, his hand slipped beneath the hem of her skirt and began to caress the soft curve of her buttocks. Isabelle''s eyes fluttered open in startled surprise, and she instinctively pulled away.

    "Young Master, we can''t¡ªsomeone who might see us!" She protested breathlessly, her voice trembling between excitement and alarm.

    Cassius scoffed lightly, a teasing edge still present in his tone as he tried to reassure her. "Relax, Isabelle. I already ordered Lucious to keep everyone away from here. No one will disturb us." He declared, his voice low and confident.

    Before he could settle back into their secluded bubble, a distant, excited shout broke through the intimacy of the night.

    "Young Master, you''re finally back! Your faithful servant has been waiting for you!"

    Cassius''s head whipped around, and there, sprinting across the dew-laden courtyard with wide, concerned eyes, was Lucious.

    The young servant¡ªoblivious to the private scene that had just unfolded¡ªhad simply seen his master step out and had run over without a second thought.

    And under Cassius''s dismayed gaze, Lucious skidded to a halt in front of them, his face a picture of genuine confusion and concern.

    "Master! You''re finally out!" He exclaimed, barely catching his breath. His tone held no mischief¡ªonly earnest worry, as though he had been eagerly awaiting his master''s safe emergence from the building.

    At the sudden intrusion, Isabelle''s face turned a deep red.

    Mortified by the unexpected exposure, she abruptly pushed Cassius away and bolted from the area, her footsteps echoing in the cool night air as she fled into the darkness.

    Lucious blinked, taking in the scene with innocent perplexity. Turning his gaze from the empty space where Isabelle had just been to Cassius''s composed yet slightly flustered expression, he ventured.

    "Young Master, are you¡ªer¡ªare you alright? I saw that maid you seem so fond of running off so fast¡­Do you think she might need to use the toilet or something? I mean, sometimes when people dash off like that, they''re¡­well, you know, feeling a bit unwell down there." He glanced sideways, his tone light and teasing, though his eyes betrayed his genuine concern.

    Lucious then blinked again, tilting his head slightly as he took in his master''s exasperated expression as well.

    His eyebrows furrowed as he observed the deep crease in Cassius''s forehead, the way his jaw was set a little too tight, and how his lips were slightly parted as if he were about to scold him¡ªbut hadn''t yet found the energy to do so.

    Then, with complete sincerity, Lucious asked, "Master, are you¡­Um, going to the toilet regularly? Because you look kind of, uh¡­constipated right now."

    Cassius''s eye twitched...That was the last straw.

    Without a word, he took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and then, with lightning-fast reflexes, grabbed Lucious by the collar and yanked him forward.

    "You went too far." Cassius growled, his tone laced with deep, unspoken frustration. He then proceeded to aggressively rub Lucious''s head, his fingers digging into the young man''s thick black hair as he ruffled it with unrelenting vigor.

    "Ah¡ª! Master, w-wait¡ª!" Lucious yelped, flailing as he tried to escape his master''s grasp, but Cassius had him locked firmly in place.

    "You! You absolute, brainless, unnecessary cute mutt!" Cassius continued, his voice filled with despair. "Because of you, the fish I spent so much effort reeling in has gotten away!"

    Lucious, who was still struggling to break free from the merciless head rubbing, managed to sputter out. "Fish? What fish? Master, I didn''t see any fish! I swear I¡ªOw! Ow! You''re going to rub my scalp raw!"

    "The fish¡ª!" Cassius snarled, digging his knuckles further into Lucious''s head. "The big, beautiful, perfect fish that I had hooked! I had it right there in my hands, and now it''s gone! Gone! Because you showed up wagging your tail at the worst possible moment!"

    Lucious, still utterly clueless about what was happening, flailed harder, trying to dodge Cassius''s relentless assault. "Master, please! I don''t know what fish you''re talking about, but I promise I didn''t eat it! And¡ªand I swear I wasn''t wagging my tail! That''s false since I don''t even have a tail!"

    Cassius only growled in frustration, twisting Lucious''s head slightly so he could glare at him properly. "Lucious, you dense little fool." He gritted out. "I told you to keep everyone away. Did it not occur to you that ''everyone'' includes you?!"

    Lucious blinked rapidly, then, as realization slowly dawned upon him, his eyes widened slightly. "Ohhh." He breathed. "You meant¡­me, too?"

    "Yes!" Cassius barked, giving his head one final, aggressive ruffle before finally releasing him with a sharp shove.

    Lucious staggered back, still wincing as he rubbed his thoroughly abused scalp. "Ow¡­ I think you took out some of my hair."

    He muttered, still pouting slightly as he tried to fix his already-messy hair, not have a clue why his master was suddenly acting like a chimpanzee looking for fleas in his hairs.

 Chapter 69 Take Responsibility

    Cassius, exhaling a long, tired sigh, finally ran a hand through his own hair, forcing himself to set aside his irritation.

    "Fine, fine. Forget it." He muttered. Then, fixing Lucious with a more serious gaze, he asked, "Did you at least do everything I told you to?"

    Lucious, straightening his posture as though trying to look more professional after getting manhandled, quickly brushed off his coat, clearing his throat. "Of course, Young Master. I handled it all." He declared confidently.

    "Be specific." Cassius raised a brow.

    Lucious grinned slightly, pleased with his efficiency, and began listing things off on his fingers. "First, I fired every single male worker in the mansion who had anything to do with what happened before. Every single one of those bastards is gone. Good riddance." His eyes darkened slightly at the mention of them.

    Cassius gave a small nod of approval, but his face remained impassive. "And?"

    Lucious shifted, continuing, "Second, I tracked down the three main sources those rats were supplying information to."

    That piqued Cassius''s interest. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh? And who were they?"

    Lucious held up one finger. "First source¡ªthe main household itself."

    Cassius let out an unamused chuckle at that, shaking his head slightly. "Not much of a surprise there." He said dryly. "My shitty father is always looking for an excuse to tighten his hold over me. Of course he''d have his people sniffing around, looking for a reason to step in."

    "...The old man''s probably just waiting for the right opportunity to try and take me down."

    Lucious smirked. "That was my thought, too."

    Cassius waved a hand lazily. "Well, he can wait all he wants. That bastard can''t touch me yet...Who''s next?"

    Lucious hesitated slightly before lifting a second finger. "The Vindictus household."

    At that, Cassius''s expression shifted. His easy smirk faded into something more contemplative, his fingers tapping slowly against his arm. "My mother''s family?" He mused aloud, his tone neither surprised nor entirely indifferent. "Now that''s a little more interesting."

    Lucious nodded, eyeing him carefully. "It caught me off guard too, Master. It''s hard to say what they''re playing at just yet, but they''ve been gathering information on you for quite a while now. It seems they''re¡­interested in you."

    Cassius hummed, falling silent for a few moments, clearly deep in thought. His mother''s family¡ªthe Vindictus household¡ªhad been nothing more than a ghost in his life ever since she died. They had never openly acknowledged him, never reached out. It was as though he had ceased to exist in their eyes.

    And now, suddenly, they were taking an interest in him?

    "Curious." Cassius murmured. "I wonder if they''re planning something." His lips twitched slightly, as though entertained by the idea. "Or maybe they''re just realizing how much of a mistake it was to ignore me all these years."

    Lucious grinned at that. "That''d be their loss, Master."

    Cassius let out a low chuckle, but his mind was still turning. He made a mental note to investigate further later. But for now¡­

    "What''s the last one?" He asked, his brow raising expectantly.

    Lucious raised his third finger, looking slightly more amused. "The royal castle."

    Cassius''s brows lifted at that, genuine intrigue flashing across his features. "The royal castle?" He repeated, his voice laced with curiosity. He clicked his tongue. "Now that''s even more interesting."

    Lucious nodded. "They''ve been keeping tabs on you as well. It''s not entirely clear why yet, but it''s evident that someone within the castle walls has taken a sudden interest in your activities."

    Cassius tapped a finger against his chin, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Now, why would they be looking at me, of all people?" He wondered.

    His thoughts flickered through a few possibilities¡ªwas it simple surveillance? A strategic move? Or did someone in power see him as a threat?

    But then, just as quickly as his curiosity was piqued, Cassius waved a dismissive hand.

    "Whatever. I''ll deal with that later."

    "Huh?" Lucious blinked.

    "I''m more interested in dinner." Cassius declared flatly, stretching his arms above his head. "I''m starving."

    "Wait¡­what?" Lucious blinked again, as though processing how quickly his master had gone from contemplating deep political intrigue to something as mundane as food.

    "What? I haven''t eaten all day." Cassius shot him an unimpressed look.

    "Master, I just told you that the royal castle is monitoring you." Lucious stared at him, utterly dumbfounded.

    "And?" Cassius tilted his head, his expression completely unconcerned. "Let them watch. I''ll deal with it when I feel like it."

    Lucious ran a hand down his face. "But¡ª"

    "No buts." Cassius cut him off with a lazy grin. "Let''s go eat."

    Lucious sighed in resignation as he fell in step behind Cassius, following his master back toward the mansion. He had learnt that once Cassius set his mind on something¡ªno matter how trivial¡ªthere was little anyone could do to stop him.

    And if Cassius had decided that dinner was more important than dealing with royal affairs, then so be it.

    As they walked, Lucious adjusted his slightly ruffled coat, still rubbing his sore scalp. He barely had time to get comfortable before Cassius, now sporting an unmistakably smug grin, turned his head slightly and decided to add salt to the wound.

    "You know, Lucious..." Cassius drawled, his voice rich with amusement. "If you hadn''t barged in like an overeager pup just now, Isabelle and I would probably be¡­Well, how should I put it? A little hot and stuffy by now."

    Lucious, oblivious to what was coming, tilted his head in innocent curiosity. "Hot and stuffy?"

    Cassius let out an exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his hair.

    "Yes, Lucious. Hot. Stuffy. Very busy. And very satisfied." He threw him a sharp look, as if daring him to put the pieces together. "But because of your terrible timing, Isabelle ran off in a fluster, and now¡­" He gestured dramatically toward himself. "Now, I''m left with a fire in my pants."

    Lucious blinked, still not quite following. "Fire? In your pants? Master, do I need to call a healer? You don''t¡ª" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

    "No, you idiot. I mean pent-up frustration. Passion. Desire. The kind of problem a man has after being cruelly interrupted."

    Finally, Lucious''s eyes widened in realization, and his face turned slightly red.

    "O-Oh¡­" He stammered. Then, looking properly guilty, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah¡­ I see¡­ well, um¡­my apologies, Master. I, uh, truly didn''t mean to¡ª"

    Cassius waved a dismissive hand, smirking. "Oh, it''s too late for apologies now. However¡­" He turned, shooting Lucious a sly look, his crimson eyes twinkling with mischief. "Since you caused the problem, I think it''s only fair that you fix it."

    "Fix¡­?" Lucious blinked again.

    Cassius''s smirk widened. "I wouldn''t mind spending the night with someone as cute as you." He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a playful purr. "How about it, Lucious? Since you scared off my lovely maid, why don''t you take responsibility and keep me company tonight?"

    He expected Lucious to recoil, to flinch back in horror, to turn red and stammer something incoherent while backing away in terror. It was meant to be a harmless tease¡ªsomething to spook him a little and make him regret ruining his master''s night.

    But to Cassius''s shock, Lucious''s entire demeanor changed.

    His eyes brightened, his face turned a shade pinker¡ªnot from embarrassment, but from excitement. His lips parted slightly as he stepped closer instead of retreating.

    "I¡­" Lucious hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with his gloves before he looked up at Cassius with genuine, unguarded sincerity. "I''d be happy to do so, Master."

    Cassius''s teasing smirk wavered. "Wait, what?"

    Lucious, encouraged by his master''s reaction, took another step forward, his eyes shining with an almost childlike eagerness. "I¡­I''d do anything for you, Young Master." He admitted, his voice dropping to a nervous whisper. Then, as if gathering the courage to say something embarrassing, he shyly averted his gaze before adding, "E-Even if it means¡­g-giving my innocence to you."

    Cassius froze.

    The entire world seemed to halt as he stared at Lucious in absolute, unfiltered horror.

    Lucious, mistaking his silence for hesitation, looked up expectantly. His wide, earnest grey eyes sparkled under the moonlight, and he tilted his head slightly. "M-Master?"

    But there was no one there.

    Because Cassius was already gone.

    Lucious blinked and turned just in time to see Cassius running at full speed away from him, sprinting toward the mansion as if his very life depended on it.

    "MASTER?!" Lucious yelped in confusion.

    "DON''T FOLLOW ME!" Cassius bellowed from the distance, his voice filled with panic.

    Lucious, suddenly snapping out of his daze, immediately started running after him. "WAIT, MASTER! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!"

    "AWAY FROM YOU!" Cassius shot back, moving at a speed that suggested he was genuinely terrified for his virtue. "I do not want a sausage party tonight!"

    Lucious, still utterly confused but determined, picked up his pace. "But Master! I meant what I said! I don''t mind at all! I''d do anything for you¡ª"

    "STOP TALKING!" Cassius yelled, nearly tripping over his own feet in his desperate escape.

    And just like that, the moonlit night that had once been filled with romantic tension had turned into a ridiculous game of tag between a panicked noble and his overly devoted butler.

    The cool night air carried their voices as Lucious, the innocent yet deadly persistent golden retriever of a servant, continued to chase after his master¡ªwhile Cassius, once so confident and in control, now ran for his life, cursing himself for ever thinking it would be fun to tease Lucious.

    ...Life, it seemed, had a wicked sense of humor.

 Chapter 70 Scandalous Rumours

    Ever since that fateful day when Cassius purged his mansion and uprooted the traitors from within, the Holyfield household¡ªonce the very embodiment of stability and power, a family whose influence rivaled that of royalty itself¡ªbegan to quake for the first time in years.

    The once-proud servants who used to walk with their heads held high now moved cautiously, their gazes averted, their steps careful as though afraid of drawing attention.

    Tension choked the air within the estate, an invisible storm looming over the grand halls that had once been filled with certainty.

    Even beyond the mansion''s walls, the commoners of Holyfield couldn''t help but murmur amongst themselves, their voices laced with curiosity and apprehension.

    What happened?

    Why does the estate feel¡­different?

    What exactly did Cassius Vindictus Holyfield do?

    At first, the whispers were fragmented, uncertain. But soon enough, they spread like wildfire, each telling more exaggerated than the last.

    The rumors painted a damning picture¡ªone of lust, coercion, and excess.

    According to the scandal that was shaking the noble world, Cassius had gathered all the maids in his household and, abusing his power as their master, forced himself upon them, using his authority to coax them into submission.

    It was shocking. It was monstrous. It was an unforgivable stain upon the Holyfield name¡ªa name once regarded as a symbol of purity, now dragged through the mud in the worst way possible.

    And yet¡­the reality was something else entirely.

    The maids had willingly thrown themselves into his embrace. They had offered themselves up, worshipped him in ways that the rumors never mentioned. And in the end, each and every one of them had left that night with satisfaction and a sense of belonging they had never known before.

    But rumors rarely cared for the truth. And what had been a night of pleasure and devotion was twisted into something vile¡ªa scandal so heinous it sent shockwaves throughout the noble society.

    Yet, despite the chaos his name was being dragged through, Cassius himself¡­

    Was completely unbothered.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    In a secluded part of the Holyfield estate, beneath the shade of a grand willow tree, Cassius lay on the grass, his hands placed casually behind his head, his eyes shut as if he were enjoying a peaceful nap.

    The world could scream his name in scandal all it wanted¡ªhe couldn''t care less.

    Beside him, Portia Albina, his head maid, sat gracefully, holding a bunch of fresh grapes in her hand. She plucked one carefully and brought it to his lips with an amused smile, delighting in the simple act of feeding him.

    "Here, Master~" She cooed softly, clearly enjoying herself.

    Cassius lazily parted his lips, allowing her to slip the grape into his mouth. He hummed in satisfaction, his expression one of pure relaxation, as if he hadn''t a single worry in the world.

    Not far from them, Isabelle was meticulously brewing his tea, her hands steady as she carefully measured each ingredient. Beside her, Lucious¡ªhis ever-loyal butler¡ªwas slicing a fresh loaf of bread, helping Isabelle prepare sandwiches as if this were nothing more than a pleasant afternoon picnic.

    Compared to how any other noble might have reacted when caught in the middle of such a scandalous controversy, Cassius acted as if he didn''t even know it existed.

    It was almost surreal.

    Portia, watching his relaxed expression, couldn''t help but giggle. "Master." She murmured, her voice laced with amusement. "Aren''t you even a little curious about what people are saying about you?"

    Cassius let out a slow breath, tilting his head slightly as if contemplating the question. Then, without opening his eyes, he smirked. "I already know what they''re saying." He murmured lazily. "And frankly, I don''t care."

    Isabelle, who had just finished preparing the tea, glanced over. "But Master..." She said, her tone neutral but curious. "The rumors¡­They''re horrendous."

    Lucious, setting down the sliced bread, nodded in agreement. "The way they''re telling it, you sound like some depraved villain who spends his days preying on the innocent." He added, shaking his head. "It''s absurd."

    Cassius finally cracked an eye open, glancing between them. His smirk only deepened. "And?" He drawled.

    Lucious blinked. "And¡ªwell, doesn''t that bother you, Young Master?"

    Cassius let out a low chuckle. "Lucious." He said, stretching his arms above his head lazily. "What exactly do you expect me to do? March up to every noble in the kingdom and correct them? Explain in detail how everything was completely consensual? Should I personally go door to door and tell them that my maids spent the night willingly throwing themselves at me?"

    Lucious''s lips parted, but before he could say anything, Cassius turned his gaze toward Portia, who was still feeding him grapes.

    "Tell me, Portia." He asked. "Do you feel violated?"

    Portia nearly snorted at the absurdity of the question. "Of course not, Master." She purred. "I''m quite satisfied, actually."

    Cassius turned to Isabelle next, watching as she carefully poured his tea. "Isabelle." He continued, his voice teasing. "Do you feel like you were forced into anything?"

    Isabelle, cheeks dusting a faint pink at the implication, stiffened slightly before shaking her head. "¡­No." She admitted quietly. "I wasn''t forced at all and r-rather enjoyed it."

    Cassius smirked. "And there you have it." He leaned back onto the grass again, closing his eyes once more. "Let them talk. Let them cry scandal. The people who matter¡ªthe ones who were actually involved¡ªknow the truth."

    Lucious sighed, rubbing his temple. "Master, you''re impossible."

    Cassius chuckled. "I prefer untouchable."

    Isabelle and Portia both giggled at his antics, their amusement clear despite the lingering worry in their eyes.

    They trusted their master, but even they couldn''t deny that the scandal surrounding him was growing larger by the day. Whispers were turning into roars, and soon enough, even the most powerful nobles would have to take a stance.

    And yet, here he was¡ªlounging under a tree, indulging in fresh grapes, and acting as though he hadn''t a single care in the world.

    It was almost comical.

    Almost.

    But while the maids could still laugh about it, Lucious could not.

    Because he knew the truth.

    Unlike Isabelle and Portia¡ªwho only saw the rumors as an unfortunate consequence of that fateful night¡ªLucious knew exactly who had spread them.

    Not the maids.

    Not the traitorous servants who had been purged.

    Not even a noble looking to take Cassius down.

    No...It had been Cassius himself.

    At first, Lucious had expected rumors to naturally arise after what happened in the estate. The nature of noble households made it impossible to keep everything under wraps. Because of that, he had already started putting measures in place to silence any leaks before they could begin.

    With his resources and influence as Cassius''s butler, it wouldn''t have been difficult to contain the situation before it even became a whisper in noble society.

    But when he had brought the matter up to Cassius, expecting to receive approval for his discretion¡ª

    Cassius had merely smacked him lightly on the head and said, "Why are you sabotaging my plans, you idiot?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious had been stunned.

    It was only then that Cassius revealed his intention¡ªto spread the rumors himself. And not just any rumors, but the absolute worst possible version of them. He had given explicit orders for the information to be exaggerated, for it to sound as scandalous as possible, and for it to reach the ears of every influential noble family.

    Lucious, for the first time in a long while, had tried to argue against his master''s decision.

    "Master, if this gets out of hand, it could completely ruin your reputation!" He had warned. "This isn''t something you can come back from with just a few political maneuvers. Do you really want this to be what people think of you?"

    But Cassius had only given him a mysterious smile. "It''s necessary." He had said. "...To spread the goddess''s gospel."

    Lucious still had no idea what the hell that meant.

    But that wasn''t even the worst of it. Before he could press further, Cassius had made another equally bizarre statement:

    "With this, I''ve put out a light for someone waiting in the dark. Now, I just have to wait for him to bite."

    Lucious had no clue who he was referring to, what he was waiting for, or why this entire mess was necessary. But, as always, he had no choice but to follow orders.

    And so, despite every instinct screaming at him to contain the scandal, he had done the opposite¡ªhe had fed it. He had ensured that the rumors spread far and wide, reaching the ears of nobles, merchants, and even commoners alike. The Holyfield name, once revered as a pillar of stability, was now steeped in disgrace.

    All because his master wanted it to be.

    Still, there was one thing that confused Lucious even further.

    When he had asked Cassius whether he should also spread rumors of what had happened to the male servants¡ªthe ones who had been purged from the estate¡ªhe had assumed his master would agree.

    After all, spreading that information would have been useful in shifting the narrative. It would have cast Cassius as a terrifying and merciless figure, rather than a depraved noble obsessed with bedding his maids.

    It would have reinforced the idea that this Cassius Holyfield was not the same one from before¡ªthat he was not someone to be underestimated.

    But to his surprise, Cassius had merely waved a hand and said, "How can I allow that when I''m trying to be low-key?"

    Lucious had been baffled.

    Low-key?

    His master claimed he wanted to keep a low profile, yet he was allowing rumors far worse than murder to spread without hesitation.

    The contradiction made no sense.

    And yet, Cassius had said it so casually¡ªso dismissively¡ªbefore ordering Lucious to ensure that the purging of the male servants was silenced entirely.

    Lucious didn''t understand it. He had no way of predicting what his master was thinking, or what his ultimate goal was.

    But despite his concerns, despite the unease that gnawed at his stomach, he still trusted him.

    Cassius always had a plan...Atleast Lucious thought he did.

    And so, with nothing else to do but wait for whatever came next, Lucious focused on what was in front of him.

    He quietly continued making sandwiches, slicing through the bread with precision. But every so often, as he worked, his eyes flickered toward Cassius¡ªwho was still lying on the grass with his arms behind his head, completely at peace.

    Lucious studied him carefully, waiting, wondering.

    Just what are you planning, Young Master?

 Chapter 71 Cursed To Oblivion

    Portia''s usually calm and composed expression had twisted into a frown, her brows knitting together as though she had just realized she had failed in her duties.

    While still dutifully feeding Cassius grapes, she hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice laced with quiet frustration.

    "Master, I had already instructed the maids to keep their mouths shut about that night." She muttered, pressing a grape to his lips with a little more force than necessary. "It was for your sake. I made it very clear that no one was to speak a word of it. And yet¡­someone still went against my orders."

    "...Someone ignored me and spread those lies¡ªworse lies than I ever could have imagined."

    Her voice trembled with controlled anger, and she popped another grape into his mouth a bit harder than she probably meant to.

    Cassius barely chewed before he felt a sharp voice chime in from his side.

    "Those big bad liars!" Isabelle barked, her small body practically shaking with indignation.

    She was mid-slice, preparing sandwiches, but now she was swinging the butter knife in the air with a little too much enthusiasm, as if imagining giving those maids a little stab for their betrayal.

    "I saw them, Portia!" Isabelle declared, waving the knife in an impassioned fury. "Sleeping like babies! Satisfied beyond belief! How dare they spread lies about our Master after all he did for them! If I knew who it was, I''d¡ª"

    Cassius immediately sat up, eyes narrowing in alarm. "Lucious, take away the knife."

    Lucious, who had been silently observing with tired amusement, didn''t even hesitate. He smoothly plucked the butter knife from Isabelle''s hands before she could accidentally stab someone in the eye.

    Isabelle pouted, but Cassius only let out a relieved sigh and laid back down, adjusting his posture comfortably. His lips twitched as he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "You''re far too cute to be making threats, Isabelle." He teased.

    Isabelle huffed and folded her arms, turning her nose up. "I was serious."

    Cassius only chuckled at her, then turned his attention back to Portia and gave her a lazy, reassuring smile. "It''s fine, really. I don''t mind." He said, waving a hand as if to brush the whole thing away like an insignificant speck of dust.

    "It is NOT fine!" Isabelle and Portia both snapped at the same time.

    Cassius blinked.

    Portia''s eyes flashed with rage, and she clenched the fabric of her skirt so tightly it looked like she was restraining herself from outright marching into the mansion and wringing someone''s neck.

    "Master..." She hissed. "You may not care because of your magnimity, but I do. Those ungrateful wretches should be crawling at your feet in gratitude for the mercy you showed them!"

    Isabelle furiously nodded in agreement, still pouting as she huffed.

    "Exactly! You could have thrown them out! You could have ruined them! But noooo, Master is too kind and merciful¡ªhe let them keep their jobs! And this is how they repay you? By spitting on your kindness and tarnishing your name?" She huffed again. "I hope they stub their toe really, really hard."

    Portia, still trembling in anger, scoffed. "A stubbed toe?" She echoed calmly with a cold, sadistic gaze in her eyes. "No, no, no, Isabelle, that''s not nearly enough suffering for them. I hope they get a horrible death."

    "...A slow, painful one¡ªmaybe trampled under the hooves of a maddened horse or burned alive in an oil fire. Perhaps they''ll fall into a sewer and drown in filth like the rats they are."

    "A sewer?" Isabelle wrinkled her nose, unimpressed. "I don''t know about that. I just want them to step on a really sharp pebble first thing in the morning...Preferably before breakfast."

    Cassius, who had been quietly listening with an unreadable expression, felt his lips twitch.

    Lucious, meanwhile, let out the deepest sigh of the evening. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Because the truth was¡­none of the maids had spread a single word about what had happened.

    Not a single one.

    If anything, after that night¡ªafter witnessing the true nature of their Young Master, the son of the beloved Lady Florence¡ªthe maids had grown even more devoted to him. When they realized they weren''t going to be punished or thrown out, but instead given a second chance, their loyalty to Cassius had solidified into something unshakable.

    None of them had betrayed him.

    None of them had whispered a single word of their experience.

    Because the only person who had spread the rumors¡­was Cassius himself.

    And now here he was¡ªturning pale and looking away as Isabelle and Portia unknowingly cursed him to death for his own actions.

    Lucious, to his immense amusement, watched as his master averted his gaze, clearly sweating under their indirect scolding. It was rare to see Cassius genuinely uncomfortable, but the way he was slowly sinking back into the grass as if trying to disappear was priceless.

    Lucious had to bite back a chuckle.

    Cassius, on the other hand, had reached his limit.

    Without a word, he suddenly rolled over and plopped his head directly onto Portia''s lap.

    Portia let out a surprised gasp as her master''s weight settled against her thighs. "M-Master?!" She stammered, her face momentarily flustered as she instinctively placed her hands on his head for balance.

    Cassius ignored her shock entirely and simply gazed up at her, his head resting comfortably against the plushness of her lap.

    From his vantage point, he could see the mountainous view above him, but he wisely kept his eyes on her face instead. He knew if he stared too much he''d drag her straight to bed and never walk out until night, which would be wasteful when it was such a beautiful day.

    Instead, he let out a dramatic sigh and asked, "So I heard your husband left you after these rumors started spreading." His voice was casual, but his sharp eyes studied her reaction carefully. "Are you alright?"

    Portia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. She stared at him for a brief moment before letting out a soft, almost amused breath. A tender smile graced her lips as her fingers instinctively moved to stroke his dark hair, combing through it with a featherlight touch.

    "It''s fine, Master." She said gently. "It''s for the best, really. That marriage was never meant to last."

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Oh?" He twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers. "And what makes you say that?" He asked even though he already knew exactly what happened and was simply asking to see if his maid had any regrets with her decisions.

    Portia exhaled, her fingers continuing their soothing motions through his hair. "Because when I realized that I didn''t feel the slightest sadness when he told me he was leaving¡­I knew it meant I was already free from him." She smiled, but it was a smile laced with quiet acceptance. "I think deep down, I had been waiting for this for a long time."

    Cassius studied her face carefully, searching for any traces of lingering sorrow. But there was none.

    Only relief.

    He let the silence stretch for a moment before he asked. "What made him leave?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

    Portia''s fingers stilled for a brief moment before resuming their slow strokes.

    "After the rumors spread, I realized that if the public was going to demand a victim, it would be better to take the blame onto myself rather than let all the maids suffer. Society would never believe that nothing happened at all¡ªit would be impossible to erase the scandal completely."

    She sighed softly, almost to herself.

    "So I told the maids that if they were ever questioned by their loved ones, they should just say that the rumors were exaggerated. That they were never touched." Her eyes darkened slightly. "That only one maid was involved, and that she alone took the fall."

    Cassius''s fingers stopped twirling her hair. "And that one maid¡­" He trailed off, already knowing the answer.

    Portia gave a small, bittersweet smile. "Me."

    Cassius didn''t react immediately, but a faint tension crept into his jaw.

    "The other maids protested at first." She continued, her voice carrying the memory of their outcry. "They didn''t want to push the blame onto me. They said it was cowardly. That they could handle the consequences together."

    Her smile softened at the recollection.

    "But I told them that if we all claimed innocence, people would force an answer out of us. It would be easier if only one person bore the brunt of the rumors. It was the second-best option¡­after complete erasure."

    Cassius exhaled slowly. "So you made yourself the villain in their eyes."

    Portia nodded, her expression unreadable. "It was easier that way."

    But Cassius knew better. He knew that while it may have been easier, it wasn''t fair.

    "And your husband?" His voice lowered slightly, a dangerous undertone slipping into it. "What did he do once he heard?"

    Portia let out a small, humorless chuckle. "He didn''t even ask for my side of the story." She murmured. "Didn''t ask if I was forced, didn''t ask if it was true. He simply looked at me and said, ''I''m leaving''" Her voice carried neither bitterness nor grief¡ªonly quiet acceptance. "That was it."

    Cassius sighed thinking how unstable and fragile the relationships in this world were.

    "But it doesn''t matter, Master." Portia said with a small, reassuring smile. "If anything¡­" Her cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her gaze. "Ever since he left, I feel more alive than I have in years." She looked down at Cassius, her fingers gently caressing his scalp. "I feel happier serving you than I ever did as his wife."

    Cassius opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a soft clinking sound caught his attention.

    Isabelle had arrived, carefully balancing a silver tray of tea and neatly arranged sandwiches. She knelt beside them, setting the tray down before offering a pleased smile.

    "I agree." Isabelle chimed in as she arranged the cups. "Serving our Master is the greatest thing in the world!" She looked up at Cassius, her expression calm and utterly devoted. "You really don''t have to worry about Portia, Master. She seems to be having plenty of fun with you¡­" A mischievous glint entered her eye. "Especially with all the lewd sounds I hear at night."

    Portia froze.

    Her cheeks turned an instant shade of crimson as she turned to glare at Isabelle, who was looking at her with an all-too-innocent smile.

    "I-Isabelle!" Portia hissed, her voice strangled.

    Isabelle simply stuck her tongue out playfully. "I''m just telling the truth, Portia~."

    Cassius, meanwhile, smirked lazily from his very comfortable position on Portia''s lap. "Well..." He mused. "It''s not my fault that the head maid is so dedicated to her Master''s needs."

    Portia''s blush deepened.

    Lucious, still sitting off to the side, watching this ridiculous exchange unfold, let out yet another sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

    Cassius stretched, finally rising from Portia''s lap as he reached for one of the sandwiches on the tray. He took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before humming in satisfaction.

    "Delicious." He said, his smirk widening as he glanced at Isabelle, who immediately perked up at his praise.

    "Really?!" She beamed, leaning forward slightly with eager anticipation. "I tried to make sure the seasoning was just right this time!"

    "Mhm." Cassius nodded, swallowing his bite before reaching for another. "The spread is well-balanced, not too overwhelming, just enough to complement the bread and fillings perfectly...A splendid dish indeed."

    Isabelle''s face lit up with pure joy, her cheeks turning rosy at the compliment.

    Cassius chuckled, picking up another sandwich, but before he could take another bite, Lucious suddenly cleared his throat loudly, crossing his arms and tilting his head slightly. "Ahem."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow. "What?"

    Lucious shifted, looking slightly pouty. "I also helped a little." He admitted, trying to sound casual but clearly wanting to be acknowledged.

    Cassius smirked, biting into another sandwich and giving him a half-lidded look. "Oh? So you want praise too?"

    Lucious huffed, looking to the side. "Not particularly¡­"

    Cassius snorted, chewing. "Well, good job, then. I suppose you can have a tiny bit of credit."

    Lucious puffed out his chest slightly, satisfied. "As expected of me." He said smugly.

    Cassius rolled his eyes, taking another sandwich into his hand. But just as he was about to take another bite¡ª

    THUNDEROUS GALLOPING~

    The sound of multiple horses charging through the estate grounds shook the very earth beneath them, the intensity of their approach growing louder with every second.

    Cassius''s casual demeanor didn''t change, but the others immediately snapped their heads toward the source of the noise.

    Portia stiffened, her hand instinctively moving to her hip as if searching for a weapon. Isabelle''s brows furrowed in confusion, while Lucious''s eyes darkened with calculated sharpness at the distant cloud of dust that was approaching...

 Chapter 72 Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, The Whispering Blade

    Cassius and the others waited for the cloud to come closer and then, they saw them.

    Over twenty knights¡ªhorses galloping at full speed, their hooves pounding against the ground with rhythmic precision. Their armor gleamed under the sunlight, their bodies moving in perfect unison, displaying discipline and training far beyond that of ordinary knights.

    And yet, the most striking feature?

    Not a single man among them.

    Every knight was a woman, some appearing as young as their early twenties, while others carried the air of battle-worn veterans in their early middle age. Their expressions were unreadable, hardened by experience, their eyes like sharpened steel, locked onto their target¡ªCassius.

    Despite the undeniable beauty that many of them possessed, their presence was anything but soft or delicate. These were warriors¡ªwomen who had stood on the battlefield, faced death, and lived to tell the tale. Even in their disciplined charge, there was a silent warning: they were not to be taken lightly.

    As they neared, the riders didn''t slow down, but at the last possible moment, their formation shifted. Without any spoken command, they spread out perfectly, encircling Cassius and his small gathering in a precise and coordinated maneuver.

    It was seamless¡ªa display of pure discipline that made it clear just how well-trained they were.

    They didn''t just surround them. They cut off every possible escape in a way that only veterans of battle could.

    Cassius, still holding his sandwich, slowly lowered it back onto the tray and sighed. "Well..." He muttered. "That''s certainly one way to ruin a meal."

    But while Cassius remained unfazed, the cold intensity in the knights gazes didn''t waver.

    And oddly enough, while their stares were firm, assessing, and guarded¡ªthere was also something else lurking beneath the surface.

    Pity.

    They looked at Cassius not just as a target, but as if he were a pitiful lamb being led to the slaughter.

    And yet, strangely enough, there was also fascination in some of their gazes. A quiet curiosity. As though they were studying him¡ªtrying to figure out who he truly was.

    The silence was tense.

    Then, in a hushed breath, Isabelle murmured something.

    "...The Sacred Guard."

    The name alone carried weight.

    Portia''s lips parted slightly in realization, while even Lucious¡ªwho rarely showed signs of outward surprise¡ªraised an eyebrow in acknowledgment.

    The Sacred Guard was not just any knightly order.

    They were an elite all-women brigade that operated directly under the banner of the Holyfield family, sworn to uphold the protection, safety, and welfare of the entire Holyfield territory.

    Unlike the many other knightly factions that served nobles out of obligation or politics, the Sacred Guard had built its reputation on something far greater¡ªunwavering trust from the people they protected.

    Since their formation a few years ago, they had risen to prominence at an unprecedented rate, their feats becoming the stuff of legend across the continent. They were not just guardians of the Holyfield estate, but the defenders of an entire region, a force that had reshaped the very idea of what a knight''s duty should be.

    Where other knight orders focused only on battle and war, the Sacred Guard had made it their mission to maintain true peace.

    They were not content with merely reacting to threats¡ªthey anticipated them, sniffed them out before they could ever take root.

    The moment a crime was about to occur, the Sacred Guard was already there to stop it.

    The moment an enemy force considered invading the territory, the Sacred Guard had already made preparations to crush them.

    The moment even the slightest unrest stirred within the Holyfield domain, they had already deployed the necessary resources to quell it before it even became a problem.

    They were swift, precise, and merciless against those who sought to disrupt the land.

    Because of their efforts, banditry had plummeted, thievery had become almost nonexistent, and murder rates had dropped to an all-time low.

    It was said that in the past, people would never leave their homes unarmed, always carrying some form of protection against criminals or dangers lurking in the shadows.

    But now?

    People no longer needed to.

    Thanks to the Sacred Guard''s sub-armies¡ªsmaller, highly trained units deployed across every major settlement and road within the Holyfield territory¡ªthe region had become a sanctuary of stability.

    And their efforts extended beyond just security.

    Unlike other noble-controlled knight orders¡ªwho often looked down on commoners, seeing them as nothing more than subjects¡ªthe Sacred Guard had woven themselves directly into the fabric of society.

    They did not just protect the people; they helped them.

    During harvest season, they assisted farmers in gathering crops.

    They regularly visited orphanages, offering aid, supplies, and even lessons to help educate abandoned children.

    They listened to the concerns of the people, acting as mediators in local disputes.

    They even gave a portion of their salaries to orphanages, shelters, and struggling families, proving that they were not just warriors, but servants of the people.

    Because of this, the Sacred Guard had become more than just knights¡ªthey were beloved figures, symbols of trust, safety, and justice.

    To the common folk, they were heroes in the purest sense of the word.

    And that was why they were called the Sacred Guard.

    For they were not just warriors with swords.

    They were the shield that safeguarded the people.

    Isabelle''s eyes shimmered with admiration and awe.

    As a young woman, it was hard not to be inspired by the Sacred Guard, a legion of knights who had not only proved themselves in battle but also endeared themselves to the masses through their unwavering kindness.

    ''They''re exactly the kind of knights I wanted to see growing up.'' She thought, feeling her heart swell with admiration.

    But then, her gaze flicked to the circle of mounted warriors arrayed around them. Wait¡­Confusion replaced her starry-eyed wonder.

    ''Why are they surrounding us?'' She wanted to ask, but before she could form the question, Cassius¡ªstill calmly eating his sandwich¡ªspoke up.

    "Portia, Isabelle." He said, his voice unhurried even though armed women surrounded them. "Head on back for now. It seems the one who has it out for me the most has finally taken the bait."

    At those cryptic words, Isabelle felt a prickle of unease dance along her spine. Something bad is going to happen, she thought nervously, her gaze darting between Cassius and the circle of formidable knights.

    She opened her mouth to insist on staying by his side¡ªMaster, let me help¡ªbut Portia''s gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her.

    "It''s all right." Portia murmured, her tone reassuring yet firm. "It seems like our master anticipated this, looking at how confident he is now." She nodded toward Cassius, who offered them both a lazy, confident smile in return. "We shouldn''t interrupt."

    Reluctantly, Isabelle let out a small sigh and followed Portia away from the circle, pratin that nothing happened to their master.

    The knights, as if on cue, parted to allow them passage, though their eyes never left Cassius¡ªor Lucious, who remained at his master''s side.

    Just as the two maids were leaving the perimeter, the line of knights parted again.

    Only this time, three more horses emerged, riders leaning forward in their saddles.

    Isabelle''s breath caught in her throat when she saw who sat astride those steeds.

    "Is that¡­Is that¡­?" Her voice was hushed, barely audible over the sound of the horses hooves on the grass.

    Portia nodded in reverent confirmation. "Yes." She murmured. "It''s them."

    Meanwhile, Lucious¡ªever at Cassius''s elbow¡ªwatched as the newcomers approached.

    Unlike the steady calm Cassius displayed, Lucious felt a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. His lips twitched into a strained smile. "I guess this is all part of your plan too, Master?" He asked in a tense whisper. "But, uh¡­Is your plan really robust enough to handle this particular visitor?"

    Cassius answered with a sly grin, his gaze fixed on the tall figure at the forefront. "Oh, who exactly is this person that managed to even make my fearless butler tremble in his boots?"

    Lucious swallowed, turning his eyes back to the imposing woman who led the trio. She sat astride her horse with a grace that almost seemed otherworldly.

    Her armor gleamed in the afternoon light¡ªornate yet practical, crafted to allow ease of movement rather than mere display. Though her figure was visibly feminine, especially with her bountiful chest and her bottom that could even be seen from the front because of how thick it was, there was no mistaking the power radiating from her.

    "Who else..." Lucious began, exhaling slowly. "...Other than the youngest child¡ªand most powerful heir¡ªof the Hellbane family? A prodigy who mastered wind elemental magic at the age of eighteen¡­" He shook his head, half in awe, half in nerves. "A woman whose beauty is so profound that no man in the continent can claim not to have dreamed of her."

    His voice rose a notch, as though compelled by the sheer majesty of her presence. "And, of course, the founder of the Sacred Guard itself."

    "...Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane¡ªbetter known as the Whispering Blade."

    Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane or Julie as her close comrades called her rode forward on her magnificent steed, her presence alone enough to command absolute silence from the gathered knights and spectators alike. As she approached, the air itself seemed to carry a weight, as though nature itself acknowledged her arrival.

    She was breathtaking¡ªnot just in beauty, but in the sheer majesty that surrounded her.

    Long, flowing strands of platinum blonde hair cascaded down her back, gleaming under the golden light of the sun, reminiscent of fine-spun silk.

    Her hair, despite its length, remained unruffled by the wind, as if the very air bowed to her command.

    Sharp emerald-green eyes, framed by thick lashes, pierced through the space between them, filled with wisdom and intensity¡ªthe gaze of a warrior who had seen countless battles and emerged unbroken.

    Despite the undeniable femininity of her features, there was nothing soft about her expression. She bore herself not as a noble pampered by luxury, but as a seasoned knight, her every movement precise, calculated, and honed to lethal perfection.

    She was clad in a pristine set of silver and azure armor, its intricate engravings depicting the crest of the Hellbane family¡ªa roaring lion encircled by swirling gusts of wind. Unlike the bulky plate armor of traditional knights, hers was designed with both mobility and power in mind.

    It accentuated her athletic yet perfectly well endowed physique, its fit both graceful and commanding. And at her side, strapped to her saddle, was her weapon¡ªa sleek, beautifully forged silver sword, its edges humming faintly with residual energy.

    She was the embodiment of a knight¡ªstrength, discipline, and nobility incarnate.

    But Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane was not just any knight.

    She was the youngest daughter of the Hellbane family¡ªthe family that had served as the Holyfield''s personal guard for centuries. The Hellbane bloodline was known for producing some of the greatest warriors in the kingdom, their skills unmatched in both swordplay and elemental magic.

    Julie, however, had shattered every expectation placed upon her.

    Though she was the youngest of her father''s five children, her path to dominance was unlike any before her.

    At the age of thirteen, she defeated all four of her older brothers¡ªeach of whom had been trained as future commanders¡ªsolidifying herself as the strongest heir despite being the youngest.

    By the age of sixteen, she did the impossible¡ªshe defeated her own father, Theodore Hellbane, the man regarded as one of the kingdom''s greatest swordmasters, in a formal duel. And she did it without magic, relying purely on raw skill.

    At eighteen, she did what no one had accomplished before¡ªcreated her own magic formula for wind-elemental magic, refining it to such perfection that she became a kingdom-wide prodigy.

    By twenty-four, she had mastered both sword and magic, reaching a level that was acknowledged as Grandmaster-tier¡ªa status that only a handful of warriors in the entire continent could claim.

    And finally, at twenty-six, she founded the Sacred Guard¡ªa force that would change the very concept of knighthood across the land.

    Now, at twenty-nine, she was not just a knight.

    She was a legend.

    A warrior whose very name inspired awe and reverence.

    A woman whose strength was spoken of in hushed whispers and grand songs alike. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    With her unmatched class, terrifying power, and peerless beauty, Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane had become a figure of admiration across the continent.

    To men, she was the untouchable goddess¡ªan existence so far above them that they could only dream of standing beside her.

    To women, she was everything they aspired to be¡ªa hero beyond compare, proof that greatness was not reserved for men alone.

    To the world, she was a symbol.

    A force of nature.

    A legend in the flesh.

    And now, this legend sat atop her horse, staring down at Cassius Holyfield with an unreadable expression, as if gauging the very worth of his existence...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Pictures of Julie will be uploaded to the character illustrations page as well on discord as well...Check them out!

 Chapter 73 Skadi Silvermoon, The Silver Wolf Who Paints Herself Red

    Julie remained silent as she surveyed the man before her, her piercing emerald gaze flickering between Cassius Holyfield and Lucious. There was no emotion on her face¡ªonly quiet, calculating scrutiny.

    It was the gaze of a woman who had spent her entire life measuring the worth of warriors, assessing threats before they could become problems. And in that moment, Cassius was the subject of her cold examination.

    Then, without a word, she moved.

    With the grace of a seasoned warrior, she slid off her horse in one fluid motion, landing softly on the ground with an elegance that could only come from years of mastery over both body and magic.

    There was no wasted movement, no unnecessary flourish¡ªjust pure, effortless control.

    As soon as her boots touched the ground, two more figures followed suit, dismounting their steeds and taking their places at her sides.

    Lucious, who had barely begun to recover from the shock of Julie herself arriving, suddenly felt like the world was tilting. ''Oh, great.'' He thought, feeling lightheaded. ''Because things weren''t already bad enough¡­now these two had to show up too?''

    His gaze immediately snapped to the figure standing at Julie''s left¡ªa woman who radiated an entirely different kind of presence than the refined elegance of the Whispering Blade.

    She was primal.

    Fierce.

    Like an apex predator who had caught the scent of its prey.

    Long, wild silver hair cascaded down her back, thick and untamed, shimmering with the same luster as the moon itself. Two large wolf ears twitched atop her head, picking up the faintest of sounds, and behind her, a long fluffy silver tail flicked in agitation. Though clad in armor, her body carried the raw strength and agility of a beast on the hunt¡ªlean, powerful muscle shaped by years of combat, pursuit, and bloodshed.

    And at that moment, her silver eyes were locked onto Cassius with an intensity that sent a shiver down Lucious''s spine.

    This was Skadi Silvermoon.

    Julie''s Left Hand.

    A warrior feared not just in the Sacred Guard but throughout the kingdom itself.

    Skadi hailed from the Wolf Beastkin, a race known for their unparalleled strength, speed, and heightened senses. Among their people, only the strongest survived¡ªit was a world where power dictated respect, and weakness was not tolerated. It was a brutal, unforgiving way of life, one that forged warriors from the moment they could walk.

    And Skadi was one of the strongest of them all.

    She had no need for weapons. Her own body was her arsenal¡ªher claws, her fangs, her sheer physical prowess.

    It was said that in battle, she could tear through entire platoons using nothing but her hands, her speed so fast that most knights couldn''t even see her coming before they were already on the ground, bleeding out.

    The King''s own personal guards¡ªknights trained to be the most elite protectors of the Royal Family¡ªhad once tried to subdue her.

    They failed miserably.

    Skadi Silvermoon had humiliated them all, treating their weapons like toys and their formations like annoying little games. By the time the fight was over, not a single one of the King''s elite knights had remained standing.

    She had earned her reputation in blood, always leaving the battle with a fresh coat of blood on herself.

    And now, that very same Skadi was standing here, by Julie''s side¡ªglaring at Cassius like a predator that had just locked onto its prey.

    But if that wasn''t bad enough, there was another figure standing beside Julie.

    A petite girl, barely reaching Skadi''s shoulder, with an air of silent calculation about her. Unlike the wild ferocity of the wolf beastkin, this girl''s presence was far more subtle and quiet like she was trying to hide herself¡ªyet just as dangerous.

    Her shoulder-length pure white hair was sleek and soft, standing in contrast to the sharp amber eyes that flickered with quiet intelligence. Resting atop her head were two black cat ears, twitching ever so slightly as if listening to something no one else could hear. A fluffy white cat tail swayed lazily behind her, its slow movement a deceptive show of ease.

    But what truly stood out was her attire.

    Or rather¡ªthe lack thereof.

    Unlike Julie''s knightly armor or Skadi''s reinforced combat gear, this girl was dressed in scanty clothing that barely covered anything. A tight leather top secured across her chest, leaving her slim, toned abdomen completely exposed.

    She wore short black hot pants that clung to her petite frame, accentuating the lithe, agile body of someone who relied on speed and precision rather than brute strength.

    Draped over her shoulders was a loose, tattered robe¡ªa signature look that gave her an air of a rogue spellcaster who never quite fit in with the traditional mage aesthetic.

    Despite her small stature and seemingly relaxed posture, there was an undeniable sense of control around her.

    That was because this girl was Aisha Noctus.

    Julie''s Right Hand.

    But if anyone underestimated the girl before him because of her petite figure, they would probably be buried underneath the earth.

    Not only was she Julie''s right hand, an accomplished earth elemental mage who could make earth barriers to protect civilians and also use that same earth to swallow her enemies and bury them alive, but she was also the master tactician of the group.

    She handled logistics, distribution of resources, assignment of labor, predicting threats, and the formation of groups¡ªso much so that it wouldn''t be wrong to say that she was basically the reason that security was so impeccable in the Holyfield estate.

    Lucious braced for the worst.

    He had every right to be.

    Julie Hellbane, the Whispering Blade, had come for him personally. Flanked by Skadi Silvermoon, a walking battlefield, and Aisha Noctus, the mastermind behind the Sacred Guard''s impenetrable security, they marched towards him in perfect unison.

    It was honestly quite the sight.

    The trio moved like legends stepping onto a battlefield¡ªeach step deliberate, radiating intimidation and absolute authority. Their presence alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of the knights surrounding them.

    Lucious gripped his master''s cuff, his fingers tight with anticipation.The knights around them stood taller, their chests swelling with pride at the sight of their leaders advancing.

    Cassius, however, stood still.

    He was calm. Composed. Absolutely pretending not to feel a flicker of tension tighten in his chest.

    Because he hated to admit it¡ªbut they really did look intimidating as hell.

    Everything about them screamed power.

    Julie with her commanding grace, Skadi with her raw ferocity, and Aisha with her calculating eyes¡ªall moving toward him in a way that made it painfully clear that he was, for all intents and purposes, trapped.

    Cassius clenched his jaw.

    ''Alright. If I want to get out of this intact, I have to maintain control of the situation.''

    He straightened his posture, smoothed out his coat, and forced himself to appear completely unfazed. Because the moment he showed even a sliver of doubt in the face of these three absolute monsters, they''d eat him alive.

    And then.

    It happened.

    The impossible.

    The event that defied all logic, reason, and common sense.

    One second, Julie was walking ahead of her two most powerful subordinates, leading them forward with absolute purpose¡ª

    And the next?

    Julie was gone.

    Vanished. Completely.

    Cassius''s instincts flared.

    His vision sharpened. His muscles tensed. His mind screamed, "Damn it! She''s fast! I didn''t even see her move¡ª"

    In an instant, he shoved Lucious behind him, bracing for an attack from an angle he couldn''t even predict.

    The knights around them gasped, immediately thinking their leader had used some incredible speed technique to strike Cassius before he could react. Even Skadi and Aisha, the people who knew Julie best, were momentarily caught off guard.

    Cassius clenched his fists.

    Where is she?!

    But then¡ª

    Instead of an attack, instead of the slicing wind of a blade or the burst of magical energy he was expecting¡ª

    There was¡­A thud.

    Followed by the sound of metal hitting the ground.

    And then¡ª

    A soft, very feminine grunt.

    The entire atmosphere shattered.

    Everyone turned slowly toward the noise.

    Their eyes moved downward.

    And there¡ª

    Facedown in the dirt.

    Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane.

    The youngest prodigy of the Hellbane family.

    The grandmaster of sword and magic.

    The feared leader of the Sacred Guard.

    Was currently planted face-first into the soil.

    Complete silence.

    Pure. Deafening. Disbelief.

    The knights, who had seconds ago been filled with overwhelming pride, now stood frozen, processing the sight before them.

    Skadi''s jaw slackened slightly. Aisha just¡­stared.

    Cassius¡ªwho had been bracing for his imminent doom¡ªfelt his entire thought process short-circuit.

    Lucious, peeking from behind Cassius, blinked rapidly. "...Is...Is she dead?"

    Cassius, who had not yet recovered from the sheer absurdity of what just occurred, could only mutter, "...No¡­No, I think she tripped."

    Lucious tilted his head. "...Tripped?"

    Cassius nodded slowly, his expression completely unreadable. "Tripped."

    A long, heavy silence followed.

    Only when Julie finally lifted her head from the ground did everyone truly react.

    Her once-pristine face was now covered in dirt, looking exactly like a child who had tripped in the park. But what truly sent everyone into shock was the thin trickle of blood running down from her nose, standing out starkly against her otherwise flawless complexion.

    For a second, nobody spoke. Nobody moved.

    Then¡ª

    "CAPTAIN!!!"

    The agonized howl tore through the air like a wolf that had just witnessed its alpha being struck down.

    Skadi Silvermoon, the feral, battle-hardened beast warrior, the woman feared across the battlefield for her brutality, suddenly dropped to her knees beside her fallen leader, hands clenched into fists, looking seconds away from bursting into actual tears.

    "How could this happen?!" She wailed, staring at Julie''s bleeding nose like it was a mortal wound. "Who dared to do this to you?! Who?!"

    Julie groaned, clearly more exhausted by the reaction than the fall itself.

    Skadi, however, wasn''t done.

    Her sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, desperately looking for the culprit responsible for her captain''s unforgivable downfall.

    And then¡ªshe found it.

    A small, insignificant rock sitting right in the middle of the path.

    The very thing that had tripped Julie Hellbane, the legendary Whispering Blade.

    For a moment, Skadi just stared at it. Then, her ears flattened, her tail bristled, her pupils shrank in pure, unfiltered rage.

    "YOU!" She growled, pointing a trembling finger at the tiny, completely inanimate piece of nature that was on the ground. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius, who had been watching in silence, suddenly felt a deep, primal instinctual fear rise in his chest. ''No. No, she''s not actually going to do what I think she is right¡ª?''

    But just like he had thought, Skadi launched herself at the rock like it had personally insulted her ancestors. With a furious snarl, she stomped down on it so hard the ground shook.

    "How dare you trip my captain, you treasonous filth?! You dare stand in her path?! You dare bring harm to lady Julie?!"

    She raised her foot again, stomping even harder, as if attempting to obliterate the very concept of ''rock'' from existence.

    Cassius, Lucious, and literally every single knight present just watched in pure horror as the fearsome warrior¡ªwho had ripped through armies with her bare hands¡ªwas now trying to execute a rock.

    "I''ll kill you! I''ll kill your entire family!" Skadi snapped, grinding the rock into dust. "You think you can just stand there all innocent, pretending to be part of the earth?! Not on my watch! Your entire family is gone, just watch!"

    ''She¡­She''s actually taking revenge on a rock.'' Cassius''s eyes went wide in pure disbelief.

    Julie, still lying on the ground, somehow managed to pick up on what he was thinking¡ªand immediately felt her entire soul leave her body from sheer embarrassment.

    ''Dear gods, why did Skadi have to be like this?'' Her cheeks tinted pink.

    She could feel Cassius''s judgmental gaze. She could see the way his eyes flicked from her, to Skadi, then back to her again.

    He was thinking things...Unacceptable things that made her want to bury her face into ground beneath her even more.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    Pictures of Skadi and Aisha will be uploaded to the character illustrations page as well on discord...Check them out!

 Chapter 74 Aisha Noctus, The Seer Of A Thousand Battes

    Cassius''s expression, previously one of cautious wariness, had now turned into a look of pure secondhand embarrassment.

    ''This fierce warrior who people fear across the land is actually just a dumb, overly loyal mutt.''

    And just when she thought things couldn''t get worse for their image¡ª

    Aisha stepped forward.

    Julie, with desperate hope, prayed that her Right Hand, the voice of reason among them, had come to help her up.

    Finally. Someone sensible. Someone who¡ª

    "Skadi, you absolute brainless mutt." Aisha sighed heavily, rubbing her temples in frustration like she was fed up Skadi''s antics. "Just what do you think you''re doing?"

    Skadi paused mid-stomp, turning to face Aisha with genuine outrage. "What does it look like?! I''m executing this damn rock that dared to hurt the captain!"

    Aisha took a deep, exhausted breath. "Skadi. It''s a rock...It doesn''t have thoughts. It doesn''t have emotions. It doesn''t have a personal vendetta against the captain."

    "It tried to kill her!" Skadi bared her fangs.

    "It''s a rock. It''s not even alive to attempt murder."

    Aisha dragged her hand down her face, inhaling deeply like she was summoning every ounce of patience left in her soul.

    "Okay, fine." She muttered. "Let''s ignore the absolute stupidity of you trying to execute a rock. Let''s move on to something else..." She took a deep, slow breath before lifting her eyes to Skadi. "Explain to me¡­in detail¡­when in the hell did rocks start having families and who exactly are these family members you''re going to take revenge on?"

    Skadi immediately straightened her posture, her tail flicking upward, her wolf ears standing tall as if she had just been given the opportunity to outsmart the so-called genius of their group.

    A rare opportunity indeed.

    Cassius saw it immediately. That glint in her silver eyes. The same glint of a person who had finally found their moment of triumph.

    "You mean to tell me..." Skadi began with a smirk, voice dripping with mock pity. "...that the so-called genius strategist of the Sacred Guard, the brilliant and calculating Aisha Noctus, doesn''t know such a basic, fundamental fact about the natural world?"

    Aisha''s eyebrow twitched violently. Julie sighed deeply, already regretting letting this conversation happen.

    The knights¡ªwho up until now had been respectfully sitting on their horses¡ªbegan dismounting one by one, some rubbing their temples, others stretching as if to prepare themselves for whatever the hell was about to come out of Skadi''s mouth. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius was thoroughly entertained. Lucious, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to die.

    Skadi crossed her arms, grinning like she had just cornered her rival in a chess match. "Listen carefully, Aisha." She said smugly. "Because I''m about to educate your tiny little brain."

    Aisha looked like she was one second away from burying Skadi alive. Cassius was impressed she hadn''t done so already. Skadi, unbothered, continued.

    "I read in a book¡ªyes, Aisha, a book if you''ve ever read one¡ªthat all small pebbles were once part of bigger rocks."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes. "...Okay?"

    "And over time, they break down and split apart." Skadi explained, nodding confidently.

    Aisha stared. "Okay?"

    Skadi grinned. "Which means¡ª"

    Oh no...Cassius already sensed it.

    Julie immediately turned her head away, as if she physically couldn''t bear to witness what was about to happen. The knights¡ªalready done with the situation¡ªbegan shaking their heads.

    Skadi puffed out her chest proudly. "Those bigger rocks would be their family, right?"

    A long silence followed. A very long silence.

    Aisha slowly¡ªpainfully slowly¡ªclosed her eyes.

    Julie pressed her fingers against the ridge of her nose, unable to even look at her.

    Cassius bit the inside of his cheek so hard to stop himself from laughing.

    Lucious was just...gone. Mentally, gone.

    The knights, all of them, had completely given up.

    One even sat down on the grass. Another removed their helmet and placed it on the ground, looking up at the sky like they were reevaluating their life choices.

    They weren''t even surprised.

    They knew.

    This wasn''t new.

    This was just Skadi being Skadi.

    Finally, Aisha exhaled, long and slow, as if she were holding onto reality by a thread.

    "Y''know what? This is my fault." She muttered, rubbing her forehead aggressively. "I should''ve known better than to ask you anything that requires logic."

    Skadi smirked smugly, crossing her arms. "See? At least you''re self-aware."

    Aisha''s eye twitched violently. Julie winced internally.

    Cassius?...Cassius was having the time of his life.

    "Fine..." Aisha took another deep breath, visibly forcing herself to stay calm. "I''ll let the rock thing go. Let''s just move past it. Let''s pretend it never happened."

    Skadi beamed, her tail wagging slightly, thinking that she had won the argument.

    "But..." Aisha continued, narrowing her amber eyes. "I have one more question."

    Skadi tilted her head. "Oh?"

    She looked at her with a dead pan look on her face, "You have superb senses, don''t you?"

    Skadi puffed her chest out. "Damn right I do. My wolfkin instincts are top-notch."

    "Super sharp hearing, heightened reflexes, tracking ability so precise you can smell a battle before it even begins." Aisha listed, crossing her arms.

    "Exactly." Skadi grinned proudly, practically radiating confidence.

    Aisha''s frown deepend.

    "Then..." She said slowly. "Why exactly didn''t you catch the captain when she fell?"

    The entire area went silent. Julie stiffened visibly, eyes narrowing slightly.

    "Huh?" Skadi blinked.

    Aisha shrugged, looking mockingly casual. "You were right behind her, weren''t you? You always boast about how nothing escapes your senses. So if you were following her, then logically¡ªyou should''ve noticed that she was tripping, right?"

    Skadi froze. Her ears twitched, her tail stiffened, and for a moment, her eyes darted around like a cornered animal.

    Then, very hesitantly, she muttered. "O-Of course I noticed."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes. "Then¡ª?"

    Skadi cleared her throat, suddenly very interested in the sky. "I just¡­Uh¡­I just never expected that the movement she made was because she was falling¡ªI thought it was, you know some kind of secret attack."

    "...I mean what kind of grandmaster knight falls over a pebble."

    Cassius blinked slowly. Aisha bit her lips in disbelief, looking like she aged ten years in real time.

    And the knights¡ªwho had somehow managed to remain at least somewhat composed until now¡ªall turned their heads to stare directly at Julie.

    Julie¡ªwho had just barely managed to push herself up from the ground¡ªpaused mid-movement.

    She felt every single eye boring into her skull.

    Then, with zero hesitation, she slowly, quietly, deliberately¡ªwent back down.

    Julie Hellbane, the Whispering Blade, the fearsome war goddess, laid back down on the dirt like she had simply accepted her fate.

    Cassius had to physically turn away to stop himself from laughing. Aisha, already beyond done, sighed loudly.

    "You know, Skadi." She muttered tiredly. "I''d get it if you thought that years ago¡ªback when we first met the Captain."

    Skadi tilted her head. "Huh?"

    Aisha crossed her arms, her gaze unkind and introverted as always. "I mean, come on. When you first see her¡ªthis incredibly powerful, regal, untouchable woman¡ªyou naturally assume she''s flawless. Anyone would."

    Julie eyes widened not expecting Aisha to say such nice things about when she usually was so moody and glum like a teenager in puberty who seemed to hate everything in the world, especially her parents.

    But sadly she got her hopes high for nothing after what she said next.

    "But Skadi..." Aisha said, voice dripping with exhaustion. "We''ve known her for years now. Years...So, how do you still not know how insanely clumsy she actually is?"

    "...Like it''s literally not the first time she''s...miscalculated her footing."

    "W-What are you talking about?" Skadi blinked, while Julie had had her mouth open wide when she heard her comrade speak of her embarrassing past.

    But Aisha didn''t seem to mind that she was airing out her captains dirty laundry and said, "Remember the time she tried to jump over that puddle during the Harvest Festival and landed face-first in the pigpen?"

    "Oh...right." Skadi winced, remembering that embarrassing incident that made their captain smell like manure for an entire week.

    "Or the time she tripped over her own sword during the King''s birthday celebration and nearly took out the entire royal family?" Aisha continued, warming to her theme.

    "Ah, Aisha, you don''t have to...There are others here as well." Skadi said as she glanced at Cassius who was keenly listening. But Aisha simply didn''t care.

    "And let''s not forget the infamous ''Staircase Incident'' of the Winter Solstice Ball..." Aisha said, a a look of dread in her eyes at how lethal her captain''s clumsiness was. "...where she managed to fall up the stairs, taking out three guards and a chandelier in the process."

    Skadi covered her ears. "Stop, stop! I get it! She''s...a little clumsy!"

    "A little? Skadi, she''s a walking disaster waiting to happen. It''s a miracle she hasn''t burned down the entire estate yet." Aisha rolled her eyes like she was fed up with her clumsiness always being used as an excuse for silly mistakes.

    And then, all of a sudden, Julie could take no more.

    She let out a long, exasperated sigh and pushed herself up with a fluid motion¡ªthough she moved very carefully this time, probably terrified of adding to her growing list of clumsy mishaps. Then, in one swift motion, she grabbed Skadi by the ear with her right hand¡­and Aisha by the ear with her left.

    "Oh, come on¡ªOw!" Aisha yelped first, her amber eyes widening as she tried to wriggle free in protest. "Captain, this hurts! My ears are¡ªow¡ªreally sensitive! This is harrasment I say! Harrasment! The captain is abusing her power on her comrades!"

    Skadi, on the other hand, let out a more primal whimper, wolf ears pinned flat against her head as she tried to crane her neck away. "C-Captain¡­W-Wait¡ª"

    But there was no mercy in Julie''s expression. She wore that serious older-sister look, the one that said I''m so done with your nonsense right now. A faint flush still lingered on her cheeks¡ªno doubt from the embarrassment of hearing her long list of clumsy exploits.

    "Oh, I''m sorry...Did my two dear subordinates forget who''s in charge here? Because it sure sounded to me like you were having a grand time mocking your beloved Captain." Her voice was clipped, each syllable like a carefully measured blade as she addressed them both.

    Aisha gasped, tears forming at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to escape Julie''s iron grip. "I¡ªI wasn''t mocking you, Captain! Ow, ow¡ªI was just stating the truth! You can''t be angry at me for saying what is the truth! That''s against my right to speech!" She winced, eyes darting to Cassius¡ªwho, by the way, looked extremely amused, standing just a few paces away, arms crossed over his chest, the faintest smirk lingering on his lips.

    Julie turned her head slightly to glance at Cassius, noticing that smug flicker in his eyes¡ªand the way his shoulders shook, like he was holding in a laugh. Her cheeks burned.

    With a tense smile and a scary look in her eyes, she snapped back to Aisha, "The truth, huh? I suppose that includes every single embarrassing detail you can recall, especially in front of outsiders?"

    "Hey¡ªow¡ªstop tugging so hard!" Aisha nearly hopped on one foot, her cat tail swishing frantically in discomfort. "It''s not my fault! You know as well as I do that you can''t do normal day-to-day tasks without some sort of incident¡ªlike that time you¡ª"

    Julie''s glare intensified, and she twisted the poor cat''s ear a bit more. "We do not need to revisit that time in front of everyone."

    Julie muttered, rolling her eyes as she kept her hold on both of them. Then, her frustration morphed into a strange sort of melancholy.

    "I mean, really¡­What happened to the sweet little children I picked up all those years ago? Where did those adorable, wide-eyed little things who used to follow me around whenever I went go, hmm?"

    Aisha paused, ignoring her throbbing ear for a moment. "They disappeared the day we both realized just how clumsy our captain is and not the mighty goddess we thought you were." She harumphed, her voice turning smug like she refused to give in.

    Julie exhaled, letting out a half-laugh, half-groan, shaking her head like a disappointed mother.

    "This is what I get for raising prodigies like without some discipline. Look at you, both of you¡ªimpossible."

    Skadi, meanwhile, whined in protest, pulling at Julie''s wrist in a futile attempt to free her wolf ear.

    "Captain, you''re going to rip my ear off! I can''t fight if I''m missing one ear!"

    She then let out a whine, saying, "And Captain, I''m innocent here! I was just trying to stop Aisha from speaking to you like that!" She insisted, silver eyes darting to Aisha as if pleading for backup.

    Julie let out a long, weary sigh¡ªlike a mother who''d heard every excuse in the book. She tilted her head slightly, giving Skadi a slow, appraising look.

    "You know, Skadi..." She began, her tone half-exasperation, half-affection. "Your heart is always in the right place since your such a good puppy who always has the most purest of thoughts. But your brain¡­"

    She paused, shook her head in theatrical disbelief.

    "...Sometimes I question whether it exists at all."

    Skadi''s jaw dropped in sheer offense.

    "C-Captain!" She gasped, ears flattening. "How can you say that about me? I''m your Left Hand! One of the two assistant captains of the Holyfield Guard¡ªwould I be in this position if I didn''t have a brain?" She puffed out her chest, trying and failing to look dignified as Julie still tugged on her ear. "I demand a proper explanation!"

    Julie gave her an indulgent, almost pitying stare.

    "You got this position because you are a genius on the battlefield, Skadi." She stressed every word, making sure Skadi heard it loud and clear. "You know how to read enemy formations, exploit weaknesses, and break through entire lines like they''re nothing. But if it were for your¡­how shall we say¡­mental acuity off the battlefield, the entire Sacred Guard would have been wiped out ages ago."

    Skadi looked like someone had just taken away her favorite toy and told her Santa wasn''t real, all at once.

    "Th-That''s¡ªBut I''m¡ª" She stammered, nose twitching like a wounded pup''s. "But Captain, so many people call me ''special'' and talk about my intelligence! They say I''m different from the usual wolf beastkin, that I''m clever¡ª"

    Julie gave her a long, pitiful stare, letting her hand slip away from Skadi''s ear.

    "They''re not wrong." She said gently, looking at her like a puppy that was a little off after its mother''s had dropped it on the a floor a little too many times. "You are special, Skadi. Just in your own...unique way."

 Chapter 75 Excecution

    Aisha, arms crossed, couldn''t help but snort. "Yes, you''re very special indeed, Skadi." She teased, tail flicking in amusement as no matter how reclusive she was and hated talking to others, she loved pissing of the slow mutt in her squad, she continued saying, "But not in the sense you''re hoping for."

    Skadi whirled on her, ears pricking up with renewed energy.

    "Oh, shut it, cat!" She barked, her pride stung. "I was talking to the Captain, not you. Who asked you to butt in, anyway?" She jabbed a finger toward Aisha. "You''re always so full of yourself with that fancy magic and that scrawny cat body¡ªthinking you''re better than everyone else!"

    Aisha smirked in that maddening way she did. "Better than you? Well..." She said, drawing out the words in a haughty purr. "I don''t need to stomp rocks to prove my worth, if that''s what you''re getting at."

    "You¡ª!" Skadi snarled, taking a step forward, her tail puffing out in anger. "At least I''m not so reclusive that I have absolutely no friends in the squad and eat lunch alone! You have issues, cat!"

    "S-Shut up. I choose to eat my lunch alone." Aisha shot back, as her cheeks tinted red at being called out for being a loner. "A-And says the mutt who was about to massacre a rock''s ''extended family.''"

    Unable to handle them anymore, Julie groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

    "Aisha, Skadi¡ªenough."

    But they kept going, ignoring her as if they were two children on the playground.

    Their voices rose in an increasingly loud, heated tangle of complaints and insults: "Furball!" "Hairball!" "Stop copying me!" "Stop breathing my air!" and so on.

    Julie looked up at the heavens, arms dropping to her sides in defeat. She had finally let go of both of their ears, but somehow, she felt more strained than when she was pulling on them.

    "I can''t believe this is my left hand and my right hand." She muttered under her breath, sounding more like a reluctant parent than a revered hero. "I must have been out of my mind when I decided to keep them both by my side."

    The quarrel between the "mutt" and the "cat" only escalated: "You can''t even read properly!" "At least I don''t drool on my pillow, fuzzbrain!" "You¡ª! Take that back!" "Or what, you''ll bury me alive next?"

    Julie groaned, stepping between them once more. "Okay, both of you¡ªstop. Please. For my sanity."

    They halted, mid-insult, turning to look at her with dual expressions of a scolded dog and cat. Skadi''s ears drooped again; Aisha''s tail swished with a bit less protest.

    "If you two want to tear each other to pieces, do it on the training ground." Julie said wearily, though her eyes flickered with genuine affection beneath the frustration. "Not when we have¡­more pressing matters to attend to."

    At her words, a hush fell over the courtyard. Aisha and Skadi, mid-squabble, halted abruptly, a silent understanding passing between them.

    The knights who had been standing around¡ªsome with amused grins, others awkwardly pretending not to watch¡ªstraightened their backs and reached for the discipline that had made them so esteemed in the first place. It was as though a door to a secret garden of silliness had just been slammed shut.

    Lucious, noticing the shift in atmosphere, stepped in front of Cassius with a protective stance. There was a glint in his eyes, steeled resolve in the line of his jaw¡ªhe looked ready to defend his master against any threat, even one as imposing as the Sacred Guard.

    But Cassius raised an arm, giving Lucious a calm, almost gentle look. "No, Lucious." He said quietly. "Stand down. Don''t interfere¡ªno matter what happens."

    Lucious''s brow knitted. "But Master¡ª"

    "It''s fine." Cassius''s voice was firm, his golden eyes steady. "Trust me¡­nothing will happen."

    Lucious hesitated, but then exhaled, taking a single step back, though not without casting the knights and the two sub-captains a wary glance. He did not fully relax; the tautness in his body betrayed his readiness to jump in at the slightest provocation.

    Realising why exactly she came here, Julie let out a long, burdened sigh, as though the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders.

    Her expression was conflicted¡ªsomething about this situation clearly went against her normal principles. Hesitation flickered in her emerald eyes.

    But when her gaze swept the circle of knights, landing briefly on Aisha and Skadi, her indecision hardened into grim determination. Whatever she was about to do, she believed it was necessary to protect those under her care.

    She stepped forward, her armor clinking softly. Every pair of eyes followed her, waiting. The gentle breeze carried the sound of rustling leaves, the only movement in an otherwise motionless scene.

    And then, in a voice that commanded respect, she spoke: "I am Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane." She declared, shoulders squared. "Captain of the Sacred Guard and direct protector of the Holyfield domain."

    Aisha and Skadi, flanking her on either side, inclined their heads¡ªone short, grudging nod from Aisha, one proud, tail-flicking acknowledgment from Skadi. The rest of the knights stiffened in salute.

    Julie''s next words came crisp and resolute, as though reciting a formal rite: "I stand here today on behalf of the Holyfield family''s laws¡ªlaws that apply to every citizen of these lands, including those of noble birth to root out a offender among us."

    Her gaze locked on Cassius, who watched her with steady eyes.

    "Cassius Vindictus Holyfield." She intoned. "You are the third son of the Holyfield family and you may think that you are safe from your actions because of that. But your alleged crimes¡ªabusing your power to force yourself upon your own maids¡ªhave reached our ears."

    Lucious''s face turned pale, hearing exactly what he didn''t want to hear.

    "The Holyfield domain''s laws are strict and unyielding: anyone found guilty of such heinous acts faces the gravest of punishments." Julie continued and swallowed, forging ahead despite the guilt that flickered in her eyes. "The verdict for these crimes is execution¡ªcarried out by the designated protectors of Holyfield, in accordance with the family''s ancient rules that no one stands above justice. And so¡ª" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    In a single fluid motion, Julie reached behind her back, drawing her sword with an audible ring of steel. Its polished blade caught the sunlight, flashing brilliant sparks of white. She then pointed it at Cassius with a firm, unwavering grip.

    The knights in the circle tensed. A few parted slightly, allowing Julie a clear line of sight. Aisha''s amber eyes flicked between Cassius and her captain, arms folded, face unreadable. Skadi clenched her fists, her tail swishing, clearly discomforted by the gravity of the moment.

    Lucious shifted, face blanching, but he bit his tongue and stood fast behind Cassius, remembering his master''s command. His heart pounded against his ribcage¡ªthis was a truly dangerous dance.

    For a moment, no one spoke. Cassius gazed at Julie over the tip of her sword, an inscrutable expression in his crimson eyes. The wind whipped at the corners of their clothes, as if nature itself felt the crackling tension.

    Finally, Julie broke the silence. "Cassius Vindictus Holyfield." She repeated solemnly. "By the power vested in me as captain of the Sacred Guard, I declare you guilty for the crimes of molesting your maids which is punishable by death and hence will be bringing back your head with me to present to the lives you have ruined."

    While Lucious''s grey eyes went wide hearing such a conclusion, Cassius in fact had already anticipated this.

    While he hadn''t known who exactly would be sent after him, he had known someone would be. And it seemed that ''someone'' was Julie, flanked by her usual entourage of walking weapons.

    He was about to open his mouth, a carefully crafted response already forming in his mind, a mental calculation of how to turn this situation to his advantage...''That bastard has essentially signed his own death warrant now that everything is confirmed.'' He thought grimly and about how he was going to deal with him later and show him what true despair looked like.

    But then, just as he was about to speak, Julie did something completely unexpected. Something that made every head in the courtyard snap towards her in stunned silence...Something that even took Cassius by surprise.

    "B-But what I had just said now...That''s what''s what I was told to say..." She said, her voice suddenly devoid of its previous steel. "...and what I was told to do..." She paused, her gaze meeting Cassius''s. "But in fact...that''s not the truth."

    A collective gasp rippled through the knights. Lucious, who had been bracing for a fight, looked utterly bewildered, his mouth hanging open slightly. ''What in the world is going on?'' He thought, his mind reeling.

    Cassius, however, remained remarkably calm. He simply observed Julie, his expression unchanged, though a flicker of curiosity danced in his eyes.

    Julie''s gaze remained locked on Cassius. Her expression was now one of profound sorrow.

    "I''m already about to commit a sin." She said, her voice thick with emotion. "A sin that will haunt me for the rest of my life." She paused, taking a shaky breath. "I...I don''t want to compound that sin by lying to the man whose life I''m about to wrongly take."

    And then, to the silent shock of everyone present, including Lucious, Julie lowered her sword. The clang of steel against the cobblestones echoed through the courtyard, a sound that seemed to shatter the carefully constructed tension. The blade lay there, gleaming in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the turmoil in Julie''s eyes.

    Aisha, who had been observing the scene with her usual quiet intensity, finally spoke. "Captain..." She said, her voice grim. "You don''t need to explain or feel guilty about what you''re going to do. It''s not your fault."

    "...We understand and I''ll just say that no matter how you explain it to him, he will never understand and will just hate you no matter what so it''s useless to do so and better to finish what needs to be done without any unnecessary words."

    "Understand? Understand what exactly, Aisha?" Julie looked at her, with a wry smile on her face.

    Aisha''s amber eyes were filled with a chilling coldness. "We understand that you were given an impossible order. An order that no one should ever have to bear." She paused, her gaze flickering towards Cassius. "It''s not your fault, Captain. This...This is simply his fate. The price of being born into such a family."

    Lucious frowned, confused.

    ''What does she mean ''his fate''? What does his master''s family have to do with anything?''

    Julie, however, seemed to understand. She gave Aisha a wry smile.

    "You''re right, Aisha. We were forced into this. They gave us no choice." But then her expression hardened. "But it was still my decision to carry out those orders. My decision not to defy them."

    "...And so, it''s my responsibility to bear the burden of the sin that comes with it and explain to him what led to this outcome, no matter if he understands or not." She said with a weary look in her eyes, hating how things had come to this point.

    Aisha let out a sigh, her eyes softening slightly.

    She understood the impossible position her captain was in, the terrible weight she was carrying. And then, her gaze hardened again, her eyes filled with a burning hatred as she thought of the person who was the cause of all this. ''You will pay for this.'' She vowed silently. ''You will pay dearly.''

    Julie then looked towards Cassius, her expression turning serious. "Continuing with where I left off and where it all started, saying that when the rumors of what you had allegedly done to your maids first surfaced..." She began, her voice low but firm. "...the entire Sacred Guard...Well, let''s just say they were eager to...express their displeasure."

    A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips.

    "The fact that several innocent women were wronged...It ignited a firestorm. The Sacred Guard, as you know, is comprised largely of women. Such crimes...they are taken very personally."

    She paused, her gaze sweeping across the assembled knights. A few shifted uncomfortably, their eyes briefly meeting Cassius''s before darting away. A flush of guilt crept up their necks. They had been so quick to judge, so ready to condemn.

    "There were...heated discussions." Julie continued, her smile widening slightly. "Several members actually volunteered to...escort you to the nearest cliff. No trial, no questions asked. They were ready to... administer justice...swiftly even if it ended up with their own excecution."

    The knights shuffled even more, some exchanging embarrassed glances. They had been so caught up in the fervor of the moment, so convinced of Cassius''s guilt, that they hadn''t stopped to consider all the facts. The whispers and rumors had been enough to condemn him in their eyes.

    Julie''s gaze returned to Cassius. "They didn''t care that you were a noble. They didn''t care about your family name. All they cared about was that several women had been hurt, and they were ready to...rectify the situation."

    She chuckled softly. "It was...quite the scene. I had to physically restrain a few of them. Skadi was particularly enthusiastic." She added, glancing at the wolf beastkin, who bowed down embarrassedz a sheepish grin on her face.

    "But..." Julie continued, her voice regaining its seriousness. "There was one voice of reason amidst the chaos. One person who refused to let emotion cloud their judgment. One person who insisted on knowing all the facts before taking any action."

    She turned to Aisha, her eyes filled with respect.

    "Aisha..." she said. "You were the only one who said, ''We cannot act on rumors. We must have proof. We must know the truth."

    Aisha, typically quick with a retort, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground. She didn''t preen under the praise; she knew the gravity of the situation. She knew the forces at play.

    Julie nodded towards her Right Hand. "Aisha insisted that we investigate thoroughly, that we follow protocol, that we uphold the principles of justice, even when it''s...difficult."

    She paused, her expression becoming somber.

    "She reminded us that we are the Sacred Guard, not a mob. That we are guardians of justice, not instruments of vengeance."

    "Justice is not blind, Captain." Aisha finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "It must be tempered with reason and truth."

    "...We cannot condemn a man based on whispers and hearsay or else we wouldn''t be any different to the bandits who makes decisions on a whim."

    Cassius''s gaze shifted to Aisha, a flicker of genuine respect in his eyes. He had thought that she was a rather peculiar and seemed to be someone who looked down upon everyone.

    But he had to admit, she had handled this situation with remarkable composure and sound judgment.

    Beneath all the bravado, he thought, there''s a sharp mind and a strong sense of justice.

    His eyes then drifted to Skadi, who was pointedly looking away, her tail twitching nervously. She avoided his gaze, a guilty flush creeping up her neck. It was as if she was silently pleading, ''Don''t blame Skadi! Skadi is not as smart as Aisha!''

    He chuckled inwardly. He could just imagine the scene in the Sacred Guard headquarters, with Skadi advocating for immediate...justice, while Aisha calmly argued for a more measured approach.

    ...And Julie in between all of them, trying to mediate the situation that was escalating beyond relief.

 Chapter 76 Sickening Family Affairs

    Cassius''s attention returned to Julie, who continued her explanation. "Because of Aisha''s insistence..." She said. "...we conducted a deep undercover investigation. We had to be discreet, of course. We couldn''t risk alerting anyone to our inquiries. We operated in the shadows, gathering information, piecing together the truth."

    She paused, her expression turning serious. "And what we discovered...was quite shocking."

    Julie took a deep breath. "Cassius Vindictus Holyfield...." She said, her voice ringing with sincerity. "...you have never forced yourself on any woman."

    A murmur rippled through the assembled knights. But it wasn''t a murmur of disbelief. It was a murmur of...knowing. They had been the ones conducting the investigation, after all. They had seen the evidence with their own eyes. Their curiosity was of a different kind.

    Julie continued, her voice gaining strength. "In fact..." He said, her eyes meeting Cassius''s. "The truth is almost the exact opposite. Our investigation revealed that it was your maids who...threw themselves at you."

    A stunned silence descended upon the courtyard. The knights, who already knew this information, now looked at Cassius with a mixture of awe and bewilderment. How...? What...? Their expressions seemed to ask. What kind of...charm does this man possess that his maids were willing to be disgraced by him?

    They had seen the reports, the testimonies. They knew the details. But knowing something and understanding it were two different things. They had heard from the maids themselves, and while they had gotten the truth, they were still left wondering. How had he managed to inspire such...enthusiasm? He was, after all, not exactly known for his...social graces.

    Even Aisha and Julie couldn''t help but wonder. They had both heard the whispers about Cassius''s...less than stellar reputation. He had been labeled a wastrel, a dunce, a man of questionable character. And yet...these women, these maids, had apparently been...exhilarated in their pursuit of him.

    Just what was it about him that they weren''t seeing was what they wondered, their curiosity piqued.

    Skadi, bless her heart, seemed the least concerned with this revelation. She was probably still preoccupied with the existential question of whether rocks had families, or perhaps wondering if she could train a squirrel to deliver messages.

    Cassius, for his part, was quite impressed. He had to give them credit. They had managed to conduct a thorough investigation without alerting anyone, uncovering information that even he hadn''t fully grasped.

    ''These women are far more capable than I initially gave them credit for.'' He thought. ''I underestimated them.''

    He was also rather curious as to how they had managed to extract such information from his...ardent maids without causing a scene. That was a feat in itself

    Julie coughed, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. She realized she had been dwelling on the enthusiasm of Cassius''s maids for a tad too long.

    Clearing her throat, she continued. "As I was saying...the truth is...the maids were all...eager to...serve their master." The blush deepened slightly, and she quickly moved on. "It was also revealed that they had, in fact, committed some minor transgressions behind his back. And yet, he forgave them."

    A murmur of surprise went through the knights. This new information painted a very different picture of Cassius than the one they had initially believed. He wasn''t the predatory nobleman they had imagined. He was...forgiving. Perhaps even...kind?

    "This made us realize." Julie said, her gaze sweeping across the knights. "That the rumors...they were wrong. Young Master Cassius wasn''t the man we thought he was. We were...considering dropping the case altogether."

    Her tone shifted, becoming hard, almost bitter.

    "That is, until...I received orders. Orders from someone no one in my squad, not even anyone in my family, can disobey."

    Cassius gave a small, knowing smile. He had been expecting this.

    Julie''s eyes met his. "I was ordered to use these very rumors as a basis for your...execution. For the sins you allegedly committed."

    Lucious, who had been listening intently, frowned.

    ''Who could possibly have that much power? And that much...hatred?'' He wondered. ''Cassius, as far as he knew, had never done anything to warrant such animosity, aside from being...well, a bit of a wastrel.'' S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie continued, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of betrayal. "I initially thought...I hoped...that this person also believed the rumors. That they were acting out of a sense of...distorted justice."

    "...That they were so blinded by the alleged crimes that they were willing to ignore the truth."

    She shook her head, a look of disbelief on her face.

    "But I was wrong...Horribly wrong."

    Her voice dropped to a near whisper.

    "I discovered...that this person already knew the truth. They knew you were innocent. And yet...they were still insistent. They still demanded your execution."

    Lucious''s frown deepened. ''Who is this person?'' He thought, his mind racing. ''Who has this much influence, this much...malice?''

    He glanced at Cassius, who remained remarkably composed, his expression giving nothing away.

    ''And why? Why would they want Cassius dead, even knowing he''s innocent?'' The questions swirled in his mind, creating a knot of unease in his stomach.

    "Of course." Julie continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "No matter how powerful this person is, no matter how much influence they wield, I...I could not simply accept their command. I refused to raise my sword against an innocent man."

    "That would go against everything the Sacred Guard stands for. It would make me no different than a...a lackey, blindly following orders." She added ruefully. "I''m not saying this to excuse my actions, Young Master Cassius...I simply want you to know."

    But then she hesitated, a pitiful look creeping onto her face as she looked at Cassius.

    "But..." She began, her voice barely a whisper. "No matter how much I protested, that man, he...he wouldn''t yield. He was adamant. And then...he issued an ultimatum. He said that if I didn''t follow his orders my...my entire squad...would be accused of treason."

    "...And executed without trial."

    A collective sigh rippled through the assembled knights. They bit their lips in frustration, their faces etched with anger and helplessness.

    They had dedicated their lives to serving the Holyfield family, to upholding justice, and this was how they were repaid? With threats? With the lives of their comrades hanging in the balance?

    Lucious, his face pale, couldn''t help but wonder who was so ruthless, so devoid of compassion, that he would sacrifice an entire squad of loyal soldiers just to get to Cassius? The sheer cruelness of the order chilled him to the bone.

    Cassius, however, remained remarkably calm, his expression unchanged. It was as if he had already anticipated this revelation.

    Just then, Skadi, unable to contain herself any longer, stepped forward.

    "I-It''s not the Captain''s fault! It''s not her fault at all so don''t blame her!" She exclaimed, her voice ringing with fierce loyalty. "She...She fought him! She argued with him! She even said...She even said she was willing to...to give her own life on the very spot and even handed her sword to him to do so, rather than take the life of an innocent man!"

    The knights who hadn''t been privy to these internal struggles exchanged shocked glances. ''Captain Julie offered to sacrifice herself?!'' They thought, their respect for their captain growing even deeper.

    Aisha gritted her teeth, her hands clenching into fists. Unlike others she knew the impossible position Julie had been placed in, and the knowledge of her captain''s selfless sacrifice only made her feel more helpless, more enraged at the man pulling the strings.

    Cassius, his gaze softening, looked at Julie with admiration. She had stood her ground, she had fought for what was right, even when faced with impossible odds. She was a true leader, a true protector.

    Skadi, her voice trembling slightly, continued, "But that man...That bad man...Even though the captain was willing to go so far, he in respone simply said she might be willing to give her own life, but what about her squad? What about us? And then used us to threaten her. And that she...she couldn''t accept that." Her voice trailed off into a whimper.

    The thought of her comrades, her friends, being executed because of her captain''s defiance...It was too much to bear.

    "Skadi!" Julie snapped, her voice sharp with warning. "That''s enough! Be quiet."

    Skadi whimpered pitifully, her ears drooping, and retreated back to her position beside Aisha. The wolf beastkin, usually so boisterous and unyielding, looked utterly defeated.

    Julie sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She looked at Cassius, her emerald eyes filled with regret and a deep sadness.

    "I never wanted it to come to this." She confessed, her voice heavy with emotion. "I...I never wanted to raise my sword against an innocent man. After today...I...I will abandon my position. Leave the Sacred Guard. Go on a journey...to find some way to redeem myself for what I''m about to do."

    She closed her eyes, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek.

    "Hate me if you must, Cassius." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I deserve it. But...today...there can only be one of us left standing. It''s either you...or me...or my entire squad."

    With a heavy heart, Julie drew her sword once more. The polished steel gleamed in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the despair in her eyes. There was no way around it. This was the path she had been forced to take, the sacrifice she had to make to protect those under her command.

    Skadi bit her lip, her frustration and helplessness palpable. She wanted to fight, to protect her captain, to tear apart the man who had forced this impossible choice upon them. But she knew she couldn''t. She couldn''t disobey a direct order, not when the lives of her comrades were at stake.

    Aisha''s hands were clenched so tightly that her knuckles were white, her nails digging into her flesh. She, too, felt the burning rage, the desire for vengeance. But she, like Skadi, was bound by duty, by loyalty.

    The knights, their faces grim, shifted uneasily, the faint rattling of their armor betraying their anger and frustration. They had dedicated their lives to upholding justice, and yet, here they were, forced to stand by and watch as their captain prepared to execute an innocent man.

    The pressure in the courtyard was almost unbearable. The air crackled with unspoken emotions: anger, despair, loyalty, and a deep, gnawing sense of injustice.

    And just as tensions were reaching a breaking point, and it seemed a full-blown battle was about to erupt, Cassius smiled.

    His soft chuckle echoed through the tense silence, utterly at odds with the deadly atmosphere. His crimson eyes gleamed with something unreadable¡ªamusement? Pity? Contempt? It was impossible to tell.

    Then, he spoke.

    "The person who orchestrated all of this..." His voice was calm, almost casual.

    "...It was my beloved father, wasn''t it?"

    A ripple of shock passed through the knights like a gust of wind tearing through a field of wheat.

    The very air around them seemed to still as all eyes snapped to Cassius, then to Julie, then back to Cassius again, seeking confirmation, denial¡ªanything.

    But Julie said nothing.

    Aisha, too, remained silent.

    And their silence was all the confirmation anyone needed.

    Lucious, standing behind Cassius, visibly recoiled.

    "W-What?" His voice came out hoarse, disbelieving. "Master, that¡­that can''t be. The Duke may be many things, but to try and assassinate his own son? That''s¡ª" His words died on his lips as he turned toward Julie, as if silently pleading for her to deny it.

    She didn''t.

    Julie simply lowered her gaze, her lips pressing into a thin line, unable to meet Lucious''s bewildered expression. Aisha, who had initially been as rigid as stone, now let her sharp amber eyes lock onto Cassius with a look of keen interest.

    "¡­How?" She asked, her voice steady, but laced with something close to disbelief. "How did you figure it out?"

    That single question made Lucious stumble back, the realization finally setting in. It wasn''t a lie. It wasn''t some drunken theory from his master''s once-wastrel mind.

    It was the truth.

    His own father, the patriarch of the Holyfield family, Alexander Holyfield, had put out an execution order on his son.

    Cassius, however, remained completely unfazed. If anything, he looked almost¡­pleased.

    His lips curled into a smile, sharp and knowing. "Simple." He drawled. "Who else would have the power to issue a death order on a noble son and expect it to be carried out without question? Who else would have the authority to twist the Sacred Guard into a tool for murder? And most importantly¡­" His smile widened. "Who else would be so desperate to get rid of me now, of all times, after letting me waste away for years?"

    Aisha''s eyes narrowed. "You figured all that out just from that?"

    Cassius let out a slow, knowing sigh, as if he had been expecting this moment for far longer than he cared to admit. He looked at Aisha with an almost amused expression before shrugging.

    "That was one reason." He admitted. Then, with a wry chuckle, he added. "But more importantly¡­My father has wanted me dead from the very moment I was born, so why else would I suspect anyone else when my number one enemy was living right next door."

    A heavy silence followed his words.

    Lucious visibly stiffened, his face pale. The knights around them¡ªtrained warriors who had seen their fair share of horrors¡ªshifted uneasily at the sheer coldness with which Cassius stated such a thing. Even Julie winced, unable to suppress the flicker of discomfort in her usually composed expression.

    Cassius then turned to Lucious then, patting his butler lightly on the back, his voice laced with a strange kind of amusement.

    "Relax. It''s not like it''s some grand secret. The only reason I''m still breathing is because the Vindictus family¡ªthe very same one my mother came from¡ªwouldn''t allow their heir to be slaughtered by his own father." He tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming with something sharp and knowing. "Though, of course¡­their true intentions for me remain unknown."

    Aisha, Julie, and Skadi all exchanged looks at that revelation.

    "You''re saying..." Aisha started, her voice quiet. "That the only thing keeping you alive all this time...was your mother''s family?"

    Cassius chuckled darkly. "It''s rather poetic, isn''t it? My father¡ªone of the most powerful men in the kingdom who could do anything he wanted to¡ªcouldn''t carry out the one thing he wanted to do which was to kill me."

    "He couldn''t touch me, not directly. Even he didn''t dare to go against the Vindictus household, who were just as powerful...If he had, he would have risked breaking the delicate power balance between the two families." He glanced at the knights surrounding him, watching as the weight of his words settled over them. "But make no mistake¡­My father always had his eyes set on my grave and that will never change, no matter who blocks his path and he will always find a way to end my existence."

    "...And seeing all of you gather here to bring back my head, it seems like he''s finally found how to finally accomplish his long time dream."

    A collective shudder ran through the Sacred Guard at those words.

    Julie, despite having been prepared for this, still found herself feeling an uneasy churn in her stomach. She had always known that noble affairs were ruthless, that blood ties in high society meant nothing when weighed against power.

    But to hear it spoken so plainly by the very person at the center of such a cruel scheme made it feel¡­different...More real...More sickening.

 Chapter 77 Luciouss Anguish

    Cassius smirked at Julie''s reaction. "Uncomfortable, Captain?"

    Julie''s jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

    He turned back to Lucious, who was still struggling to process everything. "The truth is, my father has been waiting for years for me to slip up. To give him an excuse¡ªa justifiable reason¡ªto eliminate me without consequence." He exhaled, a humorless chuckle escaping him. "And to think, I only found out about this because a few of my maids used to report everything I did back to the main household."

    That caught Aisha''s attention. Her sharp amber eyes narrowed. "You had spies among your staff?"

    "Oh, of course." Cassius said with a chuckle. "Not that I blame them. It was never about loyalty or betrayal¡ªit was about survival. Those maids were smart enough to align themselves with power, and if that meant selling information about the ''useless third son'' to the patriarch, then so be it." He smiled, but there was no warmth behind it. "And what exactly did the main household want to know? Simple. Every report they ever sent back contained the same question: Had I done something bad enough to justify execution?"

    Silence.

    Aisha inhaled sharply. Her mind, quick as ever, immediately pieced the rest of the puzzle together.

    "They weren''t just watching you." She murmured, a mix of realization and horror flashing across her face. "They were waiting."

    Cassius nodded. "Waiting for the moment I would finally make a mistake." His eyes gleamed with something dark and unreadable. "And then¡­those rumors came out."

    Aisha''s heart clenched. "That was the trigger." She muttered. "That was the moment they''d been waiting for."

    Julie''s grip on her sword tightened, her breath hastening at the information that was being revealed.

    Skadi, who had been listening with rapt attention, looked between Cassius and Aisha in growing unease. "Wait, hold on¡ªwhat exactly are you saying?"

    Aisha''s voice was grim. "The patriarch couldn''t just kill Cassius outright. Not without provoking the Vindictus family. Not without making it look like a personal grudge rather than a justifiable punishment." Her mind raced as she continued, her voice growing more certain. "That''s why he never tried to fabricate something himself. If he had, the Vindictus family¡ªwho specialize in working in the dark, in uncovering the truth¡ªwould have found out. And if that happened, the Duke would be exposed for trying to eliminate his own son over a personal grudge."

    Cassius smirked. "You''re catching on."

    Aisha''s stomach churned as the depth of the plan truly sank in. "So instead." She continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "He waited...He waited for you to do something¡ªanything¡ªthat could be considered unforgivable under Holyfield law. And since the Holyfields are known for their strict code of justice, he knew that if the crime was big enough¡­no one would question the verdict."

    "That''s why they always asked about your sins." Julie muttered under her breath, realization dawning on her as well.

    "Exactly." Cassius chuckled.

    A heavy, suffocating silence fell over the group.

    Skadi clenched her fists, her ears flattening against her head. "That''s¡­" She struggled to find the right words. "That''s just¡ª"

    "Cruel?" Cassius finished for her, his voice void of emotion. "Oh, undoubtedly. But that''s how just how my father hates me¡ªHates me for killing my mother upon my birth."

    Lucious swallowed thickly, finally finding his voice. "Then¡­These rumors¡­"

    "They were the perfect excuse." Aisha said darkly. "Your father must have been waiting for years for something like this. And when the rumors spread, when public opinion began to turn against you¡ªhe knew it was time to strike."

    Julie took a deep breath. "Which is why the execution order was issued."

    Cassius hummed. "See? It all makes sense now."

    Lucious clenched his fists, his voice rising in desperation.

    "No, no, it doesn''t make sense! It shouldn''t make sense! My lord, you haven''t done anything to warrant your death! The truth is right there¡ªyou''re innocent! If they just conducted a proper investigation, everything would come to light! They''d see that you''ve done nothing wrong!"

    Cassius turned to him with an amused smile, as if Lucious had just said something rather endearing.

    "Yes." He agreed, almost teasingly. "If an investigation were to happen, the truth would be uncovered. My innocence would be proven beyond a doubt."

    Lucious opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could, Cassius''s expression darkened.

    His playful smirk twisted into something far more chilling¡ªa cruel, knowing smile that sent a shiver down the spines of every knight present.

    "But that''s only if the investigation is actually completed before my execution."

    A cold silence fell over the courtyard.

    Julie stiffened. Skadi''s ears twitched in unease. Aisha''s brows furrowed, her calculating mind already trying to piece together where this was going.

    Cassius took a step forward, his tone eerily casual. "There''s a reason why I was sentenced to execution based solely on rumors. No trial. No questioning. No chance to defend myself. Just immediate death."

    The way he spoke¡ªso calmly, so assuredly¡ªmade the knights feel sick.

    Cassius chuckled darkly. "You see, my dear father isn''t a fool. If he were to allow even a day for an official investigation to begin, my innocence would inevitably come to light. It wouldn''t even take much effort. The truth is so blatantly in my favor that even a half-baked inquisition would expose the lies. And if that happened¡­well." He tilted his head slightly, mockingly. "Then he wouldn''t be able to kill me, would he?"

    Julie''s fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword.

    "The Vindictus family..." Cassius continued, eyes gleaming. "..would never allow him to execute me once the truth was out. They''d step in, demand justice for their heir, and my father would be forced to let me go¡ªhumiliated for trying to condemn an innocent man. And that''s something he can''t afford."

    He sighed, almost dramatically, before his smirk widened.

    "So instead of giving me that chance, he sent you¡ªthe Sacred Guard, his most honorable and trusted knights¡ªto silence me before the truth could even be considered. That way, by the time the Vindictus family finally did uncover the truth, I would already be rotting in the ground. And what could they do then?"

    Aisha inhaled sharply as realization struck her like a lightning bolt.

    Cassius turned his gaze to her, as if he could see her putting the pieces together. He smiled. "That''s right. They''d be outraged, of course. But would they go to war for a son they never truly cared for? Over a mere ''misunderstanding''?" His voice dropped into something almost mockingly sympathetic. "They''d be upset, certainly. They''d demand blood¡ªheads would roll. The people who spread the rumors that caused all these problems¡ªthey''d be sacrificed to appease the Vindictus household''s pride."

    A pause.

    Then Cassius smiled, slow and deliberate.

    "But the man who ordered it all? My father? Oh, no." He let out a short laugh. "He would simply call it an unfortunate mistake. A misjudgment. A tragedy, even. He''d bow his head, offer meaningless apologies, and swear that it was all done in the name of upholding justice."

    A suffocating stillness spread through the knights.

    Cassius spread his arms wide. "And that would be the end of it."

    The sheer ruthlessness of it all¡ªthe way the plan had been orchestrated so perfectly¡ªmade even the most hardened knights feel sick to their stomachs.

    Julie felt her grip on her sword waver. She had known this mission wasn''t right. But to hear it laid out so clearly¡­

    Aisha swallowed, her mind racing. If it wasn''t the Holyfield household itself or the maids that spread the rumors¡­ then who¡ª

    And then, it hit her.

    Her amber eyes snapped toward Cassius, widening in horror. "Wait. You''re saying¡­the one who spread the rumors¡­it wasn''t the patriarch?"

    Cassius let out a chuckle, his gaze glimmering with amusement.

    Lucious, however, knew. He had known all along. And right now, his hands were shaking at the terrible realization of what his master had done.

    Because he knew the answer.

    And when he turned to Cassius, the way his master''s smirk grew only confirmed his worst fear.

    Lucious''s face went pale. His throat went dry.

    It was him.

    Cassius himself had spread the rumors.

    And by the time the truth was discovered¡­

    He would already be dead.

    He had orchestrated his own execution.

    The realization sent a chill so deep through Lucious''s bones that he thought he might faint.

    Cassius, meanwhile, simply stood there, smiling.

    Lucious felt his breath grow unsteady, his entire body trembling as he took an unsteady step toward his master. His voice, usually filled with energy and mischief, was now weak, pleading.

    "W-We¡­We can still fix this." He croaked. "We can go to the Vindictus household in the capital right now and ask for justice! They wouldn''t let this slide, Master! They¡ª"

    Cassius shook his head before he could finish.

    "No, Lucious." His tone was final, resolute. "That''s not an option."

    Lucious''s stomach twisted. "Why not?! If the Vindictus family knew¡ª"

    "They won''t get the chance to know." Cassius interrupted with an eerie calmness. He sighed, stretching his arms lazily as if they were discussing the weather instead of his impending execution. "Think about it. My father has no intention of allowing me to make it that far. He''s smart¡ªtoo smart. Do you really think he''d leave a loose end like that?"

    Lucious shook his head furiously, unwilling to accept it. "No¡­No, there has to be¡ª"

    "There is no other way." Cassius continued. "If I were to flee now, the Holy Guard would be branded as traitors. My father has undoubtedly placed a deadline on them to deliver my head. If they don''t return with it by then¡ª" He gestured toward Julie and the assembled knights. "¡ªthey''ll all be hunted as criminals. Executed. Their families? Probably condemned alongside them."

    Lucious turned desperately to the knights, hoping¡ªpraying¡ªfor a sign that Cassius was wrong. That there was some way out of this mess. But the grim, downcast expressions on their faces told him otherwise.

    Julie remained silent, her emerald eyes full of a guilt so deep it threatened to crush her. Aisha, usually so sharp-tongued, stared at the ground, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. Skadi''s tail was drooped, her ears losing all their life, her face twisted in frustration.

    Not a single knight argued against Cassius''s words.

    And that alone confirmed the truth.

    Lucious felt something break inside him. His throat tightened, his vision blurred.

    "I-It''s not fair!" He choked out, his voice cracking with raw emotion. "It''s not fair! Why¡­Why does it have to be like this?! Why must my master fight against his own family¡ªagainst his own father¡ªjust for existing?!"

    Cassius watched him, his expression unreadable.

    Lucious spun toward the knights, his body trembling with rage. "And you!" He pointed at them, his voice rising with fury. "You dare call yourselves the Sacred Guard?! You claim to uphold justice?! But what are you really doing here?! What kind of justice is this?! Killing an innocent man¡ªfor what?! To save your own skins?! To obey a corrupt order that should never have been given in the first place?!"

    No one could meet his gaze. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The knights who once stood so proud, so tall¡ªwho once carried themselves as paragons of righteousness¡ªwere now slumped over, their heads bowed, shame thick in the air around them.

    Some bit their lips, unable to form words.

    And some¡ªsome began to tremble, the weight of their actions sinking in.

    One knight¡ªa younger woman near the back¡ªlet out a broken sob, covering her face with her hands.

    Another let her weapon slip from her fingers, her shoulders shaking.

    Even the more hardened veterans, those who had faced death countless times, could not deny the truth Lucious had laid bare.

    Julie''s hands trembled around her sword. She had thought she had already come to terms with what she was about to do¡ªbut hearing Lucious say it so plainly¡­so truthfully¡­made it feel so much worse.

    Aisha, the most pragmatic of them all, clenched her jaw. She wanted to argue back, to say that they had no choice. That they were backed into a corner. But the words never left her lips.

    Because¡­what was the point?

    Lucious was right.

    They had always preached about fairness. About righteousness. About upholding the sacred duty of their order.

    And yet, here they were. Carrying out an execution they knew was unjust.

    They weren''t knights of justice.

    They weren''t the holy protectors they were supposed to be.

    They were no different from mercenaries¡ªno different from the corrupt officials they despised.

    Aisha exhaled sharply, her breath shaky. She didn''t want to admit it, but she could feel her own chest tightening with shame.

    Skadi, usually the loudest and most excitable, was utterly silent. She couldn''t even look at Lucious, couldn''t bear to. She hated this. She hated that she had been put in this position. She hated that her captain¡ªher beloved captain¡ªwas forced to choose between Cassius''s life and their own.

    But most of all¡­

    She hated that she hadn''t done anything to stop it.

 Chapter 78 ...Kill Him

    Lucious took in the sight before him, his heart pounding in his chest, his hands trembling at his sides.

    He was at his limit. He had always been strong¡ªalways able to endure anything for his master''s sake.

    But this? This injustice, this hopelessness? It was too much.

    His throat tightened, his eyes burned, and just when he felt himself about to break¡ªabout to let the tears spill¡ª

    A hand landed on his head.

    Warm. Gentle. Reassuring.

    Lucious blinked in surprise, looking up to see Cassius''s ever-present, carefree smile staring back at him. The same lazy, half-lidded expression he always wore, like he didn''t have a care in the world.

    "There''s no need to get so worked up." Cassius said, ruffling his hair playfully.

    Lucious gaped at him, his master¡ªthe man whose death was all but assured¡ªwho should''ve been filled with anger, despair, something¡ªand yet, he stood there, utterly calm.

    Cassius then exhaled, as if this entire situation was just a mild inconvenience. "You also shouldn''t be mad at them." He said casually, his tone light and unconcerned. "It''s just survival of the fittest, Lucious...That''s all this is."

    He then gestured lazily toward the Sacred Guard, who all stood stiffly, their expressions frozen in guilt and hesitation. "Think about it. If you were stuck in the middle of the ocean, clinging onto a single piece of drifting wood, and someone else tried to climb on with you¡­what would you do?"

    No one answered.

    Cassius smiled, slow and knowing. "You''d push them off, wouldn''t you? Not because you hate them. Not because you want them to die...But because there''s only room for one."

    His gaze flickered toward Julie, then Aisha, then Skadi¡ªwho all flinched beneath the weight of his words.

    "That''s all this is." Cassius continued. "You''re all just clinging onto that piece of wood, trying to survive." He turned his head slightly, looking at Julie directly now. "It''s not wrong. None of you are in the wrong for choosing your own lives over mine."

    Julie swallowed hard, her eyes trembling as she heard him speak. ''Why¡­Why is he so calm? Why is he not cursing us? Why is he acting like we''re the ones who should be pitied?''

    Aisha felt a heavy lump settle in her throat. His words made it worse. So much worse. Because he wasn''t even trying to fight back. He wasn''t pleading, nor angry. He was simply¡­accepting.

    Like he had already come to terms with his death before they even arrived.

    The knights, too, looked shaken. Some of them lowered their heads, unable to meet Cassius''s gaze.

    Even Skadi, usually so brash, had her ears against her head. She hated this. She hated that he was the one comforting them...It felt wrong.

    Lucious, however, wasn''t soothed at all. "But Master, that''s¡ª"

    But before he could say anything more, Cassius''s hand left his head.

    And then¡ª

    Cassius laughed.

    Not his usual, light chuckle.

    No.

    This was different.

    This laugh was low. Dark. Bone-chilling.

    Lucious froze.

    Everyone froze.

    The air around them shifted¡ªturned wrong.

    Cassius, still grinning, tilted his head slightly. "But tell me, Lucious¡­"

    His voice was different now. Colder.

    "¡­Why are you acting like we''ve already lost?"

    "W-What?" Lucious stiffened.

    Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

    "I just said it, didn''t I? Survival of the fittest. That means there''s no right or wrong here. No morality. Just simple, animalistic instinct." His voice dropped lower, more sinister. "Which means¡­just like they shouldn''t feel guilty about killing me for their survival¡­"

    He slowly lifted his head, his crimson eyes glowing eerily beneath the afternoon sun.

    "¡­Then they shouldn''t be angry when I butcher every single one of them and dye this entire field in their blood for mine."

    The moment those words left his lips, the entire battlefield shifted.

    The air turned thick¡ªstifling.

    The knights felt it instantly¡ªan invisible pressure crashing down upon them, heavy and suffocating.

    A few instinctively reached for their weapons, their bodies moving on their own¡ªbecause suddenly, Cassius felt like a predator.

    Julie''s breath caught in her throat. Her fingers twitched around her sword hilt. What¡­is this feeling?

    Cassius was still smiling...Still grinning.

    But something about him had changed.

    It wasn''t something they could explain.

    It wasn''t something visible.

    It was simply¡­Terrifying.

    Even Aisha, who had spent years analyzing people¡ªunderstanding them¡ªfound herself unable to decipher what she was looking at. Her sharp mind blanked for the first time in her life.

    ''What¡­is this man?''

    Skadi, however, felt it deep in her bones.

    Fear.

    Primal. Instinctual. Fear.

    And before she even realized it¡ªbefore she even thought¡ªher body moved.

    A single step...Backwards.

    It wasn''t conscious. It wasn''t planned.

    It was survival....And that''s what terrified her the most.

    Because she had faced countless warriors before. She had fought monsters before.

    But never¡ªnot once¡ªhad her body ever moved on its own.

    Cassius took a slow step forward.

    And the knights instinctively took a step back.

    ''They''re afraid...All of them.'' Julie''s eyes widened at the shocking sight of her knights retreating.

    Cassius finally chuckled, low and quiet. "You all came here today, fully prepared to kill me." He mused, tilting his head. "But tell me¡­"

    His smile widened.

    "¡­Are you all prepared to die while trying to do so?"

    Skadi''s breath stopped, her claws slowly coming out as she felt the overwhelming fear claw at her senses. Something about Cassius¡­something wasn''t right. He was supposed to be the victim, the helpless noble cornered like a rat.

    Yet, staring at him now, she forgot that.

    Forgot that they were supposed to execute him.

    Forgot that he was meant to be a wastrel who drank his life away.

    For the first time in her life, Skadi¡ªa seasoned warrior who had ripped men apart with her bare hands¡ªfelt something she had never expected to feel in battle.

    Hesitation.

    "Wh-What the hell are you saying?!" She barked, voice tight with forced bravado. "You''re acting like you even have a chance against us! Like we wouldn''t cut you down in one breath!"

    The knights, who had begun to falter in the face of Cassius''s suffocating aura, suddenly found something to latch onto.

    Yes. Skadi was right.

    Cassius was just a noble brat. A man who, until recently, had been nothing more than a drunkard and a fool. He had no sword, no armor, no magic.

    There was no way he could possibly be a threat to them.

    Julie, gripping her sword tightly, exhaled. ''He''s losing it.'' She thought, sympathy creeping into her gaze. ''He''s so afraid of dying that he''s creating this delusion of power in his mind.''

    She had seen this before¡ªrebels, prisoners of war, even knights facing their end. When people were about to die, their minds broke down. Some begged. Some cursed.

    ...And some, like Cassius, convinced themselves they were stronger than they actually were.

    Julie sighed, about to say something soft, reassuring, perhaps even a promise to make his death as painless as possible¡ª

    Then, it happened.

    "Captain."

    Aisha''s voice cut through the battlefield like a dagger.

    Julie barely had time to process the sheer urgency in her tone before¡ª

    "Kill him."

    Julie froze.

    The air stilled.

    The knights¡ªwho had just begun to find their confidence¡ªsuddenly looked at Aisha in confusion.

    Even Skadi faltered.

    Julie turned her head slightly, her green eyes narrowing. "Aisha¡­what are you¡ª?"

    But Aisha wasn''t looking at her. She was looking at Cassius.

    And her pupils were dilated¡ªnot in fear, but in pure survival instinct.

    "I said kill him."

    Julie''s breath caught.

    Aisha was never like this...Never. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Even in the worst battles, even against the strongest foes, Aisha was always calm, calculating, always a step ahead.

    But now? Now she looked like she had already seen the outcome¡ªand it was disastrous. And before Julie could even question her, Aisha whirled toward the knights.

    "All of you¡ªGET INTO POSITION!...BRACE FOR THE WORST!"

    "WHAT?!"

    The knights stumbled at the sudden shift.

    "WHY?!"

    "What''s going on?!"

    "He''s alone, he has no weapons¡ª"

    But Aisha wasn''t listening to them. She was already moving¡ªher hands flashing in the air as she began casting magic.

    Skadi, who had been caught off guard, finally gritted her teeth and did what she always wanted to do. She drew her claws, settling into battle stance.

    Her silver eyes locked onto Cassius, this time not with mockery...With genuine wariness.

    Cassius?...He still stood there.

    Still smiling.

    Like everything that was happening was exactly what he wanted.

    Julie, heart hammering, demanded answers.

    "Aisha¡ªWhat the hell are you doing?! Why are you¡ª"

    Aisha didn''t even glance at her, her eyes stuck on Cassius like he would disappear if she took her eyes off for a single moment.

    "Trust me, captain."

    Julie stiffened because Aisha never said those words unless she was certain.

    "¡­Trust you with what?" She whispered.

    Aisha inhaled sharply.

    "The feline race may not have the same heightened battle instincts as the wolves." She said, glancing at Skadi briefly. "But we do have something else."

    Julie listened. Aisha''s amber eyes flickered, her ears twitching¡ªhyper-aware.

    "A sixth sense to detect danger."

    Julie''s gulped, as Aisha''s voice lowered. And when she spoke, it wasn''t with fear. It wasn''t with confusion.

    It was with absolute certainty.

    "Cassius Holyfield¡­" She whispered, her nails digging into her palms.

    "...Is not normal."

    The knights froze.

    Skadi stiffened.

    Julie took a step back as she was the closest to Cassius.

    "I can''t explain it." She admitted. "But my instincts¡ªthey''ve never been wrong before. They scream at me when we face an opponent that could wipe us out."

    She finally turned to look at Julie. And the fear in her normally confident eyes made Julie''s stomach turn.

    "¡­Right now, captain." Aisha said quietly.

    "Cassius reeks off that very same feeling."

    "...The feeling of a monster..."

    "...A horrifying monster in the skin of a human."

    Silence.

    A deafening, suffocating silence.

    The realization sank in.

    Julie had been thinking about it all wrong. She had assumed Cassius was merely putting on a brave face. She had assumed he was speaking nonsense out of desperation.

    But now?...Now she wasn''t so sure.

    Because if Aisha was reacting like this¡ª

    Then maybe¡­Just maybe.

    Cassius Holyfield wasn''t the one who was supposed to be afraid.

    Julie''s heart pounded in her chest. She trusted Aisha with her life.

    Aisha''s instincts were legendary, honed by years of training and experience. If Aisha was this terrified, then Julie knew, without a doubt, that they were in grave danger. This wasn''t some delusion, some desperate act of defiance. This was something else entirely. Something...unnatural.

    Taking a deep breath, Julie closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm raging within her. She thought of the knights, their lives hanging in the balance. She thought of her duty, her responsibility to protect them.

    And she thought of Aisha, her right hand, her beloved little sister who she watched growing up, the one person she knew would never steer her wrong.

    When she opened her eyes, they were filled with a steely resolve.

    The fear was still there, a cold knot in her stomach, but it was overshadowed by a grim determination.

    She unsheathed her sword, the polished steel glinting in the sunlight. Her gaze fell on Cassius, who still stood there, that unnerving smile plastered on his face.

    "I''m sorry, Young Master Cassius." She said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "I truly am. I wish...I wish it didn''t have to be this way. But I promise I''ll make it as painless as possible."

    "...And if there''s a next life...Let me be born as your slave, so I can atone for the sin I''m about to commit."

    It was a strange, almost desperate apology, born of fear and regret, but it was all she could offer.

    Without another word, Julie lunged forward, her sword arcing through the air. She aimed for a clean strike, a swift blow that would end his life quickly.

    She had to trust Aisha. She had to trust her instincts. There was no other choice. This was a life-or-death situation, and she had to act, even if her heart screamed in protest.

 Chapter 79 Where Did He Go?!

    Julie was a master of wind elemental magic.

    She had honed her skills to such perfection that she could seamlessly integrate the very essence of the wind into both her blade and her body. This mastery granted her unbelievable speed, a velocity that defied normal comprehension.

    So swift was her movement that, to most observers, she simply vanished, leaving behind only a gust of wind and the ghastly whisper of her blade cutting through the air¡ªhence her moniker, the Whispering Blade.

    Her attacks were a blur, a storm of carnage that left a trail of dismembered limbs in its wake. This incredible speed had made her one of the most formidable warriors on the continent.

    Now, seeing this very Julie lunge toward his master, Lucious cried out in alarm.

    "YOUNG MASTER!~"

    He surged forward, adrenaline coursing through his veins, desperate to protect Cassius. But before he could even take a single step, Julie had already reached her target. Her sword was swinging towards Cassius''s neck, her face set with grim determination.

    Aisha, even with her heightened feline senses, could barely track Julie''s movement.

    She saw the blur of motion, the flash of steel, and then...she was right in front of him, while Cassius himself was still standing there, that unsettling smile still fixed on his face.

    ''So fast.'' Aisha thought, a flicker of admiration, mixed with dread, crossing her features. ''Even I almost missed her.''

    And serin that her captain was going to finish off her target any second now, she let out a sigh of relief. ''It seems my instincts were wrong this time.'' She thought. ''That unsettling feeling...it must have been a false alarm.''

    She muttered a quiet, "Sorry" to Cassius under her breath, assuming the execution had gone as planned, albeit with terrifying speed. She knew what was about to happen, and while she didn''t want it to happen, she understood the necessity.

    It was a grim duty, but a duty nonetheless.

    But then, just as Julie''s blade was about to connect with Cassius''s neck, He...He¡ª

    He disappeared...

    He was simply gone...

    Julie''s sword passed through empty air, her momentum carrying her forward.

    ''Where...Where did he go?'' Her eyes widened in shock.

    Julie barely had time to register what had happened.

    One moment, her sword was cutting through the air, the force of her swing powerful enough to cleave through solid stone¡ªand the next, Cassius was gone.

    Not dodged.

    Not parried.

    Simply...gone.

    Her entire body stiffened as a chill ran down her spine. The only people who had ever managed to keep up with her speed were her father and the few grandmasters that walked the continent.

    Yet this man¡ªthis supposed "wastrel"¡ªhad just disappeared from her attack without a trace.

    And just while she was wondering if she was dreaming because of the absurdity that was happening right now, a voice, smooth and eerily amused, whispered right behind her.

    "Impressive. Truly, your speed is terrifying."

    Julie''s breath hitched.

    She could feel his breath on her neck.

    Cassius was standing behind her.

    And she hadn''t even sensed him move.

    Slowly, too slowly, she turned her head, her emerald eyes widening in shock.

    Cassius stood there casually, hands behind his back, watching her with a fascinated expression, as if he were admiring her technique.

    "With a sword that fast..." He mused. "...you could probably kill anyone painlessly. A single slash, and it''s over before they even realize it."

    His smile widened, his crimson eyes glinting with something wicked.

    "Unfortunately..." He continued, his voice soft¡ªfar too soft.

    "You''re not fast enough."

    Julie''s pupils dilated.

    Danger!

    Before she could react¡ªbefore she could even breathe¡ªSkadi''s panicked voice rang out.

    "CAPTAIN, MOVE!"

    But it was too late.

    A force like a battering ram slammed into her stomach.

    SLAM~

    Julie''s vision blurred as a crushing impact tore through her body, the sheer force behind it ripping her feet off the ground.

    Her breath vanished from her lungs.

    Her mind went blank.

    And in the next instant¡ªher body was flying.

    She didn''t even have time to think, to process what had happened, before she crashed into a tree.

    Smash!~

    The bark splintered on impact, the sheer force cracking the wood behind her. Her entire body jerked violently, the whiplash sending shockwaves of pain through her bones.

    Blood splattered from her mouth.

    For a second, silence.

    And then¡ª

    "CAPTAIN!"

    Skadi''s agonized cry echoed through the clearing.

    The knights, who had been watching in stunned horror, froze. They had never seen their captain, their mighty Whispering Blade, sent flying like that.

    By a single attack.

    Aisha, who had been watching the battle with razor-sharp focus, felt her legs weaken.

    Her ears twitched. Even with her heightened feline senses, she had barely seen what had happened.

    Barely.

    All she had caught was a blur.

    Not Cassius moving.

    But Cassius lifting his leg.

    It had been a simple front kick.

    And it had sent Julie¡ªJulie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the Whispering Blade, the woman who could move faster than sound itself¡ª flying like a ragdoll.

    Aisha gritted her teeth.

    Her worst fears were confirmed.

    "This...This isn''t normal." She whispered under her breath as Cassius slowly turned.

    His gaze drifted from Julie¡ªwho lay slumped against the cracked tree trunk, her breathing ragged¡ªback to Skadi and Aisha.

    "One down."

    The casual boredom in his tone sent ice through their veins.

    He wasn''t mocking them.

    He wasn''t being arrogant.

    He was simply stating a fact.

    Like none of this was even worth his effort.

    Skadi''s claws extended instinctively, her beastkin instincts screaming at her.

    Her silver eyes darted to Julie¡ªher captain, her mentor, her idol¡ªwho was struggling to push herself back up.

    Blood dripped from her lips.

    Her breathing was shaky.

    And yet, Cassius stood there, completely unharmed.

    "What...What the hell is this guy¡­?" Skadi whispered, her voice trembling.

    Cassius smiled. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Now then...shall we continue?"

    He didn''t wait for an answer. Before anyone could react, he vanished again. One moment he was there, the next...gone.

    The knights panicked, their eyes darting around the courtyard, searching for any sign of him.

    ''Where is he? What''s happening?''

    "Ahhh!~"

    Then, a shriek pierced the air. They turned to see one of their comrades clutching her stomach, her face contorted in pain. As she fell to the ground, they saw that her plate armor looked like it had been punched through, the metal crumpled and torn as if it were made of paper.

    ''What...? How...?''

    Before they could even process what had happened, another shriek echoed through the courtyard.

    "Kyaaa!~"

    Another knight fell, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if she didn''t even know what had hit her. She crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

    Bang!~

    And then, to their horror, they saw another comrade fly through the air, as if someone had picked her up and thrown her like a rag doll. She crashed into two other knights, sending them sprawling. The impact was sickening, the sound of bone breaking chilling.

    Chaos erupted. The knights, their formations shattered, their discipline forgotten, scrambled to defend themselves, but it was like fighting an invisible enemy. Their eyes darted everywhere, trying to anticipate the next attack, but it was futile.

    They couldn''t see him. All they saw was the occasional gust of wind, a fleeting glimpse of motion, and then...another shriek, another fallen comrade.

    Shouts and cries filled the air.

    The courtyard, which had moments before been a scene of tense anticipation, was now a scene of utter pandemonium. In less than fifteen seconds, their numbers had been decimated. Less than half of the original knights remained standing, their faces etched with terror.

    They were being picked off one by one, and they couldn''t even see who was attacking them. The invisible enemy was everywhere, and nowhere. It was a nightmare made real. They were being hunted, not by a man, but by something...else.

    For the first time in her life, Aisha felt utterly lost.

    She was a strategist, a tactician. She commanded troops, orchestrated battles, planned defenses. But to do that, she needed to see the enemy. She needed to understand their movements, their patterns, their weaknesses.

    But this...this was beyond anything she had ever encountered. Cassius was a phantom, a blur of motion, striking from nowhere, disappearing just as quickly. She couldn''t give orders because she couldn''t see what was happening.

    How could she tell her knights to defend against an attack they couldn''t even perceive?

    Skadi, driven by her beastkin instincts, was also trying her best to keep track of Cassius. Like a hound dog tracking its prey, she would whirl around, her ears twitching, her nose sniffing the air, trying to pinpoint his location.

    But it was a futile effort.

    By the time she realized where he had been, he was already gone, striking somewhere else, leaving her frustrated and bewildered.

    "DAMN IT¡ª!!" She snarled. "STAND STILL AND FIGHT ME, YOU COWARD!"

    She growled in frustration, her tail lashing back and forth. She felt useless, unable to protect her comrades, unable to avenge them.

    Aisha knew she had to do something, and fast. If this continued, they would all be dead. She couldn''t let that happen. She was responsible for these knights, for their lives. She had to take control, even if she didn''t know how.

    Taking a deep breath, she braced herself, steeling her nerves. "Everyone!" She shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Gather around me! Don''t spread out! Stay together!"

    It was a simple command, a basic tactic, but it was the only thing she could think of. Safety in numbers. It was better than being picked off one by one.

    The others didn''t hesitate.

    They rushed toward her, forming a tight formation.

    Even Skadi, who hated retreating, followed the order, her tail bristling in agitation.

    Aisha gritted her teeth.

    If speed was Cassius''s weapon, then distance manipulation would be hers. A cluster formation meant fewer blind spots.

    It meant they could react together. It meant they wouldn''t be slaughtered one by one.

    And to her shock, for the first time since the fight started¡ª

    Cassius stopped moving.

    He stood still, arms folded, watching them.

    Why¡­?

    Why wasn''t he attacking?

    Why was he giving them time?

    And then¡ªrealization dawned on her.

    He''s amused.

    Cassius wasn''t taking them seriously. He was letting them strategize.

    He wants to see what I''ll do next¡­

    That realization made her furious. She had never¡ªnever¡ªfelt so small in a battle. Clutching her staff tighter, she muttered an incantation under her breath.

    This was her chance.

    He was standing still.

    Now¡ªshe had to strike.

    Aisha, seizing the opportunity, began to chant under her breath. The words were low, almost inaudible, but they resonated with power, with the ancient energy of the earth. She wove the spell quickly, her fingers moving in intricate patterns, her eyes fixed on Cassius.

    Cassius, still observing the knights with an air of detached amusement, suddenly felt something...strange.

    The ground beneath his feet...it felt...soft.

    He glanced down, and to his surprise, he saw that his legs were sinking into the soil. He tried to move, to jump, but it was too late. The earth was swallowing him whole, pulling him down, down, down.

    In seconds, he was waist-deep in the ground, his legs completely immobilized. And then, just as quickly as it had softened, the earth hardened, solidifying around him like concrete.

    Before he could even register what had happened, before he could marvel at the first instance of magic he had witnessed in this world, another surprise awaited him.

    Giant earthen hands erupted from the ground, grasping his torso, his arms, even his neck, holding him in place. Only his head remained exposed, his face a mask of shock and disbelief.

    Aisha, seeing that her spell had worked perfectly, couldn''t help but grin.

    "Now!" She shouted, her voice filled with triumph. "Attack! Finish him off while he''s trapped!"

    Her words were like a spark igniting a powder keg. The knights, their morale rekindled, their fear replaced with a surge of adrenaline, charged towards Cassius.

    Skadi, her silver eyes glowing with predatory intensity, led the charge, her beastkin speed unmatched. They all ran with a single-minded purpose, their weapons raised, their eyes fixed on Cassius''s exposed head.

    Skadi, being the fastest, reached Cassius first.

    With a snarl of fury, she leaped into the air, her sharp claws extended, aiming for his face. She would tear him apart, shred him to pieces, avenge her fallen comrades, even though she knew this was simply a batte of survival on both sides and hated that was thrust into it.

    This...monster they were forced to face that had slaughtered her friends, crippled her captain, would pay...

 Chapter 80 Take Me Instead

    Aisha, watching the knights charge towards the immobilized Cassius, felt a surge of triumph.

    ''He''s trapped!'' She thought. ''There''s no way he can escape now!''

    She was already imagining the victory celebrations, the relief on the faces of her surviving comrades, the justice that would finally be served.

    But then...Her blood ran cold.

    Cassius, instead of panicking, simply...smiled. And then, with an effortless grace that defied the situation, he moved.

    It was as if the earth around him wasn''t hardened soil, but mere sand. He flexed his muscles, and the giant earthen hands that held him crumbled, their grip broken.

    He ducked his head, narrowly avoiding Skadi''s claws as she swooped past him.

    Skadi, her attack thwarted, let out a frustrated growl.

    ''How...? How did he break free?''

    She had never seen anyone, not even the strongest beastkin warriors, escape from Aisha''s earth attack like that.

    It was...impossible.

    But before she could even process what had happened, Cassius moved again. He ripped his arms free from the remaining earthen restraints and, with lightning-fast reflexes, grabbed Skadi''s legs as she flew past him.

    Skadi, caught completely off guard, let out a yelp of surprise.

    Before she could even react, she found herself being swung through the air like a...mace. A giant, furry, extremely disgruntled mace.

    He swung her with terrifying speed, the force of each arc amplified by her considerable weight and the sheer power of his own unnatural strength.

    The knights, who had been so focused on their coordinated attack, were now caught in a chaotic, swirling storm of fur, claws, and flying limbs.

    Thwack!~

    The first swing was a brutal arc, Skadi''s body slamming into a group of three knights who were clustered together. They were sent flying like rag dolls, their armor offering no protection against the sheer kinetic force.

    One knight''s helmet flew off, revealing a face contorted in a mask of pain and surprise just before impact. They crashed into the ground several feet away, a tangled heap of twisted metal and broken bones. It was as if a giant had swatted at a cluster of bothersome flies.

    The second swing was even more devastating.

    Bang!~

    Cassius, with a casual flick of his wrist, sent Skadi hurtling towards another group of knights who were rushing towards him, their swords raised.

    They had no time to react. Skadi''s wild, terrified eyes met theirs for a split second before the impact.

    The sound was sickening¡ªa combination of crunching bone, splintering wood, and the muffled thud of flesh hitting the ground. Two knights were bowled over, their screams cut short by the brutal force of the blow. They lay still, their armor crushed, their arms twisted at unnatural angles.

    They, too, were treated like mere flies, brushed aside with contemptuous ease.

    The remaining knights, their initial enthusiasm replaced with sheer terror, tried to scatter, but it was too late.

    Cassius, his movements fluid and unpredictable, was on them before they could escape. He swung Skadi again and again, each swing a devastating blow. Knights were sent flying, crashing into trees, collapsing in heaps.

    The courtyard, which had moments before been filled with the shouts of determined warriors, was now filled with cries of pain and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground.

    The air was thick with dust, the smell of blood, and the raw terror of women facing an enemy they couldn''t comprehend. They were being treated like insects, insignificant and easily crushed.

    Aisha, watching in horror, couldn''t believe her eyes.

    Her carefully planned attack, her moment of triumph, had backfired spectacularly. She had underestimated Cassius. She had underestimated his strength, his speed, his...unnaturalness.

    And now, they were paying the price.

    With the last knight sent sprawling, Cassius discarded Skadi as if he were finished with a broken toy. He tossed her aside with a casual flick of his wrist, the battered and bruised wolf beastkin landing heavily on the ground with a pained whimper.

    The fight, as far as he was concerned, was over. He surveyed the scene of carnage, the courtyard littered with broken armor and broken bodies, his expression one of detached indifference.

    Aisha, her heart pounding in her chest, desperately wanted to check on Skadi. She knew her friend was injured, and the sight of her being tossed aside so carelessly made her blood boil. But she couldn''t afford to be distracted. She knew that Cassius was still a threat, a very real, very present danger.

    And then, his gaze shifted.

    His eyes, those unnerving blood red eyes, locked onto hers. A shiver ran down her spine. There was something in his gaze, a keenness, a predatory gleam, that made her skin crawl.

    It wasn''t just enjoyment anymore. It was...anticipation.

    Before she could even process what was happening, Cassius leaped. He exploded from the ground like a cannonball, launching himself towards Aisha with incredible speed.

    But Aisha had learned her lesson. She wouldn''t be caught off guard again. She had anticipated this, prepared for it.

    Wroom!~

    So, even as Cassius was in mid-air, a massive wall of earth erupted from the ground between them.

    It was a formidable barrier, a thick, solid fortification designed to stop any attack. Aisha had poured all her concentration, all her magical energy, into creating this shield. She was confident that it would hold. It had to.

    She braced herself, waiting for the impact. She expected to feel the earth tremble, to hear the resounding thud of Cassius colliding with the wall.

    But instead, she heard a deafening boom.

    Boom!~

    Aisha''s eyes widened in horror. The earth wall, her supposedly impenetrable defense, had been...breached.

    Cassius had exploded through it. Fragments of earth and dust rained down around her. And there, amidst the debris, was Cassius, still hurtling towards her, that unnerving smile plastered on his face. He had not only broken through her wall, he had obliterated it.

    The force of his attack was terrifying. It was like facing a force of nature, an unstoppable avalanche. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''How...?'' She thought, her mind reeling. ''How is this even possible?''

    A wave of despair washed over Aisha.

    For the first time in her life, she felt utterly helpless, completely outmatched. She had always been the calm, collected strategist, the one who had a plan for every situation.

    But now, facing this...this monster...she was lost. All hope seemed to drain from her, leaving her with a hollow ache in her chest.

    She watched as Cassius hurtled towards her, his form growing larger with every passing second. Her mind raced, desperately searching for a solution, a way out, but there was nothing.

    She was trapped, cornered, with nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Her usual nonchalant demeanor crumbled, replaced by a raw, unfiltered terror. This was it, she realized. This was how it ended.

    But then, just as she was bracing for the inevitable, a shadow emerged from the chaos.

    A figure, moving with incredible speed, appeared behind Cassius. Aisha''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    It was...Julie!

    Julie, her body battered and bruised, her armor dented and cracked, had somehow managed to recover from the devastating blow. She had witnessed Cassius''s attack on Aisha, and she couldn''t just stand by and watch.

    Fueled by a desperate surge of adrenaline and a fierce protectiveness towards her beloved right hand, she had launched herself at Cassius, hoping to catch him off guard, to take him down before he could reach Aisha.

    ''Captain!'' She thought, her spirits soaring. ''Y-You came back!'' Aisha''s heart leaped with a flicker of hope.

    Maybe...just maybe...they could still turn this around.

    But fate, it seemed, was not on their side.

    Cassius, with his unnatural senses, detected Julie''s approach. He turned his head, his eyes widening in slight surprise, and then, with a speed that defied comprehension, he reacted.

    He reached out, his hand clamping around Julie''s neck, cutting off her attack before it could even begin. He then, with a casual brutality that made Aisha''s stomach churn, slammed Julie to the ground right in front of her.

    Bang!~

    Aisha gasped, her hope turning to ashes in her mouth. She watched in disbelief as Julie landed with a sickening thud, her body bouncing slightly before coming to a rest. On the ground, Julie groaned, her face contorted in pain, her eyes fluttering weakly.

    Cassius, having effortlessly neutralized Julie, spared her a fleeting glance¡ªa look that held a mixture of disdain and boredom. He had no further interest in her. She was no longer a threat, merely a casualty in his path.

    And he then turned his attention to Aisha, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. There was a different look in his eyes now, a hunger, a desire for something more than just...elimination.

    Aisha, sensing this shift, felt a primal fear grip her heart. She wanted to run, to flee, to escape this terrifying presence, but her legs wouldn''t respond. They were rooted to the spot, frozen by a fear so profound that it paralyzed her.

    She watched, helpless, as Cassius took a step towards her. He extended his hand, his fingers outstretched, as if he were about to wrap them around her throat and...squeeze.

    Aisha trembled, her body shaking uncontrollably. She closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable, the final, crushing blow.

    Then¡ª

    It stopped.

    Just inches from her skin.

    Aisha barely managed to register what had happened before she noticed why.

    Julie...Her captain.

    She had thrown her arms around Cassius''s leg in a desperate attempt to hold him back. Her entire body trembled, but she held on with all the strength she had left.

    Her face was pale, her breath labored, but her emerald eyes burned with raw determination.

    "Please¡­" Julie gasped, her voice weak, filled with pleading.

    Cassius finally looked down at her.

    "Let her go." Julie begged. "Please. She''s still young...S-She has so much ahead of her. She like precious my little sister. She...She doesn''t deserve to die."

    Her words hit Aisha like a hammer.

    Tears welled up in her amber eyes, threatening to spill over. Her entire life, she had always fought, always survived, always prided herself on being untouchable.

    But right now¡ª

    She was completely powerless.

    And her captain¡ªthe woman she had idolized for years¡ªwas begging for her life.

    Julie''s fingers tightened around Cassius''s leg, her grip weak but unwavering.

    "I know...What we did was unforgivable." She whispered, her voice cracking. "We wrongfully went against you. We followed orders we knew were wrong. But we...we had no choice. We were backed into a corner."

    A single tear slipped down her dirt-streaked cheek.

    "So please¡­" She whispered again. "If you must take a life...then take mine. Let Aisha go."

    Then¡ªweakly, trembling, she reached for her sword.

    With shaking hands, she offered it to him.

    A silent exchange.

    Her life¡ªfor Aisha''s.

    Aisha choked on a sob, her entire body overwhelmed with emotion. She wanted to scream, to tell her captain to stop, to fight back, to do anything but throw away her life for her sake.

    But she couldn''t.

    Because the truth was¡ªshe had never felt more helpless than she did in this moment.

    The air was thick with tension. Julie''s trembling hands still clutched the sword she had offered, her head bowed, waiting for the inevitable.

    Aisha, frozen in place, could only watch as her captain¡ªher leader, her sister¡ªprepared to throw her life away for her.

    But then¡ª

    Another voice cut through the silence.

    "DON''T TOUCH THEM! TAKE MY LIFE INSTEAD!"

    The raw determination in the voice startled everyone.

    Cassius''s crimson eyes flickered to the side.

    Everyone turned.

    And there¡ªdragging herself across the battlefield on her hands and knees, her body battered and broken, was Skadi.

    Her silver hair was matted with dirt, blood trickling from her temple, her armor dented from the brutal battle. Yet, despite the pain, despite the agony¡ªshe kept moving.

    She refused to stop.

    She refused to let this end the way it was going.

    "Skadi!" Aisha gasped, her voice breaking.

    Skadi''s breathing was ragged, her arms trembling, but she didn''t stop. With sheer willpower alone, she pushed forward until she reached Cassius''s other leg.

    And then¡ª

    She grabbed onto him.

    Just like Julie.

    Her silver eyes burned with the same desperation, the same raw emotion.

    "Don''t you dare touch them!" She growled through gritted teeth, her voice heavy with pain. "They did nothing wrong. They don''t deserve this!"

    Cassius arched an eyebrow, watching her with mild interest. He remained silent, letting her speak.

    Skadi gritted her teeth, her voice rising.

    "Aisha...Aisha is the reason we even investigated you in the first place! She was the first one to question the orders. And Captain¡ªCaptain never wanted to go through with it! From the very start, she fought against those orders, against everything that led to this moment!"

    Her breathing was shallow, but her grip tightened on his leg.

    "But Skadi?"

    She let out a bitter laugh.

    "Skadi was the one who wanted you dead the most. S-Skadi was the one who believed the rumors. Skadi was the one who wanted you gone!" Her voice cracked, the weight of her own sins crushing her. "So if anyone deserves to die today...It''s me."

    Then¡ª

    With unwavering resolve, she pressed her neck against the blade of the sword.

    She offered her life.

    Her hands shook, but she didn''t move away.

    "Kill me instead." Her voice was steady, even as her body trembled. "Please. Let them go...I-I deserve this more than anyone."

    Aisha felt something inside her break.

    Her throat tightened, her vision blurred with tears.

    This was Skadi.

    The same loud-mouthed, hot-headed, infuriating woman she had bickered with every single day.

    The same warrior who never backed down, never showed weakness, never gave in to fear.

    And now¡ª

    She was throwing everything away for her.

    Seeing both her captain and her comrade offering themselves up for her sake, something inside Aisha snapped.

    The fear that had paralyzed her moments before was replaced by a surge of courage, a fierce determination to protect the ones she loved....

 Chapter 81 Im A Pacifist

    "D-Don''t touch them!" Aisha cried out, her voice ringing with newfound strength. "Finish me off instead!"

    She lunged forward, grabbing Cassius''s hand, the same hand that had been moments away from her throat. She placed it on her own neck, her fingers wrapping around his, holding his hand firmly in place.

    Her gaze met his, her amber eyes filled with a desperate resolve. "Kill me." She said, her voice steady despite the tears streaming down her face. "I''m the one you want."

    Julie immediately shook her head, her voice firm despite her trembling body.

    "Noo!" She snapped, pushing forward. Her verdant eyes burned with desperation as she thrust herself between Cassius and Aisha, her own neck lowering onto the blade.

    "I am the captain of this squad!" She declared. "The responsibility is mine! If anyone should die here today, it should be me!"

    Her words sent a shockwave through the battlefield.

    Skadi''s eyes widened in horror.

    "Bullshit!" She barked out. "The squad needs you, captain! You''re the backbone of the Sacred Guard! If you die, the entire thing crumbles! You''re too important!"

    And then¡ªbefore anyone could react¡ªSkadi pushed forward as well. She shoved Julie slightly aside, placing her own neck against the blade.

    Her silver ears twitched, her eyes locked onto Cassius with pure resolve.

    "It should be me!" She growled. "I''m the dumb idiot here! I was the one who wanted you dead in the first place! I was the fool who believed the rumors without a second thought! If someone has to die¡ªthen it should be me!"

    Aisha gasped, her hands clenching into fists. Her entire body trembled.

    "No, no, no!" She cried, shaking her head violently. "I¡ªI can''t let you two die!" Tears streamed down her face as her body shook with emotion.

    "Y-You''re my family!" She sobbed, her voice breaking. "You two are all I have left! If you both die...I¡ªI don''t even know what I''ll do! I don''t know how to live!"

    Her words pierced the hearts of her comrades.

    Julie, blinking back tears, turned to look at Aisha with an expression of pure sadness. Skadi, usually so brash and confident, felt her throat tighten as she realized just how much Aisha loved them.

    Aisha¡ªwho always pretended to be indifferent, who always distanced herself¡ªhad just poured her soul out.

    She was terrified of losing them.

    Julie''s lips quivered. Skadi bit the inside of her cheek, fighting the sting in her eyes.

    For a brief moment, all three of them simply looked at each other, their hearts aching with the love and bond they shared.

    But just as Julie opened her mouth to argue again¡ª

    A cold, mocking voice shattered the moment.

    "Now, now, now¡­"

    The temperature seemed to drop. A cold shiver ran down all three of their spines.

    Slowly, hesitantly, they turned their eyes toward him.

    Cassius Holyfield.

    Smiling.

    Not a kind smile. Not a reassuring smile.

    A smile that promised nothing but despair.

    His crimson eyes gleamed with playfulness¡ªlike a predator playing with his prey.

    "Why are you all acting like I would actually let any of you sacrifice yourselves for the others?"

    His voice was smooth, low¡ªfilled with something dark.The moment he spoke, all three of them trembled.

    "What made you think you even have a choice?" He continued, tilting his head slightly.

    The way he said it¡ªso casual, so cruel¡ªmade their blood run cold.

    "Since you''re all so eager to die¡­"

    Cassius''s smile widened.

    "...Why don''t I just help you out?"

    Their hearts pounded violently.

    Julie felt her breath hitch.

    Aisha''s legs felt weak.

    Skadi''s instincts screamed at her to run.

    But their bodies¡ªfrozen in terror¡ªrefused to move.

    Cassius chuckled, his tone almost mockingly gentle.

    "I mean, I could just stomp both of yours heads into the dirt right now and make a beautiful splatter of red and white¡­"

    His gaze flickered down at Julie and Skadi¡ªboth still clutching his legs in desperation.

    "And as for you¡­" His eyes landed directly on Aisha.

    Aisha''s breath caught in her throat. Cassius slowly raised his free hand¡ªflexing his fingers like he was testing their movement.

    "Why don''t I just rip your throat out?" He mused, casually lifting his hand toward her neck.

    His fingers lingered in the air for just a moment¡ªright before her throat.

    Aisha gasped¡ªher entire body locking up in sheer terror. It was like she could already feel it.

    The cold touch of death.

    Cassius''s smile deepened.

    "Wouldn''t that be fair?"

    The moment the words left his mouth¡ª

    All three of them realized something.

    This wasn''t just hopeless.

    This was worse than anything they had ever imagined.

    For the first time since this battle began¡ª

    They understood.

    Cassius Holyfield wasn''t human.

    He was a monster.

    And there was absolutely nothing they could do to stop him.

    But, just as the three women teetered on the brink of utter despair, convinced that they were about to lose each other, that their sacrifices had been in vain, Cassius spoke again, uttering something that absolutely bamboozled them.

    "And that..." He said, his voice losing its chilling edge. "...is exactly what I would say if I were a bloodthirsty maniac, consumed by vengeance, eager to punish you all for ganging up on me and trying to...relocate my head."

    The three women stared at him, their eyes wide with confusion. The menacing look, the cruel smile, the aura of pure evil.

    It was gone. Just like that. And just was replaced by...a wry smile to their utter shock?

    Cassius then chuckled softly, the sound surprisingly gentle. He looked at them, his crimson eyes now filled with something akin to playfulness?

    "Fortunately for you..." He said. "I''m a very understanding person. A pacifist, even. I can see the bigger picture." He paused, his smile widening. "And I have absolutely no intention of taking anyone''s life. I never did."

    Julie, who had been moments away from offering up her life, twitched.

    Skadi, who had practically shoved her own neck onto his sword, felt like she had just been pranked.

    Aisha, however¡ª

    Aisha''s entire body trembled with rage. Her amber eyes blazed with fury as she snapped her gaze up at him.

    "Pacifist?" She spat, her teeth grinding in frustration.

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely curious at her outburst.

    "You¡­" Aisha''s fists shook. "You could''ve just killed us outright. You could''ve said you were going to take our lives, and we would''ve accepted it." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her voice wavered.

    "We deserved it. You totally deserve to take our lives and we wouldn''t have complained."

    Julie lowered her head, as Skadi''s jaw tightened.

    Aisha''s chest rose and fell rapidly. And then¡ªshe took a sharp step forward, her glare fierce.

    "But don''t you dare..." She hissed through gritted teeth. "...call yourself a pacifist after what you just did."

    Her voice was thick with rage and disbelief.

    "Not after you slaughtered so many of our comrades."

    Julie''s heart clenched. It was her responsibility as a leader to protect them...But she had failed.

    Skadi''s ears rose, guilt clawing at her insides.

    Cassius, however, remained calm.

    Unbothered...Unapologetic.

    Instead, he merely gazed at them with a peculiar softness.

    "Killed them?" He echoed.

    Aisha''s rage burned hotter.

    Julie braced herself.

    Skadi''s claws twitched.

    And then¡ª

    Cassius sighed.

    "You really should check your fallen comrades before you jump to conclusions."

    That made them pause, looking at each other with a confused look on their faces.

    Cassius then folded his arms, his expression unreadable. "Go on, then." He gestured behind them, where their fallen knights lay scattered across the battlefield. "See for yourselves if I''m a hypocrite like you said or not."

    Something about the way he said it sent a chill down their spines.

    Aisha hesitated.

    Julie exchanged a look with Skadi, a silent question passing between them.

    Then, swallowing her nerves, Julie turned to one of her knights¡ªthe first one Cassius had struck down. She looked cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest and saw that even though she was was lying on the ground, his body twisted at an unnatural angle, she was...wiggling.

    Her armor was dented, her face contorted in pain, but she was alive. She was groaning softly, her eyes fluttering open and closed.

    Julie''s breath caught in her throat. She immediately scanned her body, checking for injuries and found that she was badly hurt, no doubt about it, but she was alive.

    She turned to another fallen knight, and then another. And to her astonishment, they were all alive!

    Yes, they were suffering, their bodies broken, their faces pale and drawn. But they were breathing. They were moving. They were alive.

    Skadi, whose tail had puffed up in shock, whirled around as her sharp ears picked up the sounds of groans, muttered curses, and ragged breathing.

    And then it hit her.

    "You guys¡ª!" She gasped, her silver eyes shimmering with disbelief. "You guys are still alive?!"

    A beat of silence.

    Then, one by one, the fallen knights responded.

    "Still kickin''...somehow." One woman grunted, clutching her broken ribs.

    "Ugh, hurts like a bitch, but yeah...not dead." Another groaned.

    "Pretty sure my spine''s in the wrong place, but I haven''t kicked the bucket yet."

    "Damn, I really thought I was gonna see the afterlife for a second¡­"

    "Shit...I can still hear Skadi yelling, so I guess I''m alive."

    Skadi''s ears twitched violently at that last comment, but she was too relieved to get mad.

    Aisha swallowed hard, feeling something warm and tight build in her chest.

    Julie, meanwhile, was completely speechless.

    She had watched Cassius move.

    She had seen his speed, his strength, his sheer brutality.

    She had thought¡ªno, she had been certain¡ªthat they were all dead.

    But they weren''t.

    Cassius had crippled them. He had utterly dismantled them.

    And yet, he hadn''t taken a single life.

    Julie''s fingers clenched into the fabric of her gloves. This...This doesn''t make sense.

    If he wanted revenge, he could have slaughtered them all. If he wanted to send a message, he could have wiped them from existence.

    But instead¡ªhe had spared them.

    Severely injured, but spared.

    "Why?" Julie muttered under her breath, her brow furrowed in confusion. She couldn''t understand his motives. His actions were completely at odds with his earlier pronouncements.

    She looked at Cassius, her eyes searching his face for any clue, any hint of explanation. "You said...You said this was a game of survival." She said, her voice laced with disbelief. "You said there was no right or wrong. You said you were going to slaughter us all so that you could survive."

    She paused, her voice rising in frustration. "Why? Why spare us now? Why show mercy when you were so ready to kill us before?"

    Cassius simply smiled, a small, enigmatic smile that offered no answers. "Oh that, I was simply...joking." He said to their shock, his voice light, almost playful.

    Aisha, Julie, and Skadi stared at him, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and exasperation. Joking? He had been joking? He had put them through all that terror, all that pain, just for a joke?

    "I wanted to see how you would react." Cassius continued, his smile widening slightly. "To see how far you would go to protect each other."

    He then looked at them, his expression turning serious. "I also wanted to show you...that you never stood a chance against me in the first place and there was absolutely no chance of fulfilling your mission."

    He paused, letting his words sink in. "I mean, it''s not like you would have just believed me if I had simply told you that." He added, a hint of wry amusement in his voice.

    The three women looked down, their faces etched with a dawning understanding.

    He was right. They wouldn''t have believed him.

    They were so caught up in their duty, their loyalty, their desire to protect each other, that they had blinded themselves to the reality of the situation. They had underestimated him. They had vastly overestimated their own abilities.

    "Yes, there are broken bones." Cassius said, his voice softening slightly. "Yes, there are flesh wounds, ligament tears, and a whole lot of pain." He gestured towards the injured knights scattered across the courtyard. "But it''s better than...wiping you all out, wouldn''t you agree?" His smile returned, this time a genuine, almost gentle smile.

    Almost all of them unconciously nodded their head as they''d much rather spend the rest of the month on a bed, then spend the rest of their existence in a coffin.

    Skadi, despite the pain radiating through her body, couldn''t help but voice the question that was lingering in her mind. "B-But...What about revenge?" She asked, her voice small and hesitant. "Don''t you...Don''t you want to do something back to us? For ambushing you like cowards?"

    She hung her head, ashamed of her own actions, her previous bloodlust replaced by a gnawing guilt.

    Cassius, instead of answering, simply bent down and patted Skadi''s head. She was still lying at his feet, along with Julie, who was too weak to move. The unexpected gesture caught Skadi off guard and she didn''t know what to feel since his touch was so gentle.

    "Oh, my adorable little puppy." Cassius said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "What you said makes sense. Anyone else, faced with such a...bold attempt on their life, would be furious, regardless of the circumstances."

    He paused, his expression turning thoughtful.

    "But..." He continued, his voice taking on a strange, almost omnipotent quality. "That only applies to normal people. When it comes to someone like me, someone who is...confident in their ability to preserve their own life, no matter the threat...Well, you start to see your enemies differently."

    He looked at them, his eyes filled with a strange intensity.

    "You become less interested in their actions..." He explained. "...and more interested in their intentions. Why did they do what they did? What motivated them?"

    He smiled, a genuine smile this time, devoid of any malice.

    "And in your case..." He said, his gaze sweeping over the three women. "Your intentions...were quite noble, in their own way. You weren''t trying to kill me out of hatred or malice. You were trying to protect your comrades. You were willing to sacrifice yourselves to save them."

    He paused, letting his words sink in.

    "And that..." He concluded. "...is something I can respect. So, I''ve decided to let you go."

    The three women stared at him, their mouths agape. They were speechless. He was...letting them go? Just like that? After everything they had done, after everything they had put him through? It was...unbelievable.

    But Julie on the other hand had a question gnawing at her mind when she heard his reasoning.

    Her voice was quieter now, almost unwilling to disturb the unsettling calm that had settled over them. "What if¡­" She exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself. "W-What if we had tried to kill you without hesitation? Without guilt? If we had struck you down without remorse, would you still have spared us?"

    Cassius''s smile didn''t fade. If anything, it grew sharper¡ªcruel, cold, and enthralled all at once. He tilted his head slightly, as if considering the thought, then exhaled a soft chuckle.

    "Oh, then?" He mused, his voice carrying a mockery of warmth.

    "...Then I would probably skin all of you alive and hang you up somewhere to make an example..."

    "...Especially the furry ones since they would make rugs with how fluffy they looked and maybe some other appliances as well."

    The words were spoken so casually, so lightly, that they sent an immediate chill down the knights spines.

    A silence fell over the courtyard.

    Aisha swallowed hard at the thought of being made into a ornament. Julie stiffened at the thought of being put on display. While Skadi''s tail shook again, standing on end like a terrified cat when she imagined the sight of her tail being used as a duster.

    Even the injured knights, who had been groaning moments ago, now felt a fresh kind of pain¡ªone that had nothing to do with their wounds and everything to do with sheer, unfiltered fear.

    ''Praise the gods...'' Julie thought. ''Praise the gods we stayed true to our principles...Or else.'' She didn''t even want to think of that horrifying nightmare.

 Chapter 82 Eternal Vow

    Aisha, however, just like the other two had another question which made Cassius feel like he was a lecturer at university. One she couldn''t keep in any longer.

    "Y-You¡­Do you possibly hate me?" She asked hesitantly, her voice quieter than before. Her fingers clenched around her sleeve, the memory of Cassius''s hand moving towards her throat still vivid. "Back then...when you were reaching your hand out to me. You looked like you really wanted to kill me."

    Cassius blinked for a second, then burst into laughter when he realised what she was talking about.

    "Of course not." He said, as if the idea was absurd. "Why would want to wring your throat out just for the sake of it? I''m not someone who enjoys that sort of play."

    "...I actually was just trying to touch your ears."

    Aisha reeled.

    "¡­What?"

    Cassius grinned, his expression utterly unrepentant. "I mean, it was the first time I''ve seen someone from the feline race and they looked so fluffy, that I simply couldn''t resist."

    Aisha gawked at him, her ears twitching involuntarily. That was not the answer she had been expecting. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And then¡ª

    "Lucius." Cassius called out, still grinning. "Don''t you think her ears are really cute?"

    Lucius did not respond.

    He stood there in the distance, motionless, his eyes fixed blankly on the sky, looking as though he had just witnessed the unraveling of the universe itself. His mouth was slightly open, yet no words came out. It was as if his mind had simply refused to process any more absurdity.

    Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Ah...my poor butler''s down for the count."

    Aisha, still bristling from Cassius''s ridiculous comment about her ears, barely spared Lucius a glance before scoffing. "Honestly, I kind of feel the same way."

    Cassius tilted his head, watching Lucius for a moment. Then, deciding that waiting for him to recover naturally would take far too long, so he went over to him and lifted a hand and¡ªsmack!¡ªdelivered a sharp slap across Lucius''s cheek.

    The butler jolted upright as if he had been electrocuted, his eyes now wide and alert.

    "M-Master?!" He sputtered, one hand clutching his face. "What in the world was that for?!"

    Cassius smirked, crossing his arms. "Welcome back. You went off to another plane of existence there for a moment."

    Lucius blinked rapidly, still visibly shaken. He looked around, taking in the scene, then exhaled heavily as the weight of reality settled onto his shoulders again.

    "Master...I feel like I just survived an exorcism."

    Cassius chuckled. "Don''t be so dramatic."

    Lucius gave him a flat look. "Dramatic? You almost died, then proceeded to beat an entire squad of elite knights half to death, and now you''re debating the cuteness of cat ears."

    Cassius shrugged. "You''re still standing, aren''t you?"

    And seeing Cassius and Lucious joking around made Aisha realise that they weren''t in that life or death battlefield and had finally escape.

    Because of this she suddenly let out a long sigh. And then, to everyone''s surprise, she plopped onto the ground, stretching her legs out in front of her.

    "¡­Oh gods, it''s over." She murmured out of realisation, tilting her head back and staring up at the sky. "We''re actually alive."

    Julie turned her head sharply toward her, still tense from everything that had transpired, but Aisha only let out another deep sigh, this time laced with sheer relief.

    Skadi, finally snapping out of the daze of near-death adrenaline, perked up and let out a bark of laughter.

    "Holy shit¡ªwe''re free! We actually got out of this alive!" Her tail wagged wildly as she turned toward Julie and Aisha, her silver eyes practically glowing with excitement. "We didn''t have to kill anyone! And we''re not dead either!"

    Julie, still on her knees, exhaled shakily. ''We actually survived this...I-It feels surreal.''

    Aisha, now slightly calmer, looked up at Cassius, who was still standing over them with that unreadable smirk. She studied him for a moment, then sighed again, this time with a bit of amusement.

    "Y''know." She mused, resting her arms on her knees. "I guess all it took to ruin that bastard''s plan was someone way too overpowered for any of us to handle."

    Cassius arched a brow, but before he could respond, Aisha smirked and said, "Oh, and a god complex that makes him think he''s above everyone else...That part is pretty important too."

    There was a beat of silence. Then Cassius''s gaze slowly turned toward her, his smirk sharpening into something...almost predatory.

    Aisha immediately went stiff.

    "¡­I mean." She coughed, her ears twitching in alarm. "Y-You''re a very benevolent god, of course."

    Cassius''s smirk widened. Aisha panicked.

    Without another word, she crawled¡ªliterally crawled¡ªbetween Julie and Skadi, using them as human (and beastkin) shields.

    Julie, despite her exhaustion, blinked in bewilderment. "Aisha...What are you doing?"

    "I''m seeking asylum." Aisha muttered, peeking out cautiously from behind Skadi''s shoulder.

    Skadi, still on her high from surviving certain doom, let out another laugh. "Pfft, scaredy-cat."

    Aisha glared at her. "Don''t you start."

    Julie was about to smile at the usual sight that warmed her heart, that is until her eyes turned gloomy once again when she remembered that things weren''t truly over yet. She exhaled slowly, pressing a gloved hand to her forehead as if warding off an oncoming headache.

    A wry smile then tugged at her lips, though her emerald eyes reflected nothing but exhaustion and reluctant acceptance.

    "Don''t get too excited since it''s...It''s not over yet." She muttered.

    Skadi, still caught up in the rush of survival, tilted her head. "Huh?"

    Aisha, peeking out from behind Julie and Skadi, narrowed her eyes. "W-What do you mean it''s not over? We made it, didn''t we? We''re alive. Cassius is alive. That bastard''s plan is ruined. What else could possibly¡ª"

    Julie cut her off with a weary chuckle.

    "Young Master Cassius was merciful enough to spare us, even though he had every right to take our lives after what we did." She turned her gaze to Cassius, her expression a mixture of guilt and gratitude. "But our failure doesn''t mean we''re safe."

    That wiped the triumphant looks off both Aisha''s and Skadi''s faces.

    Julie let out a slow breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "My orders were absolute. Kill Cassius, return with his head, and if we failed¡­"

    Silence settled over them, heavy and suffocating.

    Aisha''s ears peeked up. Skadi''s tail stilled.

    Even the injured knights who had been celebrating their survival suddenly stiffened as realization dawned upon them.

    Julie''s voice was calm, but the underlying tension was unmistakable. "The Holyfield patriarch...Cassius''s father...will never forgive this failure."

    Cassius, who had been idly watching the conversation unfold, quirked a brow at that. Instead of looking the least bit concerned, he seemed rather...entertained.

    "Well..." He mused, adjusting his sleeves before lowering himself onto the ground like everyone else. "That sounds interesting. Do go on."

    Lucius, still standing, looked at his master like he had lost his mind. "Master, I hardly think this is something to be entertained by!"

    Cassius shot him a cheeky smile. "Well, I already knew dear old father wouldn''t take this lightly. I just want to see how bad it''s going to be."

    Julie ran a hand through her bangs, looking at Cassius with a complicated expression before sighing. "Bad doesn''t even begin to describe it."

    Aisha swallowed hard. "How bad?"

    Julie looked away, her biting her lips slightly before she finally answered.

    "If we return empty-handed, we will all be marked as...traitors."

    Aisha sucked in a sharp breath. Skadi''s ears shot up in alarm. The rest of the knights, who had been clinging to the hope that they could return to their normal lives, let out a collective murmur of panic.

    "Traitors?" Skadi echoed, her voice wavering. "But...But we were just following orders!"

    "Doesn''t matter." Julie said grimly. "We failed. That alone is enough."

    Aisha gritted her teeth, her tail flicking violently. "So what? We go back and get executed for incompetence? That''s insane!"

    "Of course it is." Julie said, her voice laced with bitter amusement. "But it''s reality. The Holyfield patriarch doesn''t tolerate failure, and this...this was the worst failure imaginable."

    One of the knights, still clutching her injured arm, muttered anxiously. "Isn''t there anything we can do? Captain, if we explain¡ª"

    Julie shook her head. "You think reasoning with him will work? You think telling him, ''Oh, sorry, sir, your son turned out to be a walking nightmare, so we couldn''t kill him,'' is going to earn us any mercy?"

    Silence. The truth was brutal.

    They had been sent to do the impossible.

    And now, they had no home to return to.

    Skadi''s ears drooped. "Then what do we do?" She whispered.

    Aisha''s tail flicked anxiously, her amber eyes burning with defiance. "No." She said, shaking her head firmly. "That doesn''t make sense."

    Skadi and Julie turned to her, watching as she clenched her fists, her claws slightly digging into her palms.

    "The patriarch wouldn''t just execute all of us." Aisha continued, her voice laced with frustration. "We were assigned an impossible task! We were sent to kill him¡ª" She gestured toward Cassius, who sat watching their conversation unfold with quiet amusement. "¡ªa man who completely outclasses us in every way! How could he expect us to succeed?!"

    Her tail lashed from side to side as she went on. "I mean, as long as Cassius demonstrates his overwhelming power¡ªif he proves to the patriarch that he''s not someone who can be eliminated so easily¡ªthen¡­"

    But then, mid-sentence, her voice faltered.

    Realization hit her like a slap to the face.

    What was she saying?

    Cassius and his father...they already had a long-standing blood feud. This wasn''t just a misunderstanding or a political dispute¡ªit was a deep, irreparable hatred.

    There was no scenario where Cassius would willingly go before his father to showcase his strength. That would be akin to presenting himself as an active threat, forcing the patriarch to escalate things further.

    And even if, by some miracle, Cassius were willing to step in for them¡ªwhy would he?

    They had just tried to kill him.

    They had dragged him into an execution attempt, outnumbered and outmatched, all because of an order they blindly followed.

    Why in the hell would he put himself in danger for them?

    Aisha swallowed, her ears dropping slightly.

    As a last, desperate measure, she cast a sideways glance at Cassius, as if silently pleading for an answer, for some shred of mercy. She knew it was shameless. She hated that she was doing this, but she was backed into a corner.

    But Cassius only gazed back at her with a neutral expression.

    Unreadable. Unmoved. He didn''t say a word.

    He wasn''t going to make this decision for them. He was simply watching. Waiting.

    Aisha felt her stomach twist in frustration.

    And before she could swallow her pride and outright ask him, Julie suddenly let out a quiet chuckle.

    "Don''t bother." Julie murmured, shaking her head.

    Aisha turned to her, confusion flashing across her face.

    Julie smiled¡ªthough it was a weary, almost resigned expression. "Even if Cassius did speak for our sake...we''re sadly already doomed."

    Skadi''s ears twitched violently, her silver eyes filled with uncertainty. "What do you mean?"

    Julie exhaled softly before finally admitting. "Because I took an eternal vow with the patriarch."

    Silence.

    Aisha''s breath caught in her throat.

    Skadi''s entire body tensed.

    The knights who had been listening to the conversation stiffened, their expressions morphing into horror.

    Cassius, however, merely raised an eyebrow. He then tilted his head and glanced at Lucious. "An eternal vow, huh?" He mused. "That''s a term I haven''t heard before. Lucious, what exactly is it?"

    Lucious, still pale from everything that had unfolded, opened his mouth to answer¡ªbut before he could get a word out, Julie spoke up instead.

    "It''s a sacred vow." She explained, her voice eerily calm despite the gravity of her words. "A promise, a contract¡ªwhatever you want to call it¡ªthat cannot be broken, no matter what."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow. "Cannot be broken?"

    Julie nodded. "It is an unbreakable bond formed between two parties, sanctioned by a high-ranking member of the church. Using the binding power of God himself, the vow links the lives of those involved to the very words they swear upon."

    She took a deep breath, then added grimly, "And should either party fail to uphold their end of the vow...their life is immediately forfeited."

    A heavy silence followed her words.

    Cassius absorbed the information with an unreadable expression. "Huh." He muttered, tapping his chin. "That''s quite the spell."

    "It''s not just any spell." Julie continued, shaking her head. "It''s an exceptionally powerful and rare ritual. The church can only perform it a handful of times each year, and it''s usually reserved for the most critical of agreements¡ªtreaties between nations, pacts between rulers...and, well, situations where absolute trust and obedience are required."

    She let out a bitter chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "And in my case...because of how much the patriarch despises you, Young Master, and how desperately he wanted to ensure that you would die today without any risk of failure¡ªhe made that vow with me."

    Cassius''s gaze sharpened. "Oh?"

    Julie nodded, her expression darkening. "The vow was simple. If you are not dead by the end of the day, I die. And not just me."

    She let the words hang in the air, the weight of them suffocating.

    Then, her lips curled into a humorless smirk. "To guarantee that no one in my squad would hesitate, to make sure no one would even consider abandoning the mission, he added another clause."

    She swallowed, then continued, her voice hollow.

    "If I fail, he will personally make it his mission to hunt down every last one of my subordinates. No matter where they run. No matter how far they flee. He will wipe them all out."

    A cold chill swept through the knights. Some of them physically recoiled, others clenched their fists in horror. Even Aisha, who had long since known the cruelty of nobles, felt a sickening wave of nausea at how utterly ruthless the patriarch was.

    Skadi looked like she wanted to throw up.

    Cassius, however, only let out a slow exhale. "That is quite the predicament."

    Julie let out a short, bitter laugh. "You can say that again." She shook her head. "He thought this vow would be his insurance. That no matter what happened, no one would dare defy him. That with our lives on the line, we would cut you down no matter what."

    Her hands clenched into fists as a rueful smile appeared on her face, "But he never would have expected it to backfire like this."

    "...Now, no matter what we do¡ªwhether we kill you or not¡ªwe are doomed."

 Chapter 83 The Duties Of A Leader

    The weight of her words crushed the remaining bits of hope lingering in the air.

    The knights who had once taken pride in their cause now stared at the ground in silent horror, the reality of their situation pressing down on them like an unmovable weight.

    Skadi''s ears flattened completely, her body trembling as she looked toward Aisha. Aisha, who had been so vocal before, now stood frozen, her amber eyes staring into nothingness.

    Julie, the fearless leader they all admired, had sealed her own fate the moment she agreed to the vow.

    And all of them¡­

    Every single one of them¡­

    Were going to die because of it.

    Aisha''s voice was weak, almost trembling as she turned toward Julie.

    "Why¡­? Why did you accept such a thing?" She asked, her eyes filled with disbelief and betrayal. "You should have fought back¡ªyou should have argued against it! This is beyond cruel, Captain!"

    Her tail shook as her voice wavered. "And why didn''t you tell us? We''re your knights! Your squad! We would''ve fought for you! We would''ve demanded justice! How could they treat us like we had no trust, no worth?!"

    Julie''s expression faltered, something shifting in her gaze¡ªsomething unreadable. The weight of Aisha''s words pressed against her like chains, but instead of responding immediately, she hesitated.

    A long silence followed.

    Then, Julie exhaled and closed her eyes, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly. "It doesn''t matter if I told you or not since even if the patriarch hadn''t demanded the Eternal Vow¡­" Her voice was barely above a whisper. "¡­I would have taken it myself."

    The world seemed to stop.

    Aisha''s breath hitched. Skadi visibly recoiled, her ears shooting straight up, her tail freezing mid-movement. Even the knights who had been listening paled at her words.

    Skadi, usually so brash and loud, could only stammer. "W-What? Captain, what are you saying?" Her silver eyes darted across Julie''s face as if trying to find some trace of deception. "That doesn''t make sense! Why¡ªWhy would you do that?!"

    Julie''s fingers curled into her gloves, her jaw tightening. "I...I can''t say." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha''s tail flicked in confusion. "You can''t say? Why captain?! Why?!...No matter the reason, we know you''d do it with the best of our intentions mind, so why can''t you tell us." The sheer desperation in her voice made even the injured knights flinch.

    Julie still remained silent.

    Skadi looked at her with wide, disbelieving eyes, her hands tightening into fists. "Captain¡­" Her voice trembled, pleading. "Please...tell us why."

    But Julie only turned her face away, lips pressing into a thin line. Whatever the reason was, she had no intention of revealing it.

    And before Aisha could shout again, before Skadi could demand answers, another voice cut through the heavy tension.

    "¡­Ah."

    Cassius suddenly let out a quiet chuckle.

    Aisha and Skadi turned, startled by his sudden interjection.

    Sitting cross-legged on the ground with his arms resting casually over his knees, Cassius tilted his head slightly, an amused yet knowing glint in his crimson eyes.

    "So that''s how it is." He murmured, as if talking to himself. "It finally makes sense."

    Lucious, who had also sat down beside him in silent exhaustion, blinked at his master''s cryptic remark. "Master...What makes sense?"

    Cassius hummed, stretching his arms. "I finally figured something out¡ªsomething that had been bugging me for a while now."

    Julie''s gaze snapped toward him, wary. Aisha and Skadi looked confused but also curious.

    Cassius then turned his eyes to Lucious, a smug look on his face. "I finally understand how exactly the Holyfield household planned to appease the Vindictus household after executing me."

    Lucious frowned. "But, Master...didn''t you already say that earlier? That they would offer the heads of the ones who spread the rumors or the maids involved?"

    Cassius let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. "I did say that, but that was just an example. A mere possibility I threw out. In reality¡­" His smirk deepened. "¡­there was no way the Vindictus household would be satisfied with the heads of a few mere peasants."

    At this, the entire group froze.

    Aisha''s breath stopped as she realized something, while Julie''s expression darkened.

    And Cassius?...He just kept smiling.

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with quiet playfulness as he spoke.

    "There was no way the prideful Vindictus family would accept such a meager compensation." He said, his voice almost lazy, as if he were simply stating an obvious fact. "They wouldn''t just let this go after their supposed heir was executed. No, the Holyfield household would need to do much more to appease their wrath, to ensure this doesn''t escalate into war."

    He let his words linger, watching as realization slowly began to dawn on the knights around him.

    "And that something¡­" He dragged the words out, reveling in the tension, before finally saying. "...is probably the lives of everyone involved in this mission to kill me."

    A sharp intake of breath echoed from Skadi.

    Cassius turned his gaze to the knights, watching their expressions twist with dread. "Every single one of you. From the common knights all the way up to your leader. You''d all be executed to appease the Vindictus family''s anger¡ªno matter how cruel, no matter how unjust. Even though you were forced into this mission, even though you had no choice."

    "That''s¡ª!" Skadi started, her fur rising in anger. Her claws twitched, her mouth opening to snarl at the sheer absurdity of it.

    But before she could lash out, Aisha swiftly raised a hand in front of her, cutting her off. Skadi turned to her, confused, but Aisha''s amber eyes remained locked onto Julie.

    Julie, who had been silent this whole time.

    Julie, who had not refuted a single word Cassius had said.

    Aisha''s heart clenched painfully. She already knew where this was going.

    Cassius noticed the shift in the atmosphere, the way Aisha''s ears drooped in silent anguish, the way Julie kept her head slightly lowered as if bracing herself. And he smiled.

    "As cruel as it may be..." Cassius continued, stretching his arms lazily. "This is how noble politics work." His tone remained casual, unaffected, as if he had long since accepted this twisted reality. "Blood must pay for blood. It doesn''t matter why you did it, or whether you had a choice...What matters is that the Holyfield household needs a grand, dramatic display of justice to maintain their dignity."

    The knights gritted their teeth. Some clenched their fists so tightly that their gloves creaked under the pressure.

    Lucious, who had been silently absorbing all of this, frowned deeply. "But, Master." He interjected, his voice firm. "That doesn''t make sense. The Eternal Vow that Captain Julie made would prevent that from happening. It ensures that everyone would be let off after completing the task. That was the whole point of it, wasn''t it? A fair deal?"

    The knights, still shaken, quickly latched onto Lucious''s words, nodding in agreement.

    Cassius, however, simply smiled. A slow, knowing smile.

    And then he turned his gaze back to Julie, locking eyes with her. The way she stiffened ever so slightly, the way her lips pressed together in the faintest hint of tension¡ªit was all the confirmation he needed.

    "Ah..." He said, his tone laced with joy like he were unraveling a birthday present. "Now that''s where the real twist comes in."

    The knights tensed. Cassius tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving Julie''s.

    "You see, your beautiful and intelligent Captain Julie..." He mused. "...probably already anticipated something like this from the very beginning."

    The silence that followed was suffocating.

    Cassius continued, his voice smooth, unwavering. "She knew that even if she completed the mission, the Holyfield household could still decide to execute her entire squad anyway for the sake of giving face to the Vindictus household. And if that happened¡ªwell, there would be nothing she could do to stop it."

    Julie''s fingers curled into the fabric of her gloves, but she still said nothing. Cassius''s smile widened.

    "So¡­" He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his palm. "She made a counteroffer or more of a demand or maybe even threat of retaliation to the patriarch of the Holyfield household, didn''t she?" Aisha''s swallowed hard knowing where this was leading to.

    Cassius''s voice softened, almost mockingly gentle.

    "Instead of having everyone in her squad be sacrificed...she proposed that only she, one of the only two grandmasters in the Holyfield family, a highly valuable member be executed in their place."

    A sharp gasp echoed from the knights.

    "That way..." Cassius continued, his tone eerily casual. "She could ensure that none of you would be hunted down like animals once this was all over. You''d all be safe...at the cost of her own life."

    His words hit like a hammer, sending waves of shock and despair through the knights.

    Julie remained silent.

    She had no rebuttal.

    She didn''t even try to deny it.

    Because Cassius was right. She had already accepted her death....From the very beginning.

    Tears welled up in the eyes of every knight present, their chests tightening with the overwhelming weight of Julie''s sacrifice.

    It wasn''t fair. It wasn''t right. And yet, their captain¡ªthe woman who had led them through battle after battle, who had fought beside them, bled with them, protected them¡ªhad accepted it without hesitation. From the very beginning.

    Skadi, her silver ears trembling against her head, shook her head violently. "No...No, no, no!" Her voice cracked as she stumbled toward Julie, grabbing onto her arm with trembling hands. "How could you do this, Captain? How could you make such a decision without telling us?!"

    Aisha, usually so composed, looked absolutely flustered at what had been revealed. "It''s not fair!" She choked, her amber eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You can''t just sacrifice yourself for us like this! We should have had a say!"

    But Julie, ever composed, simply smiled.

    A warm, loving smile that only made their hearts ache more.

    She reached out and gently placed a hand on their heads, stroking Aisha''s soft ears and ruffling Skadi''s wild silver hair. "Well, that''s simply because..." She murmured. "...my life is nothing compared to the lives of my squad."

    A fresh wave of tears cascaded down Skadi''s face, and Aisha sucked in a shaky breath, her body trembling.

    "It''s my duty as your captain to protect you all." Julie continued, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "I would much rather die a thousand times over than watch a single one of you be sacrificed for this cursed mission."

    A sob tore its way from Skadi''s throat, and she pressed her forehead against Julie''s shoulder, gripping onto her like a lifeline. "Damn it¡­" She whispered, her voice raw with emotion. "Damn it, Captain¡­"

    Aisha squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head furiously. "You don''t get to make that choice alone!" She said through gritted teeth. "You don''t get to decide that your life is worth less than ours!"

    Julie let out a quiet, rueful chuckle. "And yet...I did."

    But the she exhaled deeply, her usually steady gaze clouded with exhaustion and sorrow.

    "But it seems fate has decided to be crueler than I ever imagined." She murmured, casting her eyes toward the sky. "Not only was I always meant to die, but now...you all are, too."

    She turned her gaze back to her knights, her expression filled with grief.

    "I''m sorry." She whispered, the weight of those words pressing down on her like a mountain. "I failed you. As your captain, as your leader¡ªI failed."

    The silence that followed was deafening. The knights¡ªher knights¡ªstared at her, their faces twisted with anguish. Tears welled in Skadi''s silver eyes, but she furiously wiped them away, as if refusing to let them fall.

    "Stop it." Skadi choked out, her voice shaking with suppressed emotion. "Don''t you dare say that, captain."

    Julie blinked.

    "Skadi doesn''t blame you." Skadi continued, her hands balling into fists. Skadi would never blame you. You did what you thought was right. You did what any good captain would do¡ªyou protected your squad."

    She took a trembling breath. "And if we have to die, then so be it." She declared, her silver tail bristling with determination. "But we''ll die as knights of the Sacred Guard. Your knights."

    Julie''s lips parted, but no words came out. Before she could protest, Aisha moved forward, her amber eyes burning with a mix of anger and admiration.

    "She''s right." Aisha said, her voice steadier than Skadi''s but just as fierce. "You carried this burden alone, all for our sake. But you don''t have to anymore." Her gaze softened. "We will follow you anywhere, Captain. Even to the end."

    The other knights, still wounded, still aching, still barely standing, murmured in agreement. One by one, they straightened their backs, wiped their tears, and nodded with unwavering conviction which made even Lucious who was a bystander to all of this feel a sense of pride and comaderie flow through him at the moment like he too wanted to die along them.

    ...But of course even if he wanted to do so, he couldn''t since his life was dedicated to serving his young master and a dead butler wouldn''t exactly be the most useful for him.

 Chapter 84 Taking Liberties

    Julie felt something in her chest tighten¡ªsomething painful, something unbearable, something that made her want to both cry and laugh at the same time.

    But then¡ª

    "If anyone deserves to die." One knight muttered. "It''s that damn Patriarch."

    That one sentence ignited something in the group.

    "The bastard sent us on a suicide mission for his own damn son."

    "He knew we''d fail from the start. He wanted us to."

    "He made Julie take that Eternal Vow just to guarantee our deaths."

    "And what do we get for years of loyal service? Executed! Just because some power-hungry old man wants to be rid of his own blood!"

    The rage in the air was obvious. The knights, still battered and bruised, were furious. Their anger surged, spreading like wildfire.

    Julie opened her mouth, perhaps to calm them down, but Skadi wasn''t finished. She let out a growl, her canines flashing in frustration. "That filthy, snake-hearted, rotten, decrepit excuse of a man¡ªif I had just one second alone with him, I''d rip his throat out with my teeth!"

    "You''d rip out his throat? I''d gut him." Another knight hissed.

    "I''d burn down his entire damn estate and salt the ground."

    "Drown him in a pit of his own lies."

    "I''d love to see him strapped to a wooden post and whipped like a common criminal."

    "Throw him into a nest of starved vultures and see how long he lasts."

    Julie watched in quiet amazement as her squad¡ªonce disciplined, noble, and duty-bound¡ªhad descended into full-blown, unfiltered hatred for the man they had once sworn loyalty to.

    The same knights who had once proudly carried out the Holyfield household''s will were now throwing every imaginable insult at the very patriarch they had served without question.

    And then, as the absurdity of the situation dawned on her, she laughed.

    "Hahaha!~"

    A soft chuckle at first, but it grew¡ªbubbling up from deep within her chest, shaking her shoulders as she let out a full-bodied, genuine laugh. A laugh of disbelief, of irony, of sheer madness at the situation they found themselves in.

    The moment Skadi heard her captain''s laugh, she also let out a loud, almost howling laugh, clutching her stomach as she rolled onto her back.

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    And then¡ªone by one¡ªthe others joined in.

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    Battered. Broken. Bleeding.

    And yet, they laughed.

    Not because the situation had improved. Not because they had found a miraculous escape.

    But because, in that moment, they had accepted their fates.

    Aisha, her eyes wet with unshed tears, smiled as she wiped them away with the back of her hand. "You know." She mused, shaking her head. "I guess there really isn''t any point in worrying anymore."

    Julie looked over at her, amusement still lingering in her eyes. "Oh?"

    Aisha exhaled, a slow, weary breath. "We can''t run, can''t hide. Even if we tried, our families would be implicated, and they''d most definitely be executed in one way or another."

    Her amber eyes flickered with a strange mixture of peace and defiance. "So if we''re going to die...we might as well do it with pride."

    The other knights quieted, listening to her words with rapt attention.

    "No matter how painful or humiliating it may be." Aisha continued, standing tall despite her injuries. "We should face our end as one¡ªwith our heads held high and our backs straight. We should meet death with a smile on our faces, just to show that bastard of a Patriarch that we haven''t succumbed to his schemes."

    She placed a hand over her chest, right where her heart was beating strong and steady. "We''ve done nothing wrong. We have never stained the name of the Sacred Guard. And we will never allow him to take that from us."

    A proud, almost reckless smile spread across her lips. "So, if we''re going to die...let''s make sure we do it our way."

    For a brief, profound moment, there was silence.

    And then¡ª

    A roar of cheers erupted from the battered knights.

    Even those who could barely sit up lifted their arms and banged their fists against their chests in agreement.

    Skadi threw her head back and let out a loud, wild war cry, her silver tail whipping around with pride. "That''s right! We''re not going to die like cowards! We''ll die as knights of the Sacred Guard, standing tall!"

    The others followed, pounding their fists against the dirt, the armor, anything they could, creating a thunderous, rhythmic beat that shook the air with their sheer determination.

    Julie watched all of this, her heart aching with both pride and sorrow.

    Her knights.

    Her soldiers.

    Her family.

    They had accepted their end¡ªnot with fear, not with despair¡ªbut with courage. Her chest swelled with emotion as she swept her gaze over them.

    If she had to die, then she would gladly die among these people. These warriors.

    Yes, her time on this earth was limited.

    But she would leave it with no regrets.

    ...Or so she thought¡ªuntil a lazy, infuriatingly casual voice cut through their triumphant moment like a blade.

    "Ah...And here I was, thinking of saving you all from this plight, letting you all go back to your homes safety..." Cassius mused, tilting his head slightly as he leaned back, resting an elbow on his knee. His crimson eyes gleamed with amusement as he took in the sight before him. "...giving back the freedom you so deserve¡­"

    He sighed, dramatically, shaking his head.

    "...But seeing as everyone here is so eager for their deaths, perhaps I should just let you be."

    Silence.

    Absolute.

    Total.

    Silence.

    Every single knight froze mid-celebration.

    Skadi, who had just been about to let out another war cry, clamped her mouth shut so fast she nearly bit her tongue.

    Aisha, who had been pumping her fist in the air, suddenly dropped it.

    Julie, who had just found peace with her fate, turned her head slowly¡ªvery, very slowly¡ªto stare at Cassius.

    And then, as one¡ª

    Every single one of them snapped their heads toward him.

    Cassius simply smiled.

    That same infuriatingly calm, knowing smile.

    Like he had already figured everything out.

    Like he already had a plan.

    And then¡ªutter chaos.

    Skadi practically pounced toward him, her silver tail wagging violently as she clutched the front of his shirt. "Wait, wait, wait¡ªWHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

    Aisha, abandoning all pride, grabbed his other sleeve. "You¡ªyou have a plan?!" Her voice cracked. "You can save us?!"

    Even Julie, who had just accepted her noble death, was now staring at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

    The rest of the knights, despite their injuries, dragged or even rolled themselves toward him like starving beggars reaching for salvation.

    Cassius sighed dramatically again. "I don''t know¡­" He drawled. "You did all seem very enthusiastic about dying just now¡­"

    "No, no, no, NO¡ªWE''RE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC ANYMORE!" Skadi practically yelled.

    "THAT WAS BEFORE WE KNEW THERE WAS AN OPTION B!" Aisha cried, shaking his arm.

    "Option B sounds very good, actually." Julie muttered, her dignified composure starting to crack.

    The courtyard, which had moments ago been filled with brave declarations of noble deaths and honorable sacrifices, was now in utter disarray.

    "I don''t want to die!" One knight cried out, her voice cracking with desperation. "What I said before was me spouting nonsense! I still want to live!"

    "Me too!" Another wailed. "I haven''t even found a husband yet!"

    "Damn it, I take it back! Forget about the noble death crap¡ªI want to live!"

    "I''ll do anything! Anything to stay in the Holy Guard!"

    One after another, the knights who had just been prepared to throw their lives away now clung to the idea of survival like drowning sailors grasping for driftwood. Their voices overlapped in chaotic desperation, all previous bravado completely gone.

    Lucious, standing off to the side, could only stare in disbelief at the sheer turnaround of events. His entire worldview had been shattered so many times today that he wasn''t even sure what was real anymore.

    He then turned toward his master, his expression torn between awe and exasperation. "Young Master..." He said slowly, as if making sure he wasn''t hallucinating. "Are you seriously saying that you can save them¡ªand yourself¡ªfrom this mess?"

    At that, the chaotic clamor suddenly ceased.

    All eyes snapped toward Cassius.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi all stared at him with equal parts hope and desperation, their hearts hammering in their chests.

    Cassius, sitting as comfortably as if he were lounging in a garden, simply tilted his head and smiled.

    "Lucious..." He said, tapping a finger against his chin. "If someone had told you that the ''useless'' young master of the Holyfield household would absolutely thrash the Holy Guard today, would you have believed them?"

    Lucious blinked. "What¡ª? No! Of course not! Even I your loyal butler would tell you to go back to sleep since your still dreaming."

    "Exactly." Cassius said smoothly. "Because it was supposed to be impossible."

    He then swept his gaze over the wide-eyed knights, his eyes gleaming with absolute confidence. "But I did it. I did the impossible."

    No one spoke back as no one could argue with that...Because he had done it.

    With overwhelming strength and terrifying ease, he had taken down one of the most formidable knight brigades on the continent. Julie, despite herself, felt her heart race at the sheer weight of his words.

    Cassius then leaned forward, his voice deceptively soft. "So tell me...if I could do the impossible once¡­" His smile widened. "Why wouldn''t I be able to do it again?"

    A heavy silence followed. The knights, battered and broken, looked into his eyes. And for the first time since the battle started, they saw it.

    Absolute certainty.

    Not arrogance. Not foolish pride.

    But certainty.

    And in that moment, hope¡ªfragile, but real¡ªbegan to take root in their hearts.

    Julie clenched her fists, her mind racing. If there was even the slightest chance that he could do what he claimed, then¡ª

    But before she could speak, Cassius suddenly sighed.

    "Of course." He mused, his voice taking on a more sinister edge. "I could help you all...but¡­"

    A shadow fell over his face, and for the first time, an unmistakable danger lurked in his gaze.

    "You all did try to kill me."

    A shudder ran through the knights.

    Julie stiffened.

    Aisha gulped.

    Skadi''s ears twitched nervously. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile turning almost playful¡ªbut the kind of playful that sent a chill down their spines.

    "It would be a bit unreasonable of me..." He continued, his voice as smooth as silk. "...to save the very people who tried to end my life...for free."

    He let the words sink in. The knights collectively gulped. Julie braced herself. Aisha''s tail fluffed up in anxiety. Skadi¡ªdespite being the most physically powerful¡ªfelt a strange sense of dread curling in her stomach.

    Cassius leaned forward, his crimson eyes gleaming like he just found some fun toys to play with.

    "So..." He said, his tone deceptively light. "If you all truly want me to save you."

    His smile turned sharp.

    "I''ll be needing a few...heavy demands in return."

    Julie inhaled sharply, her mind already bracing for whatever outrageous demand Cassius was about to make.

    "¡­What do you want?" She asked hesitantly, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her.

    Cassius tilted his head, smiling in that infuriatingly carefree way, as if he weren''t holding their entire fates in his hands. "Simple." He mused, flicking an invisible speck of dust off his sleeve.

    "...I want absolute control over the entire Sacred Guard."

    The air grew thick with stunned silence.

    Julie''s breath hitched.

    Aisha''s ears twitched in shock.

    Skadi blinked, her tail freezing mid-sway.

    The other knights¡ªthough battered and beaten¡ªgasped as if he''d just suggested something blasphemous.

    "¡­What?" Julie finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Cassius leaned back, stretching his arms. "You heard me, Captain." He said, his tone almost bored. "I want full authority over your legion. A complete transfer of power¡ªone that strips my dear father of any control over you and places it solely in my hands."

    Julie clenched her fists.

    Her position as Captain was one thing, but the Sacred Guard¡­? They weren''t just hers. They were a symbol. They were the protectors of the Holyfield estate, trusted by its people. Cassius wasn''t just asking for her submission¡ªhe was asking for the complete dismantling of their current order.

    Julie opened her mouth to protest, to argue, to say something, but then Cassius''s eyes gleamed with something even more sinister.

    "Ah, but that''s not all." He added, his voice taking on an amused edge.

    Julie''s stomach churned. "¡­There''s more?"

    Cassius chuckled darkly, his gaze sweeping over the battle-worn knights before finally landing back on her. "Of course. I am my father''s son, after all. We may be enemies, but I can''t deny that I did inherit a bit of his¡­" He paused, letting his words settle, before flashing them a rather sinister smile. "¡­wickedness."

    Aisha, who had barely begun to digest his first demand, stiffened.

    Julie, usually composed, felt a strange sense of dread crawl up her spine.

    Even Skadi, who had no clue where this was going, instinctively tensed.

    Cassius exhaled dramatically. "You see..." He continued. "While my father enjoys collecting power and scheming from the shadows, my own tastes lean in a...different direction."

    His eyes flickered with an unmistakable mischief.

    "You see, I have a rather strong preference for pretty women."

    Julie''s brain short-circuited. Aisha froze. The remaining knights, already emotionally exhausted, squeaked. Even Skadi, who had been slow on the uptake, finally began to realize where this was going.

    Cassius''s smirk widened as he let his words hang in the air before dropping the final bomb.

    "And what do you know? The Sacred Guard is entirely composed of beautiful women."

    Julie''s face burned.

    Aisha choked.

    Skadi tilted her head in confusion.

    The other knights were torn between horror and flustered panic.

    Cassius tapped his chin playfully. "I suppose if I''m going to take in an entire squad of lovely knights, I might as well take some...You know...liberties with them every now and then."

    The moment those words left his mouth, Julie and Aisha exploded at the same time.

    "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Julie shouted, her entire face going red.

    "Y-YOU PERVERTED BASTARD!" Aisha hissed, her ears trembling like they couldn''t believe how shameless he was.

    Cassius burst into laughter at their reactions, clearly enjoying himself far too much.

    Meanwhile, Skadi, still confused, turned to Aisha. "Wait, what does he mean by ''taking liberties'' I don''t think I have anything called liberty on me?"

    Aisha paled.

    Julie slapped a hand over Skadi''s mouth. "You don''t need to know!" She shrieked.

 Chapter 85 The Day I Met Your Father

    Julie''s face was still burning, and Aisha looked about two seconds away from exploding when Cassius, still grinning, waved a hand dismissively.

    "Oh, don''t look at me like that." He said lazily. "Of course, I''m not saying I''d force myself on anyone. I''m not that sort of person." His eyes flickered with something unreadable as he leaned back slightly. "You should already know that much, considering how much you''ve probably investigated me from before ."

    Julie blinked and Aisha stiffened since what he was saying was actually true.

    They had received reports on him. His every move, his lifestyle, his habits¡ªit had all been monitored under the guise of finding out if he was like what the rumours said he was. And while Cassius had certainly been reckless, indulgent, and self-destructive in many ways, one thing had never been recorded in any of those reports.

    He had never forced himself on a woman.

    Not once.

    For all his supposed ''wickedness'', Cassius had never laid a finger on anyone against their will. If anything, he charmed his way into their good graces.

    He had a way with women that was so insidious, so effortless, that even those who once loathed him would eventually find themselves drawn in.

    Julie swallowed hard as she thought about his true self, thinking that what he said was true. While Aisha averted her gaze since no matter how she knew that he wasn''t that sort of person, the way he looker at her, especially her fluffy ears scared her.

    Cassius smirked, clearly seeing the shift in their expressions. "See? I told you I wasn''t a monster. If anything, I''m quite fair to my women."

    That statement sent another wave of discomfort through the group.

    Skadi, still somewhat lost in the conversation, turned to Julie with a frown. "So...he''s not actually evil?"

    Julie rubbed her temples. "No, Skadi, he''s still evil. He''s just not¡­" She trailed off, struggling to find the right word.

    "¡­That kind of evil." Aisha finished dryly, ears twitching in frustration.

    "Exactly." Cassius grinned. He then leaned back, his grin sharpening into something undeniably wicked. "Of course..." He dragged. "While I wouldn''t force myself on anyone...you should know by now that I have a certain way with women."

    His eyes glinted as he let the words sink in to which Julie narrowed her eyes.

    "A way¡­?" Skadi tilted her head wanting to know what he was talking about.

    Cassius chuckled. "Mmm...Let''s just say that I''m so...charismatic that you shouldn''t be surprised if some of you end up throwing yourselves at me eventually." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The silence that followed was instantaneous. It was as if time itself had frozen.

    For a split second, every knight present had the same exact thought¡ªAbsolutely not.

    Julie felt her lips part, ready to unleash a sharp rebuttal.

    Aisha prepared to hiss.

    The knights collectively grit their teeth, hands tightening around their weapons in an unconscious, defensive reaction.

    But then¡ª

    A terrible realization struck them all at once.

    The maids. The ones back at the estate. The very same maids who had once despised Cassius.

    Who had sneered at him, whispered about him behind his back, mocked his failures.

    And now?

    Now, those same maids adored him.

    Served him with reverence.

    Fawned over him.

    Using their own spies they knew how they giggled whenever he walked by, how they blushed when he so much as looked in their direction, how some even fought for the chance to bring him tea or stand closer to him.

    Julie''s stomach dropped, Aisha''s ears drooped, while Skadi, still confused, looked around. "Huh? What''s with those faces?"

    No one answered her.

    Because in that moment¡ª

    They all realized something truly horrifying.

    If the maids¡ªthe very people who had once hated Cassius¡ªcould end up adoring him.

    Then what about them?

    Julie refused to acknowledge the thought.

    Aisha clenched her fists, her expression grim.

    The other knights shivered.

    Cassius, watching their reactions with absolute amusement, let out a low, knowing chuckle. "Oh?" He mused. "What''s with those looks? You''re not scared, are you?"

    "Please don''t flatter yourself, Young Master." Julie scowled, her cheeks slightly red.

    "Hmph! Like hell I''d ever fall for your tricks." Aisha huffed, arms crossing over her chest as she glared at him.

    Cassius chuckled, his eyes gleaming like he saw a easy bet.

    "Oh? Is that so?" He tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "Then why not just agree to my terms? If you''re all so confident that you won''t fall under my spell, there shouldn''t be a problem, right?"

    Aisha and Julie both stiffened. The other knights exchanged wary glances.

    Cassius let out a low laugh, shaking his head. "But really, it''s not like you have much of a choice anyway."

    He leaned back, his hands playing with the grass underneath, his posture deceptively relaxed.

    "I mean, let''s weigh your options, shall we?" He lifted a finger. "One: You swear your allegiance to me¡ªa fair young master, who wouldn''t interfere with how you run things, wouldn''t order you around like dogs, and would only visit every now and then¡­" He chuckled. "Perhaps to pull a few pranks, but nothing too terrible."

    Then, he lifted another finger. "Or two¡­ you refuse, and you die."

    The entire field fell deathly silent.

    Cassius''s words hung in the air, heavy and inescapable. Their situation had never been clearer. There was no other way out.

    Julie sat straight, her mind racing, her heart pounding in her chest.

    She had served the Holyfield family loyally for years. She had sacrificed everything¡ªher blood, her sweat, her tears¡ªfor the family she thought she was protecting.

    And yet, this was the thanks she got?

    Betrayal...An execution order.

    From the very man she had sworn to serve.

    The knights around her were wavering, shifting from foot to foot, uncertainty weighing down on them like an iron chain.

    And then, just as their hesitation reached its peak¡ª

    Cassius''s smirk faded as his expression turned solemn. He spoke, his voice quiet but firm.

    "I understand what you''re feeling right now...After being betrayed by the very family you served for years, it''s only natural that you would hesitate."

    Julie inhaled sharply. The knights bit their lips.

    Cassius continued, his gaze piercing through them. "But let me tell you that even though the same blood that runs through his veins runs through mine¡­" He exhaled softly, shaking his head even those he didn''t actually share blood with them. "...I am not my father."

    His voice, usually laced with teasing and amusement, was serious now. Dead serious.

    "I am not the same bastard who sent you all to your deaths without a second thought."

    Skadi''s breath hastened with determination, as Aisha''s eyes glowed.

    Cassius met their gazes, one by one. "I am my own person." He declared. "And if you choose to follow me, I will never take away your dignity. I will never force you to go against your principles the way my father did."

    The knights stirred.

    Cassius took a step forward. "I promise you, not only will your freedom remain intact, but you will not regret this decision." His crimson eyes burned with conviction. "A decade from now, when you look back at this moment, you will be glad you chose to stand by my side."

    Julie''s heart pounded as she thought about that bright future.

    Even the most hardened knights, the ones who had been trained to remain unshaken in the face of battle, were beginning to shift, their eyes filled with something they hadn''t felt in a long time.

    Hope.

    Cassius let the moment settle.

    And then¡ª

    His final words sealed it.

    "Most of all¡­" His voice softened, but there was an unshakable strength in it. "I will never betray you."

    A quiet gasp escaped one of the knights.

    Cassius''s expression did not waver.

    "Even if the entire kingdom turns against you." He swore. "Even if the entire continent brands you as criminals¡­even if the entire world demands your heads¡ª"

    His voice rang out, firm and unyielding.

    "I will never abandon you."

    Julie''s eyes widened.

    Aisha''s breath came in unevenly.

    Skadi stared, completely frozen.

    Cassius took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over all of them. "No matter what happens." He vowed. "I will carry you back to the light."

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Julie felt her throat tighten.

    The knights around her looked at one another.

    And in that moment, they knew.

    They believed.

    Because Cassius Holyfield wasn''t making an empty promise.

    He was giving them a new purpose.

    A new reason to fight.

    Even Aisha, who had been the most wary of Cassius from the beginning, found herself unable to deny the solemn truth in his gaze. There was no deception in those crimson eyes¡ªno empty promises. He wasn''t trying to manipulate them. He wasn''t just telling them what they wanted to hear.

    He meant it.

    And because he meant it, Aisha¡ªfor the first time since this entire nightmare started¡ªallowed herself to believe.

    The realization seemed to settle upon everyone at the same time. One by one, the knights who had been hesitating, who had been drowning in uncertainty, finally turned their gazes toward their captain.

    Julie could feel the weight of their silent stares.

    They were waiting for her to make the final decision.

    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. Her emerald eyes flickered toward Aisha, silently seeking counsel from her most trusted right hand.

    Aisha''s ears twitched at the unspoken question. Then, slowly, a confident smile spread across her lips. "The decision is yours, Captain." She said firmly. "No matter where it leads¡ªwhether to heaven or hell¡ªwe''ll follow you."

    Her voice rang with conviction, and in an instant, the rest of the knights nodded, their expressions resolute.

    Julie exhaled softly, her heart swelling at the sight of her loyal subordinates¡ªher family¡ªtrusting her so completely.

    A warm smile curved her lips.

    Then, finally, she turned to face Cassius.

    For a moment, she simply looked at him, studying the young man who had, in a single day, shattered her understanding of strength, honor, and fate itself.

    Her gaze was searching¡ªwondering.

    What kind of path will you lead us down, Cassius Holyfield?

    Would he lead them to glory?

    Or would he drag them into the very depths of hell?

    Julie didn''t know.

    And yet, as she thought about everything that had happened today¡ªthe betrayal of the Holyfield household, the truth of Cassius''s situation, the future that now stood before them¡ªher doubts began to fade.

    She closed her eyes for a brief moment, allowing herself to make peace with her decision.

    Then, when she opened them again, they were shining with a newfound brightness, as though she could see the future waiting for her.

    A future she was willing to bet everything on.

    Extending her hand out toward him, she met Cassius''s gaze and asked, a teasing smile playing at her lips, "So? Young Master Cassius, you''re not going to make us regret this ten years down the line, are you?"

    Cassius chuckled, pushing his hand forward without hesitation. He clasped her hand in his, gripping it firmly.

    His eyes gleamed with absolute confidence. "Regret?" He repeated, tilting his head slightly. "In ten years time, everyone here will remember this day as the moment the Sacred Guard reached new heights and prospered for eternity."

    His gaze swept over the knights who had just pledged themselves to him. Their battered and bruised bodies no longer mattered¡ªwhat mattered was the fire in their eyes, the hope burning within them.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened. Then, his gaze flicked back toward Julie, Aisha, and Skadi, who were still sitting before him.

    Leaning in ever so slightly, he lowered his voice and murmured to their absolute shock, "And, of course, it''ll also be the day the three of you tell your future children that this was the day you met their father."

    For a brief moment, there was only silence.

    Then¡ª

    Julie choked.

    Aisha jerked violently.

    Skadi froze.

    And before any of them could react, Cassius swiftly turned away and clapped his hands together, addressing the rest of the knights as if nothing had happened.

    "Now then! Why''s everyone so silent? Didn''t you all just get a second lease on life? Shouldn''t you be celebrating?"

    His voice snapped everyone out of their daze.

    One knight hesitantly spoke, "Wait¡­ does that mean we won''t die anymore?"

    "Of course!" Cassius declared. "You all have your lives, your freedom, and best of all, a new master. Shouldn''t you be thanking me?"

    At first, there was a stunned pause.

    And then¡ª

    A wave of cheers erupted through the squad.

    Battered, bruised, and barely sitting on the ground, the knights roared in excitement, some collapsing onto their backs in sheer relief, others hugging the nearest person beside them. They laughed, they cried, they celebrated.

    "Drinks!" Someone shouted. "We need drinks!"

    "Damn right!" Another voice chimed in. "We''re gonna drink our hearts out tonight!"

    Amidst all the chaos, Julie coughed violently, her cheeks burning as she tried to process what Cassius had just said to her.

    Aisha, meanwhile, had yanked the hood of her robe over her head, her entire face scarlet as she glared daggers at Cassius, who was enjoying himself far too much.

    Skadi, on the other hand, was completely lost.

    Her tail twitched, ears flicking as she turned toward the other two, eyes wide with panic.

    "Wait¡ª" She gasped. "Am I gonna be a mother?!"

    Julie and Aisha''s heads snapped toward her.

    Skadi was now looking genuinely distressed, as if the idea had only just hit her. "Am I gonna have a bunch of puppies?!" She wailed, gripping her own head. "But I still like fighting! I don''t wanna raise puppies yet! What do I do?!"

    Julie buried her face in her hands.

    Aisha groaned in absolute exhaustion.

    And then, with no hesitation, Aisha reached over and slapped Skadi over the head.

    "No one is telling you to be a mother, you dumb mutt!" She snapped. "Be quiet!"

    Cassius, watching the scene unfold with a wide grin, let out a long, satisfied sigh.

    Hehe...This was going to be rather interesting.

 Chapter 86 Army Of Maids

    While getting way too excited in their celebrations, some of the knights attempted to stand up and dance¡ªonly for several of them to immediately regret it.

    The moment they put weight on their broken limbs, a chorus of agonized screams erupted.

    "AAARGH¡ª! SHIT, MY LEG!"

    "DAMN!¡ªWHY DID I THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?!"

    "I FORGOT MY RIBS WERE SHATTERED!"

    "MOTHER OF GODS¡ªIT HURTS!"

    One knight, who had attempted a triumphant fist-pump, instantly collapsed back to the ground with a pained groan. Another, who had barely gotten to their feet, wobbled for half a second before crumpling back down, clutching their sides like they were dying.

    The joyous celebration immediately turned into a symphony of agonized groans to which Aisha and Skadi both snapped their heads toward Cassius, their expressions flat like they were blaming him for their suffering.

    Cassius simply shrugged, completely unbothered. "They were the ones who came to kill me first."

    Aisha twitched violently. "You¡ª" She sucked in a breath, fists shaking in frustration. She wanted to argue. She really did. But...damn it, he was right.

    Cassius was the victim here.

    The only reason any of them were alive was because he allowed them to be.

    Aisha bit her lip, suppressing the urge to scream.

    And before she could explode like a balloon, Julie quickly waved her hand in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

    "Alright, alright, let''s move on from that. What''s done is done. If anything, we should be thanking the Young Master for not going all out and obliterating us."

    There was a brief silence.

    Then¡ª

    Skadi, whose battle-hungry nature would never let such a comment slide, snapped toward Julie with wide, excited eyes. "Wait¡ªWhat?! Did you just say that he hadn''t truly gone all out when he fought with us?!"

    "Yes, Skadi...He was." Julie sighed already knowing how the battle crazed pup was going to react.

    "B-By how much, Captain?! How much?!" Skadi gasped, her tail brimming with excitement.

    Julie cast a wary glance at Cassius before nodding. "I can''t say exactly how much¡­" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "But from the way he kicked me at the start of the fight¡­" Her emerald eyes darkened slightly as she remembered the sheer force of that single strike. "Im pretty sure, he could have blown me to pieces with just that one attack if he wanted to."

    The weight of those words settled over everyone like a thunderclap. Skadi''s ears twitched as her excitement skyrocketed.

    "Blown you to pieces?!" She echoed in awe. "How the hell is he that strong?!"

    Even Aisha, despite herself, felt her feline instincts scream in alarm. Her fur stood on end.

    And before she even realized what she was doing, she had crawled behind Julie, peeking out cautiously like a wary house cat assessing a very large predator.

    Her expression was defiant¡ªlike she was silently saying, I''m not scared of you!¡ªbut her entire body language betrayed her obvious unease.

    Cassius chuckled, thoroughly entertained by their antics.

    Skadi, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. Her silver tail flicked rapidly behind her, her eyes gleaming as she immediately turned to Cassius with unfiltered enthusiasm.

    "Young Master!" She barked, crawling closer. "How the hell did you get this strong?!"

    Cassius merely smiled, tilting his head slightly. "Oh? Curious, are we?"

    "Damn right, I am!" Skadi grinned. "You''re crazy strong! But more importantly¡ª" She smacked a fist against her open palm. "Can you hit me at full force? I wanna see if I can take it!"

    There was a long pause.

    Then¡ª

    "ARE YOU INSANE?!" Julie yanked Skadi back by the collar before she could take another step.

    Skadi yelped, arms flailing. "Hey, hey, what was that for, Captain?!"

    "What do you mean, ''what was that for''?!" Julie snapped, still holding onto her scruff like an exasperated parent. "You just asked to be hit¡ªby someone who could have blown your head off with one attack! Have you lost your mind?!"

    "No, but I do have a stronger body than you, Captain!" Skadi said proudly, puffing out her chest. "You might be faster, but I''m way tougher so I can probably take it!"

    Julie sighed, rubbing her temple. "Skadi, no matter how tough you are, you''d probably be reduced to a fine mist if he hit you seriously."

    "I can take it!" Skadi insisted, tail still wagging.

    Julie exhaled deeply, then turned her sharp gaze to Cassius. "Am I wrong?" She asked, watching him carefully. "If you hit her at full strength, what would happen?"

    Immediately after she asked that question, Julie scrutinized his face, searching for even the slightest hint of an answer.

    As a grandmaster herself, she had sparred with many of the strongest warriors on the continent. She understood power, could feel it when she was up against it.

    And Cassius...he was something else entirely.

    The way he had moved, the way he had toyed with them¡ªit was beyond anything she had ever encountered.

    Yet, to her growing frustration, Cassius remained utterly unreadable.

    Instead of answering, he simply smiled. That damn vague smile.

    ''Is he just messing with me? Or is he really that powerful?'' Julie''s brows furrowed.

    Before she could push him further, Lucious¡ªwho had been silently watching the exchange with growing amusement¡ªcleared his throat. He crossed his arms and gave a proud nod, speaking on his master''s behalf.

    "Of course, she wouldn''t stand a chance." He declared confidently. He then continued to taunt her by saying, "If my master really hit her at full strength, she''d probably fly all the way to the moon so you better stay away."

    Lucious smirked, waiting for Skadi to get offended, maybe argue back.

    Instead¡ª

    Skadi''s ears perked up, her tail wagging in excitement. "The moon?" She repeated, her eyes shimmering. "I can go to the moon?!"

    Lucious blinked. "Wait, what?"

    "That sounds amazing!" Skadi grinned widely, turning back to Cassius. "Come on, Young Master! Give me a good punch! I''ll spend a day there and then come back the next day!"

    "Y-You''re not supposed to want that..." Lucious visibly recoiled.

    "Skadi, for the love of¡ª" Julie facepalmed. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "What?" Skadi looked between them, confused. "What did I do? Skadi said nothing wrong."

    Aisha, who had been rubbing her face throughout the entire exchange, sighed heavily and muttered. "She was definitely dropped on her head as a baby¡­"

    Lucious, still staring at Skadi like she was a completely foreign species, nodded slowly. "That...actually makes a lot of sense."

    Meanwhile, Skadi pouted, crossing her arms as she looked at them. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" she asked again, ears twitching. "What''s wrong with wanting to go to the moon?"

    Cassius hummed, stretching his arms above his head.

    "There''s nothing wrong with going to the moon, Skadi." He said casually, as if the topic was still up for debate. "But more importantly, before you got to the moon for vacation we need to get everyone to the infirmary so they can get stitched up." He scanned the battlefield, his gaze lingering on the groaning, battered knights. "Even though it was a matter of survival." hh mused. "I can''t say I''m exactly proud to see my own knights in such a condition. I don''t want them lying around like this¡ªlet''s get them treated."

    Aisha, who had just finished adjusting her cloak, peeked out from behind Julie and smirked.

    "Oh? And how exactly are you planning to do that?" She asked, raising a skeptical brow. "You beat them up so badly that they can''t even move, let alone get up on their horses."

    Cassius was about to respond when¡ª

    "Young Master!!"

    A sharp, hurried voice cut through the conversation like a blade. Everyone''s heads snapped toward the source.

    Julie and Aisha instinctively reached for their weapons. Skadi''s ears twitched violently.

    And Cassius?

    Cassius simply tilted his head, utterly unbothered since he recognised the voice that was calling out to him.

    Charging toward them, with urgency in her stride and fire in her eyes, was Isabelle¡ªher long blonde hair flowing behind her as she sprinted with a mix of panic and determination. Just a few paces behind, struggling to keep up, was Portia.

    But that wasn''t all.

    A horde of maids followed in their wake.

    Julie''s mouth fell open slightly. "What in the world¡­?"

    Aisha blinked in surprise before a slow, amused grin spread across her lips. "Oh?" She drawled, turning to Cassius with a teasing glint in her amber eyes. "Are these your reinforcements, Young Master?"

    Cassius smirked. "Don''t laugh too soon." He remarked smoothly. "You should be more concerned. With the state you''re in, those maids are more than enough to take all of you down with their pans and brooms."

    Aisha immediately shut her mouth. She did not want to get thrashed with a mop by a maid.

    The moment the horde of concerned maids arrived and took in the battlefield before them¡ªbattered knights sprawled across the ground, their young master sitting leisurely among them¡ªan immediate transformation took place.

    Like an army preparing for battle, the maids swarmed around Cassius, forming a protective circle around him as if he were some fragile prince in need of safeguarding. Their expressions hardened, their gazes sharp as they stared daggers at the injured knights, practically radiating hostility.

    It was shocking.

    Julie blinked.

    Skadi tilted her head, confused.

    Aisha''s brows furrowed.

    Since when did the Holy Guard get glared at like the enemy?

    Wherever they went, people always cast them looks of admiration, gratitude¡ªeven reverence. Yet these maids were staring at them like they were criminals who had just committed the worst sin imaginable.

    And then, while most of the maids held their defensive formation, another wave of maids rushed directly toward Cassius, their expressions shifting from battle-ready soldiers to overbearing caretakers in an instant.

    "Young Master!" Isabelle cried out first, nearly throwing herself onto him.

    "Are you alright?! You''re not hurt, are you?" Portia gasped, kneeling beside him in a panic.

    "Do you need water? A warm towel? A fresh change of clothes?" Another maid asked, already pulling out a handkerchief to wipe at his non-existent sweat.

    "Did those barbarians lay a hand on you?! Should we teach them a lesson?!" One particularly feisty maid growled, rolling up her sleeves as if she was about to throw hands with the Holy Guard.

    The knights¡ªstunned beyond belief¡ªcould only watch as Cassius was coddled like a baby that had just taken a light tumble.

    Julie let out a slow, rueful smile at the sight. "The reports weren''t wrong¡­" She murmured under her breath. "He really is popular with his maids."

    Aisha, on the other hand, wasn''t smiling.

    She was staring, eyes wide with visible disbelief. "This isn''t just admiration..." She muttered. "This is¡ªthis is actual worship! He''s like some kind of deity to them!" Her ears twitched violently as she tried to wrap her head around it. "What the hell kind of mind control did he put on them?!"

    Skadi, who had been innocently watching the scene, suddenly perked up. "Ooooh!" She turned to one of the maids standing near her and asked, completely genuinely. "Why do you guys like your master so much? Don''t commoners usually hate those stinky nobles?"

    The maid¡ªa sharp-eyed woman with her arms crossed¡ªhesitated for a brief second, her instincts warning her that this wolf-girl was technically the enemy. But after a moment, she scoffed and tossed her head.

    "Hah! Like you''d understand." She said, looking down at Skadi like she had just asked the most idiotic question in the world. "Our young master can''t be compared to those disgusting, greedy nobles. He''s better in every way."

    Skadi''s ears twitched, and her tail wagged slightly. "Better how?"

    The maid, now fully in rant mode, straightened her back proudly and began listing reasons with absolute conviction.

    "Not only is he charismatic, refined, inteligent, talented and so many other amazing things. But he actually cares about us!" She declared. "When we look upset, he asks if we''ve had a bad day. When we''re tired, he lets us rest. When we feel ignored by the world, he talks to us like we matter." Her eyes glimmered with pure admiration. "Unlike those pigs in the noble courts, he doesn''t treat us like disposable objects. He''s just like his mother¡ª"

    She paused suddenly, realizing she had said too much.

    But the knights had already heard it.

    The moment his mother was mentioned, a wave of realization swept through them¡ªespecially Julie.

    She knew about Lady Florence.

    Everyone in the Holyfield estate did.

    Florence Vindictus Holyfield wasn''t just another noblewoman¡ªshe was a legend among the commoners.

    A woman so kind, so generous, so devoted to the people under her care, that she was widely considered a saint. Unlike the typical aristocrats who saw their servants as nothing more than tools, Florence treated her people like family.

    She didn''t just give to charity¡ªshe visited the poor herself. She didn''t just make policies¡ªshe listened to the voices of the weak. She didn''t just rule¡ªshe protected.

    And because of that, she was loved.

    By everyone.

    But among the knights present, it was Julie who knew her best.

    After all, the Hellbane family¡ªJulie''s lineage¡ªworked directly under the Holyfield family. They had served the estate for generations, acting as its sword and shield.

    And Julie had met Lady Florence once before.

    Only once. But that one encounter had left a deep impression on her.

    She still remembered it vividly¡ªthe way Florence carried herself with an effortless grace, the way her eyes radiated warmth even when speaking to a child like her, the way she smiled like she truly saw every person for who they were, not just their status.

    It was that moment that had shaped Julie''s ideals.

    That moment that made her think¡ª

    "This is the kind of woman I want to grow up to be."

    So now, seeing Cassius surrounded by his devoted maids, hearing the admiration in their voices, it all made sense.

    The reports had always painted Cassius as an unruly noble, a disgraceful young master with no redeeming qualities.

    But if he had inherited even a fraction of Lady Florence''s heart¡ª

    Then of course the maids would worship him.

    Of course they would adore him.

    Of course they would follow him anywhere.

    But sadly, while Julie was having such wholesome thoughts, her reverence for Lady Florence growing, it was all shattered in an instant.

    Ruined...All because of one maid.

    One very devoted maid¡ªwho, completely unaware of the weight of the conversation, absentmindedly muttered aloud in a dreamy voice:

    "And also...Because Master is such a good lover¡­~"

    Silence.

    A deadly silence.

    And to make matters worse¡ª

    She wasn''t finished.

    Like she had momentarily forgotten where she was, she continued in a soft, dazed murmur, her eyes hazy with fond memories:

    "He just knows exactly what to say to make a lady happy¡­"

    "Especially in bed¡­Oh, he''s so energetic in bed and can never seem to stop~"

    The maid, realizing what had just escaped her lips, suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth, her entire body going rigid like a criminal who had just been caught red-handed.

    But¡ªit was too late...The damage had already been done.

 Chapter 87 Only Between People You Love

    Now, after the maid revealed her master''s secrets, everyone within earshot understood exactly what was going on back at the Holyfield mansion.

    Aisha muttered ''Pervert'' multiple times under her breath, her face contorting in disgust and a fluster.

    Julie coughed, trying to hide her embarrassment.

    Skadi on the other hand, entirely innocent to the implications, blinked in confusion before perking up, ears twitching with curiosity.

    "Eh?" She turned to the maid. "What do you mean? Does his bed have some kind of magic power that makes people happy?" She nodded to herself, as if completely serious. "If it is that sounds sounds so amazing! I want to visit that place too and be happy as well, since Skadi loves being happy as well!"

    Aisha slapped a hand over her own face. Julie violently coughed into her fist.

    Meanwhile, Cassius, who had been enduring the excessive coddling from his maids for far too long, finally let out a sigh and stood up, brushing himself off.

    "Alright, alright." He muttered, stretching his arms above his head. "I''m more than fine, so stop fussing over me already." He glanced around at the worried faces surrounding him and let out a small chuckle. "Seriously, you''re all acting like I was just nailed to a cross."

    Portia, standing beside Isabelle, crossed her arms and huffed. "It''s not much different from that!" She shot back, glaring at him like a mother scolding a reckless child. "Do you even know what kind of panic you caused back at the mansion?"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

    Portia flicked her hair back and exhaled. "After you left with Lucius, Isabelle and I were worried something might happen. Then, we overheard from one of the guards that the Holy Guard had come to arrest you based on those ridiculous rumors floating around."

    "When I heard what happened, I was worried, of course, but I was still trying to piece things together. But Isabelle?" She shook her head with a wry smile. "The moment she heard that the Holy Guard had gone to arrest you over those ridiculous rumors, she panicked. Didn''t even hesitate. She immediately started calling for every maid in the mansion, running through the halls like a madwoman, yelling for them to gather."

    She crossed her arms, glancing at Isabelle with an amused smirk.

    "Before I could even process what was happening, she already had half the mansion mobilized like an army, ready to storm the streets. By the time I caught up, there were maids everywhere, some grabbing kitchen knives, others carrying broomsticks like they were about to go to war."

    Portia exhaled, shaking her head. "Honestly, I think if I hadn''t stepped in to calm her down a bit, she might''ve tried to break into the Holy Guard''s barracks herself to get you back."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, then turned his gaze toward Isabelle, who was now fidgeting slightly, her composure breaking under his amused scrutiny.

    "You were really that worried about me, huh?" Cassius mused, a slow, teasing smile tugging at his lips.

    Isabelle flushed, shifting slightly in place. "O-Of course I was, Young Master." She admitted, her voice quieter than usual. "I...I don''t know what I would if something happened to you."

    Cassius''s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Such a devoted maid who''s willing to go to such extents to save her master deserves a reward, doesn''t she?" He murmured as he reached out, pulling Isabelle just a little closer.

    And before she could react, he leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear in a series of soft, deliberate kisses.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    Isabelle melted into the onslaught of kisses, her entire body tingling as warmth spread from where his lips brushed against her ear. A shiver ran down her spine, and she bit her lip, suppressing the small, pleased sound threatening to escape her throat.

    But then¡ªrealization struck her like a bolt of lightning.

    They were being watched.

    By everyone.

    Her eyes flew open, and her face turned an even deeper shade of red when she noticed the way the knights were staring at her. Their expressions ranged from wide-eyed disbelief to sheer, stunned awe, as if they had just witnessed a sacred ritual they weren''t supposed to see.

    She stiffened. "Y-Young Master." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone is staring. You can''t just do things like this so openly¡­"

    Cassius only grinned, completely unbothered. "It doesn''t matter if the King and Queen themselves were watching, Isabelle." He declared, his voice carrying over the courtyard. "Nothing will stop me from showing my appreciation to my lovely maids."

    The moment he said those words, the watching knights collectively lost their minds.

    ''Is this guy insane?!'', was the unspoken thought they all shared.

    As if that wasn''t already bad enough, Cassius turned back to the gathered maids, flashing them a playful, wicked smile.

    "In fact..." He continued. "Any maid who wants a kiss for their hard work today can come forward. I''ll be happy to oblige."

    There was a heavy silence.

    The knights braced themselves, expecting at least some restraint from the maids. After all, they were women of society, raised to be graceful, elegant, and demure. Surely, none of them would actually step forward for such a shameless request.

    Right?

    Right?

    Wrong.

    To everyone''s absolute horror, the moment Cassius finished speaking, the maids practically perked up like excited kittens who had just been promised a feast. A ripple of excitement passed through them, and before anyone could fully process what was happening¡ª

    A line began forming.

    A proper, well-organized, single-file line.

    The knights were shook.

    "Whoaaa...They actually formed a line like when someone is giving out free food." Skadi gawked, her silver ears twitching rapidly in shock.

    Aisha shook her head in disbelief, muttering, "Mind control...It has to be some kind of mind control¡­"

    Julie, meanwhile, simply crossed her arms, watching the bizarre spectacle unfold with an unreadable expression. Though there was an unmistakable twitch in her lips, like she was barely holding back a sigh.

    The maids, now practically giddy, stood in line, each wearing a different expression¡ªsome shy, some bold, some openly eager.

    One by one, they stepped forward.

    Cassius, ever the gentleman, greeted each one with an easy, knowing smile. "...And where would you like your kiss?" He mused.

    The first maid¡ªyoung, blonde, and utterly flustered¡ªfidgeted before hesitantly pointing at her forehead.

    Cassius chuckled. "A classic choice."

    He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her forehead.

    The maid let out a small, satisfied hum before retreating, her face an adorable shade of pink.

    The next maid stepped up, her hands clasped in front of her. "U-Um¡­" She shyly tapped her cheek.

    Cassius complied without hesitation, brushing his lips gently against her cheek. The way her shoulders visibly shivered did not go unnoticed by the watching knights.

    And then came the bold ones.

    A red-haired maid stepped forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "My lips, Young Master." She purred, tilting her chin up slightly.

    A chorus of gasps erupted from the knights.

    Cassius merely smirked. "As you wish."

    Without missing a beat, he cupped her chin, tilting her face up further before placing a slow, deliberate kiss on her lips. The maid practically melted in response, letting out a quiet, dreamy sigh before stepping away with the most satisfied expression known to mankind.

    By this point, the knights were ready to keel over.

    They wanted to say something in response to the sight they were witnessing but all they could do was watch in anticipation as maid after maid eagerly took their turn, each receiving a kiss in their requested spot¡ªforeheads, cheeks, hands, lips.

    Some even asked for kisses behind their ears or along their wrists, claiming that it was their "weak spot."

    The knights stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the surreal scene unfolding before them. It was one thing to hear rumors of Cassius''s reputation with women¡ªit was another to witness it firsthand.

    They had expected the maids to show devotion, yes, but this level of eagerness? This overwhelming, almost reverent response to his affection?

    It was enough to leave them in stunned silence.

    A younger knight, barely past her first year in the Holy Guard, fidgeted before leaning toward one of her seniors, whispering hesitantly. "Umm, excuse me for my inexperience...But is...Is a kiss supposed to look so...exciting?"

    The older knight blinked at the question, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

    "I¡ªI don''t really know." She admitted, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "I mean, my husband kisses me, but...it''s never looked anything like that." Her gaze drifted back to Cassius, who at that moment was brushing his lips tenderly against a maid''s wrist, causing the poor woman to tremble slightly, her face burning with delight. The older knight swallowed. "Honestly...when I see him do it, even I can''t help but feel a bit...intrigued."

    Another knight, a seasoned warrior with a scar running down her cheek, exhaled and nodded. "It''s the way he looks at them." She murmured, eyes still locked on the scene. "Like he''s savoring every moment. Even a veteran like me feels a little¡­" She trailed off, shaking her head as if trying to dispel an embarrassing thought.

    A hushed murmur rippled through the knights as they exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

    "The rumors about his ability to charm women...they''re true, aren''t they?"

    "He''s dangerous¡­"

    "Isn''t it just kissing? Then why does it look so...intimate and passionate?"

    Meanwhile, Skadi, having been watching this entire exchange with wide, curious eyes, tilted her head.

    "Why do they all look so happy after getting licked on the face?" She asked innocently. "I hated when my mom did that when I was a puppy. She used to pin me down and lick my face all over to clean me up! Is that what''s happening now?"

    Aisha''s cheeks burned as she desperately tried to keep her composure. "He''s not licking them, Skadi!" She snapped, her voice cracking just slightly. "He''s kissing them! That''s how humans show their affection for one another!"

    Aisha then crossed her arms tightly, glaring at the ground as if it had personally wronged her.

    The truth was, as much as she wanted to scold Cassius for his shamelessness, there was something about the way he touched the maids, the way he looked at them, that made even her heart skip a beat.

    She hated it. She didn''t want to accept it. And yet, the warmth in her chest was undeniable.

    Skadi let out a soft "Ohhh" in understanding, her silver tail flicking thoughtfully. She glanced between Cassius, the giggling maids, and Aisha before suddenly perking up. "Then...does that mean I should also join the line and get a kiss too?"

    Aisha whipped her head around so fast it was a miracle she didn''t give herself whiplash. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Absolutely not!"

    Skadi blinked, ears twitching.

    "Why not? You just said kisses are how humans show affection!"

    "Yes, but¡ª!" Aisha exhaled sharply, trying to regain control of the situation before this dumb mutt did something even dumber. "K-Kisses should only be between people who love each other! You can''t just do it casually!"

    "...You hear me? Only between loved one you trust with all your heart or else it would be inappropriate!"

    Aisha innocently announced what she believed, which made Julie smile her eyes at how child-like her thoughts were when she acted like a grown up all the time.

    At this, Skadi fell silent, staring at Aisha intently, her silver eyes unblinking.

    "What?" Aisha frowned, not knowing why she was observing her face with such intensity like she was some sort of doggy treat.

    But before she could even process what was happening and ask her what''s going on, Skadi suddenly leaned in and to her shock pressed a quick, soft kiss to Aisha''s cheek.

    "Kiss!?~"

    Aisha froze.

    Every single thought in her brain short-circuited.

    Her amber eyes widened in sheer disbelief, and then, all at once, her entire face turned crimson.

    "W-What the hell are you doing, dumb mutt?!" She shrieked, stumbling back, her hands flying to her cheek as if to erase what had just happened.

    Skadi, meanwhile, merely tilted her head, looking completely unbothered. "You said kisses should only be between people who love each other, didn''t you?" She said matter-of-factly, tail wagging slightly. "So, that why I gave you a kiss as well since even though we might fight all the time and bark at each other, I still love you, Aisha! Like a sister!"

    Aisha''s breath hitched when she heard Skadi''s sweet and honest declaration, while Skadi''s ears twitched when she saw that Aisha wasn''t looking as happy as she thought she would like the maids that had just been kissed by Cassius.

    "Did you not like that, Aisha? Did Skadi do something wrong?"She asked, her voice softer now, her silver eyes suddenly filled with uncertainty and then continued asking with a pityful whiper, "Do you...not love me back?"

    Aisha opened her mouth to yell at her again, to scold her for being so damn embarrassing in front of everyone¡ªbut the words never came. Because no matter how much she wanted to deny it, she couldn''t.

    She did love Skadi.

    They had fought together, laughed together, survived through the most difficult ordeals together. They had also always been at each other''s throats, always bickering like cats and dogs who wouldn''t back down no matter what, but at the end of the day, there was no one Aisha trusted more at her back in battle.

    She swallowed thickly, gaze flickering away, her ears twitching with embarrassment.

    "...Of course I-I love you too." She finally muttered, barely above a whisper after gathering all the courage in her heart. "Y-You''re my family too, idiot."

    "Really?!" Skadi''s face lit up with joy.

    And before Aisha could escape, Skadi lunged, wrapping her arms tightly around her and rubbing her face all over her like an overly affectionate wolf pup.

    "I knew it! I knew it! Aisha loves me too! Just like Skadi loves Aisha!"

    Aisha groaned, struggling at first, but eventually, she let out a resigned sigh, allowing Skadi to smother her.

    Despite her protests, a small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips as a familiar warmth bloomed in her chest...

 Chapter 88 A Positive Change

    Laughter rippled through the knights, soft and unguarded, as they watched Aisha struggle against Skadi''s suffocating affection. The warmth of the moment, the raw sincerity, made something in their battle-hardened hearts soften.

    And then, one of the older knights, a woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes, let out a low hum. "You know..." She mused, tapping her chin as she looked around at the others. "Since we''re all sisters-in-arms, comrades who trust each other with our lives...shouldn''t we also show our love for one another like Skadi did?"

    A moment of silence.

    Then¡ªchaos.

    The younger knights instantly blushed, looking between one another in flustered confusion. A few sputtered, a few instinctively recoiled, and others hesitated, eyes darting between their seniors as if unsure whether they were being teased or if this was a serious proposal.

    One particularly bold young knight, her cheeks still tinged pink, hesitated for only a moment before offering her cheek to her senior, chin tilted up in mock bravery. "Well...If we''re doing this, I might as well get it over with!" She declared, squeezing her eyes shut.

    Her senior grinned. "Good girl." Without missing a beat, she leaned in and pressed a friendly, dramatic kiss to her cheek.

    The younger knight squeaked.

    The entire squad erupted into laughter.

    With that, it became a free-for-all.

    One knight¡ªgrinning ear to ear¡ªtook her junior''s hand and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles like she was some kind of noble lady, winking up at her playfully. The younger knight turned beet red and dramatically fanned herself.

    "Oh, my~! Such a charming lady, my heart can''t take it~!"

    Another knight puckered her lips and dramatically blew a kiss in her junior''s direction. The younger knight, without hesitation, reached out, snatched the air like she was catching something precious, and pressed her closed fist against her chest with a satisfied smirk.

    "Captured it. My heart belongs to you now."

    Roars of laughter rang out across the battlefield, the playful energy washing away the exhaustion and pain that had weighed so heavily upon them.

    Even those still too wounded to move properly were grinning, enjoying the lightheartedness of it all. Some of them even found creative ways to participate¡ªone older knight who couldn''t even get up looking towards to the new recruits and pointing at her cheeks to which they too giggled and gave her two cheeks a kiss at the same time.

    A perfectly executed double attack.

    Even the maids, who had been standing around watching in amusement, couldn''t help but smile since it was rare¡ªso rare¡ªto see knights, these strong, disciplined warriors who devoted their lives to protecting others, let their guard down like this.

    To be carefree. To laugh. To act like the young women they were, instead of soldiers ready to lay down their lives at a moment''s notice.

    Julie also watched the scene unfold before her, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

    She hadn''t expected this¡ªhadn''t even thought it possible¡ªbut here they were.

    Just hours ago, her knights had been prepared to die, their spirits heavy with the weight of betrayal and impending doom. And now...they were laughing, teasing each other, strengthening the bonds between them in a way she hadn''t even needed to orchestrate.

    It also hadn''t been long since a few fresh recruits had joined her private legion, and she had been contemplating how best to integrate them since several of them were from noble families and she didn''t know how they''d mix in with the veterans who worked their way to the top. And in a squad like hers, trust was paramount¡ªfamiliarity, camaraderie, and the ability to rely on one another without hesitation were what made them strong.

    So, to strengthen that bond, she had wondered how to bridge that gap, how to make sure everyone felt like they belonged.

    But now, as she watched the younger knights playfully swatting at their seniors, shy recruits being pulled into friendly teasing, and hardened warriors giggling like girls at a festival, she realized she didn''t need to do a thing.

    Cassius had done it for her.

    With a single action¡ªone seemingly meaningless moment of shameless teasing¡ªhe had shifted the atmosphere entirely. He had shattered the barriers between them, made them open up, made them live.

    ''What kind of man is he?'' She thought, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. ''I still can''t figure him out...but maybe...maybe that isn''t a bad thing.''

    Was handing the squad over to him truly the right decision?

    At first, she had been uncertain. Terrified, even.

    But looking at them now¡­

    Looking at him, casually smirking as his maids fawned over him, his knights coming together more seamlessly than she had ever seen before¡­

    Perhaps...this wasn''t such a bad decision after all.

    While Julie was contemplating over the future of her squad, the last maid in line¡ªPortia, the ever-composed and strict head maid¡ªstepped forward with calm confidence, her gaze steady as she approached Cassius which caught Julie off gaurd.

    It wasn''t only Julie who was surprised as, her knights, who had been watching the playful display with varying levels of amusement, tensed in surprise.

    Why?...Well, because Portia seemed like someone who known for her discipline, for her firm authority she would worldover the younger maids, ensuring order in Cassius''s household, judging by the composed and sharp look in her gaze.

    That''s why they were suprised to see such a strict looking maid also seemingly craving her master''s attention which completely went against her image.

    Cassius, noticing Portia approach, tilted his head with intrigue. A slow, playful smile curved his lips as he reached out, gently playing with the edge of her ear between his fingers.

    "Portia..." He called, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Why did you stand at the very last of the line? Were you really so hesitant? I would have thought you''d be one of the first to claim your prize."

    Portia''s lips curled into a soft smile, one laced with tenderness. "Of course that''s not true, Young Master." She replied smoothly. "I actually wanted to fight with the others to be first in line."

    A few gasps rippled through the knights, while Julie raised her brow in surprise.

    Cassius chuckled, his fingers still idly stroking along the curve of her ear. "Oh? Then why didn''t you?"

    Portia sighed with exaggerated patience, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Because..." She explained. "With my age and my status as the head maid, it was only natural for me to let the younger girls go first and await my turn."

    "Ever so dutiful, aren''t you? Always looking after others." Cassius laughed at that, shaking his head. He then cupped her cheek gently, tilting her face up so she was looking directly into his eyes. "Well then, my ever-hardworking head maid...Tell me, where would you like your reward?"

    The room was utterly silent as Portia hesitated for only a fraction of a second before¡ªshyly, almost timidly¡ªpointing at her lips.

    The reaction was instantaneous.

    The knights, who had been watching idly before, leaned in.

    Even the maids, who had been giggling and chatting amongst themselves, quieted.

    It was one thing for Cassius to lavish affection on the younger maids. That was expected. Normal. Of course, a nobleman would be interested in youthful beauties, full of charm and energy.

    But Portia¡­

    Portia was different.

    Portia was older.

    Portia had lived far longer than Cassius.

    For a noble, the standard was clear¡ªyoung, untouched women were desired, and once a woman passed a certain age, she was considered to have outlived her desirability. They were mothers, caretakers, mentors¡ªnot lovers.

    Yet, here was Cassius, gazing at Portia not with politeness, not with mere affection, but with a burning intensity.

    As if she were the most desirable woman in the world.

    Some of the older knights exchanged glances, something shifting in their eyes. A new perspective. A newfound respect.

    Cassius was unlike any nobleman they had encountered. He wasn''t shackled by conventional ideals of beauty or worth. He didn''t discard women past their youth¡ªhe saw them, cherished them.

    Even Julie, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the room, felt her brow furrow in surprise. This was...odd.

    Unheard of, really. She''d grown up watching the nobles, men who were predictable in their tastes¡ªalways chasing after the youngest, freshest faces, the girls who giggled and blushed at their every word. So it was rather strange to see someone like Cassius who seemed to appreciate beauty no matter the age.

    Julie had always thought her father was an anomaly, a rare soul who looked at her mother-gray creeping into her hair, lines etched around her eyes and still saw the woman he''d fallen for decades ago. His love for her had never dimmed, not with age, not with time.

    Julie had cherished that about him, held it close as proof that some men could see beyond the shallow standards of nobility.

    But Cassius? Cassius was something else entirely.

    Here he was, a nobleman in his prime, gazing at Portia¡ªa woman who must''ve been decades his senior¡ªwith a fire in his eyes that defied every rule Julie had ever known.

    It wasn''t just affection or kindness; it was hunger, raw and unapologetic. And Portia, with her quiet dignity of someone who''d seen more seasons than most in the room combined, seemed to bloom under that gaze.

    Julie''s mind wandered despite herself. If Cassius could look at Portia like that, a woman so much older than him, could he...would he...?

    She imagined herself years from now, her own youth faded, her face softened by time.

    Would a man like Cassius still see her as a woman, not just a shadow of what she''d been? Would he look at her the way her father still looked at her mother?

    The thought sent a strange flutter through her chest, a mix of curiosity and something she couldn''t quite name.

    But then she caught herself¡ªhow ridiculous! She was spinning fantasies out of nothing, letting her imagination run wild over a man she barely knew. She shook her head, ready to dismiss the absurdity of it all.

    But before she could fully shake off the thought, the room seemed to freeze. Everyone¡ªknights, maids, even Julie herself¡ªwent still as Cassius''s voice cut through the air, playful and teasing, shattering the tension like a pebble tossed into a still pond.

    "Portia, my dear." He said, his lips curling into a mischievous smile as he leaned closer to her. "I just realized something. Didn''t I already pull you into my arms this morning when you came to wake me?"

    "...Didn''t I already kiss you all over that lovely face of yours until you were squirming and scolding me to get out of bed?"

    Portia''s eyes widened, a flush creeping up her neck and spreading across her cheeks like wildfire. She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out¡ªjust a faint, flustered sound that only made Cassius''s grin widen.

    The maids gasped, hands flying to their mouths as they exchanged wide-eyed glances. The knights, too, shifted in their seats, some coughing awkwardly, others leaning forward as if they''d misheard. Portia, the solemn, unflappable Portia, ambushed by this young nobleman in the early hours of the morning? The image was almost too much to process.

    "Y-Young Master!" Portia finally managed, her voice a mix of indignation and embarrassment. "You can''t just say that in front of everyone! A high noble such as yourself should have some level of shame."

    "Shame?" Cassius laughed, a rich, warm sound that filled the room. "Why should I be ashamed of adoring you? I thought you''d scold me more if I didn''t admit it."

    "...Besides, they all deserve to know how lucky I am to have you waking me up every day. Those little frowns you give me when I''m slow to rise they''re worth more than gold." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The blush on Portia''s face deepened, and she swatted at his arm, though there was no real force behind it.

    But made all the female knights throats go even more dry and their eyes widen to the size of saucers was what Cassius did next.

    His voice dipped low, that carried just enough weight to silence the crowd. "And like I said earlier it''d be a waste to taste those sweet lips of yours again so soon." He said, his gaze glinting with mischief. "So, I think it''s better if I taste some other intimate place that hasn''t been tainted yet."

    Before anyone could fully process his words, his hands moved¡ªswift, bold, and utterly shameless¡ªcupping Portia''s plump breasts with a gentle but deliberate squeeze.

    Grope~

    A hush fell over the gathered knights as they watched this absurd sight of a noble brazenly groping his maid, while the maid herself didn''t seem to mind and was simply blushing at having her udders caressed.

    Not a single one of them dared to make a sound and simply watched the scene with enamored looks on their faces like they were watching a spicy drama between a young noble and a older maid, who was old enough to be his mother unfold...

 Chapter 89 Public Display Of Affection

    Some of them, even the most battle-hardened warriors, found themselves unconsciously leaning in, as if watching some forbidden scene unfold before them.

    A few bit their lips, others exchanged wide-eyed glances, while some simply gulped, unable to tear their eyes away at the sight of Cassius groping his maids breast so brazenly, waiting to see if he was really going to carry out what he said he would do

    Even Skadi and Aisha, who were playing around with one another, found themselves watching in anticipation.

    That was, of course, until Julie¡ªher face slightly tinged with pink¡ªsnapped out of her daze and immediately clamped her hands over their eyes. "This¡ªThis isn''t something you two should be watching!" She scolded, her voice wavering slightly with embarrassment.

    "Wha¡ª?!" Aisha tried to pry her hands off, but Julie refused to budge. "Come on, Captain! Just one peek!" She said, as she had never witnessed such a intimate scene before and had only read about it in certain books that she had secretly read.

    Skadi, merely tilted her head. "Why not? What''s wrong with it? He''s simply going to kiss her somewhere else right? Isn''t that his way of showing his affection?"

    Julie didn''t answer, instead pressing her hands down even harder, trying to shield them from the display of shamelessness before them.

    Meanwhile, Lucious¡ªwho had been quietly observing¡ªrealized where things were heading and swiftly turned around on instinct, a light flush dusting his cheeks.

    "T-This is improper, Young Master!" He barked, his voice laced with panic. Then, noticing the entranced knights still staring at the scene with open curiosity, he spun around to face them. "All of you, turn around this instant! Have you no shame?!"

    The knights barely registered his words.

    Some merely nodded absentmindedly, others outright ignored him, their eyes locked on the young master and his ever-growing display of affectionate boldness. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius, of course, found the entire thing utterly entertaining. He chuckled, the sound rich and deep, before turning his gaze back to Lucious.

    "Oh? But why should they turn around?" He teased. "I don''t mind them watching." His smirk widened. "Actually, it would be a shame if they missed such a moment."

    Lucious gasped, clenching his jaw. "Master, that''s hardly the point¡ª!"

    "And besides¡­" Cassius continued, eyes gleaming with mischief. "You''re the only one who needs to turn around."

    Lucious blinked. "What?"

    Cassius let out a lighthearted sigh, as if explaining something to a particularly slow student. "You still haven''t accepted that you''re actually a girl, have you?" He said, his tone teasing yet firm.

    The moment the words left his lips, a ripple of hushed gasps and snickers erupted from the gathered knights. Lucious stiffened. His hands curled into fists at his sides as he bit his lip in visible frustration.

    Cassius merely gave him a knowing look.

    The tension hung in the air for a moment¡ªbefore Skadi, still covering her eyes but peeking through Julie''s fingers, whispered loudly. "¡­Wait, that butler is a girl? I mean he does look like one, but I thought he was a man."

    Lucious groaned. "I am not¡ª"

    But Cassius waved a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, keep telling yourself that." Then, with a smirk, he added. "In the meantime, do as I say and turn around. No peeping."

    Lucious looked like he was going to explode.

    But Cassius had already turned his attention back to Portia, who was watching him with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, her breath unsteady.

    And the knights, despite the absurdity of the conversation, found themselves once again leaning forward, eager to see what would happen next.

    With a slow, deliberate movement, Cassius reached out and gently pulled down the neckline of Portia''s dress along with her innerwear, revealing the soft curve of her chest

    Her single breast that had popped out of her bra was full and high, the nipple a delicate rosebud peak. The skin was smooth and warm, catching the light with a soft, pearlescent sheen. A faint blush deepened across her chest, mirroring the flush in her cheeks. The sight, both intimate and alluring, held the courtyard captive.

    Cassius, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of tenderness and mischief, leaned in and pressed his lips against the exposed skin. He kissed her flesh, then gently sucked, his lips lingering as if trying to leave a mark.

    "Kiss!?~ Suck!?~ Mmmm!?~"

    A soft moan escaped Portia''s lips, her body trembling with a mixture of anticipation and pleasure.

    When Cassius moved his lips away, a faint blue mark was visible on her skin. The knights shuffled around, while Aisha gasped, her eyes wide with shock and a hint of something else.

    Even Julie, despite her attempts to look away, couldn''t help but be momentarily captivated by the intimate scene. A strange warmth spread through her, a sensation she quickly tried to suppress.

    Cassius then shifted his attention, his lips tracing a path towards Portia''s nipple. With a gentle tug, he took the hardened peak between his teeth, eliciting a soft cry from Portia. The knights, their faces flushed, their breaths shallow, were completely captivated by the intimate display.

    A few of the younger knights had to look away, their faces burning, while the older knights seemed to watch with a sort of intrigued curiosity. The maids, who were more used to Cassius''s antics, watched with knowing smiles.

    Cassius then lingered, his lips tracing delicate patterns across Portia''s areola, before finally lifting his head. His eyes, alight with playful warmth, met hers. "Was that sufficient, my dear maid." He murmured, his voice a low, teasing rumble. "Or would you like a bit more of my...affection?"

    Portia, her breath still catching in her throat, was momentarily adrift in a sea of sensation. The warmth of his lips, the gentle tugging, the contrast of his heated touch against the cool air¡ªit was an intoxicating blend.

    A surprising maternal instinct stirred within her, a desire to cradle him close, to offer him the comfort of her embrace. She almost instinctively reached to offer her other breast, a silent invitation.

    But then, the weight of their audience crashed back into her awareness. The sea of wide eyes, the hushed whispers, the sheer spectacle of it all -it was mortifying.

    So with trembling hands, she quickly adjusted her dress, concealing the exposed skin which immediately prompted a collective sigh of disappointment, a low, almost mournful sound, rippled through the gathered knights and maids since they wanted to see more.

    But just as the crowd resigned themselves to the end of the show, Portia leaned in close to Cassius, her voice barely a whisper against his ear. "Not here, Young Master." She murmured, her cheeks still flushed a delicate pink. "But...perhaps tonight. In private."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, a knowing glint sparking in his eyes. He chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down the spines of the watching knights.

    Their imaginations ran wild, conjuring images of of secret encounters and whispered promises he potentially had with his head maid. They exchanged excited glances, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anticipation and vicarious thrill.

    What secrets would unfold behind closed doors? What intimate moments awaited them in the darkness of the night?

    Even Aisha, her cheeks still flushed from the earlier display, felt a strange, unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest.

    She found her gaze drawn to the lingering blue mark on Portia''s skin that could still be seen on her cast cleavage, and a curious thought flickered through her mind: What would it feel like?

    But that fleeting reverie was abruptly shattered when she for some reason felt Skadi''s unwavering gaze fixed on her own chest.

    A blush, hot and sudden, crept up Aisha''s neck. She instinctively crossed her arms, trying to shield herself from Skadi''s blatant curiosity. "What are you staring at, you dumb mutt?" She hissed, her voice a low growl. "You''re looking at me like some kind of ancient pervert!"

    Skadi, completely oblivious to Aisha''s discomfort, tilted her head, her silver eyes wide and innocent. "But the young master kissed his maid on her chest." She stated, her voice utterly devoid of any hidden meaning. "He said it was to show affection. I was just wondering...should I also¡ª"

    Before Skadi could finish her sentence, Aisha snapped. "Don''t even think about it!" She gave Skadi a sharp whack on the head, her face burning. "Are you completely insane?!"

    Skadi, unfazed by the blow, pounced on Aisha, her tail wagging enthusiastically. "But why not?" She whined, her voice filled with childlike curiosity. "I''m curious! I want to try it too! Just a little taste?" She playfully nipped at Aisha''s arm, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

    "Get off me, you idiot!" Aisha yelled, shoving Skadi away. A flurry of limbs and muffled protests followed as the two of them wrestled on the ground, a familiar scene of playful chaos that had become a staple of their interactions.

    The knights, who had been momentarily lost in their own thoughts and fantasies, were jolted back to reality by the commotion. They shook their heads, wry smiles playing on their lips.

    The sight of Aisha and Skadi wrestling like puppies and kittens was a welcome distraction, a reminder of the normalcy that existed even amidst the extraordinary.

    "They never change." One of the older knights chuckled, shaking her head fondly.

    "Thank goodness for that." Another replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. "They keep us grounded."

    The playful scene brought a sense of lightness to the atmosphere, washing away the lingering tension from the earlier intimate display. The knights, their faces softening, watched the two women wrestle with a sense of quiet amusement.

    They hoped, with a shared, unspoken sentiment, that Skadi and Aisha would retain their innocent, playful nature forever, a constant reminder of the simple joys in life.

    Cassius also exhaled slowly, letting his gaze drift toward the horizon. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long golden streaks across the sky.

    The rich amber hues melted into deep purples and blues, a sight that should have brought tranquility, but instead, he found himself smirking at the absurdity of the day''s events.

    "Alright, I think we''ve had enough fun for now." He said, stretching his arms with a satisfied sigh. Then, his tone turned matter-of-fact he said, "We need to get all the knights back to the mansion and treat their injuries."

    Lucious, who had finally composed himself after Cassius''s earlier antics, straightened at the command. "Shall I have the maids bring out medical supplies here first, my lord?"

    Cassius shook his head. "No need, that will take too much time. Just tell the maids to assist them back to the mansion. There should be more than enough of them here to carry even the most injured ones back."

    At his words, Isabelle furrowed her brows in concern, stepping forward. "But...should we really be doing that?" She asked hesitantly, glancing at the battered knights. "They were the enemy just a moment ago. What if¡ª?"

    Her voice trailed off as her eyes scanned the warriors, many of whom were now leaning on their weapons for support or slumped against each other, barely standing. They were bruised, bloodied, and utterly defeated.

    Isabelle hesitated, then frowned deeper. "Actually...how did they even get this injured? Just what did they go through that they look like they just survived a raging storm?" She muttered in disbelief.

    Cassius chuckled at her reaction. "You don''t have to worry about that, Isabelle and the them being my enemies is old news." He turned to her with a smirk, his voice light yet carrying an undeniable finality. "They''re not the enemy anymore. They''re my personal legion now."

    The words struck like a thunderclap.

    Portia and Isabelle both stiffened, eyes widening in unison. "W-What?" Portia stammered.

    A visible ripple of shock passed through the maids. Some exchanged confused glances, others instinctively straightened their postures, as if trying to process whether they had misheard.

    Cassius''s smirk didn''t waver. "You heard me." He said smoothly. "They''re mine now."

    "But¡ª" Isabelle opened her mouth to demand an explanation, but Cassius waved a hand dismissively.

    "You can ask questions later." He said, his voice taking on a more authoritative edge. "For now, focus on taking care of them. I''d rather not have a fatality on the first day I take over."

    The maids, still processing what had just been declared, hesitated for a few more seconds. Then, almost in unison, they let out sighs¡ªhalf-exasperated, half-resigned.

    "Just what kind of mess has the young master gotten himself into this time¡­"One of them muttered under her breath.

    But regardless of their doubts, the maids obeyed. They moved swiftly, pairing up to assist the wounded knights. Those who could still walk on their own were supported by a single maid, while those too injured to stand were carried by two or three.

    Despite the awkwardness, an odd sense of camaraderie began to bloom between the two groups. The once-hostile knights, who had entered the estate with every intention of executing Cassius, now found themselves being carefully tended to by the very people they had planned to punish.

    Some of the knights exchanged hesitant glances with the maids, unsure whether to express gratitude or maintain their pride. Others, too exhausted to overthink the situation, simply accepted the help in silence.

    As Cassius watched his new ''legion'' being escorted back to the mansion, his smirk widened.

    "Well..." He murmured to himself. "This turned out better than expected."

    He stood, watching as the last of the maids and knights disappeared into the distance. Even Lucious, who had been tasked with gathering the horses, had finally left, leading the steeds toward the stables with an air of weary efficiency.

    Satisfied that everything had been handled, Cassius was also about to turn and make his way back to the mansion himself¡ªwhen something caught his eye.

    Three figures still remained on the ground.

    Julie. Aisha. Skadi.

    They looked like three orphaned children sitting in a cardboard box waiting for someone to take them in, which made Cassius smile and wonder if he should adopt all three of them and take them back home...

 Chapter 90 I Can Smell Your Humiliation!

    Unlike their subordinates, who had all been assisted or carried away, the top dogs of the Sacred Guard were still sprawled on the ground, looking for all the world like abandoned strays.

    Skadi, in particular, had the expression of a dog left out in the rain, her ears drooping as she rested her chin on the grass. Aisha was stiff, her arms crossed tightly, but her fingers were twitching in a way that suggested she was barely holding onto her dignity. And Julie, merely smiled as if she''d expected this outcome.

    Cassius tilted his head, lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Well, well. Now why exactly have the three of you been left behind like forgotten baggage?"

    Julie, still sitting gracefully despite her injuries, met his gaze. "There weren''t enough maids to go around." She admitted easily. "So I told them to prioritize helping the rest of the knights instead."

    Cassius raised a brow, clearly entertained. "And that''s why you''ve been completely abandoned like this?"

    Aisha''s eye twitched, and she looked away sharply, her pride visibly dented. Skadi let out a low, exaggerated whine, her tail flicking in agitation.

    Cassius exhaled, crossing his arms as he studied them. "So...What happens if I just leave you three here?" His smirk widened. "Since you all still can''t get up¡ªyou two because of your injuries, and Aisha because she wasted all her strength running on pure adrenaline¡ªare you just going to set up camp here for the night?" His voice was laced with amusement.

    Aisha let out a sharp ''harumph'', as if dismissing the very idea. "Tch. You don''t need to worry about that." She raised her chin, forcing her usual smugness into her tone. "As hard-boiled knights, we can crawl back if we have to."

    But despite her bravado, there was an unmistakable grimace on her face at the mere thought of it.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened. "Crawl back? What an elegant sight that would be. The great Aisha Noctus, the cold and calculating genius of the Sacred Guard, reduced to dragging herself across the dirt like a wounded animal."

    Aisha''s face burned. "Sh-Shut up! I wouldn''t actually crawl! I''m just saying if it came to it, I¡ª"

    Before she could finish, a new voice chimed in.

    "Who said anything about crawling?" Skadi, who had remained oddly quiet up until now, suddenly rolled onto her back and stretched out her arms. "We don''t need to crawl. We can just roll all the way back!"

    With that declaration, she did exactly that¡ªthrowing herself sideways and rolling across the ground like a log.

    Cassius stared in dismay at the sight of the rolling dog. Aisha, in contrast, smacked her forehead in disbelief. "Oh, for the love of¡ªSkadi, you absolute moron."

    But Skadi, true to her wild nature, continued rolling, completely unbothered by Aisha''s complaints.

    "See? Easy!" She called out between spins, grinning like she had just uncovered the ultimate solution to their problem.

    "Well, that''s certainly one way to make an entrance when you finally get back." Cassius smiled.

    Aisha rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn''t fall out of her head. "She looks like a damn potato."

    But just as Skadi was about to reach the other side of the clearing, her momentum suddenly slowed. The grin on her face wavered.

    Then, all at once, she stopped.

    "...Ugh."

    The color drained from her face as she placed a hand on her stomach, her ears twitching in discomfort.

    "Ughhh¡­" she groaned again, this time with unmistakable nausea creeping into her voice. Very, very slowly, she rolled herself back toward Julie, stopping just beside her captain.

    Aisha gave her a long, unimpressed look. "...And now?"

    Skadi turned pale, her silver tail limp against the grass. "Skadi doesn''t feel so good."

    Aisha crossed her arms, not even trying to hide her satisfaction. "Gee, I wonder why? Maybe because you just rolled around like an idiot for no reason?"

    Skadi let out a weak whine, pressing her forehead against Julie''s lap. "Captain, I don''t feel good...Help me." She mumbled pathetically.

    Julie, who had been quietly watching the entire thing unfold with an air of long-suffering patience, finally let out a gentle chuckle. "I can see that, Skadi." She said, shaking her head.

    With a quiet smile, she reached down and placed her hand on Skadi''s head, gently stroking her soft silver hair.

    The effect was immediate. Skadi let out a pleased sigh, her tail twitching slightly as she melted into Julie''s touch. Like an overgrown puppy, she instinctively nuzzled closer, clearly comforted by the warmth of her captain''s lap.

    Cassius quirked a brow. "Just like that, she''s cured?"

    Julie chuckled. "She just needs a little reassurance." She said, her tone almost motherly. "She''s a simple creature at heart."

    Aisha scoffed. "More like an oversized mutt who gets sick from rolling around like a dumbass."

    Skadi, too content under Julie''s gentle petting to care, simply murmured. "Hush, cat. Let me have this."

    Julie then let out a soft sigh, her fingers still moving through Skadi''s thick silver hair as she glanced up at Cassius. "You should go on ahead." She said with her usual calm composure. "We''ll be right behind you after we rest up a little."

    Cassius tilted his head, a slow smirk creeping across his face.

    "Oh? Is that so?" His eyes gleamed with something almost playful. "You do know that I''m the one who beat you all up, so I should know exactly how battered and bruised you are right now." His smirk widened. "And I also how it probably hurts like a bitch to even think about getting up."

    Julie''s smile faltered for just a second before she quickly looked away, as if the trees in the distance had suddenly become very interesting. Because the truth was¡­he was absolutely right.

    Her body ached all over, and her legs were trembling at the mere thought of standing. Every muscle screamed in protest, and though she would never admit it, the idea of trying to get up right now felt as impossible as lifting a boulder. She could already imagine the embarrassing sight¡ªher knees wobbling, her stance unsteady.

    But she was a grandmaster, damn it. She couldn''t just admit to her opponent, of all people, that she was struggling.

    So she put on her most graceful smile and lifted her chin. "It''s not that bad." She said smoothly. "I can manage."

    She thought that she handled the matter smoothly without losing her dignity. But then¡ªSkadi, who was still enjoying Julie''s head pats, blinked up at her with pure confusion.

    "Huh? What are you talking about, Captain?" She asked, tilting her head. "Even I''m aching all over, and I have the strongest body here."

    "...How in the world are you suffering any less with that normal body of yours?"

    The words were spoken with nothing but innocent curiosity, but they landed like a critical hit.

    Julie froze.

    The slow, rhythmic strokes she had been giving Skadi''s head suddenly became¡­rougher. More forceful. No longer the gentle, soothing motions of an older sister doting on her excitable pup¡ªbut the irritated scrubbing of someone using a little too much energy.

    Skadi immediately noticed the shift. She flinched slightly. "Ow, ow¡ªwait a second." She muttered, glancing up. "Captain, why does it feel like you''re trying to rub my fur off my scalp?"

    She turned to look at Julie, only to find her wearing a slightly agitated, slightly embarrassed expression¡ªher brows furrowed, her lips pressed together, her green eyes flicking sideways like she had just realized she had been betrayed by her own dumb puppy.

    Skadi, in true Skadi fashion, blinked, completely missing the obvious signs of irritation. "Wait...are you mad?" She asked cluelessly.

    Julie''s smile twitched. "No, Skadi. Why would I be mad?" She said in an overly sweet tone, her fingers still very much rubbing her wolf ears¡ªjust not in the gentle way they had been earlier.

    Skadi''s tail twitched, and she suddenly looked nervous. "Uhh, no reason? You just seem kinda¡­" She winced at another particularly firm rub. "¡­aggressive all of a sudden."

    Cassius, watching the scene unfold, barely held back his laughter. Ah, yes. The poor captain¡ªalways forced to deal with a subordinate who had no idea when to shut up.

    Aisha, meanwhile, crossed her arms and smirked, clearly enjoying watching someone else suffer for once. "Serves you right, mutt." She muttered, shaking her head.

    Skadi, still resting in Julie''s lap, suddenly sat up straight in offence, her wolf ears twitching with irritation as she turned to Aisha with a toothy grin, not willing to take any abuse from her as well, knowing that she had dirt on her which she could use against her.

    "Ohhh, you shouldn''t be saying anything, cat." She drawled, her tail flicking behind her like an amused predator.

    Aisha raised a brow, arms still crossed. "Oh? And why''s that, mutt?"

    Skadi wasted no time. She dramatically hopped out of Julie''s lap, landing on the ground with surprising energy for someone who had just been whining about body aches. She stretched her arms out wide, as if she were about to deliver some grand revelation, then grinned the most childish, taunting grin imaginable.

    "At least the reason we''re on the ground is because we got injured!" She declared, puffing out her chest like she had won a debate. Then, she pointed directly at Aisha, her grin widening. "But you? You''re still on the ground just because you got so scared your legs gave out!"

    Aisha stiffened instantly.

    "And they''re still not working!" Skadi added with exaggerated glee. "You''re still sitting there like a helpless kitten cause your knees just gave up on life after seeing Master Cassius in action!"

    Cassius''s brows lifted slightly in interest, while Julie, still seated on the grass, felt another headache coming.

    Aisha, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Watch it, mutt."

    But Skadi was just getting started.

    She leaned in closer, her silver eyes glinting mischievously. "And you know what''s worse, Aisha?" She sing-songed, drawing out the words like she was about to deliver the most damning piece of gossip.

    Aisha''s instincts screamed at her to shut Skadi up immediately, but before she could, Skadi dropped the bomb.

    "You even peed your pants a little from the fear!!"

    Silence.

    Dead silence.

    Aisha''s entire body went rigid.

    Then, in an instant, her face turned bright red. "Y-You¡ª!" She sputtered, hands flying up as if trying to physically push away Skadi''s words from existence.

    Cassius blinked, then turned his gaze toward her with mild intrigue. Julie, still seated, also looked at Aisha, her composed expression now tinged with curiosity and dismay like she wasn''t expecting her right hand man out of all people to pee herself.

    Aisha''s eye twitched as she immediately tried to shut it down. "Lies!" She snapped, her voice an octave higher than usual. "You''re making things up, mutt!"

    But Skadi only grinned wider. "Am I though?" She taunted, her tail wagging lazily.

    Aisha turned to Cassius and Julie, as if pleading for them not to believe this nonsense. But to her absolute horror, both of them simply looked at her. Studying. Observing.

    Cassius, of course, had his usual smirk¡ªone that suggested he was thoroughly enjoying the show¡ªbut Julie? Julie was watching her with something far worse.

    Scientific curiosity.

    Like she was actually considering whether Skadi''s ridiculous claim might have some merit.

    Aisha''s face burned. "D-Don''t look at me like that!!" She blurted, pointing at both of them. "I didn''t!! I swear I didn''t!!"

    Cassius hummed, leaning slightly closer, his smirk deepening. "I don''t know, Aisha." He mused. "You''re being awfully defensive."

    Julie tilted her head, her green eyes calm but unreadable. "It''s true that fear can cause certain...involuntary reactions in the body." She said in a calm manner, though the intrigue in her voice to know if her little sister really did humiliate herself in such a manner was unmistakable.

    Aisha''s soul left her body. "Not you too, Captain!!" She practically wailed.

    But Skadi wasn''t done yet.

    She folded her arms and nodded confidently. "Don''t lie to me, Aisha. I know you peed yourself a little." She announced, grinning like a detective revealing the final clue of a mystery.

    Aisha let out a frustrated groan. "How?! What ridiculous nonsense are you about to say now?!"

    Skadi beamed.

    "Because..." She began proudly. "When I was younger, I used to wet the bed all the time!"

    Cassius actually choked on his own breath. Julie''s flinched, wondering if she heard right.

    Aisha recoiled. "What the hell does that have to do with anything?!"

    But Skadi continued, undeterred.

    "And because of that, I got really used to the smell of my own pee!" She declared like it was some kind of grand achievement. "So now, I can recognize it really well!"

    Aisha looked like she was going to die. "Skadi. Stop. Talking."

    But Skadi didn''t stop talking and continued telling her findings.

    "And to my shock, I smelled that odour just a little coming from you earlier!" She said, pointing directly at Aisha like she was making a dramatic courtroom accusation. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "...Which means even if it was only a few tiny drops, you definitely peed yourself, Aisha! You most definitely did!"

    She beamed, as if she had just presented irrefutable evidence in a court of law.

    Cassius, hearing Skadi''s blunt declaration, tilted his head back, gazing up at the sky. He was doing his best to suppress a full-blown laugh. The thought of the normally arrogant Aisha, peeing her pants mid-battle was almost too much to bear.

    Julie, on the other hand, looked stunned. Her calm demeanor faltered, and her eyes widened slightly, hearing that Aisha actually did what she was accused of when she simply thought Skadi was joking earlier. She couldn''t believe what she was hearing.

    One of her top knights, a woman known for her icy composure in battle, had apparently succumbed to fear in such a¡­undignified manner.

    She imagined the repercussions if this news were to spread. ''How would I ever hold my head high as a captain?'' She thought, a faint tremor running through her.

    Aisha''s face, meanwhile, had reached a shade of crimson that could rival the ripest tomato. Her eyes were wide with mortification, and her lips trembled as she tried to form a coherent response.

    The embarrassing secret she had desperately tried to conceal had been exposed, and she felt a wave of shame washing over her...

 Chapter 91 Youre The Best, Master!

    Aisha''s face turned a deeper shade of red, her eyes wide with mortification. "You...You...!" She stammered, her voice trembling. "You absolute¡ª" She gritted her teeth so hard it was a wonder they didn''t crack.

    "Haha...Don''t blame Skadi for the accidents you made, Aisha or else¡ª"

    But before Skadi could finish taunting her, something shifted beneath her feet.

    After hearing a deep, low rumble she glanced down just in time to see the earth itself move beneath her.

    Then¡ªshe was gone.

    With zero warning, the ground suddenly swallowed her up, pulling her down until only her head was sticking out like a trapped mole.

    Skadi let out a yelp, eyes darting wildly. "H-Hey!!" She yelped. "What the¡ª?!"

    But before she could finish, she saw Aisha crawling towards her face flushed and tears welling up in her eyes and then without any hesitation whatsoever, she began hammering her head with her tiny fists in a rage.

    "H-How could you say something like that, you damn dog?!" She yelled, her voice choked with mortification. "Do you have no shame?! And how dare you go around smelling people''s pee, you damn pervert!"

    She continued to clobber Skadi, her blows becoming increasingly frantic, a mixture of anger and genuine embarrassment fueling her actions. The rhythmic thwacks echoed through the clearing, a stark contrast to the earlier tense atmosphere.

    "Ow! Hey! Stop it!" Skadi yelped, her voice muffled by the earth surrounding her. "I was just telling the truth!"

    "The truth?!" Aisha shrieked, her voice reaching a fever pitch. "There is no truth! You''re making it up! And even if it were true, you don''t just go around announcing it to everyone!"

    "But why not?" Skadi asked, her voice muffled but still indignant. "It''s just pee! Everyone pees!"

    "Not in their pants!" Aisha retorted, her blows becoming more forceful. "Especially not in front of someone who just humiliated our entire squad!"

    "But he''s out new master! He''s not an outsider anymore!" Skadi protested, her voice wavering. "And it was only a little, so it doesn''t even count as peeing your pants!"

    "That''s not the point, you bed wetting mutt!" Aisha yelled, her face now a mask of pure, unadulterated mortification.

    Cassius let out a low chuckle, watching the entire exchange unfold with pure amusement. He leaned slightly toward Julie, smirking as he gestured lazily toward her two subordinates¡ªone half-buried in the ground and the other still flushed red with humiliation.

    "You''ve really got an amazing left and right hand, Captain." He mused, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "One that pees her pants out of fear..." Aisha immediately shot him a glare of death. "...and another who''s peed herself so much that she can now detect when others do it."

    "Truly a splendid team." He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with mock admiration.

    Julie, kept her expression calm, though there was the slightest twitch in her smile. She refused to let her pride be dented, so instead, she exhaled lightly and gave a small, diplomatic smile.

    "Well, young prodigies always come with their own quirks." She said smoothly, her voice carrying a tone of forced patience. "It''s only natural."

    Cassius''s smirk widened. "Ah, yes. Just like how a prodigy like yourself always trips over pebbles."

    Julie''s cheeks turned slightly red as she slowly turned her gaze toward Cassius. "That was a one-time thing." She said, her tone controlled but defensive. "It won''t happen again."

    Cassius quirked a brow, clearly not buying it. "Won''t happen again?" He repeated. "How confident."

    Julie straightened her posture, fully intent on restoring her dignity. "Of course." She said smoothly, tucking a strand of platinum blonde hair behind her ear. "A single mistake does not define a warrior of my caliber."

    For a moment, it almost seemed like she had successfully shut down the topic.

    Almost.

    Until¡ª

    Skadi''s betrayal arrived.

    From her grave, Skadi''s voice rang out like a divine proclamation of truth.

    "Yeah, there''s no way that''s true." She said, her tone disturbingly casual. "Captain''s clumsiness is so notorious that everyone in the legion decided that the day she doesn''t screw up a simple task because of her clumsiness is the day the end of the world is coming, so there''s no way she''s going to follow through with what she said."

    The world froze.

    Cassius sucked in a sharp breath, pressing a fist against his lips, as if holding back a full-blown laugh. Aisha, who had been enjoying Julie''s struggle just seconds ago, immediately stiffened.

    Julie?

    Julie slowly¡ªvery slowly¡ªturned her head toward Aisha.

    "Aisha." She called in a voice that sent shivers down the spine of everyone present.

    Aisha gulped. "...Yes, Captain?"

    Julie smiled. A cold, merciless smile.

    "In the name of maintaining discipline within the Sacred Guard." She said lightly. "Please continue to clobber Skadi."

    Skadi''s ears shot up in panic.

    "Wait¡ªWait, Captain¡ª!!" She yelped, thrashing in her dirt prison. "Don''t just order me to be beaten because I spoke the truth!!"

    But her pleas fell on deaf ears.

    "Oh-ho-ho, with pleasure, Captain." Aisha cracked her knuckles, her earlier embarrassment completely wiped away, her expression glowing with righteous vengeance.

    "Alright, mutt." She said with a smirk. "You had your fun, now it''s my turn." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Skadi, still half-buried, flinched. "W-Wait, let''s talk about this¡ª"

    But before Aisha could unleash divine retribution, a voice interrupted.

    "That''s enough."

    The command was calm but carried absolute weight.

    In the next instant, before anyone could even react, Cassius bent down and thrust his hands into the soil.

    Julie''s eyes widened in shock. That was Aisha''s hardened earth. Normally, removing someone would require undoing the spell or forcefully breaking through it with brute strength.

    And Cassius did just that with zero visible effort.

    His fingers pushed through the compacted earth like it was nothing more than soft sand. The solid ground cracked and split apart, crumbling beneath his hands as if its very existence bent to his will.

    Julie barely concealed the way her breath hitched. She knew Cassius was strong, but the way he casually broke Aisha''s magic¡ªsomething that usually took direct countermeasures¡ªwas another reminder of just how absurdly powerful he was.

    Even Aisha, who had prepared to beat Skadi senseless, froze for a moment, her instincts kicking in.

    Cassius, entirely unbothered by their reactions, slid his arms further under the earth until his hands found their target.

    Skadi, still confused about what was happening, let out a small yelp as she suddenly felt his hands securely grip under her arms.

    Then, effortlessly, he lifted her straight out of the ground like she weighed nothing.

    It was ridiculously easy.

    As if he were picking up a puppy which, considering the way he held her, was exactly what she looked like.

    Skadi blinked in surprise, her wide silver eyes staring up at Cassius as he held her firmly in his arms. Her belly was facing upward, completely exposed, her tail flicking in confusion. Her wolf ears twitched as she looked at him innocently.

    Cassius, without an ounce of shame, smiled down at her.

    "There we go." He said smoothly. "No one is allowed to bully my adorable little puppy anymore."

    Skadi''s ears perked up immediately.

    Her tail wagged harder, and she gave Cassius the most blatantly joyful expression of the night.

    "A-Are you siding with Skadi?!" She asked, her voice almost shiny with excitement. "Are you actually trying to help me out, Master ?!"

    Cassius, still holding her comfortably against his chest, tilted his head slightly and coddled his tone as if soothing a small child.

    "Of course." He said, his voice rich with mock sympathy. "They were being unnecessarily mean to you, weren''t they, Skadi? They acted like such big bullies, right?"

    Skadi''s ears flattened dramatically. She whimpered, as if to fully sell her victim role.

    "Mmm..." She nodded, her expression pitiful as she clutched onto Cassius''s sleeve for extra effect. "Y-Yes, Master ...They were bullying me just because I was being honest!"

    Aisha opened her mouth to protest, but Skadi was too fast.

    She turned her big, innocent eyes up at Cassius, her voice tragically mournful. "Is there really no place left in the world for honest people like me?"

    Cassius sighed theatrically, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, there isn''t."

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, already seeing where this was going. "Young Master ¡ª"

    But he wasn''t done.

    He gently adjusted Skadi''s position, still holding her with ease, and let out a soft chuckle. "That being said, I truly appreciate your honesty."

    Skadi''s ears perked again. "You do?!"

    Cassius nodded. "Yes. And because of that, I''ll make you a deal."

    Her tail wagged furiously. "A deal?!"

    Cassius grinned. "Anytime they bully you for simply being honest, you can just come complain to me." His eyes gleamed mischievously. "And I''ll make sure to tell them off."

    Aisha jerked forward in outrage. "Excuse me?!"

    But Skadi had already stopped listening.

    Her silver eyes sparkled. "Really?" She gasped, clinging onto his sleeve like an excited child. "You''d do that for Skadi?!"

    Cassius smiled down at her. "Of course. After all, I''m your new master now, aren''t I?" His smirk grew wider. "Taking care of my pitiful little puppy is part of my duties."

    The stars in Skadi''s eyes multiplied.

    "Master ¡­!!" She practically trembled with emotion, looking up at him like he had just saved her entire world.

    "You! Stop feeding into her delusions!" Aisha, beyond exasperated, groaned.

    "This is going to be a problem." Julie, rubbing her temples, sighed deeply.

    Skadi, on the other hand, had already made up her mind.

    "You''re the best master ever!!" She beamed, rubbing her cheek against Cassius''s sleeve affectionately.

    Cassius chuckled. "Glad you think so."

    Seeing this obnoxious sight of her two mortal enemies that she had made up in her mind cuddling with one another, Aisha physically recoiled. "Stop wagging your tail! You''re a knight, not a pet! Have some dignity!"

    But Skadi paid her no mind. She had already found her new safe haven.

    Cassius, still holding Skadi effortlessly in his arms, then cast a thoughtful glance toward the path leading back to the mansion. He exhaled softly before looking up at the eager wolf girl.

    "Skadi..." He called, tilting his head slightly. "Since I have to carry the other two as well, would you mind sitting on my shoulders?...It''ll make things easier if someone''s on top."

    He didn''t even get to finish the thought before Skadi launched herself onto him like an overenthusiastic pup climbing a tree.

    "I get to ride master?!" She gasped, her eyes shining with pure, unfiltered joy.

    Cassius barely had time to brace himself before she scaled him with the agility of a beastkin born to climb. Julie and Aisha also watched, completely dumbfounded, as Skadi scrambled onto Cassius''s shoulders with the speed of someone climbing for their life.

    And once she was securely perched atop his broad shoulders, she spread her arms wide, her tail wagging wildly.

    "Hah!" She cried, throwing her head back in awe. "Look at me! I''m so tall right now!!"

    She laughed triumphantly, looking down at everything with wide, sparkling eyes.

    "This is incredible! This must be what it feels like to be a king!" She said, dramatically extending a hand over the horizon. "No¡ªa god! This is my domain now!"

    Cassius chuckled. "Feeling powerful, are we?"

    Skadi grinned. "Master, this is the best! I can see everything from up here!" Then, with zero mercy, she suddenly pointed downward¡ªspecifically at Aisha.

    "Aisha, you were already puny and short, but now¡ª" She let out a mocking gasp. "¡ªyou look like a tiny ant!"

    Aisha''s brows twitched violently.

    Her fingers curled into fists.

    Her teeth gritted.

    "Skadi." She growled. "I am going to throw you off that high horse if you don''t shut up in the next five seconds."

    Skadi giggled mischievously, kicking her legs lightly, absolutely delighted by the reaction.

    Julie, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes at Cassius, her earlier amusement replaced by wary suspicion. "Wait a moment." She said, voice sharp with caution. "What do you mean by ''carrying the other two''?"

    Cassius turned to her with a smirk that made her stomach sink.

    He didn''t answer her directly.

    Instead, with zero hesitation, he suddenly bent down and¡ªbefore Aisha could even react¡ªscooped her up.

    Princess style.

    Effortlessly.

    Aisha, who had just been sitting on the ground mere seconds ago, found herself cradled in Cassius''s arms like some delicate noble maiden which made her eyes widened in shock, her face flushing an even deeper shade of crimson.

    "Well, since none of you seem capable of walking." Cassius said, his voice smooth and teasing. "I thought I would be a good master and carry you all back myself."

    Julie''s surprise was evident, her normally composed expression momentarily faltering. But Aisha''s reaction was far more explosive.

    "You! L-Let me go!" She shrieked, her voice a mixture of rage and embarrassment. She flailed her arms, attempting to scratch Cassius''s face like an angry cat. "I don''t need your help! I can go back by myself!"

    Skadi, from her perch on Cassius''s shoulders, chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah! Let her go! She might make you stink of pee too!"

    Aisha''s face contorted in a mixture of fury and mortification. "Skadi! Shut up!" She yelled, her voice echoing through the clearing. She then turned her attention back to Cassius, her struggles intensifying. "Put me down this instant before I scratch your face off!"

    Cassius, however, remained unmoved by Aisha''s protests. He simply adjusted his grip, ensuring she was securely held in his arms.

    "Now, now." He said, his voice laced with playfulness as he admired how light and frail she felt in his arms. "Where''s the gratitude? I''m merely trying to be a gentleman."

    Aisha, her face burning, continued to struggle, her attempts to escape becoming increasingly frantic. "Gentleman?!" She spat, her voice laced with incredulity. "This is an actual kidnapping! Put me down this instant or else I''ll have you arrested in the name of the Holy Guard!"

    Skadi, perched atop Cassius''s shoulders, giggled. "She looks like a squirming fish!" She exclaimed, her tail wagging excitedly. "A very angry, very stinky fish!"

    Aisha''s eyes narrowed, a primal urge to silence Skadi rising within her. She was ready to pounce, to pull the silver-haired menace down to the ground and settle this once and for all.

    But just as she was about to launch herself, a sudden movement caught her attention.

    To her utter shock, Cassius bent down towards her face, his eyes gleaming with an almost mischievous light as he slowly moved towards her face. The sudden proximity sent a jolt of panic through Aisha.

    She froze, her breath catching in her throat. In her awkward, princess-carried position, she was completely vulnerable, unable to react.

    ''Is he...Is he going to kiss me? Is this what he meant by taking liberties with his knights from time to time? Is he really going to go through with what he said, even when the captain is watching?'' She thought, her mind reeling.

    The idea of her first kiss being stolen by this infuriatingly charming but irritating man sent a wave of conflicting emotions through her, especially knowing that Skadi, who was happily watching from above would never let her forget about it and would probably spread it to everyone in the squad.

    That was probably a fate worse then death and the only way she would be able to live with it is if she took the head of the man who forcibly stole her lips, even though she had no idea how she was going to take down the behemoth of a powerhouse who was slowly inching towards her trembling, pink lips¡­

 Chapter 92 Princess Carry 2x

    But then, to Aisha''s immense surprise, Cassius didn''t go for her lips.

    Instead, he lowered his head to her neck, where she could feel is breath tickling her and took a deep, exaggerated sniff and the moment he did, Aisha''s eyes widened, her face flushing crimson.

    "Hmm." Cassius murmured, pulling back and looking at her with a casual air. "You really don''t stink at all. In fact, you smell quite nice."

    "...Like a bundle full of jasmines."

    Cassius''s words slowly sank in¡ªone by one, each word burrowing into her mind like a dagger.

    Her scent...Jasmines.

    He just¡ª

    Her entire face exploded into red.

    Julie, watching all of this raised an eyebrow at Aisha''s exaggerated reaction. Skadi, however, was not satisfied.

    "Master!" She whined, leaning down from his shoulders to pout at him. "You were supposed to say she smells like a stinky fish! You''re ruining the fun!"

    Cassius chuckled. Still holding Aisha securely, he then turned his gaze directly into hers and even through her humiliation, Aisha found herself locked in place.

    There was something too intense about the way he was looking at her¡ªlike he was enjoying her reaction far too much.

    Then, with a slow smirk, he spoke again.

    "Well, even if she did smell like rotting fish or even a decomposing corpse in fact." He said some morbid words while looking at her with a enchanting gaze. "I wouldn''t mind if it meant I could carry such a cute girl in my arms."

    "...Especially since there aren''t many girls who are both impeccably smart and pretty at the same time like Aisha here, so I consider even being able to have such a close look at her as a blessing that was bestowed upon me."

    "."

    ".."

    "..."

    "...w-what?"

    Aisha froze, her mind struggling to process the sudden onslaught of compliments and intimacy. The unexpected sniff, the casual declaration of her pleasant scent, and then the blatant compliment about her cuteness¡ªit was all too much.

    For a moment, she was completely speechless, her mind a blank slate.

    Then, the realization of what he had said hit her like a tidal wave. Her entire face turned a shade of red that could rival a ripe tomato. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breath hastened. She was completely flustered, unable to form a coherent thought or response.

    "I...I...Y-You..." She stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

    She looked away, her eyes darting nervously around, trying to find an escape from the intensity of his gaze. But there was none. She was trapped, held captive by his words and his proximity.

    "My, my, Aisha." Cassius chuckled softly, his voice laced with amusement. "Are you blushing?"

    Before Aisha could even open her mouth to say something back even if it was a word or two at Cassius''s teasing remark, Skadi struck first.

    "Ohhh, she''s definitely blushing!" Skadi declared dramatically from her perch on Cassius''s shoulders, her silver tail wagging with pure mischief. "She looks like a tomato! No¡ªa whole basket of tomatoes!"

    Aisha twitched violently. "I¡ª!"

    "And you know what''s funny?" Skadi continued, cutting her off entirely, her voice taking on an exaggeratedly mocking tone. "She was just telling me the other day when we were going through your reports about how she could never be like those silly maids who fall for you so easily. How she''s ''not weak like them'' and ''would never be swayed by a few sweet words.''"

    "Oh?" Cassius tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with interest.

    Skadi grinned wide, clearly enjoying herself. "But look at her now! She''s starting to act the exact same way!"

    Aisha''s face went from red to an alarming shade of crimson. "I¡ªI did not¡ª!"

    She wanted to protest. Desperately. She wanted to say that Skadi was making things up, exaggerating, twisting her words!

    But every single time she tried to look up¡ª

    Cassius was there.

    Looking at her.

    Not with his usual smirk or his usual teasing gaze, but with something that made her completely forget how to form words. His crimson eyes were warm, filled with something impossibly soft, like he was holding onto something precious.

    Like she was some kind of treasure.

    Aisha''s heart raced.

    What...What was with that look?!

    Why was he holding her like this?! Why was he looking at her like that?!

    Her heartbeat was too loud in her ears.

    She couldn''t think.

    She needed to escape.

    And with no other option, she abruptly turned over and stuffed her face into his chest, hiding from both of them who were looking at her flustered figure from above.

    Skadi immediately burst into laughter when she saw this embarassing sight of retreat.

    "Oh my gods!" She cackled, pointing at Aisha as she kicked her legs in amusement. "She went into hiding!"

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Like a hermit crab?"

    "Exactly!" Skadi snickered, nodding furiously. "She does this all the time! Acts all big and mighty, but the moment she gets flustered or overwhelmed, she hides behind me or Captain!"

    Cassius hummed in amusement, his arms shifting slightly as he held Aisha a little closer.

    "That''s fine." He murmured, his voice softer now, his tone carrying nothing but warmth as he caressed her face. "I don''t mind at all."

    Aisha stiffened as she suddenly felt his hand on her cheek. His touch was gentle, his thumb caressing her flushed skin, slow and soothing, as if trying to calm her down which made her suck in a sharp breath as body shivered.

    Cassius chuckled at her reaction.

    "I think it''s rather cute..." He mused, his voice dropping slightly. "...that she thinks all her problems will disappear as long as she just...doesn''t look at them."

    "...Almost like a little baby who thinks her parents disappear the moment they cover their face when they play peekaboo."

    Aisha buried herself deeper into his chest when she heard his words and Cassius could feel her reaction¡ªhow she curled even closer, how her fingers gripped onto his shirt, how her body radiated heat from embarrassment.

    And it only made him smile more.

    "Ahh! She''s burying herself even more!" Skadi, completely entertained, gasped in horror.

    Cassius chuckled, still gently stroking her cheek. "Well..." He murmured, his voice undeniably fond. "It''s only natural, isn''t it? There''s no way she would show how flustered she is at the moment with that pride of hers at the moment."

    His hand slid up, fingertips brushing over the base of her cat ears, making them twitch even more which made Aisha let out the tiniest, softest little whimper.

    "So cute..." Cassius smirked.

    Aisha wanted to disappear.

    Cassius then exhaled lightly, his smirk never faltering as he glanced down at Aisha, who was still trembling slightly in his hold, stubbornly hiding her face in his chest as if that would somehow erase the entire situation. His arms were firm around her, keeping her secure despite how much she wanted to vanish into thin air.

    "Well..." He murmured, as he looked down at Aisha and then Skadi who was leaning on top of him. "It looks like I''ve finally got two on board, even if one of you is still quite reluctant. Now..."

    He tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming as he glanced toward Julie.

    "Now..." He said, adjusting Aisha slightly in his arms. "There''s only one more person I need to add before we can finally head back home."

    Julie, who had been in slight awe this entire time watching Aisha¡ªthe same Aisha who never let anyone outside of her and Skadi see her vulnerable, hide in her embrace so blatantly¡ªsuddenly snapped back to reality when she saw the look that screamed you''re next.

    Her fingers twitched slightly, but she quickly forced herself to maintain her composure. She cleared her throat, coughing elegantly to regain her usual regal stance.

    "That won''t be necessary, Young Master." She said smoothly, straightening her posture. "You''re already carrying two people. I doubt adding a third would be¡ª"

    "Not a problem at all." Cassius interrupted, his smirk widening slightly.

    Julie faltered for just a split second before regaining herself. "Regardless..." She continued, ignoring the way her heartbeat skipped slightly at his confident words. "You may depart ahead of me. I''ll follow once I regain my strength."

    Cassius sighed in mock disappointment, shaking his head slightly. "You really are stubborn, aren''t you, Captain?" He asked, then added casually. "Also, you can just call me by my name instead of Young Master. It feels a bit strange hearing that from you."

    Julie blinked.

    "¡­I see." She said carefully, her voice still calm, though there was a flicker of hesitation behind her emerald gaze.

    "Now then..." Cassius continued, stretching his arms slightly with ease, making Aisha grumble something incoherent into his chest. "Since you don''t seem to believe me, how about a little demonstration?"

    "A demonstration?" Julie narrowed her eyes slightly.

    "Skadi..." Cassius called up to the energetic wolf girl perched on his shoulders. "Could you possibly stand up on top of me and balance yourself on my head like you''re circus performer."

    Julie''s entire body went rigid.

    Absolutely not, she thought.

    "That''s¡ª" She started, intending to stop this madness immediately, because sitting on a noble''s shoulders was already too much, but¡ª

    She was too late.

    The moment she opened her mouth, Skadi had already moved. With zero hesitation, the wolf girl leaped up onto one leg, perching herself directly atop Cassius''s head like he was a balance beam.

    Julie stared in sheer disbelief.

    "I''m even taller now!" Skadi cheered, arms outstretched as if she were standing atop the highest peak in the kingdom. "Master, you''re amazing! You barely even moved when I jumped up!"

    Cassius chuckled, entirely unbothered by the fact that there was now a full-grown beastkin balancing on his head.

    "See?" He said casually, glancing at Julie, who still looked like she was processing what just happened. "Carrying all of you won''t be an issue."

    Julie pressed her fingers against her temple, exhaling through her nose...This man was insane.

    "Come on, Captain!" Skadi grinned down at her, her silver tail wagging excitedly as she pointed at her. "Just get on already! You can even sit on his shoulders if you want! Skadi will give up her beloved seat for you."

    Julie''s expression darkened.

    "I will not sit on his shoulders." She said in a voice that carried the undeniable authority of a high-ranking knight.

    Skadi tilted her head. "Why not? It''s really comfy."

    Julie''s eye twitched. Cassius, meanwhile, was smirking.

    "Julie..." He drawled, shifting his hold on Aisha, who had gone completely limp in defeat, still refusing to remove her face from his chest. "Are you sure you''re not just hesitating because you think it''ll be embarrassing?"

    "That is not the issue." Julie shot him a sharp look.

    "Then there''s no problem getting on, is there?"

    Julie inhaled deeply, her fingers curling slightly in frustration.But before she could argue further, Skadi leaned down, her silver ears twitching in excitement.

    "Don''t worry, Captain!" She grinned. "Even if you do fall because of your clumsiness, Master will catch you!...Isn''t that right, Master?"

    "That''s right." Cassius grinned. "No matter how awkwardly she falls, I''ll never let her hit the ground."

    "...And honestly I think me carrying her back is safer then her walking and tripping over a stick this time."

    Hearing the accusations from her own master and her left hand man, Julie, for the first time, felt the distinct urge to throw both of them into the dirt.

    Skadi, still balancing effortlessly on top of Cassius''s head, then grew impatient and grinned down at her captain with an expression that was far too pleased with itself.

    "Master, you''re wasting your time." She said, wagging her tail lazily. "Captain''s not gonna accept, no matter what you say."

    Julie narrowed her eyes slightly, already sensing danger. "Skadi¡ª"

    "It''s because of all that formality and pride nonsense." Skadi continued, completely ignoring Julie''s sharp gaze. "She''ll just keep refusing ''cause she thinks it''s her duty to protect you, not the other way around."

    Julie''s lips parted, but before she could get a word in, Skadi leaned forward, flashing a mischievous grin.

    "So, Master, you should just do the same thing you did with Aisha!" She declared boldly, ignoring the way Julie''s entire body stiffened in alarm.

    Cassius''s eyes gleamed dangerously. Julie''s heart dropped.

    "Skadi..." She said sharply, shaking her head furiously, trying to stop what was about to happen.

    But Skadi''s tail wagged even harder.

    "Come on, Master, it''s not like she can run away or anything."

    Hearing Skadi''s suggestion, he looked at Julie, who was now visibly flustered, and a slow, playful smirk spread across his face.

    Julie, realizing what he was about to do, quickly turned around and attempted to crawl away, her movements awkward and slow due to her injuries.

    "Oh, no you don''t." Cassius chuckled, his voice laced with playful determination. "We wouldn''t want you to miss out on the fun, now would we?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And before she could even gain any distance, she suddenly felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist.

    A gasp escaped her lips as she was lifted off the ground, her body weightless in Cassius''s hold and then to her utter shock, she felt herself being thrown into the air and she was flying.

    Throw~

    Skadi howled with laughter.

    "Whoooaaa, she''s really flying¡ª!!"

    Aisha, who had just started recovering from her earlier humiliation, snapped her head up in disbelief as she saw her captain soaring through the air like a tossed doll.

    And then¡ª

    With almost inhuman precision, Julie landed perfectly into Cassius''s arms.

    Right beside Aisha in the exact same position like two sardines in a can.

    A second princess carry.

    And for the briefest moment, absolute silence fell over the group.

    Cassius, holding both of them effortlessly, simply smirked while looking up at Skadi who was showing him a thumbs up like she was telling a job well done

    Aisha, also in his hold, turned her head slowly toward her captain, initially being surprised by her sudden appearance and then looked at her as it she was asking, ''Not you as well, Captain''.

    Julie, meanwhile, was completely frozen.

    She blinked once. Then twice. Then a third time.

    Her mind was blank...She had not been prepared for this.

    This wasn''t supposed to happen.

    She was supposed to retain her dignity.

    She was supposed to walk back herself.

    And yet¡ª

    Here she was.

    Carried.

    Like a princess.

    Cassius chuckled lightly, adjusting his hold on them with ridiculous ease. "Well, well." He said, his eyes twinkling. "I have to say, Captain, you make a rather elegant addition to my collection."

 Chapter 93 Death By Thighs

    Julie''s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink when she realised that was being held like a helpless girl.

    "Cassius!" She suddenly exclaimed as she looked up at him, her voice a mixture of surprise and exasperation. "This is...This is highly inappropriate!"

    "Inappropriate?" Cassius chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "Nonsense. It''s merely efficient. Besides." He added, his eyes twinkling. "I wouldn''t want you to feel left out when I''m already carrying your left and right hand men?"

    Aisha, still hiding her face in Cassius''s chest, let out a muffled groan. "Just...Just make it stop." She mumbled, her voice barely audible.

    Skadi, on the other hand, perched atop Cassius''s head, giggled. "Look, Captain! You''re a princess too now!" She exclaimed, her tail wagging excitedly. "We''re all princesses now!"

    Julie''s lips parted, a sharp protest already forming on her tongue. Her entire body burned with the sheer embarrassment of being carried like this¡ªin front of Skadi, in front of Aisha, in front of Cassius.

    It wasn''t just about dignity¡ªit was about control. And she refused to be treated like some helpless maiden when she was supposed to be the leader of the Sacred Guard.

    No, she had to get down.

    With a determined glare, she shifted slightly in Cassius''s arms, her muscles tensing as she prepared to force herself out of his hold¡ª

    But before she could even move, Cassius sighed dramatically, already predicting exactly what she was about to do.

    "Julie..." He said in a low tone, his eyes gleaming. "If you get off the train, I''m dropping the other two as well and leaving them here."

    Julie stilled immediately as her sharp green eyes snapped up to meet his, her expression darkening with suspicion.

    "You wouldn''t." She said, her voice low and dangerously even.

    Cassius''s smirk widened slightly, but his eyes held an undeniable edge.

    "Wouldn''t I?" He murmured. "If I''m already carrying three, what''s the point of only carrying two? If you refuse to play along, then I might as well put all of you down." His grip around them remained firm, unyielding, as he continued with a casual shrug.

    "Unless, of course." He mused, raising a brow. "You''d rather see your two adorable sisters abandoned out here in the cold night, with no one to help them back?"

    Julie''s brows twitched slightly. That threatening glint in his eyes was unmistakable¡ªplayful, yes, but still very real.

    Aisha, still curled against him, let out a low groan. "Don''t...Don''t drag me into this¡­I was forced into this." She mumbled weakly, her tail twitching slightly.

    Skadi, meanwhile, was still happily perched on his head, kicking her legs playfully without a care in the world.

    Julie exhaled sharply through her nose. Then, slowly, she narrowed her eyes at Cassius, watching him carefully, her voice measured.

    "Are you threatening me with my own comrades?"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, then flashed her a wolfish grin.

    "Most definitely."

    Julie''s jaw tightened, her fingers curling slightly where they rested against his chest.

    "I have to say." He continued, his voice calm but entirely unapologetic. "I doubt you think very highly of me right now, especially given my, shall we say...shameless behavior." His eyes gleamed in the dimming light as he studied her expression, unreadable yet certain in his next words. "But honestly? I don''t really care."

    "...As long as my all beloved knights get home safely, which most definitely includes you as well, you can think whatever you want of me."

    Julie stiffened slightly. For the first time since being captured in his grasp, she felt her initial resistance waver.

    She had expected Cassius to be arrogant, self-serving, someone who treated them as if they were his possessions to be played with and tossed around. And while there was certainly some truth to that, the way he spoke¡ªthe unwavering sincerity in his tone¡ª

    It made her hesitate.

    There was no deception in his words, no hidden malice. Just a straightforward desire to see them home and safe.

    It was strange...Infuriating.

    And yet¡­She sighed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment before reluctantly leaning her weight fully into his arms.

    "Fine..." She murmured, her voice soft but firm. "Just for tonight. Just the sake of these two."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, but his gaze softened slightly.

    "That''s all I ask." He said in a gentle tone like he was in relief that she finally accepted.

    Then, just as Julie thought they had reached an understanding¡ª

    Cassius grinned shamelessly.

    "Oh, and don''t worry." He added casually. "I won''t threaten you next time."

    Julie raised a brow slightly, nodding. "Good¡ª"

    "Because as your master." Cassius continued with a smug smirk. "I can simply order you to do what I want."

    Julie''s entire body stiffened again.

    Aisha snorted.

    Skadi, watching from above, burst into laughter.

    "Master, you''re so evil!" She giggled, kicking her feet in delight.

    Julie, still in Cassius''s arms, let out a long, exasperated sigh, pressing her fingers against her temple.

    She had walked straight into that one.

    Cassius, pleased beyond words, merely continued walking, holding them securely as if they weighed nothing at all.

    For a while, Julie simply let herself think.

    Her mind drifted back to Skadi, who had always possessed a peculiar sense about people.

    No matter how charming or deceptive someone might be, Skadi could always see through them¡ªfeel their real intentions, no matter how deeply they were hidden.

    And yet, here she was.

    Joyfully playing on top of Cassius''s head without a care in the world.

    So, even if he was twisted¡­

    Even if he was arrogant¡­

    Perhaps...he wasn''t a bad person after all.

    And after a while, as the gentle rhythm of Cassius''s steps began to lull her into an unexpected sense of tranquility, Julie found herself adjusting to the rather peculiar experience of being carried.

    It was strange at first, but Cassius¡ªthough undeniably shameless in words¡ªwas surprisingly respectful in action.

    His hands rested exactly where they should, his grip firm yet gentle, as if he were handling something precious rather than burdensome. He wasn''t acting like some hooligan who took advantage of the situation¡ªhe was carrying her properly, carefully, even gentlemanly.

    She exhaled softly, allowing herself to relax just a little¡ªuntil she suddenly felt it.

    A gaze. A deep, unwavering gaze.

    She turned her head slightly, and that was when she saw it.

    Aisha.

    Her usually sharp, calculating amber eyes were locked onto her, but there was no mischief in them, no embarrassment from earlier, no usual exasperation toward Skadi. Instead, she looked almost¡­

    Lost...Like she was stuck in the memories of the past.

    Julie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, she realized something else.

    She was close. Very close to Aisha.

    So much so that she could feel the warmth from Aisha''s tiny little frame, the way her body heat gently radiated into her own. She could hear the faintest rhythm of her heartbeat¡ªsoft, quieter than usual, almost fragile.

    And because of this, Julie''s older sister instincts immediately kicked in. With a concerned softness, she reached out slightly, her voice gentle yet firm.

    "Aisha." She murmured, her green eyes searching hers carefully. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    Hearing her captain call out to her, Aisha blinked, startled, suddenly realizing she had been staring for too long. And before she could retreat, Julie spoke again, her voice filled with quiet concern.

    "Are you uncomfortable? Is this not a good position?" She asked, shifting slightly, prepared to move if necessary. "Should I¡ª"

    But before she could finish, Aisha quickly shook her head, snapping out of her daze, her eyes widening slightly before she quickly averted her gaze. "N-No, Captain." She stammered, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "I''m not uncomfortable at all. In fact." She added, her voice barely a whisper. "It''s...rather nice and feels cozy."

    Cassius, hearing Aisha''s soft admission, gave her a knowing glance, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Aisha, however, pointedly ignored him, focusing her attention on fiddling with the edges of her uniform. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "It''s just¡­" she murmured, casting a nervous glance toward Julie, her fingers curling slightly.

    Julie tilted her head slightly, waiting patiently.

    "It''s just that¡­" Aisha repeated, this time even softer, almost hesitant.

    "...It''s been a long time since I''ve seen your face up close like this."

    Julie''s expression softened immediately, while Aisha''s eyes flickered slightly as she looked down, almost as if trying to gather her words.

    "I was just thinking." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That ever since the last time I''ve seen you so close to me you''ve truly...grown more beautiful since then."

    Julie felt a warm gentleness settle into her chest when she heard her little sister''s sincere, heartfelt words that she would normally admit because of shy she was when it came to touchy matters.

    And for a moment, Julie said nothing. Then, ever so slowly, a fond, motherly smile spread across her face.

    She reached out, gently brushing a few strands of Aisha''s hair aside, her touch as tender as a soft breeze.

    "Thank you, Aisha." She murmured, her voice filled with warmth. "That means a lot coming from your little mouth, that never seems to ever want to say anything nice about your older sister."

    Aisha''s face grew warm, her ears flicking ever so slightly, but before she could react further, Julie tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with quiet tenderness.

    "But..." She continued, her tone playfully gentle. "It isn''t just me who''s changed, but you too have grown so much prettier from when you were just a little kitten, you know."

    Aisha''s entire face turned pink.

    She opened her mouth, then closed it again.

    Then opened it once more, only to let out a tiny, flustered sound before snapping her head away entirely.

    Julie, watching her reaction, chuckled softly. And then because she was curious about Aisha''s earlier comment, tried to recall the last time they had been this close.

    "I can''t quite remember the last time we were this...intimate." she mused aloud, her brow furrowed in thought. "When was the last time we were this close?"

    But before either of them could delve further into their memories, Skadi chimed in from her perch atop Cassius''s head. "It was when we were little!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with childlike enthusiasm. "We used to sleep in the same bed, all three of us!"

    Julie let out a soft hum, thinking back on Skadi''s words. "Yes¡­" she murmured, a small, nostalgic smile forming on her lips. "I remember now. When you two were still little, you used to come to my room all the time in the night."

    She glanced at Aisha, who was still looking anywhere but at her, but Julie could see the faintest blush dusting her cheeks.

    "And Aisha, even though you were fully capable of reading through official papers at that age because of how smart you were." Julie continued, as she looked at the little kitten next to her with a teasing gaze. "You would still come to me at night, wanting me to read you a bedtime story."

    Aisha sputtered immediately. "T-That was a long time ago! It was just because¡ªbecause I couldn''t understand some difficult words that''s all!...N-Not because I really liked hearing your voice when I went to sleep." She blurted out, her ears twitching violently.

    Julie, watching her reaction, chuckled softly. "And of course." She continued, her gaze shifting upwards towards Skadi. "Skadi, who was never far from Aisha''s side, would follow you, insisting on which story we should read...You two would argue for what seemed like hours, until you both finally fell asleep from exhaustion without me even having to read you two your stories."

    Skadi immediately perked up, a playful "harumph" escaping her lips.

    "No, Captain! You got it all wrong!...Skadi wasn''t following her because I wanted to." She declared, her voice filled with mock indignation.

    "Skadi only did so since someone had to protect her! She was so frail and someone had to look after her, so Skadi took the responsibility upon herself since no one else could bother about a weakling cat like her."

    Aisha immedietly scoffed when she heard this, her voice muffled against Cassius''s chest.

    "Those are lies!" She retorted. "It was you who was following me around like a puppy wherever I went, all because you wanted to. And it was you who would start whimpering like a dog in the rain whenever I left you behind!"

    "...It was so bad that everyone around us thought you were my pet dog at one point."

    "Who''s a dog?!" Skadi exclaimed, her voice rising in playful anger.

    She then suddenly leaned down, grabbing Aisha''s cheeks and playfully started pulling on them. Aisha, in retaliation, pinched Skadi''s back, a small skirmish erupting between them.

    Julie let out a long sigh, watching them bicker like children.

    "Truly." She muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Nothing has changed."

    But then, she blinked..Something felt off.

    Wait...Skadi was supposed to be on top of Cassius''s head.

    So then¡­

    How was she bending all the way down to fight with Aisha?

    Julie''s brows furrowed as she tilted her head back to look. And the moment she did¡ª

    Her eyes widened in shock.

    Because Skadi¡­

    Skadi was hanging upside down.

    Her legs were wrapped tightly around Cassius''s head, her thighs gripping his face, as she dangled off of him like a monkey, using him as an anchor to fight with Aisha.

    Julie stared. Her brain paused and she let out a shout in fright

    "Skadi!" Julie''s voice rose in a pitch of exasperation, laced with a hint of panic. "Get down from there! Y-You''re going to suffocate him if hang off him like that!"

    But Skadi, lost in her playful frenzy, paid no heed. She simply let out a series of cheerful barks, her tail wagging enthusiastically.

    "But he likes it, Captain!" She chirped, her voice echoing through the clearing. "He even mumbled about how soft my thighs were and how it felt like he was being hugged by a cloud!"

    And to Julie''s utter disbelief, Cassius, his voice muffled and distorted by Skadi''s thighs, confirmed her statement.

    "Mmmph...It''s...fine." He mumbled, his words barely intelligible. Then, with an astonishing clarity that defied his current predicament, he added, "Actually...I rather like being...squeezed by her plump thighs...It''s quite nice and wouldn''t mind staying like this for a little longer."

    "...No, actually a lot longer. In fact I wouldn''t mind spending the rest of my life with her thighs wrapped around me like this."

    Julie''s eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly at the preposterous words she was hearing.

    "Cassius!" She exclaimed, her voice a mixture of exasperation and incredulity that a esteemed noble like him was saying out such deranged desires. "T-That''s...That''s highly inappropriate! And frankly, a bit disturbing!"

    Skadi, oblivious to Julie''s escalating distress, let out another cheerful bark, her eyes sparkling with innocent glee. "See? I told you! He likes it, Captain."

    Seeing her left hand man also going with his depraved desires, Julie closed her eyes as she tried to compose herself. "This is...This is beyond ridiculous." She muttered under her breath.

    And then lifted her gaze, her eyes sharp with exasperation, and pointed at the upside-down wolf girl still wrapped around Cassius''s face.

    "Skadi, get down this instant!" She commanded with a stern look on her face, unable to allow what was happening before her any longer. "And Cassius, please...have some sense of decorum! You''re supposed to be a elegant noble and a example of regality to your subjects!"

    "...Not a pervert who enjoys being squeezed by a wolf girls thighs, like you are now."

    Skadi, still hanging on like a monkey, pouted slightly, but she knew better than to push Julie''s buttons any further. The last time she did, she got a spanking, and she had no intention of repeating that experience.

    So, with one last act of defiance, she stuck her tongue out at Aisha before finally sitting properly on Cassius''s shoulders.

    But as the hyperactive pup she was, she couldn''t simply sit still. Her silver tail flicked back and forth, and after a moment, she peered down at Cassius, her eyes shining with excitement.

    "Master!" She chirped. "Go faster!"

    Cassius raised a brow, glancing up at her. "Faster?"

    "Yeah!" Skadi nodded enthusiastically, her tail wagging. "As fast as you were moving when you were fighting us!"

    Julie, still recovering from the earlier madness, immediately furrowed her brows at Skadi''s demand.

    "Skadi, don''t bother him." She started, her voice carrying the unmistakable weight of authority. "Carrying three people should already be too much for him and¡ª"

    But before she could even finish her sentence, a powerful gust of wind suddenly hit her face.

    Whoosh~

    Her breath caught in her throat as she felt herself moving at a impossible pace and her emerald eyes widened when she saw the garden around her turn into a blur.

    And to her utter shock, the world itself was rushing past her at an unbelievable speed.

    Julie''s mind stuttered for a second before she finally processed what was happening.

    Cassius¡ª

    He was running.

    And not just running¡ªhe was running so fast and so smoothly like he was gliding through a sheet of ice at the speed of a arrow launched from a fully tanuted bow.

    And despite holding two people in his arms and another on his shoulders, he moved with ridiculous ease, as if they weighed absolutely nothing which made Julie feel her stomach flip slightly, not from fear, but from astonishment at the speed he was moving in.

    She was called the ''Whispering Blade'' by everyone since she was so fast that no one could see her in combat and could only hear her sword slicing through the wind.

    But even she had to admit that she could never touch the speeds Cassius was reaching now and she couldn''t help but be in awe and wonder just exactly how he attained such monstrous speed, that no human should ever attain...

 Chapter 94 An Idol To All Women

    Julie looked forward as her platinum hair whipped behind her from the sheer force of their movement. Above her, Skadi spread her arms wide, her silver locks also fluttering wildly in the wind.

    "WOOHOOOO!!" Skadi howled, throwing her head back, completely ecstatic. "It''s like I''m riding a dragon!"

    Julie, despite herself, found her own lips twitching at Skadi''s pure joy. But then her gaze shifted, and her stomach dropped at the sight.

    Aisha, unlike Skadi, who was soaking in the thrill, and unlike herself, who was merely awestruck, looked pale, and she looked absolutely terrified.

    Julie''s sharp eyes immediately picked up on the way Aisha''s fingers gripped Cassius''s sleeve tightly, the slight tremble in her shoulders, and the way her breath was hesitant like she was walking on a tightrope.

    Her poor strategist.

    Unlike Skadi, who was an adrenaline junkie, and unlike herself, who was used to high-speed movement, Aisha had never experienced something like this. And from the way she looked, she wasn''t handling it well at all.

    Julie''s heart leaped into her throat.

    If this kept up, Aisha was going to¡ª

    "Cassius, stop!"

    She was about to yell it.

    She was just about to tell him to stop before this turned into a horrible mess. But before she could even say a word, he stopped by himself in an abrupt and effortless manner even though he was moving so fast.

    One second, they were moving at a speed beyond belief. The next¡ªabsolute stillness.

    And while Julie was wondering why he had stopped all of a sudden and Aisha was letting out a shaky breath, looking like she was regaining her senses, Skadi suddenly jumped off his head.

    "We''re here!" She announced cheerfully, stretching her arms out. "That was so awesome! I can''t believe I actually moved so fast that it felt like I was flying!"

    Julie blinked at her statement, and then she quickly turned her head, her eyes scanning her surroundings, and sure enough¡ª

    Cassius''s mansion stood right before them...They were mere walking distance from the entrance.

    Julie''s stomach tightened as this was supposed to be a fifteen-minute walk, but somehow Cassius had turned it into a ten-second sprint.

    She swallowed hard, the realisation of his ridiculous speed that made it even difficult to know where he was when he was on the move settling in.

    Cassius, feeling her tense slightly, glanced down at her with a knowing smirk.

    "Surprised?" He mused, tilting his head slightly as he thought that even though she was a hardened warrior, her body was still incredibly soft.

    Julie inhaled, trying to keep her composure.

    "¡­A little." She admitted it.

    "Just a little?" Cassius chuckled. "I must not be trying hard enough."

    Julie, still a bit rattled, simply gave him a look.

    Meanwhile, Skadi bounced eagerly, her tail wagging as she grinned up at Cassius.

    "Master, that was so cool!" She said excitedly. "I wanna ride you again!"

    Aisha, still recovering from her near-motion sickness, immediately snapped her head toward Skadi.

    "Phrase that differently."

    Cassius, however, simply smirked. "Anytime you want, Skadi." He replied to Skadi''s joy of having such a fun master, unlike her old master, who was just a stinky old man. "I''m always happy to give you a ride."

    Cassius then shifted his gaze down to Julie, who was still securely cradled in his arms, as a teasing glint appeared in his crimson eyes.

    "You know..." He said, as he looked at Julie, who looked even more beautiful with Aisha right next to her, like a pair of roses. "I was thinking of dropping you off nearby, just to spare you the humiliation of your squad seeing their esteemed captain being carried like this."

    Julie''s brows twitched.

    "But of course..." Cassius continued as he cradled both of them like they were babies. "If you''re fine with them seeing you like this, I wouldn''t mind carrying you all the way in."

    The moment those words left his mouth, Julie moved with fluid precision, immediately shifting her weight and slipping out of his hold as if she had never been there in the first place.

    Aisha, still dizzy from the breakneck speed they had travelled, barely had time to react before Julie reached for her, supporting her as she carefully set her down.

    Julie then adjusted her stance, brushing down her uniform with practiced elegance, ensuring there was no lingering sign of how she had just been carried like a princess.

    Skadi, finally noticing how pale Aisha looked, tilted her head. "Hey, Aisha." She said after a moment, her silver ears twitching slightly. "Why do you look so weary? Are you actually going to puke?"

    Aisha, who had just regained a fraction of her composure, gritted her teeth.

    "S-Shut up." She muttered, stepping closer to Skadi and clutching onto her for support since her knees felt weak. "I''m already feeling sick; the last thing I need is a dog barking in my ears."

    Skadi huffed, flicking her tail dramatically.

    "Let me tell you that if you dare puke on my fluffy tail..." She warned, narrowing her eyes. "...I won''t hesitate to bite you and sink my fangs into you. I just combed it recently!"

    But despite her words, she still held onto Aisha tightly, making sure she wouldn''t actually collapse. Julie, watching the interaction unfold, allowed a small smile to form on her lips.

    Some things never changed.

    But then, she turned back to Cassius since he was too silent and was surprised to find him already walking away.

    "Where are you going?" Julie''s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.

    Cassius, noticing her gaze, glanced back over his shoulder, his expression calm yet unreadable.

    "Me? Well, I have to make some preparations." He replied. "You know, to save you all from the plight you''re in now." His eyes flickered with something indiscernible. "So I''ll leave you here for the time being and handle things on my end." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie immediately tensed. Her entire legion''s survival depended on this man. How could she possibly just let him walk off alone?

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    Without thinking, she stepped forward, her voice carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.

    "Wait." She called, her emerald eyes sharp. "If this involves our fate, I should¡ª"

    Cassius turned back fully, his gaze locking onto hers with absolute certainty.

    "There''s no need." He said simply, his tone even but firm. "I can handle it all by myself."

    Julie stilled.

    "And you should relax for now. I''m pretty sure you''ve already exhausted yourself both mentally and physically after everything that''s happened today." He added, his smirk softening slightly, but his eyes held unwavering conviction.

    Julie wanted to argue.

    She wanted to say that wasn''t possible. That she couldn''t just sit back while her entire legion''s fate rested in his hands.

    But then¡ª

    She saw his expression.

    That unshakeable assurance.

    A look that spoke of certainty, of a man who never wavered once he had decided something.

    Seeing this, Julie inhaled deeply, forcing herself to pause. And after a long, tense moment, she let out a slow breath.

    "¡­Alright." She said finally, her voice calm but measured. "I''ll trust you and stay here."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, but this time, there was a hint of warmth beneath it.

    "Good." He said with a kind gaze, like he was grateful that she was willing to trust him with her squad''s lives, and added, "I''ve also prepared a little party for all of you, so I hope all of you have a good time, even though it''s not as grand as the banquet you would''ve attended in the past."

    And then immediately after, he vanished without saying another word.

    Julie''s breath stopped, her eyes widening just a fraction. Even though she had already seen it before, his ability to disappear instantly was still something she couldn''t get used to.

    She then let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. And just as she was wondering what exactly Cassius meant by ''a little party''.

    A cheerful voice suddenly called out to her.

    "Captain Julie!"

    Julie''s ears perked, and she turned her head sharply toward the sound, and from the direction of the mansion, she spotted a figure sprinting toward them.

    As the figure approached, Julie finally got a clearer look¡ªand immediately recognised her.

    It was Isabelle.

    Cassius''s dedicated personal maid.

    She was running toward them in a hurry, her neatly tied blonde hair bouncing with each stride, her uniform pristine despite her rush. She was also holding what seemed to be small glass vials that were full of a golden liquid that seemed to be glowing.

    Julie''s brows furrowed slightly as she observed her. She knew quite a bit about Isabelle from the reports she had gathered on Cassius over the years.

    By all accounts, Isabelle was probably his most beloved and loyal maid.

    But at the same time¡ªshe was also the very same maid who had once tried to assassinate her own master.

    That was something Julie had found particularly intriguing in her reports.

    According to intelligence from the Holyfield household, Isabelle had attempted to kill Cassius because of the dark rumours surrounding him¡ªrumours that painted him as a monster, a villain, a man who preyed upon innocent girls.

    And yet, in a bizarre turn of events, the same woman who had tried to end his life had somehow become his most loyal follower.

    Julie''s mind briefly wandered.

    Had Cassius truly been so charming that he managed to convert his own assassin into his most devoted servant?

    It was a strange, almost unbelievable story.

    But regardless of what had transpired between them, Julie held a good impression of Isabelle.

    Because despite her initial actions, Isabelle had tried to sacrifice herself to save the girls she believed were in danger¡ªgirls she had thought were Cassius''s future victims.

    She had acted on her beliefs, willing to lay down her own life to protect the innocent.

    And beyond that, Isabelle''s record was flawless.

    A dedicated, strong, and sincere person with no history of wrongdoing. She had even participated in several charitable drives organised by the Holy Guard, working to provide aid for those in need.

    Julie respected that.

    So as soon as Isabelle reached them, still slightly out of breath from running, Julie took it upon herself to greet her properly.

    "Isabelle." She said coolly, nodding at her.

    The maid stopped abruptly, her posture impeccable, the small glass bottles in her hands clinking softly together.

    Julie continued with her usual composed elegance. "I''m Captain Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the leader of the Holy Guard. It''s a pleasure to meet you."

    There was a brief pause, and then Julie tilted her head slightly, her gaze calm but inquisitive. "I assume you''re the maid Cassius sent to assist us?"

    She waited for a response.

    And yet¡ª

    Nothing came.

    Isabelle didn''t say a word. Instead, she simply stared at her in a daze.

    Julie felt the shift in the air immediately as she witnessed the maid''s pretty blue eyes locked onto her face.

    It wasn''t out of shock. Nor was it out of fear.

    No, this was something else entirely.

    It was the kind of silent, awestruck gaze that people only gave when they were seeing something unbelievable before their eyes.

    Something legendary.

    Julie blinked. "Isabelle?" She called again, her voice softer but still firm.

    Still, no response. The maid continued to stand there, staring at her as if she were some untouchable divine figure.

    Julie''s brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering across her otherwise composed features.

    "Is something wrong?"

    And finally, the sound of her voice seemed to jolt Isabelle back to reality. Her head jerked up, her hands tightening around the bottles as if suddenly remembering they existed.

    Then, she frantically shook her head, her entire face turning a deep, burning red.

    "N-No! Not at all!" She blurted it out, her words almost tripping over themselves.

    Julie raised a brow as Isabelle sucked in a deep breath, trying to regain her composure, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her entirely.

    "I just¡­" She hesitated, then let out a tiny, overwhelmed sigh. "I just never imagined I''d be meeting you in person."

    Julie''s lips curved slightly in amusement. "You''ve heard of me?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.

    Isabelle''s eyes immediately brightened, her previous nervousness replaced with pure enthusiasm.

    "Of course I have!" She exclaimed, stepping forward slightly, her voice carrying undeniable excitement.

    "There isn''t a single girl out there who doesn''t know the name of the beautiful and powerful Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the founder and leader of the people''s knights the Sacred Guard!"

    Julie''s eyes widened slightly at her own introduction.

    That was...a rather bold statement.

    And before she could interject, Isabelle continued, her voice now overflowing with admiration as if she were looking at her idol.

    "You are the pride of all female warriors!" She declared, practically radiating admiration.

    Julie blinked again.

    Aisha, standing nearby, let out a quiet snicker even though she was exhausted.

    "The strongest woman in the Holy Guard! A commander feared by your enemies, but beloved by your people! A knight whose grace and strength surpass even the highest nobles!"

    Julie, for the first time in a very long while, felt herself caught slightly off guard.

    It wasn''t that she wasn''t used to praise. But this was...something else.

    "You''re an idol to little girls everywhere!" Isabelle continued passionately, her eyes shining.

    "A warrior who proved that women can stand at the top! Who fought her way through a world of men and never backed down! Your very existence is an inspiration!"

    Julie''s cheeks grew just the slightest shade warmer as she cleared her throat softly, a rare moment of flustered surprise flashing through her expression.

    "That''s...quite a lot of praise." She murmured, her composed demeanor briefly wavering.

    Isabelle immediately shook her head. "It''s all true!" she insisted, eyes gleaming.

    "You are everything a commoner girl like me aspires to be! Strong, independent, intelligent, and¡ª" She suddenly clasped her hands against her chest, her voice overflowing with passion¡ª

    "Beautiful beyond words!"

    Julie felt her cheeks warm slightly at Isabelle''s exaggerated praise, though she kept her composure as best she could.

    Compliments weren''t uncommon for her, but this level of pure, unfiltered admiration was enough to make even someone like her a little self-conscious.

    Her gaze then flickered to Isabelle, who was practically glowing as she spoke, her expression so genuine that it was impossible to dismiss her words as mere flattery.

    ''She really is just as peculiar as her master.'' Julie thought, repressing a sigh.

    However, before she could find a way to redirect the conversation, another voice¡ªone far less delicate¡ªcut through the moment.

    "Wait, wait, wait." Skadi said, grinning mischievously as her tail wagged. "This is the assassin maid, right?"

    "...The one who actually tried to kill her own master and got exposed in the process?"

    Julie''s smile instantly faded. Her sharp green eyes snapped toward Skadi, a flicker of disapproval flashing through them.

    "Skadi." She said in a low, warning tone, but Skadi merely tilted her head, completely unbothered.

    "What? It''s true, isn''t it?" She shrugged. "I mean, it''s kinda ironic, don''t you think? An assassin turned to a loyal maid who''s still allowed to cook for her master, even though she used poison to try and put him down?"

    "...And to think that she''s also a fan of yours as well. How hilarious." Skadi chuckled without a care in the world.

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, wondering if all the people of the Fenrir race were like this or if it was only Skadi who spoke her mind without a care in the world...

 Chapter 95 Angels Tears

    Just as Julie was about to pull Skadi''s fluffy ears and give her a heavy scolding for speaking without any tact or consideration for the other party. But to her surprise Isabelle spoke first.

    "That''s right." She said smoothly, looking as if she was wasn''t offended at all by the statement.

    Julie''s gaze snapped back toward her, watching closely. But Isabelle simply smiled.

    "I did attempt to take my master''s life and I''m most definitely a treacherous maid who turned against her master" She admitted openly, as if she were stating a simple fact with a slightly somber look on her face.

    Aisha let out a tired sigh, clearly expecting this conversation to derail. Julie also stiffened slightly, prepared to intervene¡ªBut then, to her surprise, Isabelle turned toward Skadi with a completely different kind of energy.

    "But..." Isabelle continued, her eyes lighting up slightly. "I''ve already moved past that under the mercy of my young master and honestly, I know this is really bad of me to say."

    "...But I actually preffered how things went, as it was only through that unfortunate event did I get to have a chance to be so close to my young master."

    While Aisha and Julie were stunned by her bold statement and how determined her eyes looked when she uttered those words, Isabelle to Skadi''s surprise took a step closer towards her, her expression filled with conviction. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "But more importantly, Miss Skadi I do have to say that not only am I a fan of your captain like you said, just like any other girl in the world is."

    "...But I''m also a massive fan of you, as well."

    Skadi blinked when she heard the fews words that she never expected to hear.

    "¡­Me? As in, your a fan of Skadi?" She asked, sounding genuinely caught off guard, as her ears twitched and her tail paused mid-wag.

    To this, Isabelle nodded firmly, clasping her hands together.

    "Yes!" She said, genuine admiration in her voice.

    "Why wouldn''t I be your fan when you are the epitome of raw strength in the Holy Guard."

    "The loyal bloodhound who only leaves the battlefield after decimating her enemies."

    "...You''re simply to cool to ignore!"

    She declared out loud like she was trying to spread her greatness to the whole world as her hands tightened slightly, her voice filled with passion.

    Julie barely had time to process what was happening before she witnessed something truly rare.

    Skadii¡ªthe fearless, rowdy, battle-hungry Skadi¡ªactually froze.

    For a solid second, she just stood there, her mouth slightly open, as if her brain was still processing the words.

    Then¡ª

    A wide, ecstatic grin suddenly spread across her face.

    "You...I like you. I like you a lot!" Skadi declared proudly, her tail wagging furiously.

    And then without a second thought, she lunged forward and vigorously ruffled Isabelle''s hair, completely ruining the maid''s once-neat appearance.

    "Good girl." Skadi grinned, still ruffling Isabelle''s head. "Keep up the praise whenever you see me and big sis here will surely give you the honour of listening to my heroic tales and the dangers I faced to reach my current position one day!" Skadi said like, treating Isabelle like a kid who was meeting her idol when Isabelle was much older then her.

    Aisha, who had been hanging off Skadi for support, let out a small, dry chuckle when she saw this strange sight.

    "Wow..." She said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "So there really are people out there who admire a dumb dog like you?"

    Skadi''s ears perked up, and she immediately snapped her head down at Aisha, baring her teeth in mock offense.

    "You wanna say that again, kitten?" She growled playfully, her tail flicking.

    Aisha merely rolled her eyes, clearly too exhausted to engage in their usual back-and-forth.

    Meanwhile, Isabelle, who had been absorbing the interaction, suddenly realized something.

    Her eyes flickered toward Aisha, and an expression of recognition and excitement dawned on her face.

    "Oh!" Isabelle straightened slightly, her hands clutching her bottles tightly as she turned toward her next target. "You''re Aisha Nocturne!"

    Aisha blinked tiredly, then let out a slow exhale, already sensing what was about to happen.

    Isabelle''s lips parted, clearly about to launch into yet another speech filled with praise and admiration.

    But before she could even get a word out¡ª

    Aisha suddenly raised a hand.

    A silent stop.

    A firm, tired gesture, as if she were warding off a storm before it started.

    "Don''t." She muttered.

    Isabelle tilted her head slightly. "Huh?"

    Aisha let out a quiet sigh, her fingers lightly gripping Skadi''s sleeve for extra support as she leaned back into her.

    "My head''s already aching from the way your master brought me here." She mumbled tiredly, clearly still recovering from the breakneck speed Cassius had used to transport them.

    "So, as much as I want to hear your ten thousand word essay about how great I am, I would prefer silence for now." She said as her amber eyes fluttered shut briefly, and she exhaled in deep exhaustion.

    There was a brief silence.

    Then, Isabelle''s eyes suddenly widened, as if she had just remembered something important when she saw the condition Aisha was in.

    "Ah!" She gasped, her posture snapping upright. "How could I forget about something so important?!!"

    Julie and Skadi both then curiously watched as she quickly reached down toward the bottles she had been holding tightly this whole time.

    "This!" Isabelle said, lifting the bottles up. "This is from Master Cassius!"

    Julie''s sharp emarald eyes immediately focused on the shimmering golden liquid inside the glass containers.

    Isabelle handed each of them a bottle, making sure they all had one before stepping back.

    "Drink up." She instructed firmly like she was giving medicine to children. "Young Master told me to deliver these to you immediately and make sure all of you drank everything in the vial without leaving a drop."

    The three women stared at the shimmering golden liquid swirling within the delicate glass bottles, their reflections flickering against the polished surface like ghostly mirages.

    Julie, ever the cautious one, turned the vial between her fingers, watching the way the liquid clung to the glass. The consistency was strange¡ªthicker than water, but lighter than oil¡ªand it gave off a faint, almost unnatural glow.

    Aisha, still looking half-dead, merely eyed the potion with suspicion, as if she were debating whether it was worth the effort to lift it.

    Skadi, on the other hand, was the first to move.

    With zero hesitation, she popped off the cork and sniffed the contents without a care in the world.

    Julie and Aisha immediately tensed, half expecting her to drop dead on the spot just in case it was a poison. But instead, Skadi''s ears twitched, and after a beat, she let out a hum of approval.

    "Hmm..." She muttered, tilting the bottle slightly. "Smells kinda...sweet?"

    Julie narrowed her eyes. "Sweet?"

    Skadi nodded. "Like honey and spices. Not bad, actually."

    Aisha, still hanging onto her for balance, grumbled. "If you start foaming at the mouth, I''m not saving you."

    Skadi grinned. "Oh? So you''d just let me die?"

    "If it means peace and quiet." Aisha sighed, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "...Then yes."

    Julie ignored their bickering, her sharp gaze shifting toward Isabelle.

    "And what, exactly, is in this?" She asked, twirling the bottle lightly between her fingers.

    Isabelle straightened her posture, her loyal, well-trained expression slipping back into place.

    "Young Master said it''s a recovery tonic." She explained eagerly. "It will soothe your exhaustion, mend minor injuries, and restore your stamina."

    Isabelle, still clutching the tray where the now-empty potion bottles once rested, continued speaking, her voice carrying a hint of awe.

    "I don''t know where Master got it from." She admitted, her gaze flickering between the three of them. "But I do know that it''s rather amazing."

    She hesitated for a moment, then, as if recalling something, she perked up.

    "One time, there was an accident in the kitchen." She said. "A maid accidentally spilled boiling water all over her hand¡ªcompletely burned it."

    Skadi, who had been casually licking a drop of leftover potion from her thumb, winced sharply.

    "Oof." She muttered, her ears flicking back. "That must''ve hurt like hell."

    "It did." Isabelle confirmed, nodding. "She couldn''t even move her fingers."

    Aisha, half-interested, half-drowsy, furrowed her brows. "So what happened?" She asked.

    Isabelle''s expression softened slightly.

    "Master heard about it." She said simply. "And the moment he did, he sent over this potion."

    A brief silence fell over the group. Julie and Aisha both narrowed their eyes slightly, listening carefully now.

    Isabelle continued, oblivious to their growing suspicion. "When she drank it." She said. "the burns¡ªthey disappeared. Instantly."

    Julie and Aisha''s heads snapped up and both their sharp gazes locked onto Isabelle.

    For a long, still moment, neither of them spoke.

    Then, slowly, Julie''s brow twitched. Aisha, still leaning heavily on Skadi, turned her head slightly toward Julie, her voice low with doubt.

    "Captain."

    Julie exhaled softly.

    "¡­Yeah?"

    "There''s no way." Aisha muttered. "Right?"

    Julie let out a small, almost amused chuckle.

    "There''s no way." She agreed.

    But despite how confident she sounded, neither of them could shake off the sudden, nagging suspicion curling in their chests.

    Because there was only one specific potion they knew of¡ªonly one¡ªthat could heal injuries instantly.

    But that was impossible.

    Absolutely impossible.

    There was no way Cassius had that.

    Right?

    And yet¡ª

    Neither of them could stop thinking about it.

    Skadi, meanwhile, watched them go eerily silent, her tail flicking curiously.

    Then, with zero hesitation, as if they couldn''t handle their curiosity anymore and wanted to know if what they were thinking was true or not, Aisha and Julie both uncorked their bottles at the same time.

    And in perfect synchronization, they tilted their heads back and downed the entire thing in a single go.

    Gulp~ Gulp~

    Seeing them drink, Skadi¡ªwho had been about to lick the rim of her bottle¡ªperked up.

    "Oh! We''re drinking now?" She said brightly and then grinned, lifting her own bottle in the air.

    "Cheers!" She declared, before promptly guzzling it down like she was chugging a celebratory drink.

    The moment the golden liquid touched their tongues, the warmth spread.

    Julie, usually composed, trembled slightly, while Aisha, who had been ready to brush it off, stiffened completely.

    Skadi, meanwhile licking her lips, muttered. "Huh. This actually tastes pretty nice. I wouldn''t mind having another one¡ª"

    And then¡ª

    Julie''s eyes snapped wide.

    Aisha''s head jerked up, a visible tremor running through her body.

    And at the exact same time, they both shouted¡ª

    "Angel''s Tears?!"

    "Angel''s Tears?!"

    Skadi, caught mid-sentence, blinked.

    "¡­What? Who''s tear? Who crying out here?"

    Julie''s breath came sharply, her fingers gripping her coat.

    "No way...This can''t possibly be true." She muttered, her voice just above a whisper.

    Aisha stared down at Julie''s hands, watching the blue bruises that were there before fade, while her own soreness vanished, the weariness and sickness dissolving into nothing.

    While Julie''s ribs¡ªwhich had been aching nonstop from Cassius''s first kick¡ªfelt perfectly fine.

    Skadi, finally noticing their shock but not noticing how her own body was healing on its own, frowned. "Okay, okay. What''s Angel''s Tears? And why do you both look like you just saw a ghost?"

    Julie''s emerald eyes gleamed sharply as she looked at Skadi. "Angel''s Tears." She said, each word measured. "It''s an incredibly rare healing potion made by the Church."

    Aisha nodded in agreement, her expression still one of disbelief.

    "It''s said to be created through a grand prayer ritual." Aisha added, her voice strained. "It takes so much time and manpower that not a single bottle of it is ever sold to the public."

    Julie exhaled sharply, shaking her head in sheer astonishment. "The Church only uses it in cases of absolute emergencies." She murmured. "Like if the king himself was fatally injured."

    Aisha, still gripping Skadi for balance, narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. "And somehow." She said slowly. "Cassius just...had some?"

    A heavy silence settled over them as they thought of the impossible situation they were in almost of they had just found a dragon egg in a basket full of chicken eggs.

    "How in the world did Cassius get his hands on something like this?" Julie exhaled.

    Aisha, still processing the overwhelming reality of what they had just consumed, let out a low breath, her eyes flickering with unease.

    "You know, Captain..." She began, her voice wary. "Just a week ago, the grand cathedral in the Holyfield estate was broken into by an intruder. It turned out to be a big issue around that part and since the local investigation didn''t bear any fruit to who did it, even we were scheduled to a investigation soon."

    Julie''s gaze sharpened instantly.

    Aisha continued, her tone dripping with realization.

    "The High Priest reported that certain items were stolen."

    She let the words hang for a moment before turning her tired, knowing stare toward Julie.

    Then, with a wry smile, she sighed.

    "It seems..." She murmured, her voice laced with irony. "...like we the leader of the force that''s as the face of justice just indulged in something that''s highly illegal and stolen."

    Julie rubbed her forehead, a deep sense of exasperation washing over her. "Unbelievable." She muttered, shaking her head. "I can''t believe I just drank the very potion I was supposed to be investigating and finding out who stole it."

    A sigh left her lips as she muttered under her breath. "And here I thought Cassius criminalizing us would at least take longer than the first day of him being our master."

    But Skadi, who had been listening idly, merely scoffed. "Who cares if it''s from the Church?" She said bluntly, folding her arms. "I support Master either way."

    Her silver eyes gleamed with something sharp.

    "In fact, I think it''s great." She added. "Those bastards from the Church act like they''re so high and mighty all the time. They deserve to be robbed."

    Aisha, despite her usual wariness, let out a low chuckle at that.

    "You know what?" She said, amusement laced in her voice. "For once, I actually agree with you."

    Julie arched a brow. Aisha smirked slightly, leaning back on Skadi again.

    "They pretend they exist to help the common masses." She scoffed. "But in the end, all they do is cater to the upper class. It''s the same old story, isn''t it?"

    "All that talk of charity and divine love, but who gets the holy benifits and the whispered blessings? The wealthy donors, of course...The rest of us? We''re left to scrape by, praying for crumbs while they feast. They preach about helping the poor, but their actions speak louder: they''re building gilded halls, not orphanages or free kitchens that are actually needed in this age."

    Julie sighed as she heard her chiefs tant about the church and she wasn''t exactly against the sentiment since being a noble herself, she knew just how dirty the inner working of the church was.

    But politically, this was...complicated.

    Still, before she could speak, Isabelle, who had been listening quietly, hesitantly lifted her hand. Her expression was a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity.

    "This potion¡­" She murmured, eyes flickering toward the empty bottles. "Is it...really that rare?"

    Aisha let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Rare?" She repeated. "Isabelle, the main Church only produces fifty of these a year."

    Isabelle froze.

    "Fifty." Aisha reiterated, holding up a single finger for emphasis. "And they distribute them among the various branches."

    Julie watched as Isabelle''s eyes slowly widened in realization, the maid muttering under her breath, almost in awe.

    "That means¡­"

    Her voice dropped slightly, like she was speaking more to herself than anyone else.

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    "...Young Master must have hit the jackpot then."

    Julie''s stomach twisted slightly.

    Something about that phrasing made her uneasy.

    She hesitated for a moment before finally asking.

    "What do you mean by that?"

    Isabelle, however, didn''t answer right away. Instead, she simply reached down, her hands moving toward the small pouch that was strapped to her waist.

    And in one smooth motion, she pulled something out and handed it to them.

    Julie, Skadi, and Aisha all glanced down at their hands.

    The moment they saw what it was¡ª

    Their expressions stiffened.

    Another bottle of Angel''s Tears.

    Aisha''s fingers tightened around the glass.

    Skadi''s tail froze mid-wag.

    Julie, for the first time in a long while, felt a true chill run down her spine.

    Slowly, her emerald gaze lifted, locking onto Isabelle.

    The maid, smiling innocently, simply tilted her head.

    "Master told me to give these to you after you finished your first ones."

    She explained sweetly as if she had just given them a some treats she had made in the kitchen, instead of elixers that nobles would literally fight to death over.

 Chapter 96 A Lively Bunch

    Julie stared at the bottle in her hand, her expression unreadable. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening.

    When she first realized that Cassius had Angel''s Tears, she had thought¡ªnaively¡ªthat perhaps he had been gracious enough to part with a few of the only bottles he had left.

    But now?

    Now, it was clear¡ª

    He had more than she ever imagined.

    She was already regretting drinking the first bottle, and now she was holding another one like it was just some cheap remedy handed out in bulk.

    Julie wasn''t alone in her disbelief.

    Aisha, who had been quietly processing, let out a slow, shaky breath, her delicate fingers tightening around the delicate glass.

    "No way." Aisha muttered, turning the bottle over as if she expected the answer to be hidden somewhere in the liquid itself. "I can''t believe I''m holding this again."

    Even Skadi, normally unbothered by details, had stopped wagging her tail.

    But before any of them could say anything¡ª

    Isabelle, noticing the hesitation in their expressions, spoke up again.

    "Young Master knew you would hesitate to accept his gifts." She said gently, her tone soft, almost reassuring.

    Her next words, however, hit like a thunderclap.

    "So you don''t have to worry." Isabelle continued with a bright, innocent smile. "As these aren''t the last of his supply and he has plenty to spare."

    The air stilled, as Aisha snapped her head up, her eyes wide.

    "¡­Plenty to spare?" She repeated, her voice slow, as if she were making sure she had heard correctly.

    Julie, meanwhile, felt something twist uncomfortably in her chest.

    Plenty.

    Plenty.

    A potion so rare that not even royalty could obtain it without serious cause, and Cassius had it in such large numbers that he was treating it like¡ª

    Like it was nothing.

    Aisha, still trying to grasp the sheer insanity of it, let out a strained chuckle. "Just how many does he have?" She demanded, her voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and exasperation.

    Isabelle tilted her head thoughtfully, then, as if recalling something, clasped her hands together.

    "Oh! Master said that if any of the maids urgently need it¡ªif they or their family members suffer from horrible wounds¡ªthey can approach him and receive their potion reserved for them."

    There was a moment of utter silence and then Aisha let out a long, slow breath, pressing a hand to her forehead.

    "I¡­" She trailed off, her voice weak. "I need a moment."

    Julie, however, was less amused. She slowly turned toward Isabelle, her green eyes gleaming with disbelief.

    "Are you telling me..." She said carefully, her voice controlled. "...that Angel''s Tears is included in the employee benefits package for all the maids working under him?"

    Isabelle nodded cheerfully. "Yes!"

    Aisha threw her arms in the air.

    "Which place..." She asked dramatically. "Which place actually gives their employees a potion that even the king himself only rarely sees as a workplace benefit?"

    Skadi, who had been silent until now, finally snapped out of her shock.

    "Hold on, hold on, hold on¡ª" She waved her hands wildly, shaking her head. "You''re telling me that if I get stabbed in the gut tomorrow, I can just walk up to any of the maids and say, ''Hey, patch me up,'' and they''ll just hand me one of these?"

    Isabelle nodded again.

    Julie could feel a headache forming.

    But Isabelle wasn''t finished.

    "Actually..." She added. "All the knights who were wounded just now were given that very potion as well."

    Julie felt her entire body tense. Aisha, midway through rubbing her temples, suddenly froze.

    Julie then turned her head toward Isabelle, her eyes narrowing. "¡­All of them?"

    Isabelle nodded, completely unfazed.

    "Yes." She confirmed. "Master didn''t want anyone suffering, so every knight who was injured received a full dose."

    Julie and Aisha stared at each other. Their minds were racing, trying to calculate the implications of what they had just heard.

    Julie was the first to speak.."If he gave it to all the knights¡­" She murmured. "...and he''s reserved it for all the maids who need it¡­"

    Aisha''s face darkened.

    "¡­That means he has to have over fifty bottles."

    A suffocating silence followed. Julie''s expression turned grim.

    "Each regional church..." She murmured, her fingers tightening around the bottle. "...is only allocated five Angel''s Tears at a time."

    Aisha swallowed thickly.

    "That means¡­"

    The realization hit.

    Cassius didn''t just steal from the local church.

    He must have also hit the churches in the surrounding regions as well.

    And either¡ª

    A. They had already noticed but were keeping it quiet to save face.

    Or B.

    They hadn''t even realized their precious potions was gone yet.

    Aisha''s eyes burned with sheer disbelief. "Are you telling me." She said, her voice rising slightly. "that Cassius didn''t just rob one church?"

    She let out a strained, almost hysterical laugh.

    "He robbed them all?!"

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly.

    "¡­It certainly looks that way."

    Isabelle, watching their reactions, simply tilted her head.

    "Master really is amazing, isn''t he?" She said brightly, not exactly understanding the implications of her master''s actions but was still proud of what her master did, as she too was someone who wasn''t fond of the way the church operates.

    Aisha clutched her forehead, looking one step away from either collapsing or screaming.

    Julie¡­Well, she was wondering if she the master she had decided to serve was a high noble or actually a bandit who spent his free time looting churches.

    Isabelle, seemingly oblivious to the way Julie and Aisha were teetering on the edge of mental collapse, continued to cheerfully add more fuel to the fire.

    "Oh, and actually." She said with a bright, innocent expression. "Master originally wanted to give each of the knights a personal potion¡ªjust in case of an emergency."

    The words hit Aisha like a hammer. She staggered slightly, the weight of that statement too much for her already exhausted body to handle.

    Skadi, noticing her falter, instinctively let Aisha lean on her, holding her up like an older sister keeping a tipsy sibling from falling over.

    Julie, on the other hand, felt the sudden, overwhelming urge to sit down.

    ''There''s...even more?!''

    "Sadly..." Isabelle continued, completely unbothered by their visible distress. "Since these potions are quite sensitive, Master decided they couldn''t be publicly distributed."

    Julie rolled her eyes.

    Of course...Of course, they couldn''t.

    There was no way anyone could just start handing out Angel''s Tears like they were rations. It would send shockwaves through the entire kingdom.

    "So instead." Isabelle went on, her voice still so sweet. "He''s decided to hand over a stock of them to the captain of the squad."

    Julie froze, as her emerald eyes lifted slowly, already fearing what was coming next.

    Isabelle smiled.

    "And that''s you, Captain Julie."

    A heavy, almost deafening silence filled the space.

    Julie didn''t move.

    Didn''t blink.

    Didn''t breathe.

    The realization crashed down on her like a landslide.

    Cassius wasn''t just giving them a few potions.

    He was giving her an entire supply¡ªand entrusting her with the responsibility of distributing them as she saw fit.

    Which meant¡­The fate of these life-saving potions was now her burden.

    Aisha, who had semi-recovered from her shock, shot Julie a look of pure sympathy.

    "¡­You okay there, Captain?"

    Julie let out a long, exhausted sigh.

    "I''m thinking..." She muttered as she looked down at the patch of grass beneath her feet. "...of lying down and pretending this isn''t happening."

    Aisha patted her shoulder. "Same."

    But Isabelle wasn''t done yet.

    "Oh!" She suddenly exclaimed, as if remembering something important.

    Julie, still processing her new fate, barely lifted her head. "¡­What now?" Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

    Isabelle clasped her hands together, her gentle expression unchanging. "Young Master also said." She continued sweetly. "Just in case you refuse to accept his gift¡ªeither because of the implications or because of how it was obtained¡ªthen he''ll just...dispose of them all."

    Julie who was already expecting another shocking statement, felt her soul leave her body. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha''s tail immediately stood like a pole, while her drowsiness vanished instantly.

    Even Skafi felt something wrong with what she just said.

    Isabelle, however, continued saying, "He said that unless you want your knights to one day suffer horrible injuries and be helpless when they could all have access to a life saving potion, you''d better obediently accept what he''s giving you."

    "That...That absolute bastard." Aisha''s mouth fell open slightly.

    Julie let out a long, slow breath, closing her eyes.

    Cassius had boxed her in completely.

    She had originally been thinking of rejecting the potions because taking such a huge gift from her new master felt like an unsettling power shift.

    But now?

    Now, if she refused, it wouldn''t just be her pride at stake.

    Her knights¡ªher family¡ªwould be the ones to suffer.

    And Cassius knew it.

    Julie clenched her jaw, her mind reluctantly surrendering. There was no backing out now.

    But¡­

    Even as she felt trapped, a part of her also felt...Relieved.

    Because the truth was, she and her comrades lived in a world where death was always a breath away. Having something like this¡ªsomething that could turn a fatal wound into nothing¡ªwas a luxury she never thought they''d have.

    A gift she could never repay.

    For a moment, just a brief one, she silently thanked Cassius in her mind. But before the weight of the decision could fully settle, Skadi suddenly stepped forward.

    Julie, blinking in surprise, turned to her, half expecting her usual careless input¡ªbut something in Skadi''s posture was steadier this time.

    Skadi looked straight at Isabelle, her silver eyes calm, unwavering. "Don''t worry." She said, her voice carrying an unusual seriousness beneath her casual tone. "Even if the Captain refuses, I''ll take responsibility and go pick up the gifts from Master myself."

    Julie raised a brow, caught slightly off guard. She had expected Skadi to joke, maybe brush the topic aside¡ªnot to outright declare that she would personally make sure the potions got to them.

    For a moment, Julie felt a faint sense of relief.

    It was clear Skadi was thinking about the safety of the squad¡ªafter all, despite her recklessness, she was always loyal to her comrades.

    But just as Julie was about to thank her for being level-headed for once¡ª

    Skadi hesitated.

    Her ears twitched slightly.

    And then¡ª

    With the most reluctant expression, she muttered under her breath:

    "¡­Also, the potion tastes really good."

    Julie froze..Aisha, who had been half-listening, immediately snapped her head up.

    "What?" She said, her voice dangerously flat.

    Skadi fidgeted slightly. "I mean¡­" She avoided their piercing gazes, rubbing the back of her neck. "It was...sweet? And smooth? And it felt really nice going down, wasn''t it?"

    Aisha stared at her, pure disbelief in her amber.eyes. Julie, meanwhile, was pressing a hand to her forehead, as if she had just developed a migraine.

    Skadi, still fidgeting, sighed. "Look, all I''m saying is¡ªthere''s no way I''m letting such delicious treats go to waste."

    Aisha''s jaw dropped.

    "Delicious treats?"

    Skadi nodded. "Yeah! I mean, it''s not like normal medicine¡ªit actually tastes¡ª"

    But before she could finish, Aisha lunged.

    Her hands latched onto Skadi''s fluffy tail, yanking it sharply.

    Skadi yelped. "HEY!"

    Aisha, her face filled with pure exasperation, growled through clenched teeth:

    "If you dare treat those potions like they''re shots at the bar, I swear to god, I will pluck every single hair off this tail."

    Skadi, horrified, immediately shielded her tail, stepping back.

    "You wouldn''t!" She gasped.

    Aisha''s eyes gleamed darkly.

    "Try me."

    Julie let out a slow, measured breath, her fingers twitching slightly in restrained frustration as she watched Skadi and Aisha''s absurd bickering unfold.

    She could already feel it happening¡ªSkadi would escalate the taunting, Aisha would snap, and before they knew it, the two of them would be wrestling on the ground like a pair of unruly children.

    And in front of Isabelle, no less. That was the real problem.

    The maid had been nothing but polite and helpful, and here they were¡ªacting like complete fools.

    ''I refuse to let this be how she sees us and ruin her image of us.''

    So before the argument could turn physical, Julie moved swiftly, grabbing both Skadi and Aisha by the backs of their collars, yanking them apart with ease.

    Aisha let out a muffled yelp, while Skadi¡ªwho had just been about to retaliate¡ªsuddenly found herself being held back like a misbehaving pup.

    Julie, still gripping them, turned to Isabelle with a forced, composed smile.

    "Apologies." She said, her voice cool and even, despite the two grown warriors squirming in her grasp. "My subordinates...get excited easily."

    Isabelle simply tilted her head, completely unfazed.

    "Oh, no, I don''t mind at all." She said cheerfully. "You three seem very...lively."

    Julie''s smile twitched slightly.

    Lively...That was one way to put it.

    Wanting to move on quickly, Julie exhaled and loosened her grip slightly, though she still kept a firm hold on both of them.

    "Anyway." She said, choosing her words carefully. "I''ll be sure to pick up the potions later."

    Her smile remained steady, professional.

    "And I''ll personally thank Master Cassius when the time comes."

    She could feel Aisha and Skadi''s confused stares, but ignored them. Isabelle, on the other hand, beamed.

    "Young Master will be pleased to hear that." She said warmly.

    Julie nodded, relieved that the conversation was now moving in a better direction. But just as she was about to say something else, she caught movement from the corner of her eye.

    Her sharp emerald gaze flickered toward the well-lit courtyard in the distance¡ªwhere a noticeable commotion was taking place.

    The sounds of cheerful laughter, muffled voices, and even the faint melody of music reached her ears.

    Her brows furrowed slightly.

    "What''s going on over there?" She asked.

    Isabelle, noticing what she was referring to, brightened immediately.

    "Oh!" she clasped her hands together. "That''s the party Master arranged for you all."

    Julie blinked. Aisha and Skadi stiffened slightly, sharing a quick glance before looking back at Isabelle.

    Julie, trying to make sense of this information, frowned. "¡­Party?" She repeated, slowly.

    Isabelle nodded, cheerfully.

    "Yes! Master wanted to do something special to celebrate you all taking him in as your new master."

    Julie stared at her. "Taking him in?"

    Isabelle, still smiling as if this were the most normal thing in the world, continued happily.

    "It''s just a little something to help you relax after all the hardships you went through today."

    Julie inhaled deeply, as she looked at the loud commotion happening not far away and the familiar voices coming from there.

    "He didn''t have to do that." She muttered, shaking her head.

    "Master insists." Isabelle replied sweetly.

    Julie had a strange feeling about whatever "party" Cassius had arranged, but before she could even protest further, Isabelle gestured toward the courtyard.

    "Your knights have already started." She said. "Please, follow me."

    For a moment, Julie, Aisha, and Skadi looked at each other. Each of them knew that accepting anything from Cassius came with strings attached.

    But at the same time¡­

    It had been a long day.

    A very, very long day.

    Julie sighed.

    Aisha rolled her eyes

    Skadi grinned.

    And all three of them¡ªreluctantly but curiously¡ªfollowed Isabelle toward the courtyard, a little excited to see what this party was about...

 Chapter 97 A Strange Party

    As they walked closer to the courtyard, the first thing that hit them was the sound.

    A soft, unfamiliar tune drifted through the air, unlike anything they had ever heard before.

    It was...strange. But not in an unpleasant way.

    It was soothing, yet carried a rhythm that made them subconsciously want to sway their bodies. It had a kind of slow, smooth charm, as if it were meant to draw people in, captivate them.

    Julie, for the first time in a long while, found herself...intrigued.

    It was one thing if Aisha and Skadi hadn''t heard of this music¡ªafter all, neither of them had much interest in the arts, nor did they come from prestigious backgrounds.

    They were warriors, not nobles...Extravagant live music performances weren''t something they had ever been exposed to.

    But Julie was different. She had grown up in high society.

    She had been taught about every type of music that existed. She had attended countless banquets, sat through orchestras, and listened to grand compositions performed by some of the best musicians in the kingdom.

    And yet¡ª

    This?...This was completely new.

    A slight furrow formed in Julie''s brow.

    "If you don''t mind me asking, Isabelle? What...kind of music is this?" She murmured aloud, her voice carrying genuine curiosity. "I don''t think I''ve ever heard of it before."

    Hearing Julie speak, Isabelle immediately straightened, her usual cheerful expression brightening. "Do you like it, Captain?" She asked eagerly. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie hesitated for only a second before nodding.

    "Yes." She admitted. "It''s...rather addictive to listen to."

    Aisha, who had been half-focused on the tune, nodded along.

    "It''s nice on the ears." She said, her eyes gleaming with mild surprise. "Has a good vibe to it."

    Skadi, ever the more energetic one, spun around on her heel, her silver hair twirling with her.

    "I can''t help but want to dance!" She grinned, her tail wagging enthusiastically.

    Seeing their growing interest, Isabelle giggled softly.

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    "I''m glad you like it...It''s called jazz." She said warmly. "And it''s only natural that you haven''t heard it before."

    Julie raised a brow. "Why''s that?"

    Isabelle''s smile widened.

    "Because it was created by my young master."

    Julie and Aisha both froze.

    For a moment, neither of them reacted.

    And then¡ª

    "¡­Wait, what?" Aisha said, blinking in disbelief.

    Even Julie, who had trained herself to never be easily shaken, found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

    Cassius¡ªCassius Holyfield¡ªcomposed this?

    Skadi, meanwhile, had zero hesitation.

    "Whoa!" She exclaimed out loud, her silver eyes wide in pure awe. "So Master isn''t just strong¡ªhe''s super talented too! As expected of my master!"

    Aisha, still reeling, crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Isabelle. "Hold on." She said slowly, tone laced with suspicion.

    "Are you telling me." She continued, her voice growing more incredulous by the second. "That the same Cassius Holyfield¡ªthe one who was called the wastrel of the Holyfield household¡ªcreated this piece?"

    Isabelle, without an ounce of hesitation, nodded proudly. "Of course." She said. "Master is not the man he once used to be. He''s changed for the better in so many ways that you can''t even imagine."

    Aisha let out a low scoff, shaking her head in disbelief. "Okay, fine." She muttered. "So how did this even happen? What¡ªdid he just wake up one day and decide to become a composer?"

    Isabelle, clearly enjoying their reactions, let out a small giggle. "Actually..." She said. "A few days ago, while Master was eating dinner, he got bored of hearing the same slow orchestra pieces playing in the background."

    Julie''s head tilted slightly.

    "And?"

    Isabelle''s smile deepened.

    "No matter how many times they changed the songs, he wasn''t satisfied." She explained.

    "So instead." She continued, voice full of admiration. "He decided to create something himself that would perfectly satisfy his needs."

    Julie immediately closed her eyes and exhaled deeply.

    "So you''re telling me..." She said in exasperation as she listened to beatiful tune that was blessing her ears. "...that he made an entirely new genre of music because he didn''t like the music he listened to while eating?"

    Isabelle nodded.

    "Yes!" She chirped.

    Julie rubbed her forehead.

    This man is completely insane.

    "Master always says." Isabelle went on, mimicking his tone. "''Eating is one of the great joys of life, and the perfect atmosphere is necessary to accentuate the dish.''"

    Julie didn''t even know how to respond to that.

    Aisha, however, simply let out a laugh of disbelief.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me." She muttered.

    But Isabelle wasn''t finished yet.

    She clasped her hands together and continued. "So one evening, while waiting for his food, he grabbed some sheet paper, scribbled down some musical notes that I couldn''t understand, and handed them over to the maids in charge of the orchestra."

    Aisha, clearly not expecting this level of absurdity, scoffed. "And they actually played it?"

    Isabelle shook her head.

    "They wanted to." She corrected. "In fact, when they read through the sheets, they were fascinated¡ªthey said it was revolutionary."

    Julie''s brow furrowed slightly.

    "But¡­?" She prompted.

    "But..." Isabelle echoed, her expression turning slightly amused. "They also said that the instruments they had probably wouldn''t be able to produce the right sound to play the song."

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi all stared at her.

    Skadi was the first to speak.

    "So...what happened?"

    Isabelle''s smile returned.

    "That''s why." she said cheerfully. "Master decided to take it a step further¡ªand actually created a new set of instruments from scratch."

    Hearing this, Julie felt her breath stop, Aisha''s eye twitched, while Skadi''s tail slowly wagged in pure amazement.

    "¡­He did what?!" Julie finally asked, her voice sounding slightly strangled.

    Isabelle''s eyes sparkled with pride.

    "Master invented new instruments." She repeated happily.

    Isabelle didn''t say anything else. Instead, with a small, knowing smile, she lifted her hand and pointed toward the courtyard.

    "There." She said simply, her voice brimming with pride. "Those are the instruments that Master created himself."

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi followed her gesture, their gazes shifting forward towards the party that they had finally arrived.

    The outdoor courtyard where the parth was taking place was brightly illuminated, the golden glow of Aether-powered lanterns casting a warm, almost dreamlike atmosphere over the space.

    Even though the sun had long set, the party was very much alive. And the moment they took in the full scene before them, they realized¡ª

    There was so much happening that they couldn''t even keep track of everything.

    Julie''s sharp green eyes flickered across the expansive courtyard, taking in every detail.

    Her first thought?

    This ridiculous.

    Her second thought?

    What kind of strange party was this?

    The first thing that caught their attention was their comrades.

    The very same knights who had been badly injured just hours ago¡ªwho had been groaning in pain, clinging to life¡ª

    Were now happily seated at fancy tables, drinking tea and eating snacks like they hadn''t been on the brink of death earlier.

    Julie narrowed her eyes. "Are they really the same people we just dragged off the battlefield?" She muttered.

    Aisha, still trying to process, clicked her tongue. "Angel''s Tears, huh?" She sighed. "Damn thing really is miraculous."

    Skadi, meanwhile, was distracted by something else. "Hey, hey." She pointed excitedly. "What''s that?"

    Julie and Aisha turned their heads and immediately froze. There, in the middle of the courtyard, was something they had never seen before.

    A net was set up, standing high between two groups of knights.

    On either side, two teams had formed, each player standing at the ready.

    And in the air¡ª

    A bouncy-looking ball was being smacked back and forth across the net.

    "¡­What in the world?" Julie''s brows furrowed as she watched this bizzare that seemed to be some kind of sport.

    Aisha, who had seen many things in her life, stared blankly. "What are they even doing?"

    "Having fun, obviously!" Skadi grinned, watching one of the knights jump high into the air, spiking the ball over the net with a loud smack.

    The crowd cheered, and one of the players pumped their fists in triumph. Julie, still completely thrown off, turned to Isabelle.

    "¡­What is that game?"

    Isabelle smiled.

    "Master calls it volleyball."

    Aisha, still watching in sheer confusion, let out a scoff.

    "He just made up a sport?"

    "Apparently." Julie muttered.

    Before they could question it further, another sight caught their attention.

    On one side of the courtyard¡ª

    There was a small orchestra playing.

    And right there, in the center of it all, were the instruments that Isabelle had pointed to earlier and Julie''s eyes went wide as they were unlike anything she had ever seen.

    Sleek, unfamiliar shapes.

    Some with metallic strings, others with strange curved tubes, and even one that seemed to be producing sound through a series of keys being pressed through it''s tubular structure.

    It was...fascinating.

    She had seen thousands of instruments before¡ªharps, violins, pianos, flutes.

    But these?

    These were completely new.

    Aisha, who had less musical knowledge than Julie, simply frowned.

    "¡­Why do they look so weird?"

    "Who knows?...We''ll probably have to ask the person who made them that question." Julie shook her head slowly as she wondered just how her master knew and created so many bizzare things.

    And then, next her eyes flickered to something else.

    A group of knights¡ªher own knights¡ª

    Dancing.

    And not in the stiff, formal ballroom way.

    They were moving to the rhythm, swaying their bodies smoothly to the slow, hypnotic tune of Cassius''s music. Some were laughing, others were simply enjoying themselves, letting their bodies flow freely to the unfamiliar beat.

    It was unlike any noble gathering Julie had ever attended.

    It was¡­Relaxed...Free...

    And something they had never experienced before.

    And the moment Julie, Aisha, and Skadi stepped fully into the courtyard, their presence did not go unnoticed.

    It started with one voice¡ªa loud, boisterous cheer from the knights gathered at the long tables.

    And then, in an instant, it spread like wildfire.

    "Oi, look who finally decided to show up!"

    "Took you long enough, Captain!"

    "Aye, chiefs! We were wondering if you two ran away from the party!"

    A wave of laughter followed, along with the clinking of mugs as the knights raised their drinks in welcome.

    Julie barely had a moment to process before a group of particularly enthusiastic knights rushed forward, grinning from ear to ear.

    "Captain, come sit with us!" One of them exclaimed, already motioning toward an empty seat at their table.

    "We''ve been waiting for you!" Another added, cheerfully sloshing his drink around.

    Aisha blinked, looking around at the knights who were, just hours ago, on the verge of death.

    "¡­Are you guys seriously this lively?" She muttered.

    "Of course!" One of them laughed, raising her mug. "What, you thought we''d be moping around after getting our asses kicked?"

    "We almost died." Aisha pointed out flatly.

    "Exactly!" The knight shot back with a grin. "All the more reason to drink and celebrate!"

    Aisha let out a small scoff, but there was an amused glint in her eyes like she found it rather funny to see the very knights that were on their death beds an hour ago, partying with no care in the world.

    Skadi, meanwhile, drawn by the excitement and heeding their words to join the fun, rushed towards the game they were playing that looked so interesting in her eyes. By the time she reached the edge of the makeshift court, her eyes were practically glued to the ball as it soared across the net.

    She then turned to the nearest knight, a tall, strong-looking woman, and pointed at the game.

    "Oi, oi, what kinda game is this?" Skadi asked, her ears perking up, unable to tear her eyes away from the match. "It looks really fun!"

    The female knight chuckled, adjusting her grip on her own drink before answering.

    "It''s called volleyball." She explained, her voice carrying an amused lilt. "It''s a new game created by Young Master Cassius."

    Skadi''s silver eyes widened. "Master made this too?!" She gawked. "He just keeps getting cooler, huh?"

    The knight laughed, shaking her head. "Apparently, he didn''t want his maids to be stuck inside all the time." She explained. "So he came up with this game to help them get fresh air and exercise."

    Hearing that, Skadi grinned. "Hah! Now that''s what I like to hear!" She exclaimed. "No wonder it looks so fun!"

    Her tail wagged even faster, her body already itching to join in.."Hey, let me play!" She declared, stepping onto the court.

    One of the knights, a muscular woman with a confident smirk, tossed her the ball. "You wanna serve?" She asked, demonstrating how it''s done.

    Skadi, brimming with excitement, nodded eagerly.

    "Yeah, yeah, just gimme that!" She said, already bouncing on her feet.

    The knight grinned, handing over the ball.

    "Alright, just toss it up and hit it over the net."

    Skadi, not really paying attention to the finer details, immediately threw the ball high into the air.

    And then she leaped so high that she looked like she was flying. And then with the full force of her raw strength¡ª

    She smacked it.

    Hard.

    The ball rocketed forward like a meteor, whistling through the air at a speed no volleyball should ever reach.

    It shot across the net, hurtling straight toward¡ª

    A poor, unsuspecting knight''s face on the other side and before she could even react to the ball that was coming towards her at full speed¡ª

    THWACK~

    A deafening silence fell over the entire courtyard.

    Julie, watching from the sidelines, immediately froze, seeing her own chief attempt murder on one of her own.

    Aisha, holding her drink, blinked once, wondering if her head was still in place after getting hit so hard.

    Skadi''s tail stopped wagging, as she too felt that she hit the ball a little too hard.

    The entire crowd also stared in stunned horror as the knight who had been hit directly in the face stumbled back, nose bleeding, but still somehow standing.

    Then, just when they thought she was about to kneel over after the burst of adrenaline that was allowing her to stay up, she shouted.

    "I''M FINE!" The knight suddenly shouted at the top of her voice, raising a fist.

    There was a brief pause and then, despite the blood running down her nose, she pointed at the ball still bouncing in the air.

    "BALL''S STILL IN PLAY! KEEP GOING!"

    The shock broke instantly.

    "SHE''S RIGHT! PLAY ON!"

    The game resumed immediately, as if nothing had happened.

    Julie covered her face, inhaling deeply.

    "Of course, they''re still playing."

    Aisha snorted, shaking her head.

    "That''s what you get for letting a dog play, Captain."

    Skadi, meanwhile, had been scolded by her teammates to hold back next time.

    "Okay, okay, I got it!" She whined.

    And from then on, she toned it down¡ªthough she still played with her full enthusiasm.

    The match continued, this time without any accidental fatalities, and Skadi quickly got the hang of the game.

    She was naturally athletic, and the moment she realized that jumping high and slamming the ball down was an option, she was hooked.

    "I LOVE THIS GAME!" She howled, jumping and spiking the ball so aggressively that the knight on the other side had to dive to save it.

    The players cheered and laughed, enjoying the intensity that Skadi brought to the game, while at the same time placing bets to see who would get slammed by Skadi''s serve next.

    Julie, watching from afar, sighed in relief. "At least she''s having fun without breaking more bones."

    Aisha, leaning against a nearby table, smirked. "It''s an appropriate game for a dog like her." She muttered.

    Julie gave her a side-eye glance to which Aisha just shrugged.

    "She''s jumping around, chasing a ball, smacking it with all her strength." She took a sip from her drink before smirking.

    "Tell me that''s not exactly what a big dog would love doing."

    Julie exhaled, shaking her head.

    She wasn''t about to say it out loud, but Aisha had a point.

    It truly was the perfect game for a oversized puppy like her...

 Chapter 98 He Stole Them All

    Aisha, after watching Skadi leap around like an puppy, finally lost interest in the volleyball match. Her gaze, instead, wandered across the rest of the courtyard, taking in the various activities scattered throughout the area.

    One part of the knights were dancing to the music, moving their bodies in a way that¡ªeven against her will¡ªmade her own tail sway slightly to the infectious rhythm.

    ''Damn that music.'' She thought irritably, flicking her tail to stop it from moving.

    But what really caught her attention¡ªwhat made her pause entirely was what the rest of the knights were doing.

    Unlike the ones who were playing volleyball or dancing, these knights were seated at round tables, completely focused on something. They were all leaning forward, engaged in various different setups, each one looking completely unique.

    Some of the tables had intricate, beautifully drawn boards, while others were simple squares.

    Some had small, carved pieces, while others seemed to be using cards¡ªbut not the usual ones she had seen before.

    It wasn''t just one type of game¡ªthere were many.

    But whatever they were playing, the knights were invested.

    They were laughing, cheering, groaning in frustration, some even rubbing their chins like they were deep in thought.

    Aisha''s tail twitched.

    Unlike volleyball, which didn''t interest her much, this most definitely did and for some reason, she couldn''t help but feel drawn to it.

    Without a word, when her curiosity finally won out, she turned and started walking toward one of the tables.

    Julie, noticing her sudden movement, raised a brow. "You''re interested?" She asked.

    Aisha, without looking back, simply muttered. "Maybe."

    Isabelle, who had been standing beside them, smiled slightly and decided to follow as well. The three of them approached one of the tables, where a group of knights was laughing and slamming pieces down on the board.

    Aisha stepped closer, her sharp gaze analyzing the pieces.

    "Oi." She said, crossing her arms. "What exactly are you guys playing?"

    The knights, who had been happily absorbed in their game, suddenly stiffened. One of them¡ªa younger girl with short brown hair¡ªturned her head and froze as her eyes widened slightly upon seeing Aisha standing right there and then widened even more when she realized Julie was standing right behind her.

    "O-Oh. Uh. Chief!" She stammered, clearly caught off guard.

    The other knights at the table also turned to look¡ª

    And panic quickly spread among them.

    "C-Captain?!"

    "Y-You''re here?!"

    Aisha, not in the mood for their theatrics, simply raised a brow.

    "Yeah?" She said, unimpressed. "What, am I not allowed to be here?"

    "Ah, No! It''s not like that!" The new recruit who was slightly scared of Aisha because of her unapproachable premise panicked when she saw her superior staring at her. And then in a fluster she ended up blurting out her true thoughts.

    "It''s just that for a second I thought that I a child had snuck into the party and only after I properly looked did I realise it was you."

    The air froze and every knight at the table suddenly tensed. The moment the words left the girls mouth, every single person at the table had realized her horrible mistake.

    Aisha''s eyes darkened immediately while Julie sighed when she heard the new girl call out one of Aisha''s reverse scales.

    The other knights at the table also quickly shook their heads, frantically making hand gestures behind their comrade''s back.

    ''No. No, you fool. Apologize. Take it back. Take it back before it''s too late!''

    But the short-haired knight, realizing far too late what she had just said, stiffened in pure horror as she had totally forgotten that Aisha hated being called small or tiny because of her dainty figure.

    She braced herself for the scolding¡ªmaybe even a smack to the head.

    But¡ª

    Aisha simply let out a long sigh like she couldn''t be bothered.

    "Yeah, yeah." She muttered, rolling her eyes. "I''m still waiting for that explanation."

    The short-haired knight blinked.

    Wait.

    No shouting? No threatening? No intimidating aura of death looming over her?

    Had she just...been spared?

    A few of the seniour knights exchanged glances, their shoulders relaxing slightly while already knowing that Aisha wouldn''t react harshly.

    Why? Because as intimidating as Aisha was with her presence and calculating gaze like she was predicting every single move of their which made it slightly difficult to relax in her, she was actually quite easy going in the sense that she stayed in her own lane and couldn''t he bothered about others.

    That is unless Skadi was involved where she completely switches up and acts in the exact opposite manner, reacting to every single provocation from them squad''s guardian dog.

    The girl, also sensing she had just miraculously survived, immediately cleared her throat and hurriedly moved on.

    "R-Right! Uh¡ªso!" She quickly pointed at the board in front of her.

    "This is called a board game."

    Aisha, who had never heard that term before, raised a brow. "Board game?" She repeated, her tone mildly skeptical.

    Julie, standing beside her, also frowned slightly. The term wasn''t familiar to her either.

    The short-haired knight, still feeling the weight of Aisha''s sharp gaze, cleared her throat hurriedly before diving into her explanation.

    "Y-Yes, a board game!" She confirmed, nodding quickly. "It''s, uh...a game played on a board."

    Aisha looked at her like she was looking at a idiot while Julie who had noticed the poor knight''s nervousness, quickly stepped in and said with with a kind smile on her face, "I think Aisha is looking for a more detailed explanation about what these boards game are and not the most simple version like you said."

    The knight swallowed hard, then quickly straightened herself, determined to redeem herself. "Right! So¡ªboard games can be different types, depending on their purpose and goal." She started, her voice steadier now.

    She gestured toward the table they were standing at, where an intricate grid-like map was laid out, complete with small wooden pieces shaped like soldiers and banners.

    "There are strategy-based games¡ªgames like this one, where you have to think carefully about your next move. These usually simulate war tactics, kingdom expansion, or military conquests. The goal is often to capture enemy territories, defeat opposing forces, or manage resources wisely."

    Julie nodded slightly, taking in the setup before her.

    Now this was something she could understand.

    Aisha, arms still crossed, tapped her fingers against her elbow, quietly processing the information.

    The knight then gestured toward another table, where a group of knights was rolling dice, their faces a mix of excitement and frustration.

    "Then, there are chance-based games, where the outcome is determined by luck¡ªlike rolling dice or drawing random cards. Some are just about betting and hoping to win big, while others mix luck with some strategy, giving players a chance to manipulate their fate." Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    She then pointed toward another table, where knights were intensely moving wooden tiles, forming elaborate shapes.

    "There are puzzle-based games, too¡ªwhere you have to solve patterns, create sequences, or fit pieces together in a specific way. These aren''t about luck, but about pure skill and logic."

    Finally, she gestured toward a group that was playing with uniquely illustrated cards, flipping them over and reacting to their effects.

    "And then there are story-driven games, where players take on roles, follow different scenarios, and make decisions that change the outcome of the game. Some are about adventure, mystery, or even politics."

    She exhaled, having covered everything to the best of her ability.

    Julie, who had been listening intently, narrowed her eyes slightly.

    "So you''re saying all of these different types of board games have already been on the market? If it is so how come I have never heard of them before, especially since such games would be a craze among nobles who always search for ways to entertain themselves." She asked, wondering if possibly she has missed out on this new fad.

    And instead of giving a straight reply the knight hesitated¡ªthen, with a somewhat sheepish smile, she rubbed the back of her neck. "Ah, well¡­" She started, glancing at them nervously.

    And then, with one final push of courage, she revealed¡ª

    "Actually...all of these were made by Young Master Cassius."

    Clatter.

    The wooden game piece that Aisha had been absentmindedly holding slipped from her fingers, landing on the board with a soft thud. Her eyes then snapped to the knight, narrowing sharply. "Even this was made by him?" She asked, her voice flat but undeniably sharp.

    The knight''s breath stopped slightly under Aisha''s scrutinizing glare. She immediately nodded¡ªfrantically, almost, like she had said something she wasn''t supposed to say.

    Aisha tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering.

    There was something unconsciously intimidating about the way she stared, as if she was displeased about hearing Cassius''s name again.

    The knight, looking visibly nervous, shifted in her seat, wondering if she had somehow made a mistake.

    That was until Isabelle, noticing the shift in atmosphere, stepped forward. Her soft, yet confident voice cut through the air, breaking the momentary tension.

    "Indeed." Isabelle confirmed smoothly, her tone steady as she smiled knowingly. "All of these games were created by my Young Master."

    Aisha''s eyelids twitched slightly, her fingers tightening around the wooden game piece she had picked up earlier. Isabelle, seeing their mixed expressions, continued with a pleased smile, her voice carrying that usual fondness whenever she spoke of her master.

    "You see, one day, Young Master started talking about how...well, ''this world'' was rather lacking when it comes to entertainment." She said, tilting her head slightly as if recalling his confusing words. "He said that aside from drinking, dueling, and gossiping, there wasn''t much else that actually engaged people''s minds. And, naturally¡ª"

    She chuckled.

    "¡ªhe got bored."

    Julie sighed, rubbing her temple.

    "Of course, he did."

    Aisha, who had been tapping her fingers idly against the wooden piece she was holding, let out a sharp scoff.

    "And let me guess." She said, her tone flat with mild irritation. "Instead of finding something else to do like a normal person, he decided he''d just make his own games?"

    "That''s exactly what happened." Isabelle replied cheerfully.

    ''This man''s mind is truly overflowing with nonsense.'' Julie chuckled dryly, shaking her head.

    But even so, she couldn''t deny that it was effective nonsense because here they were, watching as his ideas brought genuine joy to an entire legion of knights.

    Aisha, on the other hand, had a different reaction. Her fingers tightened around the wooden piece as a deep frown settled on her face.

    "Where exactly..." She muttered, narrowing her eyes. "...is he getting these ideas from?"

    Isabelle raised an eyebrow.

    "You think he''s stealing them from someone else?"

    Aisha didn''t answer immediately.

    She didn''t like Cassius. Not one bit.

    But this wasn''t just about disliking him¡ªthis was something else.

    Music no one had heard before.

    Sports no one had played before.

    Games no one had even thought of before.

    And yet¡ªhe was making them all at once, like they had just popped into his head fully formed.

    It was too unnatural.

    Too suspicious.

    An answer that made no sense.

    Too suspicious.

    Aisha was sure that Isabelle was about to vehemently deny any allegations against her master. After all, no loyal maid would ever let someone accuse her master of stealing ideas¡ªespecially not with how devoted Isabelle seemed to be.

    But then¡ª

    Isabelle did something completely unexpected.

    She nodded her head.

    "You''re right." She said, completely serious.

    "My master is most definitely stealing these ideas."

    Aisha froze mid-thought, her mind stalling. Even Julie¡ªwho had heard a lot of unexpected things tonight¡ªlooked genuinely taken aback.

    "...Huh?" Julie blinked, tilting her head slightly.

    Aisha, who had been ready for a heated argument, was now staring at Isabelle with pure disbelief.

    "What?" She demanded. "You''re actually admitting it?"

    Isabelle simply let out a small sigh and gave them a wry smile. "Or at least¡­" She muttered, as she looked just as confused as both of them. "That''s what my master says."

    Julie''s brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean by that?" She asked, her tone now edged with confusion.

    Isabelle let out a soft chuckle, but there was an undercurrent of uncertainty in her voice¡ªlike she herself wasn''t sure what to believe.

    "I asked him once." She admitted. "After he introduced the music, then the sport, and then the games, I started getting curious. I mean...how does someone come up with so many completely new things in such a short time?"

    Julie nodded slightly, fully understanding that sentiment. Aisha, arms crossed, still looked like she was waiting for an answer that made sense.

    "So..." Isabelle continued. "I went to him directly and asked him."

    "And what did he say?" Julie asked.

    Isabelle sighed again, as if she still couldn''t quite believe it herself. "He smiled at me and said..." She paused for a moment, lowering her voice slightly¡ªperfectly mimicking Cassius''s lazy, amused tone.

    " ''Oh, I didn''t come up with any of it. I stole it all.'' "

    Silence.

    Aisha stared.

    Julie blinked.

    Isabelle shook her head, looking like she was getting a headache just from remembering it.

    "And then..." She continued, exhaling deeply. "He started saying a bunch of bizarre names, strange names that I''ve never really heard of anyone having no matter the race in the continent."

    Aisha''s ears perked slightly, her tail flicking once. "Names?" She asked.

    "Names of what?" Julie added, intrigued.

    "Names of the original creators of all these things." Isabelle explained. "The music, the sports, the board games¡ªhe listed multiple names and said that they were the true inventors of everything he had introduced."

    For a moment¡ªjust a brief moment¡ªJulie found herself considering the possibility. After all, it wasn''t impossible that Cassius had simply...got it from the actual inventors or found these ideas somewhere. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Maybe a hidden collection of works?

    Maybe secret documents locked away in the Holyfield archives?

    And before she could think about it any further, Aisha suddenly grinned, eyes flashing.

    "I knew it!" she declared, voice triumphant.

    She turned to Julie, looking like she had just won a battle.

    "There was no way that dunce of a master actually thought of all this himself! He must have found it somewhere!"

    Julie rolled her eyes at how petty her little sister was acting.

    "You''re really too happy about this, Aisha." She muttered.

    Aisha ignored her, still basking in her moment of victory.

    But then¡ª

    Isabelle popped her balloon.

    "Well, that''s also...not what happened either, Miss Aisha." She added lightly.

    Aisha immediately froze, her victorious expression shattering.

    "What...What do you mean?" She asked slowly as her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

    Isabelle let out another deep sigh¡ªthis time, she looked genuinely troubled. "Well, the thing is after we heard the names." She admitted. "Portia and I got curious."

    She fiddled with the hem of her apron, clearly recalling the strange memory.

    "Master spoke about them so confidently, as if they were real people¡ªso we wondered who exactly these people were?"

    Julie, realizing where this was going, stiffened slightly. "You...looked them up?"

    "Of course." Isabelle said, nodding.

    "Portia and I searched the kingdom''s registry and every historical record we could access using the Holyfield household''s resources¡ªif these people were truly great inventors, they should have been famous by now, right?"

    Aisha and Julie both leaned in slightly, waiting for the answer. But then Isabelle said something that sent a cold shiver down their spines.

    "But to our surprise." She said, her voice quieter now. "Not only did we find out that these people don''t exist...but the names of the creations Young Master claimed to have ''stolen'' had never even been recorded in history."

    Aisha and Julie both froze. For a few seconds, there was nothing but the distant sounds of music, laughter, and the clatter of dice on wooden tables.

    Aisha''s fingers tensed slightly.

    Julie''s expression darkened.

    Neither of them spoke immediately.

    Because they both knew¡ª

    That shouldn''t have been possible.

    If these things had truly existed before, then they should have been documented somewhere. Even the most obscure inventions, even the most forgotten ideas, left some kind of trace.

    But there was nothing.

    No records. No historical references.

    No signs that these ideas had ever belonged to someone else before Cassius.

    And yet¡ªhe had insisted they weren''t his.

    Julie''s mind whirled, the sheer strangeness of the situation settling in. Aisha, meanwhile, was staring at Isabelle, still processing what she just heard.

    But Isabelle, instead of looking troubled, simply smiled.

    "You understand what I''m getting at, don''t you?" She said lightly, crossing her arms.

    Julie narrowed her eyes slightly. "You''re saying¡­" She began slowly. "...that he just...doesn''t want to accept these works as his own?"

    Isabelle nodded.

    "Exactly."

    Aisha blinked.

    "Wait, wait, wait¡ªhold on a second." She held up a hand, looking incredulous. "You''re telling me he just...what? Throws all the credit onto imaginary people because he doesn''t want to be recognized for it?"

    "That''s what it seems like." Isabelle replied, her tone almost amused.

    Aisha stared in disbelief at the absurd reasoning, while Julie''s brows knitted together, her mind turning over the implications.

    "But why?" She asked, her voice edged with genuine confusion.

    She glanced around at the knights enthusiastically playing Cassius''s games, their laughter and conversation filling the courtyard.

    People always craved new forms of entertainment.

    If Cassius had introduced something truly unique, it wouldn''t take long for his name to spread like wildfire through the kingdom.

    More than that, if he patented these ideas and turned them into a business, he could secure a comfortable future for himself without relying on the Holyfield household that despised him, regardless of whatever reputation he had before.

    These games weren''t just casual diversions. They were a goldmine. With how quickly the knights had taken to them, it was clear they held immense potential.

    Tournaments. Competitions. Exports.

    If managed properly, he could reshape the entire kingdom''s entertainment industry.

    He could even establish his own business empire.

    Julie''s green eyes darkened slightly as she mulled over the possibilities. For someone as strategic as Cassius, this should have been obvious.

    And yet¡ª

    "He refuses to claim any of it as his?" Julie asked, genuinely baffled.

    "Mm." Isabelle gave a wry smile. "I told him the same thing, actually."

    Julie''s gaze sharpened. "And?"

    Isabelle let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "He just scoffed at me, saying that there''s no way I''d do something that stupid." She said, her voice dipping into a perfect impression of Cassius''s lazy drawl.

    Julie tilted her head slightly. "Why?"

    "I don''t exactly understand this but..." Isabelle continued, watching their reactions carefully. "...He said that if he made his name famous with these games, then he''d be seen as someone useful to society and someone who could be considered as a decent person and then said..."

    "...That''s the last thing he wanted right now."

    Aisha shook her head in confusion and frustration at the man who was speaking in riddles, while Julie couldn''t make sense of what was said no matter how she thought about it.

    "...What?"

    Isabelle gave them both a knowing smile.

    "You''re confused too, aren''t you?"

    Julie exhaled through her nose, crossing her arms.

    "More than confused." She muttered.

    Aisha''s tail flicked in agitation. "That makes zero sense." She said flatly. "Why wouldn''t he want to be known for this?"

    "I have no idea." Isabelle admitted, shaking her head. "But what I do know is that he''s doing it deliberately."

    Julie''s mind raced.

    Cassius wasn''t a fool.

    In fact, from what she had observed, he was likely one of the most intelligent men she had ever encountered which meant that this wasn''t a mistake.

    It wasn''t laziness, and it wasn''t an oversight. He had made a conscious decision to stay in the shadows, despite holding the key to immense influence.

    Aisha clicked her tongue. "Ugh...Just what the hell is this guy thinking?"

    Julie exhaled slowly, her mind troubled. She had seen many nobles before, and she had seen ambition take countless forms.

    Some sought wealth.

    Some sought status.

    Some sought power.

    But Cassius?

    He was deliberately rejecting all of it.

    Why?

    Julie''s emarald eyes narrowed.

    What exactly is Cassius Vindictus Holyfield''s goal?

 Chapter 99 Curiosity That Outweighs Hate

    Julie couldn''t shake the thought from her mind. The more she unraveled about him, the more the mystery deepened.

    And yet, while she was grappling with curiosity, Aisha was grappling with something else entirely.

    Pure, burning frustration.

    She hated this. She hated him.

    Not because of his attitude, not because of his arrogance, not even because of the way he always seemed so damn amused whenever he was speaking.

    She hated him because he treated these ideas¡ªideas that could revolutionize entertainment, business, and even culture¡ªlike they were nothing.

    Like they were trivial.

    Like they were some disposable thoughts that he simply threw away.

    To her, this wasn''t humility. This wasn''t him wanting to stay in the shadows.

    This was arrogance.

    It was him saying. "This isn''t even worth my time."

    It was him saying. "I can make something like this in a day if I wanted to."

    Like he was some kind of god, effortlessly tossing out groundbreaking innovations the way others would scribble down pointless notes.

    Aisha''s fingers curled into fists.

    Her ears twitched with irritation.

    She considered herself intelligent. Extremely intelligent.

    And yet¡ªeven she knew she could never create this many inventions so easily. She could never design so many different games, music, and sports in such a short span of time.

    So what did that make him?

    Someone better?

    Someone who could do it without even trying?

    The thought made Aisha who for some reason considered him as her arch nemesis grit her teeth.

    Julie, noticing the way Aisha''s frustration was building up, decided to step in. "Aisha..." She said gently, her tone measured. "Why don''t we take a closer look at these games? They look rather interesting don''t they?"

    Aisha huffed, still glaring at the board in front of her.

    Julie then turned to Isabelle. "Would you mind explaining them?"

    Isabelle, having already noticed Aisha''s mood, immediately stepped forward. "Of course." She said lightly, before shifting to Aisha''s side.

    She followed Aisha''s gaze, quickly pinpointing the game she was currently staring daggers at. "This one here..." Isabelle said, gesturing to the board. "...is called Backgammon, Miss Aisha."

    Aisha raised a brow, the name alone irritating her further. "And what exactly is it?" She muttered wanting to find some way to nitpick the game.

    Isabelle smiled and began explaining the rules.

    She went over how the black and white pieces were flipped, how each move strategically affected the board, and how, despite its simple design, the game itself was incredibly complex once played at a higher level.

    Aisha listened in silence, her eyes fixed on the board.

    Her frustration was still there...But something else had crept in.

    A strange, undeniable curiosity that pushed aside her desire to hate on the game and rather want to learn more about because of how simple and complex it was the same time.

    Isabelle, noticing the slight shift in her expression, smoothly continued. She gestured toward another board game, one that had fewer pieces but a distinct, recognizable pattern.

    "This one here..." She said, tapping the board lightly. "...is called Checkers."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes, watching as Isabelle pulled out a neatly bound notebook and placed it in her hands.

    "This has all the rules inside." Isabelle said, her tone patient yet encouraging. "It''s pretty easy to understand once you go through it."

    Aisha hesitated.

    For a moment, she considered refusing.

    She had no reason to learn these games.

    She didn''t even want to learn them.

    She didn''t want to acknowledge anything created by that infuriating man.

    But, her fingers tightened around the notebook before she even realized it. A sigh escaped her lips, and¡ªdespite her better judgment¡ªshe opened it.

    Her sharp amber eyes flicked over the neatly written text, the careful explanations detailing the mechanics, the objectives, the rules.

    It was¡­structured, logical and tactical.

    And before she knew it, her eyes were scanning through every single detail.

    Julie watched, hiding her teethering amusement, as Aisha''s brows furrowed ever so slightly, her usual skeptical glare replaced by deep concentration.

    She had fallen in.

    Hook, line, and sinker.

    And she hadn''t even noticed.

    Isabelle, also noticing how deeply Aisha was scanning through the notebook, couldn''t help but smile before moving on. "And this one over here..." She gestured toward another table, eager to continue. "...is called Snakes and Ladders."

    Aisha looked up briefly, eyes flickering toward the brightly colored board with a grid-like pattern filled with numbered squares, winding snake illustrations, and long ladders stretching between them.

    She stared. Then she stared harder.

    "What the hell is this?" She muttered, thinking that this game seemed rather childish compared to the other games.

    "It''s a game of chance." Isabelle explained. "You roll a die, move your piece forward, and if you land at the base of a ladder, you climb up. But¡ª" she tapped a square with a coiling green snake on it. "¡ªif you land on a snake, you slide down."

    Aisha blinked.

    "...That''s it?"

    "That''s it." Isabelle confirmed.

    Aisha scoffed. "What''s even the point? It seems so dumb." She muttered, crossing her arms, even though her eyes kept on glancing at the die like she wanted to give a try.

    "The point..." Isabelle said patiently. "...is to test your luck and enjoy the thrill of unpredictability."

    Aisha frowned. Then, without meaning to, she reached out and rolled the die sitting beside the board.

    A four.

    One of the knights sitting at the table laughed.

    "Looks like you got a snake!" She grinned, pointing to a square with a grinning cartoon snake slithering down.

    Aisha stiffened as her tail flicked in annoyance at the bad luck

    "...That''s dumb." She said flatly, looking annoyed.

    The knight chuckled, moving her own piece forward and narrowly missing a snake.

    Aisha narrowed her eyes at the board.

    She did not like games where she had no control over the outcome.

    And yet she rolled the die again.

    Julie hid her delight as she watched her prideful little strategist begrudgingly engage with the game, even if it was just to prove she could win through sheer force of will.

    Isabelle, meanwhile, smoothly continued.

    "And over here." She said, pointing to a different board. "...is something a bit different¡ªit''s called Ludo."

    This time, even Julie leaned in slightly, unfamiliar with the bold, bright board marked with four quadrants of different colors.

    Aisha, still grumbling about the snake she landed on earlier, looked over as well. "Ludo?" She repeated.

    "It''s a race." Isabelle explained. "Each player has four tokens. You roll a die to move them, and the goal is to get all of your tokens to the center before anyone else. But¡ª" She tapped the board. "¡ªyou can also send other players'' tokens back to the start if you land on them."

    Aisha''s ears perked slightly.

    "...So it''s a competitive game?"

    "Very competitive." Isabelle grinned.

    Aisha''s eyes gleamed ever so slightly.

    Julie noticed immediately.

    She could already tell that Aisha was hooked.

    She''d pretend she wasn''t interested. She''d act like she didn''t care.

    But at some point she was going to play and she was going to play to win.

    Isabelle, seeing Aisha''s growing interest, smiled and moved to the next table. "And over here." she gestured. "...is a game called Othello."

    She pointed at the board filled with black and white discs, positioned in a way that suggested it was mid-game.

    "This one is all about capturing territory." Isabelle explained. "Each turn, you place a piece, and any opponent''s pieces trapped between yours get flipped to your color."

    Aisha furrowed her brows.

    "...So it''s like conquering land?"

    "Precisely." Isabelle nodded.

    Julie glanced at Aisha.

    A game of conquest?

    Yeah.

    This was going to be a problem.

    Aisha might pretend to hate everything about Cassius, but there was no way she wasn''t going to challenge someone to this game by the end of the night.

    Isabelle, satisfied that Aisha was following along, continued on to the next table.

    "And over here." She said. "...is Dominoes¡ª"

    Aisha followed and Julie, at this point, just sighed with a small smirk and followed too.

    Like a reluctant child, Aisha was absorbing every single piece of information, no matter how much she pretended otherwise.

    And Isabelle, ever the gracious teacher, made sure to explain every detail.

    One game at a time.

    One reluctant step at a time.

    Until Aisha¡ªwhether she liked it or not¡ªwas fully immersed.

    Isabelle, having already played and memorized all the games, explained everything to the best of her abilities and she had done a really good job as because by the time she finished, Aisha was practically vibrating with excitement.

    Julie, who had been watching her little sister''s slow descent into enthusiasm, couldn''t help but chuckle softly.

    Aisha¡ªwho had spent the last 15 minutes pretending she wasn''t interested, pretending that she didn''t care about Cassius'' ridiculous inventions, pretending that she was above all this nonsense¡ª

    Was now darting her eyes all over the courtyard, her expression barely holding back her excitement.

    She looked like a child in a candy store.

    Like someone who had just been dropped into a treasure trove of fun but had no idea where to start.

    Her ears twitched. Her tail flicked.

    She spun around, scanning the tables, glancing at the knights who were playing, laughing, competing.

    She wanted to play.

    She wanted to play badly.

    But there were too many choices.

    She wanted to play all of them.

    And because she couldn''t decide¡ª

    She did the only thing that made sense to her.

    She turned toward Julie her big, amber eyes locked onto her Captain''s. "Captain!" She blurted out, rushing toward her like a child running to their mother for advice.

    Julie blinked. "Yes?"

    Aisha grabbed her sleeve, her entire body brimming with energy. "What should I do?!" She demanded, her voice earnest, eager.

    Julie raised an eyebrow, amused about her change in behaviour. "Do about what?"

    Aisha gestured wildly to all the games surrounding them. "I want to play them all!" She declared.

    Julie chuckled.

    "Then play them."

    "But which one do I start with?! I don''t know which one to pick!"

    Julie, still smiling, couldn''t help but lift her hand and pat Aisha''s head.

    Aisha immediately scowled.

    "Hey! Not now! I don''t want pats! I want answers!"

    Julie''s laughter grew.

    "You''re really acting like a kid right now, you know that?"

    Aisha pouted.

    "I am not! This is a serious matter!"

    Julie hummed thoughtfully, glancing around.

    "I don''t know, Aisha...There really are a lot of options."

    She smirked playfully.

    "Maybe you should just play all the games at once. After all, you''re so smart¡ªI bet you could manage."

    Aisha froze...Then her eyes gleamed which immidietly made Julie realise her mistake.

    Aisha straightened, grinning wildly. "That''s it!" She declared.

    Julie blinked. "...Wait, what''s it?"

    Aisha ignored her and turned sharply on her heel.

    And then, she climbed onto the nearest chair, took a deep breath and shouted.

    "LISTEN UP, EVERYONE!"

    The entire courtyard turned toward her.

    Knights playing volleyball stopped mid-game.

    Knights who had been laughing at their boards froze.

    Even the ones who were dancing to Cassius'' strange new music paused to see what their tiny chief was about to say.

    Aisha pointed dramatically at them all.

    "I AM GOING TO PLAY A GAME AGAINST EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!"

    Silence.

    Then¡ª

    "HUH?!"

    The loud collective reaction from the knights echoed through the courtyard.

    "You heard me!" Aisha declared.

    Her tail swished aggressively behind her, her entire body radiating competitive fire.

    "I am going to play every game in this courtyard! And I am going to play against all of you!"

    Murmurs erupted.

    "Wait, is she serious?"

    "She wants to play all of them?"

    "Does she even know how long that''ll take?!"

    Aisha smirked. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Don''t worry." She said confidently, crossing her arms.

    "I''ll play multiple games at the same time."

    The murmurs grew louder.

    "You mean like...simultaneous matches?"

    "She''s really acting like a noble strategist right now."

    Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

    "She''s definitely serious about this."

    Julie, still standing to the side, sighed and shook her head with a fond smile.

    She really should have seen this coming.

    Skadi, who had been watching from a distance, grinned wildly and pumped a fist in the air.

    "HAHAHA!" She howled. "THAT''S MY AISHA! LET''S GO!"

    Aisha shot her a sharp glare.

    "YOU''RE NOT MY HYPE WOMAN! SIT DOWN!"

    Skadi cackled, completely unfazed.

    The knights, now fully riled up, cheered.

    "If you''re challenging us, Chief, then don''t expect us to go easy on you!"

    "Yeah! You''re gonna regret this!"

    "Pick your games, chief! We''re ready!"

    Aisha grinned, her amber eyes burned with competitive excitement.

    "Good." She said, cracking her knuckles.

    "Then bring it on."

    And with that¡ª

    The first official Holy Guard Game Night had begun.

 Chapter 1 - 1: The Goddess Of Debauchery

    The void was infinite. A boundless abyss of absolute black, so oppressive it seemed to devour sound and thought. There was no sky, no ground¡ªno sense of up or down. The air was still, the silence deeper than death itself.

    Yet, within this endless chasm of darkness, two figures stood, stark and radiant.

    The first, a man, appeared as if he were carved from the essence of light itself. His form was ethereal, shimmering, and constantly shifting like sunlight refracting through a prism. His every movement painted faint streaks of luminescence against the void, the only hint of motion in this stilled eternity.

    Opposite him, a woman of divine proportions loomed, equally aglow in pure, flawless white light. Her curvaceous silhouette exuded a regal presence, though her features were indistinct¡ªblurry, unknowable, as if even the concept of defining her was beyond comprehension. Yet, despite the lack of detail, she radiated an otherworldly allure that seemed to command existence itself.

    They stood motionless, mere feet apart, their lights entwining yet not touching, the only illumination in the abyss. Their gazes met¡ªif such a thing were possible without eyes¡ªand the void itself seemed to tremble in anticipation.

    The man''s radiant form flickered, his light wavering as though mirroring the confusion etched into his being.

    He turned his head slightly, as if trying to orient himself in the unrelenting void, his movements hesitant and uncertain. The abyss around him offered no answers, its silence stretching endlessly.

    His gaze shifted back to the luminous woman before him.

    Despite her faceless visage, an undeniable cheeky smile seemed to emanate from her aura. Her posture shifted subtly, a tilt of her head and a slight curve of her glowing form suggesting playful amusement. The void, once oppressive, seemed to hum faintly with the warmth of her energy.

    The woman made of light stepped closer, her radiance intensifying just enough to illuminate the faintest ripple in the darkness. Her light danced mischievously as if teasing him, drawing his attention to her enigmatic presence.

    It was clear in this picture that the woman who had no characteristics whatsoever since she was clad in white had the upper hand and knew exactly what was going on. While the man, whose face also couldn''t be made out, was still in the dark about where he was.

    The woman that excluded a sense of holiness seemed satisfied with how clueless the man in front of her was and was excited to see him lost in his own world as to why this was all happening to him.

    And just as she was about to say a few words to welcome him into the realm that she had brought him into and explain to the dull mortal before her as to why he was brought to this endless darkness, the man spoke first.

    He didn''t simply utter a few words like ''Where am I?'' or ''What are you?'' to the woman like she had thought would happen.

    Rather, he had a much more drastic reaction as he eyed up the woman from top to bottom, checking out her bulging chest that could probably even be seen from behind her because of how ginormous they were and her curvy rear that looked like two mountain peaks made of light, and said as his lips curled to form a sleazy grin,

    "Damn...With the way you''re glowing right now, I really want to call you a Angel from the heavens above who came to bless me with your holy light...But after looking at those assets you have on you, I''m starting to wonder if you''re a devil from hell underneath instead."

    "So tell me, Miss Glow in the Dark." The man asked as the woman in white had her mouth agape at how the mortal before was reacting to the bizarre situation he was caught in. "Are you an angel that comes from Heaven to take me to the Pearl Gates?"

    "...Or you actually the Grim Reaper herself, who''s personally here to sentence me to eternal damnation?"

    "You..." The Goddess in white slowly uttered as she scrunched her brows in confusion at what was happening before her. "...Why are you so sure that you''re either in Heaven or Hell?"

    "It''s almost as if you''re sure that you''ve already passed on from the mortal realm and are standing at the gates of the passage to your next life."

    The Goddess asked with a keen look in her eyes, which were barely visible since even though she knew that the man before her was quite enigmatic and one of a kind, which was one of the reasons she chose him for the task on hand, she still didn''t understand why he thought that he was so sure that he had already passed his last breath when he should have no recollection of what led to him coming here.

    "Well, one of the reasons is because there''s no way that such a beautiful woman like you, whose charms can dazzle an entire nation, can possibly be a mere human."

    The man said offhandedly, which caught the Goddess off guard, since she wasn''t expecting to be complimented in such a manner.

    "Beautiful woman?" The Goddess asked with a look of amusement in her tone, not minding at all that a mere mortal like him was rating her appearance. "How can you possibly know if I''m good-looking or not when you can''t even see my face?"

    "Okay, to be honest, I actually don''t know if your face under that cover of light is pretty or not."

    The man honestly admitted. But he then stared at her voluptuous body with an intense gaze once again, which had curves in all the right places, and said like he were analysing her figure,

    "But I definitely know that you''re not a woman from the mortal world, as there''s no chance that there''s anyone back at home with proportions like yours."

    "I mean, just look at that lithe waist..." The man pointed at her fragile waist that looked so thin compared to her curvy hips and breasts. "...Even the most experienced plastic surgeons couldn''t make a waist so thin without killing the patient."

    "And those gigantic breasts of yours as well..." The Goddess looked down at her massive chest with a curious gaze, as to what crazy thing he was about to say next. "...I''m sorry to say this, but only anotherworldly being like you can carry that much weight on your chest without looking like a hunchback all the time." The man nodded his head like he couldn''t agree with his thoughts even more.

    "Fufu~ Is there anything else about me that made you realise that you aren''t in your world anymore?"

    The Goddess giggled as she covered her mouth with her delicate fingers, thinking that the man she had chosen was more interesting than she had thought.

    "Other than your striking appearance, it''s probably your charming voice, I guess." The man said as he remembered the lovely voice that sounded so mature and enticing at the same time, almost as if she were whispering every word into his ears. "It''s so pleasant to hear that it''s borderline hypnotic."

    "...So much so that I feel like I would even kill myself willingly if you were to order me in that same voice of yours."

    The man said with a knowing smile on his face, like he was telling her that he already knew that she had complete power over him at the moment.

    "I won''t order you to kill yourself, my dear chosen one." The Goddess smiled at how aware the man was of his surroundings, that he already figured out the circumstances he was in. She then continued asking, "But I will ask you the true reason that you think that you have already passed on, since I know that you''re still keeping something from me."

    "So you want the true reason, huh..."

    The man thought about why he was so sure that someone was already digging him a grave back on Earth for a second.

    He then chuckled as he couldn''t really come up with a proper reason and simply said to the mysterious woman before him, Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "To be honest, I really don''t know...It''s just that I feel like I lost something that I know that I will never be able to get back."

    "And in this case, it''s probably my life, seeing as how I look like a human lantern in an abyss-like place, which I probably wouldn''t experience back on Earth if I were still alive."

    The man let out a sigh, showing that even though he acted like he didn''t care that he was probably already dead, he was still reluctant to part ways with his life back in his world.

    "So you tell me now, Angel, Devil, or whatever higher being that you might me..." The man looked straight into the woman''s eyes that he couldn''t see through no matter how much he focused. "...I''m dead, aren''t I?"

    "Yes, you are chosen one."

    "...You''ve already exited the mortal realm after you lost your life and have entered the infinite void, where wandering souls are judged and sent into the Wheel of Samsara to be reborn."

    The Goddess calmly told the truth of his demise, which made the man let out a wry smile, as even the last bit of hope that he was still alive was diminished.

    "And like you said, I am not a Angel or Devil..."

    The man''s attention was brought back as the Goddess introduced herself while she stepped forward and held her hand against her chest in a prideful manner.

    "I am the Goddess of Debauchery." She declared, her voice a silken symphony that seemed to ripple through the abyss, caressing the void with its seductive cadence. "The sovereign of forbidden desires, the eternal mistress of the flames that ignite the lust of men, and the silent architect of the power that shapes the fertility of women."

    "I am the force that stirs passions untamed, the whisper in the dark that compels surrender, and the unseen hand that governs the cycle of creation and longing."

    The Goddess introduced herself in a majestic manner, thinking that the mortal man would finally act normal and be scared of her mighty existence.

    But to her utter shock, he simply scrunched his eyes and simplified her title by asking,

    "So, you''re basically the Goddess of Sex?"

    "Cough...Umm, yes...I prefer to be called the Goddess of Debauchery, but some Goddesses up here also call me that as well."

    The Goddess awkwardly said, not expecting the human before her to be so straightforward. She then looked at the weird human before her and asked,

    "I can sort of understand why you aren''t scared of me at all since you have no idea how much power I actually possess, so much so that I can destroy multiple worlds with a snap of my finger."

    The Goddess tried to threaten the man before her to see if he would react. But just like before, he didn''t bat an eye and continued to stare at her bouncy breasts like he didn''t care about anything else other than her mounds of meat to her dismay.

    "But I still don''t understand how you can be so casual in the face of death and not be scared at all about what''s coming next now that you''ve died, like any other human would at the threshold of the netherworld?"

    The Goddess asked, eager to know why he was so brave even though he knew that he might be lost in the void the next moment.

    "Huh? Who said I''m not scared?"

    The man gave an unexpected answer, as he raised his brows in confusion like he were asking her where she got that information. He then pointed at his legs that were trembling and admitted saying,

    "Just look at my legs...Look at how they''re shaking right now...Do they look like the legs of a brave man?"

    The man gave a foolish smile and asked her for her opinion now that he had shown his true self.

    "But what about the courageous spirit you showed this whole time, like you didn''t care about your fate at all?" The Goddess couldn''t help but ask.

    "Courageous spirit, my ass!" The man remarked with a scoff. "That was just me acting brave in front of the ladies!"

    "I mean, I can''t possibly act like a pussy in front of a beautiful woman like you, right? So I tried to be as nonchalant as possible even though I''m actually so scared that I feel like pissing my pants right now." The man whom the Goddess had chosen to hold her mantle admitted to his cowardice.

    But even though he said that he was actually terrified at the moment, the Goddess knew that he was simply lying just so that he didn''t have to tell her the true reason he was so accepting of death, along with the end of his existence.

    She didn''t need to read his mind to find this out, which she actually could do being the omnipotent Goddess she was.

    Rather, all she had to do was look at the calm look in his eyes that clearly told a story of its own, making it apparent to her that his own death wasn''t something he strayed away from.

    When she thought of his past and what his purpose in his previous life was, it all made sense to the Goddess who brought his soul here. This made her let out a sad sigh like she felt pity for the life he had lived.

    The man, who was barely visible since he was still covered in a blanket of white, didn''t know that the Goddess was thinking about his tragic life at the moment and ignorantly asked her,

    "By the way, before you tell me the purpose you brought me to this place, instead of sending me to the Wheel of Samsara or the Void like you said, can you tell me how I died?"

    "What is it from a knife straight through my heart while I was sleeping from someone who''s wanted to avenge whatever he had lost in my hands, or was it from a bomb that blew up my entire building?"

    The man imagined all sorts of brutal ways he could''ve died at the hands of his enemies, even though he still doubted that there were any people who had a grudge against him that were still alive.

    "The last day of my life is still fuzzy for some reason, so I can''t really remember how I died...But I do remember that it was my birthday, so I most definitely could''ve been killed if someone were to take advantage of the only day a year that I''m a completely ''normal'' person."

    The man concluded that someone had most definitely killed him, as it was impossible for him to die of illness or some silly accident.

    "T-This...You were most definitely killed...But I don''t know if I should tell you your cause of death."

    The Goddess nervously uttered, not knowing if she should tell the truth, as she didn''t want the man she had chosen to suffer from the mental damage of knowing the true reason behind his demise that was too tragic to think of.

    "It''s fine, Miss Goddess. You can tell me." The brave man said, wishing to hear about his own end. "No matter how brutal it may be, I can handle it."

    "It''s not really brutal...It''s just that-" The Goddess hesitated.

    "Just what? Tell me?"

    The man insisted, thinking that he must have died quite the gruesome death to make even a Goddess struggle to admit the truth.

    "Toilet...." The Goddess of Debauchery finally decided to open up about his embarrassing death. She then looked away from his confused gaze and said in a hurry, "...Y-You died on the toilet."

    "Huh!?...I was killed when I was in the toilet?!"

    The man shouted in shock. He then gritted his teeth in frustration and continued saying,

    "Those bastards! To think that they would take advantage of me when my pants were down to kill me...How absolutely disgraceful of them!...Dammit! I can''t even take a fat dump without getting myself killed!"

    "That''s not what happened, chosen one...No one killed you when you were on the toilet."

    The Goddess averted her gaze even more as she cleared up the misunderstanding. She then gulped and said in a flurry,

    "...Y-You died from using the toilet too much!"

    "."

    ".."

    "..."

    "...."

    "I died from using the toilet too much?"

    The man who was glowing repeated what he had heard, as he couldn''t really understand what the Goddess was saying.

    But then, like a bulb switched on inside of his head, he immediately got what she was trying to say, which prompted him to exclaim at her while having a look of absurdity on his face,

    "Y-You''re joking, right!?...You can''t actually be saying that I actually shit myself to death right?!...Right?!?!"

    "Sadly, that is the truth, chosen one...There is no way around it."

    The Goddess stared at the look of desperation on his face at the moment and sadly nodded her head, which horrified him even more. She then continued explaining, saying,

    "You ''used'' the toilet so much so that half of your body''s necessary fluids ended up filling the toilet bowl to the extent that you died of terminal dehydration and blood loss."

    "...I hope you don''t tell me to go into detail about what your final moments looked like, as I really don''t want to talk about that horrifying scene."

    The light around the Goddess paled like she was genuinely traumatised by the scene in the bathroom.

    "But how?!...How can a man possibly die from shitting his guts out?!"

    The man asked in a frantic manner as he shivered at the terrifying and humiliating way in which he passed on. He then seemed to have realised something and said in a frenzy,

    "It''s poison, isn''t it?!...I was given a vile poison that made me die such an embarrassing death, isn''t it?!"

    The man didn''t even give the Goddess any moment to correct his misunderstanding and started cursing the imbeciles who made him die in such a humiliating manner with a belly full of hatred.

    "Dammit, you bastards! You could''ve just asked me for my head, and I would''ve given it to you if you had requested it nicely!" The man looked up and cursed the fiends who had robbed him of a glorious death. "Instead, you chose to take my life and take my dignity as well!...How could you?! How could you possibly do such a disgraceful thing?!...Do you lot have no shame at all?!"

    "Umm...Sorry to interrupt you, but I would like to inform you that you actually died of food poisoning and not actual poison."

    The Goddess informed him of his misfortune that was getting worse by the second.

    "B-But I''ve been eating healthy and balanced food that I''ve made myself every single day...I even grow the veggies I use in my garden...S-So how is it possible that I got food poisoning and even died from it?"

    The man asked in disbelief, as he couldn''t accept the fact that he didn''t even die at the hands of someone else, rather because of his own decision to eat rotten food.

    "Once again you''ve misunderstood, chosen one." The Goddess sighed and shook her head. "The one that caused the food poisoning isn''t you, but the little girl who offered you some cookies as a token of appreciation when you volunteered at that orphanage a few days ago."

    The man remembered the cute little four-year-old girl who had given him a whole packet of treats that she had made for him to show her gratitude for always visiting her, which he had finished in one go.

    "She wanted to make some cookies for you personally, but because she was too young, no one allowed her to enter the kitchen...So she ended up going to the supply closet and used the cleaning supplies there as the ingredients to the cookies she made."

    The Goddess shivered at the thought of the poor girl who mixed in bleach, toilet cleanser, rat poison, and so much more to make the cookies for her beloved big brother, who always played with her.

    "She then asked one of the older girls to shape the dough of poison she made and bake them into cookies, which was what you ate and caused you to die."

    "...And, I know that I shouldn''t ask you this question since you''re already suffering a lot...But did you really not feel anything off when you were eating a cookie with pesticide instead of water and bleach instead of milk, in it?"

    The Goddess asked, while wondering how that girl even made the dough rise and turn into a cookie when there wasn''t one single edible ingredient in it.

    "The cookies did taste quite bitter and sour when I tasted it. They even had a strange colour...But I didn''t think about it too much since it was made in the hands of a child and I ate it all without leaving a single crumb." The man facepalmed for being such a good person and not throwing out the cookies the moment he felt something off about it.

    "Haha...I thought that I was immortal back on Earth and there was no way that anyone or anything would be able to finish me off...But who would''ve thought that I would be done in by a little innocent girl?"

    The man gave a reluctant smile, thinking about the mysterious ways fate worked in which it led him to die in the hand of the little kid he used to play with all the time...

 Chapter 2 - 2: Farewell, Chosen One

    "Are you angry?" The Goddess couldn''t help but ask. "Are you angry at the little girl for what she did?"

    "No. Not at all...She''s just a child who had good intentions in mind, so I can only blame my horrible luck for what happened to me."

    The man sincerely said, which made the Goddess smile, thinking that she had chosen the right person for the mission she had.

    The man then looked at the ethereal figure in front of him and asked with a curious gaze,

    "But I am curious about why a Goddess like you is talking to me at the moment...You surely wouldn''t do so without having a purpose in mind, right, especially since you keep on calling me, chosen one?"

    "It is as you''ve said, chosen one." The Goddess of Debauchery nodded her head. "Anyone else who dies in the mortal world will be sent straight to the Wheel of Samsara where they will be judged and sent to Heaven, Hell, Reincarnation, or the Void accordingly."

    "...But you, on the other hand, are special since I''ve decided to give you a second chance at life and send you back to the mortal plane." The Goddess said, which made the light on the man''s body glow like he was excited at the thought of being able to go back.

    "I can go back to my world?!" The man asked in a hurry.

    "No, not your original world...But you''ll transmigrate to another world where you''ll live the life of a noble from a prestigious family." The Goddess told him of her plans for him.

    The man also didn''t seem to mind, as a noble life in an olden setting didn''t seem bad at all¡ªlavish banquets adorned with roasted pheasants and exotic fruits, moonlit dances in grand halls glittering with crystal chandeliers, and afternoons spent leisurely hunting in sprawling estates or indulging in poetry recitals and philosophical debates.

    There would be sprawling libraries filled with rare tomes, indulgent baths perfumed with oils and rose petals, and evenings of wine-soaked revelry under gilded ceilings while minstrels sang tales of heroism and romance.

    When he thought of experiencing all of this, he had to admit that he didn''t feel too bad about dying. He also didn''t have any close family or friends back on Earth and he always felt like he needed a fresh start, so it worked out for him either way. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "But there''s a catch, chosen one." The Goddess said while the man was daydreaming about his future life. "I''ll tell you that I''m not simply sending you to have fun in that world...I''m sending you there with a certain mission in mind."

    "And what would that be, Miss Goddess?"

    The man asked, wondering what exactly the Goddess wanted him to do.

    He had read a few novels like this before where certain people were sent to another world to defeat the demon lord and save humanity by the Gods up above and thought that this would be the same as well.

    But to his utter shock and disappointment, the Goddess gave an enticing smile and told,

    "It''s nothing like you think, chosen one, since demons and ghosts don''t exist in the world I''m about to send you too...I actually want you to become my representative in that world and act as my follower who practices my beliefs."

    "What that basically means is that I want you to indulge in complete debauchery as you live your life as a nobleman''s son."

    The Goddess''s eyes gleamed as she told the man about his mission, while he started to frown, having his own thoughts in mind. She then continued explaining in an enthusiastic manner, saying,

    "I want you to live an absolutely corrupt life where you indulge in whatever woman you want, no matter if they''re already married, are in unreachable positions, or are even your own family, using whatever despicable means necessary."

    "Indulge in power, greed, and ambition without restraint, and let no sense of honor or justice hold you back."

    "I know that you''re confused as to why a Goddess like me is tasking you with such vulgar affairs and want to know the reasoning behind it." The Goddess remarked and then continued saying, like she was talking about the Heaven''s secrets that couldn''t be told to anyone else, "But unfortunately, I can''t tell you the reason because they aren''t supposed to reach the ears of a mortal...So, just think of it as the Goddess of Debauchery wanting to witness the depravity of mortals from up above."

    The Goddess concluded and looked forward to seeing what the man was going to say, since he seemed to have his own thoughts about the duty he was given.

    "So, you''re telling me to live the life of a depraved noble, who does what he wants to anyone with no care in the world and indulge in whatever wishes I have?"

    The man whose identity was still unknown finally spoke after coming to a decision. He then looked up at the Goddess and asked in a solemn and inquisitive tone.

    "But wouldn''t that mean I would be hurting some innocent people in the process, since, you know, nobles weren''t known for being saints and were actual tyrants in the past?"

    "Yes, you would, chosen one." The Goddess agreed. "The debaucherous life I''m asking you to live isn''t one of a hero''s, but more of a villain''s, so it''s only natural a few mortals would get hurt in your path."

    "I see...If it''s like that, then I would like to apologise to you, since I humbly decline my transmigration to a different world."

    The man abruptly denied the quest he was given in a firm manner.

    But even though it was a shocking reply, since no one would normally reject the opportunity to live the lavish life of royalty, the Goddess seemed to have already expected that he would deny her request, looking at the knowing smile she had as she looked at the enigma of a mortal before her.

    "Are you saying this because of your resolution to never hurt anyone else after the life you''ve lived as a ''peacemaker'', chosen one?" The Goddess asked with a curious look in her eyes.

    "Since you already seem to know about my past, then it should be so much easier to make you understand why I don''t want to do anything that might hurt anyone innocent again." The man calmly said, not at all surprised that the Goddess knew about his past.

    "What if I said that if you reject this offer, you''ll be sent to the Wheel of Samsara and will probably be sent to the Eternal Void where you''ll cease to exist?"

    The Goddess threatened the man with his inevitable fate with her lips curled up.

    "Will you still reject my offer?"

    "As you already know, Miss Goddess, I most definitely would reject your proposition no matter what you say." The man shockingly rejected his second chance at life once again and embraced his death with a smile on his face, just for the sake of keeping his principles. "So I really don''t know why you keep asking me such questions when you already know the inevitable answer I''ll give to your question."

    He then chuckled as he looked at the abyss around him like they were searching for the Wheel of Samsara, so that he could enter it himself and said,

    "I think the best option for you right now is to let me go on my way to my inevitable death and then choose another lost soul for your mission...I''m pretty sure that there are several others out there unlike me who would give anything to live the life of someone who has unimaginable power and drown themselves in women every day."

    "I most definitely can find someone who''s willing to accept my mission, chosen one, since men in the mortal world are basically animals that act based on their lust and would even kill themselves to receive the opportunity I''m offering you."

    The Goddess said as she watched the man turn around and start walking in search of his own end.

    She then shook her head like she really liked what she was going to do next and said,

    "But sadly for someone like you, who isn''t willing to bend what he believes in even at the cost of your own life, I only find you as an appropriate candidate to spread my name in the mortal world."

    "...That''s why I''m saying that if you don''t accept this new life I''m offering you, I''ll simply erase that world from existence, along with the billions of innocent lives along with it since there really is no need for that world to exist without a key element like you involved."

    The man stopped in his tracks when he heard the Goddess''s bone-chilling threat.

    He then turned around and asked the Goddess who had just condemned a world just because of a single decision of his and asked her with a sharp gaze in his eyes,

    "Is that a threat, Miss Goddess?...A colossal threat in the form of the extinction of a world?"

    "It most definitely is, chosen one, even though I''m not very proud to use such crude methods to convince you."

    The Goddess gave an apologetic sigh like she really didn''t want to force him into such a way. But since she really had no other option, she had no other way but to use such dishonest methods.

    "I see." The man nodded his head as he comprehended the magnitude of the situation in his mind and the elements involved. And then, after making a decision, he calmly looked up at the Goddess, who was a little ashamed of the way she was acting, and said with a chuckle, "Then, I guess I have no choice but to accept this mission of yours, even though I''d much rather enter the void and die."

    "Oh...That''s surprising, chosen one."

    The Goddess said as she secretly let out a sigh of relief as she really didn''t know how to further persuade a man who didn''t care about his own life or anyone else''s.

    "I thought that you would struggle a bit more with your decision since you''re so resolute on not hurting anyone else...But you somehow accepted it without much hesitation."

    "Well, when you place the weight of billions of lives on top of my shoulder, it''s only natural that I would agree to your weird mission."

    The man narrowed his gaze, which made the Goddess look away in embarrassment for using such despicable methods to persuade him. He then sighed at the situation he was forced into and continued saying,

    "And at the end of the day, the fate of the world is much more important than anything else, so the people of that world who are going to be affected by my presence and everyone else''s can only blame their fate for what''s going to happen to them."

    "Now, Miss Goddess, who likes to extort humans..." The man joked with a bright gleam in his eyes that came from the excitement of going to another world. "...when are you going to send me to this fantasy world you''re speaking of?"

    "It''s already begun, chosen." The Goddess coughed and ignored his comment. She then pointed at his legs that were starting to fade away into the abyss and continued saying, "The moment you agreed to become the representative of the God of Debauchery, the initiation to send you to another world has already begun."

    "Haha...No wonder I felt like I was losing my balance." The man chuckled as he saw his legs disappear into the mist and then slowly his torso as well.

    "One more thing, before I pop into a bag of smoke."

    The man said as he looked up at the Goddess who had a solemn look on her face as she sent off the man she had chosen to carry out her request. He then continued asking with a silly smile on his face,

    "Could you possibly make all the evidence that leads to the little girl poisoning me vanish, since I really don''t want her to know that she was the reason for my demise?"

    "Very well, chosen one...You''re request shall be fulfilled." The Goddess said not expecting his one and only request to be for someone else.

    And as she saw the last bit of his face vanish into the abyss and turn into a stream of stardust that started to make its way to another world, the Goddess hoped that everything would go just as planned.

    She prayed that the man that she had chosen would show a decent performance that would satisfy her mistress, who was watching all this take place from a corner in the Astral Realm with a wide smile on her face, excited to see what debauchery the man was going to show her in the new world he was being sent to...

    ¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    Warning: This story has Hardcore Netori, a lot of twisted 18+ scenes, and a very brutal protagonist so if you''re not comfortable with those things, this story isn''t for you.

    Also if you want to get a glimpse of the 18+ scenes and what you''re getting into, check out the auxiliary chapter that has a couple of exerpts of what coming.

 Chapter 3 - 3: Cassius Vindictus Holyfield

    From the world of the abyss into a new world in a matter of seconds, the man knew that he had successfully transmigrated into the noble household he was supposed to be in, since he currently felt that he was lying down on some silky sheets with his eyes closed, which he didn''t have back at home.

    What the man expected to see when he opened his eyes was the towering canopy above his bed, adorned with intricate carvings and rich fabric, framed by the silken sheets and plush pillows scattered around him.

    The faint scent of lavender lingering from the potpourri bowls placed strategically in the room.

    A gilded mirror on the far wall reflected the ornate details of the chamber¡ªthe marble-topped side table, the finely crafted candelabra, and the distant shadow of a servant discreetly waiting for his command, since those were all things that were supposed to be in royal bedrooms like he had seen in the movies.

    But in his fright, the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was the sight of two big lips moving towards his face like they were going to give him a big wet kiss.

    The man relaxed himself at first since he thought that a maidservant was trying to wake up her master with a kiss like he were the male version of sleeping beauty.

    Even though he wasn''t used to such practices that depraved nobles followed, he didn''t mind getting kissed by a beautiful girl so early in the morning, so he also puckered his lips to receive the sweet kiss.

    Well, that was until he got curious about how the beauty who was about to give him a kiss looked and decided to look at her face, only to find that the person that was trying to kiss him wasn''t a ''she'' at all and was actually a full-blown ''he''!

    "Bastard!...Just what are you trying to do to me!!!"

    The man shouted at the top of his voice at the sight of a man trying to steal his first kiss in this new world and then swung his hands onto the molester''s face.

    Pa!~

    The rigid hand and rather soft cheek of the pervert connected perfectly, which blasted the man away, who made circles in the air to the other side of the room.

    The man also quickly threw the lavish bedsheets off his body and quickly got up onto the bed to check if any other part of his body had been ravaged.

    "My butt?!...Oh, thank god, it''s fine...But what about my face!?....Phew, that''s fine as well."

    After making sure that his butthole didn''t hurt at all or if there were any kiss marks on his chest, he let out a sigh of relief for not losing his innocence in this world to a man. He then turned to look at the pervert, who was slowly getting up with a confused look on his face, like he were wondering why he was suddenly attacked.

    Normally, if any other man tried to pull off such a stunt in front of him, the strike he would''ve given them would be more than enough to explode their head onto the wall nearby. But because he was still confused about what was going on and needed some answers, he decided to hold back and only send the pervert flying away.

    But even though he was cursing the man who tried to steal his lips all sorts of horrible things in his head, he still had to admit that even though the man lying on the floor was a pervert for trying to assault people in their sleep, he was one hell of a handsome pervert.

    Like he always considered himself to have a rather good-looking face even though his eyes looked rather mean. But compared to the man who was wearing a butler''s suit and was slowly getting up with a red palm mark on his pale white cheek, he really couldn''t compare at all.

    He was so handsome that even the man was caught admiring his beautiful visage for a moment, even though he knew it was wrong to do.

    The perverted butler stood with an air of poised elegance, his tailored black suit hugging his form with a perfect blend of strength and grace. His delicate features were almost ethereal¡ªsoft yet striking, with high cheekbones and a flawless complexion that seemed to catch the light just right.

    Dark, silky hair framed his face, accentuating his captivating eyes, which shimmered like liquid silver, holding a quiet depth that was both alluring and enigmatic. The intricate lace collar of his shirt added a touch of femininity to his sharp attire, creating a balance between power and charm.

    As the morning light poured through the ornate arches behind him, he seemed almost like a portrait come to life, radiating an effortless beauty that left the room utterly spellbound even though he still had a silly look on his face at the moment from being slapped out of nowhere.

    To be honest, the man from another world thought that he was a girl at first because of how beautiful he looked. This was also why he let him get so close to him so that he could receive a kiss from him, since even his soft, pink lips had a certain allure that drew him in.

    But once he noticed that the butler also had a bump on his throat like every other man in existence, he immediately slapped him away and regretted his dangerous mistake of falling for an actual trap that came in a uniform.

    But even though he was sure that the butler before him was a man since girls normally don''t have adam''s apples in their throats, the man couldn''t help but get down from the luxurious bed and ask,

    "Y-You...You are a guy, right?...You can''t possibly be disguising yourself as a woman, right? Because if you are I suggest you to confess this instant!"

    "What are you talking about, young master?...I really don''t understand what you''re trying to say."

    The butler blinked in confusion as he rubbed his cheek that was starting to swell and spoke in a rather husky but sweet voice, which confused the transmigrator even more about his gender. He then walked towards his master without a bit of anger for being slapped by him and instead asked with a concerned look on his face,

    "You first slapped me across the room all of a sudden, which I''m completely fine with since this humble servant of yours is willing to take any number of lashes young master wishes..." The butler bowed his head in a subservient manner, like he would even follow his young master to the end of the world. "...But to ask if I''m a girl...Isn''t that a tad bit strange?" He shook his head like he really didn''t understand why that topic was brought up.

    "I can understand if anyone else questions my gender because of my feminine looks that I''ve had since I was a child." The girly butler nodded like that would make sense and then continued as he looked at his master with a doubtful look on his face, "But how can you have that doubt when you clearly know that I''m a man after witnessing me grow up by your side for most of my lowly life?"

    It was only after these words were said that the man had a burst of memories flash through his mind, all belonging to the previous person who was in his place in this world about who he was and where exactly he was.

    Apparently, the world he was in was a patchwork of kingdoms, principalities, and untamed wildlands, shaped as much by the ambitions of its inhabitants as by the hand of nature. Humans were not the only race to call these lands home; dwarves carved their sprawling cities deep into mountains, elves tended ancient forests where time seemed to stand still, and halflings made their homes in rolling hills, their lives filled with quiet contentment. Orc clans roamed the borderlands, their tribal banners rising defiantly against the encroachment of so-called "civilized" nations.

    Nobility held the reins of power in the human kingdoms, their wealth and influence drawn from vast estates worked by peasants who toiled in fields of wheat, barley, and rye. Castles of stone and mortar served as both residences and fortresses, their high walls a testament to the constant threat of war. Lords and ladies navigated the labyrinthine politics of court life, their alliances and rivalries shaping the fates of their people.

    Trade was the lifeblood of the land, connecting races and cultures in a web of commerce. Human cities hummed with activity, their marketplaces filled with goods brought by dwarven merchants, elven artisans, and adventurous traders braving the treacherous roads. Inns bustled with travellers of all kinds, from scholarly acolytes seeking rare knowledge to mercenaries looking for their next employer.

    Meanwhile, the wilderness beyond the towns and villages was a realm of danger and opportunity, populated by feral beasts, forgotten ruins, and rogue factions.

    And in this typical fantasy world where true magic really didn''t exist but a form of it did, the noble whose identity he was stealing was Cassius Vindictus Holyfield, the youngest wastrel son of the Noble Holyfield family of the Great Nation of Eleanor.

    Eleanor was the largest and most prominent human nation on the Continent and was practically the most powerful force in the world due to its discovery of Eather, a powerful energy source similar to electricity that can be used to power various essential applications ranging from carriages that don''t need horses to drive them around to common household appliances, which was the reason it rocketed to become the most powerful Nation on the Continent.

    The Holyfield family''s rise, to which Cassius belonged, was also a tale of fortune and foresight.

    Generations ago, their lands were a barren wasteland, dismissed as worthless by all. But beneath the dusty surface lay veins of unimaginable wealth: Eather, a potent energy source that reshaped the fabric of civilization. With Eather''s discovery, the Holyfield domain transformed into the lifeblood of Eleanor''s rise to supremacy, becoming the nation''s foremost supplier of this miracle ore. The family''s mines didn''t just produce Eather¡ªthey unearthed rare metals essential for weapons, infrastructure, and the production of devices that used Eather.

    It was said that without the Holyfields, Eleanor''s dominance over the continent would falter.

    But even though Cassius belonged to such a prestigious family, his life was quite the tragic one where fate was jealous of his blessed birth and opportunity, so it decided to take it all away.

    From the very moment he was born, tragedy struck, as his mother, Florence Vindictus Holyfield, died shortly after giving birth to him.

    His father, Roderick Holyfield, the current patriarch of the Holyfield family, loved his first wife dearly, so he couldn''t accept the fact that she had died in such a horrid manner.

    He already knew that his wife had a weak body and that there were several risks for his wife to birth a child for him. But because of his wife''s insistence to have a child of her own, he reluctantly accepted her adamant demands of giving birth to another child into the Holyfield family.

    So after he heard of his wife''s demise and found out that it was his own son, who he never wanted in the first place, was the one who caused her death, he couldn''t help but push all his anger and frustration towards his newborn son.

    He wanted to kill the baby devil that had killed his first wife at first sight. But after his second and third wives argued against it using the fact that the blood of the Vindictus family, another powerful pillar of the kingdom of Eleanor, ran through him, he stopped himself from butchering his own son.

    Rather, he decided to take a step back and exile his son from the main family in the sense that Cassius still had all the benefits of being born into the Holyfield family, but no one who bore the Holyfield name was allowed to interact with him, as he didn''t want anyone else to associate themselves with the devil that killed his wife.

    From then on, Cassius was brought up by maids and butlers alone and wasn''t allowed any interaction with his actual family.

    One could only imagine how much of an impact that could cause on an innocent child and how alone he would feel in this cruel world, knowing that not even his own blood loved him, not to mention anyone else.

    This overwhelming loneliness and sadness led him to growing up to be a complete wastrel who indulged in women and booze every day to satiate the pain and depression in his heart.

    Every day he would visit the several brothels nearby and spend all his time there until the brothel owners kicked him out because he was causing some kind of ruckus there.

    Honestly, the man from another world thought that he would be taking the identity of a depraved noble who did what he desired with no care in the world...Basically a scum of society. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But who would''ve thought that he would actually become a pitiful boy who wanted nothing else than a little love from his own family?

    If we were going to talk about the noble who truly deserved to be cursed to death, then it would have to be his pathetic father, who decided to blame everything on an innocent child.

    The worst part was that Cassius''s life didn''t get any better in the future, as he was poisoned to death, which was the reason the man from another world was able to replace him.

    But leaving the poisoning matter aside, more priority should be given to the guy in front of the newborn Cassius, who was still staring at his master with a confused look on his irresistibly cute face.

 Chapter 4 - 4: Lucious Vindictus

    His name was Lucius Vindictus, Cassius''s right-hand man. But if it should be more accurate, then he was basically his main butler and servant who does whatever his master desires him to do.

    He had joined the household that Cassius was living in separately from his family at the tender age of 8, after a vigorous selection process, and was chosen to be the personal servant of the third son of the Holyfield family.

    From then on, he was the most loyal servant who followed around his master wherever he went and did whatever his master asked for. From bringing him breakfast early in the morning to carrying him back in a carriage after he got drunk in a brothel, he was the ideal servant that any noble could only dream of.

    And for one reason or another, even though his own family despised Cassius and the world mocked him for being the pitiful person he was, Lucious never once looked at his master with any disdain whatever.

    Even after he grew out of being a child, he always managed to serve his master with the utmost loyalty and consideration, not even thinking about the several offers that came from other nobles to poach him, and h would probably even sacrifice his life if Cassius were to ask of it some day because of how fervent his need to serve his beloved master was.

    So, yes, in a certain sense, just like Lucious told, it was very weird for Cassius to ask him about his gender when he spent his entire life by his side as a boy.

    But that still didn''t stop Cassius from having any distracting thoughts, nor did it give him any assurance about Lucious''s gender because of how pretty he looked, almost as if he were a cute little girl in a butler''s outfit.

    That''s why he decided to say something to a man that he never thought he would say in his life.

    "Lucious, don''t take this weirdly...But could you take off your top completely and show me what you have hidden inside?" Cassius coughed and asked awkwardly, unable to believe that he was asking such a favour of a man.

    Of course, the easiest way to check if Lucious was a man or not was to see if anything was hanging underneath. But Cassius couldn''t handle the mental damage of asking to see another man''s ding-dong if he were an actual man, so he decided to go with the more safe method.

    Cassius thought that Lucious would be thrown off guard by his request and even look at him with a certain level of disgust after his master asked him for something that resembled a sexual favour. But to his utter shock, Lucious actually blushed in an adorable manner when he heard his master''s request and fiddled with his fingers like he were really shy to do so.

    It wasn''t like he didn''t want to do it. But more like he was embarrassed to do so in front of his master, which flabbergasted Cassius, who actually thought that his flustered face was actually quite cute.

    "I don''t know why you slapped me out of nowhere, young master, nor do I know why you are suddenly asking this servant to undress...But as long as young master is fine with someone like me, you can do whatever you desire with this frail body of mine."

    Cassius said with a limpid look in his eyes as he slowly took off his coat.

    "W-What are you talking about, you bastard?!"

    Cassius couldn''t help but point and scream when he heard the horrible misunderstanding his servant had.

    "Why are you talking as if you think I''m going to take you straight to bed after you undress?!?!"

    "Huh?...Are you not, young master?"

    Lucius tilted his head and asked in an innocent manner with his sweet little voice, which made one''s heart swell.

    "I thought for sure that this servant''s innocence was going to be taken by the young master''s hands."

    "Of course not, you perverted little butler!...Does your young master look like someone who likes to take it from behind rather than giving it from behind?!"

    Cassius exclaimed at the top of his voice again at the butler, who for some reason was acting like the pitiful servant who was going to be devoured by his master. He then shook his head in a frustrated manner and continued saying,

    "I mean, it''s not like I have anything against men who like other men, and I completely respect their decisions...But at the same time, I hate to be called something that I so obviously am not, and so exactly should you."

    Cassius pointed at the oblivious Lucious.

    "So, why in the world are you so accepting of the thought that your young master, who''s a man, wants to sleep with you when you say that you''re a hot-blooded guy?...It''s because you''re actually a girl in disguise, isn''t it?" Cassius asked with a proud look on his face like he found out his deepest secrets. "Tell me, Lucious, your young master figured it out, didn''t he?"

    Cassius started to throw accusations since he was way too desperate to prove that Lucious was actually a girl.

    The fact that he actually found Lucious to be really cute and pretty made him doubt his own sexuality for the first time in his life, which made him feel so uncomfortable. So he wanted to prove that he was actually a girl so that he could clear his name and not be known as the guy who fell for a trap.

    "Of course I''m a man, young master, and it''s always been like that...Of course, if you desire for me to become a girl, I can cut that ''thing'' off and present it before you in a tray."

    Lucious casually said some horrific lines with a cute smile on his face, which made Cassius gulp at how loyal his servant was, going so far as to mutilate himself for the sake of his master. Lucious then placed his finger on his lips like he were thinking and continued saying in a thoughtful manner,

    "As for why I''m fine with sleeping with young master, that''s only natural since young master isn''t a being who can be classified based on gender and is someone so great and mighty, that this servant is ready to warm your bed every day regardless of whether you are a man or a woman."

    Lucious bowed his head to show his utmost sincerity to serve his young master in any way possible, which even made Cassius a little bit guilty for doubting his loyal servant.

    "Actions speak louder than words, Lucious, so quickly take your clothes off and show me your true self."

    Cassius couldn''t help but request even more, given the guilt he was feeling, as he just had to know if he was a man or not.

    Lucious still didn''t know why his master was asking him to get naked. But his master''s words were his orders, so he immediately got to stripping down.

    The coat was slowly slid down his arms, and then he unbuttoned his white shirt underneath, which was also done in a rather delicate and girly manner, which made Cassius even more sure that he was actually a girl.

    "Here you go, young master!" Luscious called out while slowly spreading his shirt to show his open body with a gentle blush on his cheeks. "T-This is the naked body you wanted to see."

    Cassius ignored the embarrassed look on Lucious''s face as if he were forced to strip down by a depraved noble and then looked closely at his chest, expecting to see something that would prove that he was a girl.

    But to his disbelief, the only thing he saw that resembled that of a girl was his flawless skin that looked to be made of porcelain, his delicate frame like a dainty little flower, and also his navel, which looked like it belonged to a girl because of how sunken it was.

    Other than that, he had the torso of a man, judging by the bone structure that could be seen through his skinny body, and he also didn''t have the most obvious attribute, which were breasts, small or big.

    This confirmed that his trusty butler was a man after all, and he was basically asking a dude to strip down for him.

    Cassius still had some severe doubts about his gender even after seeing the clear evidence. But he couldn''t do anything about it, as it would be even weirder to ask him to take his pants off, so he decided to stop here.

    "Y-Young master, can you stop staring at me so intensely...It''s rather embarrassing when you stare at me with such a fierce gaze." Lucious covered his chest like his breasts were exposed and looked away in a fluster.

    "You little!-...Stop acting as if I''m trying to devour you whole and quickly put your clothes back on!"

    Cassius facepalmed as he thought about how he should deal with his butler, who was a little too feminine for his own good. He then glanced at him putting his buttons on with his dainty little fingers and asked with a sigh,

    "And could you also stop acting so sweet and adorable since it''s bothering me in a very different way?...Like instead of behaving like a shy little girl, could you act a little bit more like a manly butler?"

    "...Actually no...You know what, never mind."

    Cassius waved his hands as he changed his mind, as he was sure that if he commanded him to act more manly, he would definitely force himself to be someone he wasn''t, which he didn''t want to see.

    "Just act like you always have and treat me just like you treated the old Cassius."

    "Old Cassius?...What do you mean by that, young master?" Lucious curiously asked as he quickly went to his master''s side. "Is it possible that you''re going through some personal change that''s making you refer to your past self as the old Cassius?"

    "Oh, that''s rather keen of you, Lucious...You''re quick on the uptake."

    Cassius smiled as he wasn''t expecting the little butler by his side to figure out so much just from a few words, while Lucious himself was secretly in shock and elation as this was the first time that his master had directly praised him.

    Cassius then ignored the butler, who was in a daze from being complimented, and walked towards the massive window in his room that had a perfect view of the beautiful Holyfield estate that was full of lavish gardens and majestic buildings. He gazed into the distance and even beyond and replied, saying,

    "And yes, it''s just like you said, Lucious...You''re young master isn''t going to be like he was before. From here on out there are going to be a lot of changes that you are going to see in me and everything around you...Changes that wouldn''t ever dream of happening."

    "So, my little butler, who has always been by my side." Cassius turned to look back at the butler, who looked too pretty to be a boy with an inviting look on his face. "Are you willing to follow me on this journey like you always have, or do you wish to stop right here, knowing that your life will never be the same again?"

    Lucious''s eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he was struck silent by the gravity of his master''s words. However, as Cassius''s piercing gaze bore into him, unwavering and resolute, Lucious felt a fire ignite within his chest. His loyalty, as eternal as the heavens above, surged forth like a flood.

    "Young Master..." Lucious said, his voice trembling, though not with fear but with emotion. "How could you ever doubt me, even for a moment?...From the day I was entrusted to your service, my life has been yours to command."

    "I have walked beside you through trials that would have broken lesser men. I have witnessed your brilliance, your struggles, and your sorrows. Do you think a mere change in the winds would cause me to falter?"

    He straightened, his delicate features now set with a determined expression as he lifted his head to meet Cassius''s eyes.

    "If this journey leads you to the heavens, I will walk beside you into their light. If it drags you into the depths of despair, then I will descend with you into the darkness...And if, by some cruel twist of fate, it should lead us both to the grave, then I will follow without hesitation, for there is no place I would rather be than by your side."

    Lucious''s voice grew softer but no less resolute.

    "So please, do not question my loyalty again, young master, as I am yours, now and forever, and there is nothing that could ever change that." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''Damn son...I was just asking you a ''yes'' or ''no'' question...Why are you suddenly going into an epic monologue of your own like we''re going to face the end of the world?...I mean, we kind of are. But not in the sense that you could think.''

    ''Well, since he''s going so far to play his part as my loyal butler, I should also respond in a worthy manner that will command his respect.''

    "Good." Cassius murmured, turning his gaze back toward the horizon. "With such a loyal subordinate by my side, even taking over the world wouldn''t be a difficult task, much less than carrying out the mission given by the Goddess up above." Lucius''s eyes gleamed as he wished he could forever imprint how heroic his master looked at the moment.

    "...But before we do any of that, we should first catch the bastard that poisoned your young master and give him a punishment that he will never forget for the rest of his short life."

    Cassius announced with a cruel smile on his face as he imagined how he was going to torment the imbecile who dared to poison him...

 Chapter 5 - 5: Suffocated To Death

    "Poisoned?!...Young master, you''re poisoned?!"

    Lucious jumped up on his feet and ran to his master''s side to give him some assistance with a terrified look on his face.

    "It''s fine, Lucious; it was only an attempted poisoning but it somehow failed, so there''s really no need to worry." Cassius said to calm down his butler, who was jumping up and down by his side like a restless little puppy. "You also can see how active I am at the moment, so you can really be reassured as the danger has already passed."

    Lucious paused, his large, doe-like eyes scanning Cassius''s face for any sign of weakness or lingering pain.

    Seeing none, he hesitated, his fear warring with the confidence his master exuded. Cassius, as poised and unyielding as ever, stood tall, his gaze steady and reassuring. Yet, the butler''s worry refused to fully subside.

    ''Damn...Who needs a wife when I''ve got a butler who looks at me with such concerned eyes?'' Cassius couldn''t help but think, even though he looked so confident on the outside, finding his butler''s care to be a bit too overbearing.

    "I believe you, young master." Lucious said softly. "But poison is no small matter. Even if the attempt failed, there could be lingering effects...Please, just to be safe, let the doctor examine you." He tugged on his master''s sleeves to try and drag him to see the family doctor.

    "I''m really fine, Lucious." Cassius pulled him back from going anywhere. He then continued saying to reassure the concerned butler, "Trust me when I say that I would be the first one to visit the doctor if I had any doubts that the poison was still inside of me at the moment, as after losing my life once, I absolutely have no intention of doing so again."

    Lucious was still worried about his young master''s well-being. But since he was so confident, more confident and lively than he had ever seen him in years, like the poison he had in his body injected him with some kind of revitalizer, he sighed and let go of the matter.

    "By the way, why exactly did you try to kiss me earlier, Lucious?" Cassius couldn''t help but ask. "You say that you''re a guy, but you still tried to steal a kiss from me, which ended up with me bruising your handsome face?...What was that about?"

    "No, young master...I think that you''re misunderstanding." Lucious shook his head. He then continued explaining while having a shy look in his eyes, "I wasn''t trying to kiss you or anything, even though I''m willing to do so if that''s what you truly wish from this servant."

    "Nope...Not in this life." Cassius immediately rejected his offer.

    "But I was actually trying to check your temperature and also your breath to see if you had a cold, since you weren''t responding to my calls no matter how much I tried to wake you up." Lucius concluded the misunderstanding that sent him flying away.

    "That''s probably because I was still fighting the poison at that time, and my body was on the borderline of death."

    Cassius said even though the past Cassius had already died from the poison and had moved on from this world to what was hopefully to be with his late mother.

    The man from another world who had taken Cassius''s mantle didn''t really know that he had actually died from poison when he first came to this world.

    It was only after he gained his past memories and noticed how his body unnaturally started shutting before his death did he figure out that the Cassius of this world was a victim of poison as well...The only difference being he died of a lethal poison, while the transmigrator died of food poisoning.

    "What do we do now, young master?...Should we report this matter to the family head?"

    Lucious asked from the side, while wondering who was out for his young master''s head when all he did his whole life was live his life in the corner of the estate, never causing problems to anyone even though trouble always sought his way.

    "Haha...Report it to the same geezer who wanted to slaughter me with a sword when I was just a newborn baby and the same man who probably wishes for my death everyday?" Cassius laughed out loud with a wicked smile on his face. "He probably wouldn''t stop smiling for a couple of months if he were to hear such good news."

    Cassius''s voice was laced with a chilling edge, his cold glint cutting through the brightly lit study like a blade.

    "And who knows." He muttered, his tone as sharp as shattered glass. "He might very well be the one who tried to poison me....After all, I can''t think of anyone else who harbours such hatred for me."

    The words hung in the air, heavy and ominous, sending a shiver coursing through Lucius. The young attendant, who had served his master through years of quiet despair, suddenly found himself trembling.

    Cassius''s eyes¡ªonce dulled by sorrow and self-loathing¡ªnow burnt with an intensity that made Lucius feel as though he were staring into the gaze of a predator.

    This was not the master he had known.

    For as long as Lucius could remember, Cassius had been a man consumed by guilt and rejection.

    Haunted by the scorn of his parents and burdened by the belief that his birth had cost his mother her life, he had sought solace in fleeting pleasures: the arms of women, the numbness of alcohol.

    His anger had always been turned inward, never directed outward at the people who had wronged him.

    But this...This was different.

    The fury in Cassius''s voice, the glacial calm in his expression¡ªit was as if the near-death experience had awakened something dormant within him, a beast long buried under years of self-pity. Lucius had never seen him like this, and it was both terrifying and exhilarating.

    His master, once meek and broken, seemed to have finally reached a breaking point.

    Lucius swallowed hard, the trembling in his hands slowly giving way to a spark of anticipation.

    Was this the moment he had been waiting for? The moment Cassius, the man he had long believed capable of greatness, would finally rise from the ashes of his despair?

    A surge of excitement coursed through Lucius as he silently observed his master.

    The household that had cast Cassius aside, the family that had reduced him to a shadow of his potential, would soon learn the consequences of their cruelty.

    Lucius couldn''t help but smile to himself. His master had the potential to rule not just this household but the entire country if he willed it. And for the first time, Lucius felt certain Cassius had finally realised that too.

    Of course his thoughts were too far-reaching, as even though his young master had found some motivation to keep him going, it wasn''t taking over the household or becoming the king of Eleanor like he thought...But it was too bang as many women as he could, including his own family, who resided in the main mansion next door, and carry out the teachings of the Goddess of Debauchery.

    "Yes, young master." Lucius began, his tone light and melodic, like a child discussing a harmless secret. "If we were to let the household handle this matter, they would most likely drag the sinner to court for trial, even if they managed to catch him. But..." He paused, his sweet little voice dropping just enough to send a chill down Cassius''s spine. "...Only if we catch him ourselves can we stain our hands with his wretched blood¡ªthe blood of the one who dared to harm the youngest son of the Holyfield family."

    For a moment, Cassius froze.

    His lovable, ever-smiling attendant, with his cherubic face and warm, adoring gaze, had just uttered words that sounded more fitting for a villain in a bloody revenge tale. The dissonance between Lucius''s innocent appearance and the terrifying malice in his words left Cassius completely off guard.

    He blinked, unsure if he had misheard.

    ''Was this truly the same Lucius who had fussed over him with gentle hands only hours ago, ensuring he had warm tea and enough blankets as he recovered?''

    ''The same boy who trailed after him like a loyal pup, full of unwavering devotion?''

    "Lucius..." Cassius began hesitantly, his sharp composure momentarily faltering. "What exactly are you saying?"

    Lucius tilted his head, his soft dark curls catching the light, and offered a bright, almost angelic smile.

    "I''m saying, young master, that justice is best delivered by our own hands."

    The sheer innocence in his expression contrasted so starkly with the dark edge of his words that Cassius couldn''t suppress a shudder. Somewhere deep down, he knew Lucius''s loyalty ran deeper than he''d ever realized¡ªdeeper and far more dangerous.

    "W-Well, first we have to catch the one who poisoned me...Then only can we think about about how we can deal with him."

    Cassius clapped his hands which made Lucious go back to his puppy like state, which was far better to see them when he was on a mission of vengeance.

    "How exactly will we do that young master?...Do you want me to a hire a special group of private investigators to deal with this matter in silence?"

    Lucious asked as he thought of the several mercenaries that would be at his beck and call, knowing that he was coming from the almighty Holyfield family.

    "No...I don''t want to drag others into such a simple matter." Cassius told it like it were no big deal at all, which made Lucious''s eyes glow with more admiration than before. "For now let''s figure out what type of poison they used against me by identifying the symptoms of the poison and then tracing it back."

    "Huh?...But I really didn''t see any significant changes in your health or behaviour, young master...What sort of symptoms are you talking about?" Cassius asked as he normally spent his entire day looking after his master and he genuinely didn''t see anything wrong with him.

    "Irregular cardiac activity, sudden rises in body temperature, chills that come every once in a while, dryness in the throat, and finally the stoppage of oxygen to the brain, which leads to death...All of these happened to me in small gaps of time over the past 4 days, so if we find the poison that has the same symptoms we can find out which one it is." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius stated after scanning his memories for any irregular activities in his body over the past few days, concluding that someone had been giving him doses of poison every day until it had finally accumulated to an amount that could kill him.

    Of course, the past Cassius or any other normal human out there wouldn''t be able to notice the micro changes that happen in one''s body, like blood that''s moving slower than usual or a degree increase in temperature at certain parts in the body, which was why they would die without even knowing that they were poisoned.

    But the transmigrator that came from another world wasn''t exactly normal, so noting down such changes just by analysing the deep memories of someone else wasn''t too much of a big issue for him.

    "You also don''t have to beat yourself up for not finding out these changes since all of them are internal and don''t actually show up to anyone''s unsuspecting eyes, Lucious."

    Cassius patted his butler''s back when he saw the frustrated look on his face for letting his master get poisoned and doing nothing to stop it because of his innocence.

    "For now, prove your worth to me by bringing me a record or book that has all the world''s poisons listed in it." Cassius said to distract Lucious from the fact that he actually let his master get killed right beneath his eyes.

    "Yes, young master!"

    Lucious nodded his head in a frantic manner, determined to find the bastard who poisoned his young master and feed him the same poison he used. He then started walking briskly towards the door and looked back and said,

    "Follow me, young master...If there''s anywhere in the Holyfield estate that has books regarding poisons in it, then it has to be our family''s grand library that has over a hundred thousand books from all over the continent regarding every topic that exists...I''m sure we can find our answer there."

    Cassius smiled at his butler, who was all fired up to find the culprit who poisoned him, and followed him out the door until finally they left the mansion they were in, which wasn''t connected to the main building where the rest of the family resided.

    Cassius''s private mansion stood like a silent guardian on the edge of the Holyfield estate, its grandeur muted yet undeniably noble. Constructed of pale grey stone, its facade was adorned with intricate carvings¡ªgargoyles perched atop the corners of the roof, their watchful eyes scanning the sprawling gardens below. Tall, arched windows lined the walls, their glass panes catching the faint morning light and refracting it in dazzling patterns across the cobblestone paths leading up to the entrance.

    The main doorway, a pair of heavy oak doors reinforced with wrought iron, bore the Holyfield family crest¡ªa proud eagle clutching a sword in its talons¡ªetched into its surface. Ivy crept along the stone walls, its deep green tendrils softening the otherwise imposing structure, while flower beds of vibrant roses and hydrangeas framed the base of the building in bursts of color.

    Inside, the mansion was no less impressive. The grand foyer opened into a space dominated by a sweeping marble staircase, its balustrades carved with delicate filigree. Chandeliers of crystal and gold hung from high vaulted ceilings, their soft glow illuminating the polished floors and tapestries that depicted the family''s storied lineage.

    Each room spoke of wealth and status: a library with towering bookshelves and leather-bound tomes, a dining hall with a long mahogany table that could seat twenty, and a sitting room with plush velvet furniture and gilded mirrors. Yet, for all its opulence, the mansion carried an air of isolation.

    Separated from the main building where the rest of the Holyfield family resided, this house was both a symbol of Cassius''s noble blood and a constant reminder of his distance from the family that cast him aside. Its beauty was undeniable, but its silence felt heavy, as if the walls themselves carried the weight of its inhabitant''s solitude.

    As Cassius and Lucius stepped out onto the front steps, the vast estate stretched before them¡ªmanicured gardens, marble fountains, and cobblestone paths that wound toward the imposing main building in the distance. The mansion, while grand, seemed a world apart from the bustling life of the estate''s heart, and perhaps, Cassius thought, that was exactly how the Holyfield family had intended it to be.

    Cassius strode through the opulent halls of the main mansion, his sharp eyes catching the not-so-subtle glances from the maids and servants bustling about.

    Some whispered behind their hands, their eyes darting toward him with barely concealed pity. Others avoided his gaze altogether, their stiff bows and quick steps speaking volumes.

    He knew the looks well¡ªhe''d grown up with them. Ot atleast had memories of growing up with them.

    The Holyfield family''s youngest son, the black sheep, the drunken wastrel. But today, those looks felt...different.

    ''Were they tinged with a hint of curiosity? Perhaps even confusion?''

    Cassius smirked, leaning toward Lucius as they walked, his voice low but teasing. ''''Lucius, do you think it''s my devastatingly handsome face that has them staring so much? Or could it be that they''ve somehow realised that this young master is going to strike back with a bang?''''

    Lucius glanced up at his master, his innocent expression unchanged as he tilted his head. ''''I''m sure it''s both, young master.'''' He replied sweetly, though there was a glint of mischief in his eye.

    Cassius chuckled, but his gaze lingered on a pair of maids who quickly turned their heads, pretending to dust an already spotless vase. ''''Or maybe...'''' He continued, feigning a thoughtful tone. "...They''re simply in awe of how I''ve managed to drink and charm my way through life without completely ruining myself.''''

    Lucius nodded solemnly, playing along. ''''Yes, young master, your talent for creating chaos while avoiding complete disaster is truly admirable. A skill most couldn''t hope to master.''''

    Cassius barked a laugh, his voice echoing through the grand hall, startling a butler who nearly dropped the tray he was carrying. "Perhaps I should teach a class." He said dryly. "How to survive as the family disappointment with style?"

    But as they passed through the gilded archways, Cassius''s smirk faded slightly, his eyes taking in the sprawling wealth around him.

    He could feel the unspoken judgment, the whispers that followed him like shadows. They either pitied him for being an outsider in his own family or despised him for tarnishing their noble reputation.

    Cassius already felt quite uncomfortable in this heavy atmosphere so one could only imagine what the original Cassius who had already passed on would''ve felt...Probably suffocated...So suffocated that he even hoped that someone would poison his food and let him end his enternal pain.

    But to think that fantasy of his that emerged form his mind that was floating in the ocean of depression and despair would actually come true...What an absolute joke.

 Chapter 6 - 6: Tracking The Poison

    Bang!

    The door swung open with a resounding crash, its weight slamming against the wall as Cassius and Lucius strode into the Holyfield household''s grand library.

    Cassius paused mid-step, his sharp remark about Lucius''s dramatic entry dying on his lips as his gaze swept across the room.

    The library was nothing short of magnificent, a true testament to the Holyfield family''s legacy. It was a vast, cathedral-like space with towering shelves that reached up to a ceiling painted in exquisite murals of celestial scenes. Golden sunlight filtered through enormous stained-glass windows, casting colourful patterns across the polished wooden floor. The scent of aged parchment and leather-bound tomes filled the air, rich and inviting.

    The bookshelves were carved from dark mahogany, each panel adorned with intricate designs of ivy and mythical creatures. Thousands of volumes lined the shelves, their spines gleaming in shades of gold, emerald, and crimson. Rolling ladders were fixed to the shelves, their brass wheels glinting as they waited to be used.

    In the centre of the room stood an imposing oak table, its surface strewn with quills, parchment, and ancient maps. Surrounding it were high-backed chairs upholstered in velvet, their edges trimmed with gold. Chandeliers of wrought iron and crystal hung from the ceiling, their soft glow illuminating every corner of the cavernous space.

    Cassius exhaled slowly, his lips curving into an impressed smirk. "I''ll admit." He said, his voice breaking the reverent silence. "I didn''t expect this."

    Lucius, ever composed, gave a small bow. "The main household spares no expense in cultivating knowledge, young master...This library is said to contain works from every corner of the empire, some of which are priceless artifacts."

    Cassius took a few steps forward, running his fingers lightly along the edge of a nearby shelf. "Hmph. I suppose even this family of mine has some redeeming qualities." He murmured, his tone wry. He glanced at Lucius with a crooked grin. "Though I doubt any of them have even touched half of these books."

    Lucius chuckled softly, his hands clasped behind his back, which made him look like a child trying to imitate an adult, and he continued saying,

    "It''s said the library is more of a status symbol than a sanctuary of learning for most of the family."

    Cassius turned, his gaze falling on a display case near the far wall. Inside, ancient tomes bound in iron and silver were carefully preserved, their pages locked away behind enchanted glass. He couldn''t help but feel a flicker of awe.

    "For once..." He said, his voice quieter now. "I might actually agree with them...This place is extraordinary."

    Lucius''s smile widened, though he said nothing. Watching his master''s intrigue grow was reward enough.

    Cassius''s gaze lingered on the sheer expanse of the library before he casually turned to Lucius, leaning back against the oak table with a smirk.

    "Well then, Lucius." He said, his tone half-amused. ''''If this place truly has books on everything, fetch me one on poisons...Something comprehensive.''''

    Lucius bowed his head slightly, his expression unchanging. "As you wish, young master. Please wait a moment."

    Cassius chuckled softly, expecting his request to send Lucius on a long hunt through the labyrinthine shelves. He reached for a quill on the table, intending to idly sketch while he waited¡ªbut to his shock, before he could even dip the quill into ink, Lucius was back.

    "Here it is, young master."

    Lucius said in his sweet voice, holding out a hefty leather-bound book titled ''Toxica: A Collection of Poisons and Their Remedies''.

    Cassius blinked, staring at the book in surprise. "That was... fast." He said, accepting the volume. ''''How in the world did you find it so quickly in this maze?"

    Lucius tilted his head, his dark hair bouncing slightly as he offered a faint, almost mischievous smile. ''''Simple, young master. I''ve memorised the layout of the library, down to every compartment and section.''''

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his surprise deepening as he said, ''''You''ve memorised it?...All of it?'''' Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucius nodded, his tone light, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

    "Yes, young master. When I first came here, I thought it would be useful to familiarise myself with the household''s resources. It took a few months, but now I know exactly where every category of book is stored. For example, poisons are located in the alchemy section, third shelf from the left on the eastern wall."

    Cassius stared at his butler for a long moment, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile.

    ''''You''re full of surprises, Lucius. I thought your talents were limited to brewing tea and helping me to bed when I''m drunk with that angelic face of yours.''''

    Lucius gave a small, playful shrug.

    "I do aim to exceed expectations, young master.''''

    Cassius let out a soft laugh, flipping open the book as he sat down at the table.

    "Well, consider me impressed. You might be cute, Lucius, but you''re also far too capable for your own good."

    Lucius''s smile widened, a faint pink dusting his cheeks as he shyly said, ''''You''re too kind, young master. But I assure you, my only priority is assisting you.''''

    Cassius shook his head with a bemused grin, already absorbed in the pages of the book.

    Lucius, ever dutiful yet brimming with his golden retriever-like energy, couldn''t resist leaning closer as Cassius flipped through the pages of the thick tome. His grey eyes sparkled with curiosity as he pointed at a particularly gruesome illustration of a toxic plant.

    "Look at this one, young master!" He exclaimed, his tone bright and almost gleeful despite the morbid subject. ''''It looks so harmless, but one bite and you''d be...Well...Probably dead in minutes!...Isn''t that fascinating?''''

    Cassius glanced up, his lips twitching with amusement, and said to him, ''''Lucius, are you sure you''re not the one I should be worried about poisoning me?''''

    Lucius gasped, his black hair swaying dramatically as he straightened, placing a hand over his heart and solemnly said, ''''Young master! How could you accuse me of such treachery?" He cried, his voice dripping with mock indignation. "I would never harm you! Besides, I''m far too clumsy to pull off something so sneaky.''''

    Cassius couldn''t help but chuckle, shaking his head, and said, "You''re utterly ridiculous, you know that?"

    Lucius grinned widely, his earlier composed demeanour completely replaced by his puppy-like enthusiasm. "Ridiculously loyal, you mean!" He beamed, standing tall as if awaiting praise, his eyes shining with pride.

    Cassius sighed, half-exasperated but undeniably fond of his eccentric butler. "Alright, alright, ridiculously loyal...Now quickly go and find whoever bought this specific poison on this page from any sellers nearby, as this is what almost caused my death." Cassius pointed at a red flower on one of the pages that was dried and turned into a powdered poison called ''Velveta Rose''.

    Lucius blinked in surprise, his eyes wide as he stared at the page Cassius had pointed out. "Velveta Rose?" He murmured, tilting his head to read the description of the crimson flower that was turned into powdered poison. He then leaned closer and asked, "Young master, how did you..."

    He trailed off, glancing up at Cassius with a mixture of awe and confusion.

    "You found the exact poison already? But you''ve barely had the book for five minutes!"

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, a smug smirk playing on his lips as he crossed his arms and said, "What can I say, Lucius? Genius runs in my blood, no matter what this family likes to believe." He tapped the page with a finger. "I''ve been piecing together the symptoms ever since I woke up...All I needed was confirmation, and this..." He gestured to the book. "...provided exactly that."

    But even though Cassius said it was because he was a genius, no prodigy out there in the world could possibly read through a five hundred-page book in a matter of minutes. Only someone like him, who had the comprehension skills of a supercomputer that came with his identity as a ''peacekeeper'' could do something as extraordinary as that.

    But of course Lucious didn''t think about that and simply stared at him, momentarily speechless. Then, with a gleam of admiration in his eyes, he clapped his hands together.

    "Young master, you''re amazing! A true detective!"

    Cassius arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening, and said in an amused manner,

    "Detective, is it? I think I rather like the sound of that. Maybe I should add it to my growing list of talents."

    Lucius nodded enthusiastically, his earlier astonishment quickly giving way to his usual puppy-like energy. ''''Absolutely! You''re the most brilliant, clever, and daring detective in the Holyfield household...No, in the entire country!''''

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head, and said ''''Flattery will get you everywhere, Lucius...Now, enough theatrics. I need you to focus.'''' His tone grew serious as he tapped the page again. ''''Track down whoever bought this poison...It''s rare, and there can''t be many sellers dealing in something so specific. Start with the alchemists and apothecaries in the nearby towns.''''

    Lucius straightened immediately, his playful demeanour giving way to sharp determination.

    ''''Understood, young master. I''ll gather the information as quickly as possible.''''

    Cassius gave him a nod, his red eyes gleaming with purpose.

    "Good. The sooner we find the source, the closer we''ll be to uncovering who wanted me dead.''''

    Lucius spun around, his usual bounce tempered by the weight of his mission.

 Chapter 7 - 7: Innate Strength

    After sending Lucius off, Cassius strode toward a large, ornate mirror standing in the corner of the library. The polished silver frame was adorned with intricate carvings of roses and thorns, and its surface gleamed so brightly that his reflection almost seemed alive.

    He stared at himself, his sharp red eyes scanning every detail with an intensity that bordered on obsession. He had a suspicion¡ªa lingering doubt ever since he woke up in this world¡ªand now he intended to confirm it.

    Just as he thought.

    The face staring back at him was unmistakably his own¡ªthe same face he''d known all his life back on Earth. High cheekbones, a strong jawline, and sharp features that some might call regal. Even his thick, raven-black hair was the same, tumbling neatly to his neck in soft waves.

    "Well..." He muttered to his reflection. "...If nothing else, I guess I can thank the Goddess for not sticking me in a face I''d hate to wake up to."

    But this wasn''t mere possession, not by a long shot.

    He tugged at the collar of his shirt, exposing a faint scar just below his collarbone. His fingers brushed over the mark, a reminder of a foolish childhood accident back in his old world. It was still there, exactly as he remembered.

    His eyes narrowed, tracing the other faint scars on his arms and hands¡ªthe ones he''d earned through his life.

    This was undeniably his body, not the body of the original Cassius. He rolled his shoulders, feeling the familiar stretch of muscle, the precise balance of his frame.

    In fact, he noted, with a small smirk, he looked even better than he remembered. His physique was more chiseled, more refined, as though the goddess had polished and perfected him for this new world.

    "Not bad." He murmured, tilting his head to admire the angles of his reflection. "If the old Cassius looked anything like me, no wonder the guy had his fair share of admirers, even if he wasted it all on booze and self-pity."

    He frowned slightly, though, as the thought settled. If this truly was his own body¡ªtransferred across worlds by divine intervention¡ªthen where was the body of the old Cassius? His soul was likely gone, replaced by his own, but the body...

    "Did she swap us completely?" He wondered aloud, his fingers brushing his jaw thoughtfully. "Or did she just toss his body and soul somewhere else entirely?...Goddess above, you could''ve at least left me a memo."

    The thought left him uneasy, but there was little he could do about it now.

    What mattered was that he was here, alive and very much in control of his own body.

    Cassius then glanced around the library, his gaze landing on an ornate fruit bowl placed on a nearby shelf. It was clearly a decorative piece, filled with artificial fruits crafted from various metals¡ªgolden bananas, silver pears, and a particularly realistic apple made of gleaming steel.

    He picked up the metallic apple, rolling it in his palm thoughtfully. It was heavy, its surface cool and smooth under his fingertips. A mischievous smirk played on his lips as an idea took root in his mind.

    "Let''s see if I still have it." He murmured to himself.

    Gripping the apple firmly in his right hand, Cassius tensed his arm slightly, his muscles shifting beneath his shirt.

    He focused, summoning the same strength he had relied on back in his old world. Slowly, the steel began to groan, the sound of metal bending filling the quiet library.

    Creak~ Creak~

    With a sharp crack, the apple split under his grip, the once-perfect sphere now a twisted, crushed mess of mangled metal.

    Tiny shards fell to the floor with a soft clink as he opened his hand, revealing the warped remnants of the apple sitting in his palm.

    Cassius let out a low whistle, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, that''s reassuring." He said, tossing the crushed apple aside like it was nothing. "Seems like the Goddess didn''t forget to pack my strength along with the rest of me."

    He flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar power coursing through them. It was exactly as it had been before¡ªno, perhaps even stronger. The weight of the task the goddess had assigned him no longer seemed daunting; it felt like a challenge he could take on with ease.

    "This is going to be fun." He muttered, his grin turning sharper. "If this world thinks it can throw anything at me, it''s sorely mistaken. I''ll handle it all¡ªand then some."

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Lucius returned to the library with an eager spring in his step, his grey eyes alight with excitement. His investigation had borne fruit quicker than expected.

    Using the vast resources of the Holyfield family, tracking down the purchase of the rare poison had been no challenge. Even the alias used to mask the buyer''s identity had been unravelled, revealing someone of shocking importance within the household.

    He could hardly wait to tell his young master. The thrill of unmasking the culprit, combined with the hope of earning Cassius''s praise, made his heart race with anticipation.

    Pushing open the grand library doors, Lucius stepped inside, his voice already forming the words to deliver the news. But he stopped short.

    The room was empty.

    The flickering candlelight danced over rows of bookshelves and the vast reading table, but there was no sign of Cassius. The chair he had last seen his master sitting in was neatly pushed in, as though it hadn''t been used for hours.

    Lucius frowned, his excitement faltering. "Young master?" He called, his voice echoing faintly in the quiet space.

    When no answer came, he began to search the library, checking the alcoves and corners, but it was clear Cassius was no longer there.

    "Perhaps he went back to the mansion..." Lucius murmured, his expression thoughtful as he hurried out of the library.

    Crossing the mansion grounds, he made his way to the separate building where Cassius resided. The air was still and cold, the sunlight casting eerie shadows across the stone path.

    Reaching the front doors, Lucius pushed them open with ease, stepping inside. But as he walked through the halls, a sense of unease crept over him.

    The place was silent¡ªdeathly silent.

    The mansion, already sparsely staffed, was completely deserted.

    No servants bustled about, no faint sounds of cleaning or footsteps echoed through the halls. Every room he checked was empty, untouched, as though abandoned hours ago.

    Lucius''s frown deepened, his steps quickening as he moved through the mansion. His voice broke the eerie quiet.

    "Young master? Are you here?"

    Nothing...Only the sound of his own voice bouncing back at him.

    He came to a halt in the middle of the grand foyer, his heart sinking slightly as he realized Cassius wasn''t here either.

    "What''s going on?" He whispered to himself, his hand brushing through his black hair in frustration.

    Just as he was contemplating where to search next, a faint shuffle of footsteps caught his attention. Turning sharply, he saw one of the maids approaching him, her expression hesitant. She bowed politely before speaking.

    "Master Lucius." She said softly. "I''ve been instructed to inform you that everyone has been summoned to the banquet hall by the young master...He''s requested your presence there as well."

    Lucius blinked, surprise flashing across his face.

    "The banquet hall?" He repeated, his confusion growing. "Why there? And why summon the staff?"

    The maid shook her head. "I''m afraid I don''t know the details, sir. But he was quite insistent."

    Lucius exhaled sharply, his mind racing as he nodded. "Very well. Thank you."

    As the maid retreated, Lucius turned toward the main mansion, his footsteps brisk and purposeful. A mixture of confusion and curiosity filled him as he headed for the banquet hall.

    "Just what are you planning, young master?" He muttered under his breath, his pretty eyes narrowing.

    Open~

    Lucius pushed open the heavy doors of the banquet hall, the faint creak echoing into the dimly lit room. The sight before him made him pause.

    The expansive hall, typically vibrant with light and chatter during gatherings, was eerily subdued.

    The chandeliers overhead, usually ablaze with brilliance, had been dimmed, casting long, flickering shadows across the richly adorned walls. The golden accents along the ceiling glinted faintly in the subdued glow, giving the room a hauntingly solemn atmosphere.

    The staff of the household stood in neat rows, their postures stiff, their faces uneasy. Whispers flitted between them, but the room was otherwise oppressively silent.

    Every eye turned toward Lucius as he entered, their gazes filled with a mix of confusion and nervous anticipation.

    Lucius''s sharp eyes swept over the crowd, searching for the one person who could explain this peculiar scene. But Cassius was nowhere to be found.

    "What in the world is going on here?" He murmured, his voice low as he stepped further into the hall. His mind raced with questions.

    ''Why had the young master summoned everyone here? And why was the atmosphere so unsettling?''

    As he stood there, trying to make sense of it all, a maid approached him hesitantly. She was a petite girl, her hands trembling slightly as she held out a folded piece of paper. Her head bowed as she spoke in a barely audible voice.

    "Master Lucius, the young master instructed me to give this to you upon your arrival."

    S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 8 - 8: Assassination Attempt

    Lucius frowned, his curiosity deepening as he accepted the note.

    Unfolding it carefully, he recognised Cassius''s distinct handwriting at once. His eyes darted over the words, his expression shifting as he read.

    The moment he finished reading, he folded it back neatly, slipping it into his pocket without so much as a flicker of emotion crossing his face. He straightened, brushing a hand through his neck-length hair as though to compose himself.

    His silence was deliberate, ensuring no one around him could catch even a hint of what the note contained. He simply nodded, as if to confirm his understanding, and walked toward the front of the assembled staff with purposeful steps.

    Standing before the crowd, Lucius took a deep breath, his expression turning grave. The dim lighting cast shadows across his young face, but his sharp grey eyes glinted with intensity. He raised a hand, silencing the low murmurs of confusion among the staff.

    "I have an important announcement."

    Lucius began, his voice steady and solemn. The tension in the room deepened, every pair of eyes locking onto him.

    ''''Earlier today, someone attempted to assassinate your master, Cassius Holyfield, through the use of poison.''''

    The reaction was instant.

    A wave of gasps rippled through the room, followed by frantic whispers and murmurs of panic.

    The servants exchanged wide-eyed looks, some clutching their hands together nervously, while others stepped back as if the very accusation might taint them.

    "An assassination?" One maid whispered fearfully.

    ''''Who would dare to go after a noble?'''' Another voice hissed, laced with dread.

    ''''Do they suspect the staff? What if we''re blamed?''''

    Lucius''s sharp ears caught every word, his lips pressing into a thin line. The fear spreading through the hall wasn''t concern for Cassius¡ªit was pure self-preservation. They weren''t worried about the young master''s life; they were terrified for their own safety and positions.

    Raising his hand once more, Lucius silenced the room again. His voice dropped slightly, carrying an edge of quiet authority.

    "Your master survived.''''

    The collective sigh of relief that followed was almost deafening, but it was accompanied by a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The fear eased, replaced by murmured reassurances and faint smirks of relief. But Lucius noticed the truth behind their expressions.

    Their relief wasn''t out of gratitude or loyalty¡ªit was selfish. They were relieved because Cassius''s survival meant their jobs and livelihoods were secure. There was no genuine concern for their master''s well-being, only the assurance that the repercussions wouldn''t fall on them.

    Lucius''s jaw tightened, his grey eyes narrowing as he observed the crowd. A quiet anger simmered within him, though he kept his composure.

    ''These people....'' He thought bitterly. ''They don''t care about him at all...To them, he''s nothing but a burden they tolerate for their own gain.''

    But Lucius said nothing. Instead, he stood tall, his demeanour calm and controlled.

    ''''Rest assured, your master is safe, and measures are already being taken to address this incident. I expect all of you to remain composed and continue your duties without fail...This household will not tolerate weakness or disorder."

    The crowd nodded quickly, murmuring obedient affirmations, though their faces betrayed more relief than sincerity.

    Lucius let the weight of his words settle over the room, his sharp grey eyes scanning the crowd. The staff stood frozen, murmuring quietly among themselves, their earlier panic now tinged with unease.

    Just as the tension began to dissipate, Lucius raised his voice again, his tone cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

    "One more thing.'''' He said, his calm demeanour unwavering, yet his words carried an edge that made the room fall silent once more. "The one who dared to poison your master is already on the verge of being found...By the end of the day, their identity will be revealed."

    The statement struck like thunder, sending ripples of shock and curiosity through the crowd. Faces turned toward one another, hushed whispers breaking out almost immediately.

    "Who could be bold enough to poison a noble?" One servant murmured.

    "Especially a member of the Holyfield family." Another added, their voice laced with disbelief.

    "Do they have a death wish?" Someone else whispered nervously.

    The staff''s unease shifted into a strange mix of fear and intrigue. The idea that someone among them¡ªor someone close to the family¡ªmight be responsible ignited a flurry of speculation. They began to exchange theories and gossip in hushed tones, their earlier panic giving way to morbid curiosity.

    Lucius watched them silently, his expression unreadable. Inside, his anger still simmered, but he hid it well, maintaining his calm facade. He let the crowd''s whispers grow louder, knowing their focus was now directed away from their selfish relief and onto the gravity of the situation.

    As the last of the staff filtered out of the banquet hall after they were excused by him, their whispers fading into the corridors, Lucius allowed himself a brief moment to exhale.

    He straightened his jacket, his sharp eyes scanning the room one final time, ready to leave and report back to Cassius.

    But once again, just as he turned toward the exit, the same maid approached him hastily, a folded letter clutched tightly in her hands. "Master Lucius, this just arrived for you." The confused maid said, bowing slightly as she offered it to him.

    Lucius took the letter without hesitation, unfolding it with practiced ease. His eyes darted over the contents, and almost immediately, his expression sharpened. He folded the paper briskly, tucking it into his pocket as his gaze swept across the lingering remnants of the crowd.

    His grey eyes then locked onto a figure in the far corner of the hall, half-hidden in the shifting shadows.

    Without a moment''s pause, he raised his hand and pointed directly at her. "You there!'''' He called out, his voice commanding and precise. "Stay right where you are!"

    The figure froze, her posture stiffening as every eye in the room turned toward her. A murmur of confusion rippled through the remaining staff, some pausing mid-step to glance back.

    The young woman he had singled out hesitated, her head bowing slightly as she nodded in acknowledgment. But even from a distance, Lucius could see her fidgeting hands and the faint tremor in her stance. She was unusually nervous, her unease palpable.

    As the rest of the staff continued to shuffle out, their curiosity sparked, and they exchanged quiet speculations.

    "Why is she being called out?"

    "Did she do something wrong?"

    "I''ve never seen her act like this before¡­She''s normally such a smart and obedient girl."

    The crowd''s muttering faded as they finally left, leaving the hall nearly empty. Only then did the woman step fully into the light, her figure no longer obscured.

    Lucius''s gaze settled on her, his sharp features remaining calm but watchful. She was breathtakingly beautiful, her face unrivalled by any other maid in the household.

    Standing before him was a young woman who seemed to have stepped right out of a fairytale. Her blonde hair, soft as spun gold, was styled neatly into short, delicate curls, with a ribbon woven through to match the black-and-white of her attire. Her blue eyes, as radiant and inviting as a clear summer sky, sparkled with a mix of innocence and quiet mischief.

    Her figure was nothing short of mesmerising, a sensual masterpiece sculpted with exquisite curves that drew the eye and quickened the heart. The fitted bodice of her uniform clung tightly to her ample chest, the delicate fabric teasingly emphasising every soft, inviting contour. Her narrow waist tapered dramatically, accentuating the full, rounded swell of her hips that the skirt barely managed to conceal.

    Each movement she made was effortlessly graceful, yet carried a subtle, tantalising sway that seemed almost intentional, her body exuding a natural allure that was impossible to ignore. There was an unspoken seduction in her poise, a quiet confidence that spoke volumes without uttering a single word.

    But Lucius was not swayed by appearances. His grey eyes narrowed slightly as he stepped closer, his mind already working through the implications of the letter''s contents. The dim light cast sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the cold, calculating expression that had sent many servants in the household trembling with fear.

    The maid, however, did not shrink away. She flinched slightly at his approach¡ªher delicate fingers twitching for the briefest moment¡ªbut quickly steeled herself. Taking a sharp breath, she squared her shoulders and met Lucius''s piercing gaze head-on.

    Her fists clenched at her sides, as though she were drawing strength from the action, and her large, intelligent eyes locked with his, refusing to waver. Though her pulse raced and her mind screamed at her to show no fear, she composed herself with remarkable poise. She knew any sign of weakness or hesitation would only draw more suspicion.

    Lucius raised an eyebrow, his grey eyes glinting faintly in the dim light. Her response intrigued him.

    Most of the staff wouldn''t have dared to hold his gaze, much less stand firm under the weight of his cold demeanor. To see this young maid, with her elegant beauty and apparent intelligence, remain calm under such scrutiny was, if nothing else, impressive.

    "Interesting.'''' Lucius thought, his lips twitching as though on the verge of a smirk. He let his gaze linger, watching as her breathing steadied, her composure firming with every passing second.

    Most servants feared him, not just because he was Cassius''s closest confidant, but because he rarely showed his playful side to anyone other than his master. To them, Lucius was an unapproachable figure¡ªa shadow that moved with precision and authority. Yet here was this maid, standing her ground with a quiet defiance that he couldn''t help but admire. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 9 - 9: Poisonous Flower

    "You''re not trembling." Lucius said finally, his voice smooth and low, breaking the silence. "Most in your position would be stammering by now."

    The maid tilted her chin slightly, her voice soft but steady as she replied, "I''ve done nothing wrong, sir. I have no reason to tremble."

    Her words, simple as they were, carried a quiet confidence that made Lucius pause. He studied her for another long moment, the faintest flicker of amusement in his otherwise cold expression.

    "Good." He said, his voice dropping to an approving murmur. "At least you''re not a coward...That''s rare in this household."

    The tension between them eased slightly, though Lucius''s sharp eyes never left hers. He could see the effort it took for her to maintain her composure, but she was doing it well¡ªtoo well, perhaps, for someone who claimed innocence.

    Lucius''s pretty eyes gleamed with a spark of interest, catching the subtle emphasis she placed on "not involved." Her answer was measured, precise¡ªtoo precise. She was being careful, choosing her words as though every syllable could decide her fate.

    A knowing smile played at the corners of his lips as he tilted his head slightly. "I see." He said, his tone light yet probing. "And tell me¡ªdo you handle the dishes that the master eats from?"

    The maid froze, the question striking her like a blow. Her composed facade faltered, a flicker of hesitation flashing in her expressive eyes. She didn''t want to answer; she knew that admitting it would only lead to more questions, more suspicion, and more entanglement in a web she desperately wanted to avoid.

    But Lucius''s gaze was unrelenting, his smile remaining in place but his sharp eyes narrowing ever so slightly. It was clear he wouldn''t accept silence as an answer.

    Finally, she gave a small, reluctant nod, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. "Yes.'''' She admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I do."

    Lucius nodded as well, his expression thoughtful, though his narrowed eyes betrayed his calculating mind. "Hmm, I see.'''' He murmured, stepping back slightly. "That''s all. You may go now."

    The maid''s eyes widened momentarily in surprise, as if she hadn''t expected him to dismiss her so easily.

    She hesitated, her lips parting as though she were about to say something. Her fingers twitched, and her gaze darted to the floor, then back to Lucius. She looked like she was struggling internally, weighing the consequences of revealing more against the safety of silence. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    For a moment, it seemed as though she might confess something¡ªher lips trembled, her shoulders tensed¡ªbut then she bit her lower lip, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. In the end, she said nothing.

    Bowing her head slightly, she turned and walked away, her movements slow and deliberate, as though burdened by something heavy on her heart.

    Lucius watched her retreating figure, his expression unreadable. He didn''t stop her, nor did he call her back, but his eyes remained locked on her until she disappeared into the corridor.

    Lucius was deep in thought, piecing together the clues and replaying the maid''s subtle reactions in his mind.

    He turned to leave the banquet hall, intending to seek out his master and share what he''d learnt.

    But just as he took his first step, he froze.

    To his shock, Cassius was standing directly behind him, so close that Lucius almost stumbled in surprise.

    "Young master!" Lucius exclaimed, his usual composure faltering for a split second. He steadied himself quickly, though his mind raced.

    ''How did he get this close without me noticing?''

    Cassius, however, simply stood there with his usual air of nonchalance, his arms crossed and a faint smile playing on his lips. He looked as though he''d been observing Lucius for a while, amused by his butler''s uncharacteristic lapse in awareness.

    Lucius cleared his throat, dismissing his surprise.

    His gaze shifted toward the banquet hall doors, where the maid had exited moments ago. He frowned thoughtfully, his voice steady and measured as he asked, "She was the one who poisoned you, wasn''t she, young master?"

    Cassius''s smile widened, his casual demeanour remaining intact. "She''s the one." He confirmed with a slight nod, as if the revelation was nothing more than a mundane fact.

    Lucius turned back to face him fully, his expression solemn, and asked, "And you knew all along?"

    Cassius shrugged, the corners of his lips curving into a wry smile. "Of course...It wasn''t exactly hard to figure out."

    Lucius''s eyes widened in awe, the tension in his posture dissolving in an instant. A bright, almost childish admiration replaced his usual solemn demeanour as he took a step closer.

    "Young master, that''s incredible!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine excitement.

    Cassius blinked at him, slightly taken aback by the sudden shift in his butler''s demeanour.

    "How did you do it?" Lucius pressed, his tone practically that of an avid fan at this point. "I mean, the library''s so big, and we didn''t even talk to her that much. You figured it all out so quickly¡ªwere there clues I missed? Or did you already suspect her before all of this?"

    Cassius chuckled softly, his wry smile widening. "Calm down, Lucius. You''re acting like I just solved the mystery of the century."

    "But it''s amazing!" Lucius insisted, clasping his hands together like an eager pupil awaiting a master''s wisdom. "I''ve seen you do some impressive things, but this...This is on another level!"

    Cassius sighed, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his gaze. "Fine, if you''re that curious, I''ll explain."

    Lucius nodded fervently, his excitement making him seem more like an overenthusiastic puppy than the composed butler he usually was.

    "It was her reactions." Cassius began. "When you asked her if she worked in the kitchen, she froze¡ªjust for a second. It was subtle, but it was there...Then when she admitted to handling the dishes, she overexplained, trying to distance herself from the actual cooking. That kind of defensiveness is a red flag."

    Lucius hung on every word, his expression lighting up as he absorbed the explanation.

    ''''And that''s all it took for you to figure it out?"

    Cassius''s smirk grew slightly as he leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. "Well, it wasn''t just that. I already had a major suspicion about the kitchen."

    "The kitchen?" Lucius echoed, tilting his head like a curious child.

    "Think about it." Cassius said smoothly. "The poison was administered through my food¡ªwhere else would it come from? It''s only natural to start looking there...But here''s the problem: there are over twenty people working in the kitchen. Interrogating each and every one of them would take time, and I have no patience for dragging things out."

    Lucius nodded slowly, his brows furrowing as he followed the reasoning.

    "That''s why I decided to play a little game." Cassius continued, his smirk turning mischievous. "While you pursued one angle, I decided to flush out the culprit from my end. Calling everyone to the banquet hall gave me the perfect opportunity."

    "The announcement of your death?" Lucius asked, eyes wide as the pieces started to fall into place.

    "Exactly," Cassius replied, his tone light yet calculating. "The hall was packed, and with the lighting dimmed, it allowed people to feel like they could drop their guard without being noticed. Most of the staff were panicked or relieved for the most selfish of reasons. But there was one person¡ªjust one¡ªwho stood out."

    Lucius blinked, thinking back to the scene. "The maid..."

    Cassius nodded. "She was already on my radar because she works in the kitchen. But her reaction sealed it....Unlike the others, who were busy gossiping or sighing in relief, she acted differently. Tension, guilt¡ªit was all written across her face, even if she tried to mask it. The dim lighting only made it easier to catch the subtle signs she thought no one would notice."

    Lucius''s admiration grew with every word. "And then my questioning confirmed your suspicions." He said, the realisation dawning on him.

    "Exactly." Cassius said, giving him a satisfied nod. "Your little interrogation wasn''t just effective¡ªit was the final piece of the puzzle. By the time she left the hall, I was already certain it was her."

    Lucius couldn''t help but let out an impressed whistle, his expression practically glowing. "Young master, that''s brilliant! You turned the entire household into a stage just to catch one person. I can''t believe you thought so far ahead."

    Cassius chuckled, waving off the praise with a dismissive hand. "It''s nothing to get worked up about...Just a bit of strategy and observation."

    "Nothing to get worked up about?" Lucius repeated, his tone incredulous. "Young master, you''re a genius! Honestly, I feel lucky just to be working under someone like you."

    Cassius groaned lightly, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, stop it with the overwhelming praise already. You''re making me blush." He said sarcastically, though the faint smirk on his lips betrayed his amusement. "Now, quit stalling and tell me¡ªwhat did you find on your end?"

 Chapter 10 - 10: Everyone Is The Same In Front Of A Cleaver

    Lucius''s eyes lit up as if he''d been waiting for this moment. He clasped his hands together dramatically and said,

    "Oh, young master, you won''t believe this. It''s big¡ªhuge, even! I mean, when I uncovered this, I could hardly believe it myself...Someone high up is involved¡ªsomeone you wouldn''t dare to suspect!"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Then, with a flick of his fingers, he thwacked Lucius lightly on the forehead.

    "Stop hyping it up already." He said with a sigh. "Everyone is the same in front of a butcher''s knife...Spit it out."

    Lucius rubbed his forehead with a pout, muttering something under his breath before straightening up.

    "Fine, fine...It''s Edmund Chancery."

    Cassius''s smirk froze, his expression darkening slightly.

    "Edmund Chancery?"

    Lucius nodded, his tone now serious. "Yes, him. The main attendant to your father. He''s not just some servant either¡ªhe''s the young doctor who earned the patriarch''s trust after nursing him back to health during his illness a few years ago. He''s practically inseparable from your father now, always at his side...The man has an almost sacred position in this household."

    Cassius leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms as his mind worked through the implications. "Edmund...The one who''s been my father''s right hand and personal confidant for years?"

    "Exactly." Lucius confirmed. "He''s so close to the patriarch that no one would dare question him. That''s what makes this so...Dangerous. If it''s really him, this isn''t just a matter of poisoning you. It could mean something far bigger is at play."

    Cassius snorted softly, shaking his head. "You''re overthinking it, Lucius. My father isn''t involved."

    Lucius blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Young master, how can you be so sure?"

    "Simple." Cassius said as he admired the paintings on the walls. "My father has no reason to kill me. If he wanted me gone, he would''ve done it years ago...Why wait this long, and why in his own estate, of all places?" His tone was calm but sharp, slicing through the suggestion like a knife.

    Lucius frowned thoughtfully but nodded. "I see your point. Someone like the patriarch wouldn''t risk the reputation of the family or stoop to such a sloppy method."

    "Exactly." Cassius continued, his voice taking on a faint edge of disdain. "A man like my father would never involve an inexperienced maid or resort to poison. If he wanted me dead, it would be quick, clean, and untraceable. No, this was desperation¡ªan impulsive, half-baked plan. And Edmund¡­" He trailed off, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "...He reeks of it."

    Lucius''s frown deepened as he processed this and asked, "Then what could his purpose have been? And how is he connected to the maid?"

    Cassius pushed off the wall, brushing a hand through his hair in a nonchalant gesture. "Now that..." He said with an enigmatic smirk. "...Is exactly what we''re going to find out."

    Lucius''s lips curled into a grin, his earlier seriousness fading into the playful admiration he reserved only for his master. "A visit, then?"

    "A visit." Cassius confirmed, his voice calm but laced with the promise of retribution.

    Lucius''s grin widened, his golden retriever-like excitement barely contained. "Oh, this is going to be fun!"

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    The cold night air wrapped around the estate, its biting chill amplified by the eerie silence of the servant quarters.

    These quarters, reserved for the most esteemed members of the household staff, resembled miniature houses, each neatly arranged within the sprawling estate.

    The faint glow of lanterns illuminated the path as a lone figure, bundled in a scarf that obscured most of her face, moved cautiously among the shadows. Her steps were hurried but deliberate, and her head turned frequently as if ensuring she wasn''t being followed.

    She stopped in front of one of the houses and knocked lightly on the wooden door. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a man with sharp features and an air of annoyance etched into his scholarly appearance.

    Edmund Chancery, the patriarch''s trusted attendant, stood in the doorway. His thinning hair was neatly combed back, giving an almost too-perfect appearance that somehow added to his pompous demeanour.

    Round spectacles perched precariously on his long, angular nose, catching the faint light of the lanterns outside. His lips pressed into a thin line as if perpetually irritated, completing the image of a man who radiated intellect but whose presence grated on others.

    The maid hesitated for a moment before pulling down her scarf, revealing herself as the same girl who had been interrogated earlier. Her wide, worried blue eyes and furrowed brow betrayed her concern as she looked up at Edmund.

    Edmund''s expression shifted subtly, his gaze scanning the darkness behind her before stepping aside. "Come in." He said in a clipped tone, his voice low.

    The maid glanced around one last time, ensuring no prying eyes were near, and then slipped inside. Edmund quickly shut the door behind her, his movements precise and deliberate.

    Edmund barely glanced at the maid before shutting the door, his sharp features twisted into a look of urgency and irritation.

    He didn''t bother offering her a seat by the modest fire or even a moment to shake off the cold.

    Instead, his voice cut through the silence like a blade.

    "Why are you here?...Didn''t I tell you not to meet me for a while?" He demanded, his tone unfriendly and impatient.

    The girl hesitated for the briefest moment, her gaze flickering toward the fire she wasn''t welcome near.

    Despite her stunning beauty, there was no warmth in Edmund''s expression, only a harsh expectation. His indifference stung more than she cared to admit, and a mix of resentment and regret bubbled up inside her.

    How ironic, she thought bitterly, that he, the one who dragged her into this wretched situation, now seemed so inconvenienced by her presence.

    But she didn''t let her emotions show. Straightening her back, she met his gaze with calm resolve. "The young master is onto us.'''' She said, her voice steady despite the storm of mixed feelings within her. "He''s close to finding out the truth."

    Edmund scoffed, waving her words away with a dismissive flick of his hand.

    "Bullshit." He snapped, his irritation growing. "That spoilt waste of space?...The third son of the family?...He couldn''t find his way out of a unlocked room, let alone uncover something like this." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He let out a sharp, humourless laugh.

    "Even if by some miracle he did, what would he do about it? The boy has no spine. He''s spent his life cowering behind the Holyfield name, drinking and gambling himself into irrelevance...He wouldn''t dare lift a finger against me."

    The maid''s hands tightened into fists at her sides. His arrogant dismissal grated on her nerves, but she kept her composure.

    "He''s already called me in for questioning." She said, her voice calm but firm. "And judging by the way his butler looked at me, it''s very likely they already know the truth."

    For the first time, Edmund''s condescending smirk faltered. His brows furrowed, and an edge of fear crept into his otherwise pompous demeanour.

    "Impossible!" He muttered, pacing a few steps before turning back to her. "How?...How could they possibly have figured it out?!"

    The maid shook her head.

    "I don''t know." She replied honestly. "But I''m certain of one thing¡ªthis isn''t just a baseless suspicion...They''re onto us, and if we don''t act fast, it''ll be too late."

    Edmund''s lips pressed into a thin line as frustration and panic warred within him. He muttered something incoherent under his breath, his mind racing as he tried to piece together how their carefully laid plan had unravelled so quickly.

    Edmund froze mid-pace, startled by the maid''s voice breaking the tense silence. He turned to her, his scholarly features etched with frustration.

    "What is it now?" He asked, his tone sharper than he intended.

    The maid, however, was unbothered by his irritation. Her gaze was steady, her voice calm yet tinged with bitterness.

    "I still remember the day you approached my parents." She began. "You asked for my hand in marriage, claiming you''d fallen in love with me at first sight."

    Edmund scoffed, folding his arms defensively. "And? What of it? That''s how these things work. You should consider yourself lucky¡ªmost women would dream of an engagement like ours."

    She ignored his dismissive tone and continued, her words cutting deeper with every sentence.

    "At the time, I wanted to reject the proposal. I wanted to find love on my own terms, build a career, and live my life freely. But my parents..." Her voice faltered for a moment before she pressed on. "...My parents forced me to accept. They told me I''d be a fool to turn down a doctor of your standing, someone with connections to the Holyfield family. I had no choice but to stay silent."

    Edmund sneered, his annoyance evident.

    "Still clinging to those naive dreams about love and career, are you? How childish. You''re engaged to me now¡ªshouldn''t that be enough?"

    The maid clenched her fists but kept her composure.

    "Enough?" She echoed softly. Her voice grew colder as she continued, "I thought that after the engagement, we''d at least talk¡ªget to know one another, discuss our future as a couple. I thought maybe you''d want to spend time together, learn about each other...But no." Her eyes darkened, and her tone turned sharp. "Instead, you came to me privately with a request. Not a kind one. Not a loving one. But something severe¡ªsomething that had nothing to do with our future and everything to do with your ambitions."

    The maid''s voice grew colder as her memories resurfaced.

    "You asked me to kill the third young master." She said, her tone low but trembling with restrained anger. "Not just any man, but one of the most powerful men in the country."

    "...You didn''t even care what would happen to me if I got caught, and you threw me into this mess without a second thought for my safety, my life!"

 Chapter 11 - 11: Trust And Betrayal

    Edmund''s face twisted, and he raised his hands defensively.

    "It wasn''t just for me!" He exclaimed, his voice tinged with desperation. "It was for us¡ªfor our future!"

    "For us? Do you even believe your own words?" The maid''s lips curled into a bitter smile.

    Edmund stepped closer, his gentlemanly features now shadowed with intensity.

    "Listen to me, Isabelle. If the third young master dies, I can take his place. Don''t you see? The patriarch has always favoured me. He trusts me¡ªrespects me. He''s even said that he''d much rather have someone like me as his son than that spawn of a devil."

    Isabelle''s eyes narrowed, her disgust evident, but Edmund pressed on, his voice gaining momentum.

    "With the young master gone, the patriarch would have no choice but to elevate me. I''d become indispensable to him, and we''d be set for life. Wealth, power, influence¡ªit would all be ours. For us, Isabelle. For us!"

    Isabelle shook her head slowly, her expression unreadable.

    "No.'''' She said, her voice steady but heavy with disappointment. "This was never about us...It was always about you¡ªyour ambitions, your greed. You wanted to climb the ladder, and you used me as your pawn to do it!"

    "I did no such thing!" Edmund snapped, his scholarly composure slipping into desperation. "Isabelle, how can you even think that? Everything I''ve done¡ªeverything¡ªis for us. I love you!"

    Her chest tightened at his words, not with warmth but with growing dismay.

    ''Had it all been a lie? Was his approach to her family, his supposed love, all part of this twisted scheme?''

    She shoved those thoughts aside, unwilling to entertain them further.

    "I rejected your favour back then." She continued, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "There was no way I could kill someone, not even for a supposed future together...I could never stoop to that."

    Her words seemed to land like a blow, but Edmund quickly recovered, his tone shifting to one of fervent conviction.

    "But Isabelle, you don''t understand! That man, Cassius, isn''t just some wastrel noble. He''s a monster...A rapist who''s destroyed and killed multiple women and then used his family''s power to cover it all up...I didn''t want him dead just for us; I wanted him dead to bring justice to those women. To protect others from him!"

    Isabelle''s resolve wavered at the intensity of his words. She recalled the rumours¡ªthe whispers that had floated through the servants quarters and beyond.

    They had painted the third young master as a wastrel, a debauched noble who indulged in excess and cruelty. She hadn''t known him, nor had she ever seen him for herself. The weight of those rumours, combined with the evidence Edmund had showed her, had been enough to sway her.

    "I believed you at that time." She said, her voice quieter now, tinged with both sorrow and fury. "I believed every word you said and every piece of evidence that he''s an evil person you showed...I thought I was saving lives by helping you...I thought I was doing something brave, something that would make the world a little better for those who couldn''t fight back...That''s why I agreed to poison him."

    Edmund''s expression flickered, but Isabelle didn''t stop. Her eyes locked onto his, burning with righteous anger.

    "But something felt wrong." She hissed. "Even as I carried out your request, something didn''t sit right with me. So I started investigating. I dug deeper, hoping to find proof of the man you claimed Cassius was...Do you know what I found, Edmund?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She stepped closer, her voice rising.

    "Nothing! Not a single case against him...Not even a whisper of those horrific acts you claimed he committed. And those official papers you showed of the conspiracies of the covers up and the settlements done to hide the matter, which were all written down were false as well...The young master is innocent!"

    Edmund''s face twisted in frustration, but before he could speak, Isabelle pressed on.

    "Do you have any idea what it feels like to realise you''ve been tricked into trying to kill an innocent man?...To live with the knowledge that I may have ended a life based on a lie? Why would you do this to me, Edmund? Why!?"

    He waved her off with a dismissive scoff.

    "Those crimes were well hidden, Isabelle. You wouldn''t find anything because the Holyfield family buried it all. He''s guilty, I''m sure of it."

    "You''re sure of it?" She repeated, her voice shaking with fury. "You have no proof, do you? You made it all up, didn''t you?"

    Edmund''s silence was answer enough, and Isabelle''s fists clenched at her sides as the weight of his betrayal settled over her.

    Finally, Isabelle sighed deeply, her shoulders dropping as though the weight of the world rested upon them.

    "What''s done is done." She said quietly. "We can''t change the past, no matter how much we wish we could."

    Edmund frowned, still reeling from her accusations. Before he could respond, she looked up at him, her eyes filled with a conviction he rarely saw.

    "But the future." She said firmly. "That''s still in our hands."

    "What are you talking about?" His confusion deepened.

    Isabelle straightened, her tone unwavering. "We need to turn ourselves in, Edmund...For what we''ve done."

    "What? Have you lost your mind?" Edmund''s eyes widened in shock.

    "I mean it." She continued, her voice steady but earnest. "I thought about confessing everything when the head butler questioned me, but I didn''t want you to become the scapegoat while I simply became the one who confessed...We''re both guilty...We both committed this crime, and we should face the consequences together¡ªas an engaged couple. It''s the only way to set things right."

    Edmund''s jaw tightened, disbelief flashing across his face.

    "You can''t be serious. Do you know what you''re suggesting? Imprisonment, disgrace, the end of our lives as we know them!"

    "Yes, I know." Isabelle replied, her tone softening but her resolve unshaken. "But if we confess now, we might at least find forgiveness. I don''t want to live the rest of my life with this weight on my conscience, Edmund. And besides..." She added, her eyes searching his face. "We''re running out of time...They''ll find us soon, and it will be much worse if we''re caught hiding like cowards."

    With her gaze turned wistful, almost hopeful, she continued saying,

    "I thought¡­I thought if we went through this together, we could bond through it...That maybe I could see you in a better light...That even after everything, we could face the consequences as equals and rebuild something honest, even if it''s within prison walls."

    Edmund''s face twisted in disgust. "You''re insane!" He spat. "Why would I throw my life away over something so ridiculous? Turn ourselves in? Beg for forgiveness? That''s the stupidest thing I''ve ever heard!"

    Isabelle sighed, the disappointment in her eyes cutting deeper than any words could.

    "Of course you''d think that." She murmured, half to herself. "Why did I expect anything else?"

    Finally, having nothing left to say to Edmund, who was long gone, Isabelle''s heart raced as she turned away from him, her steps resolute yet heavy with the weight of her decision.

    The guilt that had been eating at her for so long now seemed like a looming shadow, and she had finally resolved to face it head-on.

    She glanced back once, her eyes lingering on the man she had once hoped would stand by her but now saw only a figure clouded in selfishness and betrayal.

    "Where do you think you''re going?" Edmund''s voice cracked with panic, the sharpness in it pulling her back to the moment. "You can''t just leave!"

    "I''m going to confess." She said quietly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I''ll face the consequences alone. I won''t mention your name. You don''t have to worry." Her words were spoken with the weight of a promise but also of resignation.

    Edmund''s expression twisted, eyes wide with disbelief and fear. "You''re out of your mind!" He snarled. "Do you think you can just walk away from this? You''ll drag me down with you!"

    Before Isabelle could take another step, Edmund rushed forward, his hands outstretched with a desperation that bordered on rage.

    He didn''t trust her...He knew, deep down, that if she confessed, he would be implicated as well. In his panic, he tried to grab her, pulling at her arm with an iron grip.

    Caught off guard, Isabelle froze, her breath hitching in her throat. The suddenness of his attack left her no time to react. His fingers closed around her wrist, and the pressure sent a shudder through her frail body. Her heart pounded, and a sickening chill spread through her veins.

    The force of his grip was too much; she knew she couldn''t escape. She wasn''t strong enough to fight him off.

    As Edmund''s hand tightened, she closed her eyes, accepting the helplessness that washed over her.

    There was no way out. She had put her trust in the wrong person. She braced herself for what she knew would come next, for the inevitable push that would drag her into deeper darkness.

    But just as Edmund pulled her back, something unexpected happened.

    A sudden voice broke through the tension, its calm yet commanding tone slicing through the panic.

    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you."

 Chapter 12 - 12: Misplaced Loyalty

    Isabelle''s eyes snapped open just in time to see a dark figure drop from above, landing between her and Edmund like a shadow made flesh. The force of the arrival sent a gust of cold air whipping through the room, causing the flames in the hearth to flicker.

    Before Edmund could react, the figure''s hand shot out, grabbing him by the neck with an almost inhuman speed and precision. With horrifying ease, the man lifted Edmund off the ground as though he weighed nothing.

    "Ghhh!~ Gkkakk!~ Haak!~ Ghhaha!~"

    Edmund''s hands clawed at the iron grip around his throat, his face contorting with fear. His legs flailed helplessly as he struggled, gasping for air.

    Isabelle stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat. She hadn''t even seen the man''s face, but the sheer power radiating off him was enough to make her knees weak.

    Slowly, her eyes travelled upward, taking in the broad shoulders and commanding posture of her saviour.

    When her gaze finally settled on his face, her heart skipped a beat. It was him...The third son of the Holyfield family.

    Cassius Vindictus Holyfield.

    Her breath caught in her throat, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a strange sense of relief flood over her.

    The same man she had feared earlier now stood as her savior. He met her wide-eyed gaze briefly, his expression neutral but piercing, before returning his attention to Edmund, whose struggles were growing weaker by the second.

    Isabelle''s gaze lingered on the figure before her, the ease with which he restrained Edmund sending a ripple of awe through her.

    ''How is he this strong?'' She wondered, her thoughts racing.

    This was supposed to be a man who had buried himself in drink and despair, a "wastrel" as Edmund and others whispered behind closed doors. Yet here he stood, his power evident, his demeanor cold and unyielding.

    Her attention flicked to his face¡ªsharp, almost harsh features that were strikingly handsome in an unconventional way. His red eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, like embers smouldering beneath the surface, giving him an intimidating, almost thuggish appearance.

    For a fleeting moment, she marvelled at how someone so feared could also carry an air of quiet authority and control. But her admiration was cut short as she heard Edmund''s choking gasp.

    "Gaaa! Hghhh! Hahhghh!"

    Her eyes widened in panic. Edmund''s struggles were weakening, his face turning a disturbing shade of red. It suddenly hit her like a stone to the chest¡ªthis was the man her parents had chosen for her, her soon-to-be fianc¨¦.

    In this world, where marriage was not just a union but a sacred bond for women, breaking off an engagement wasn''t a simple matter. Women might be allowed to work or pursue some level of independence, but the societal expectation still tethered them to the will of men, their futures often dictated by familial alliances. Her fate was tied to Edmund, whether she liked it or not. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The weight of her predicament bore down on her.

    ''I don''t want to save him...But I can''t let him die either.'' She thought bitterly. The shame of failing her family, the whispers of scandal, the fallout¡ªit was too much to bear. I can''t let this happen.

    Without thinking, she rushed forward, her hands trembling as she grabbed hold of Cassius''s arm.

    "P-Please!" She pleaded, her voice laced with desperation. "Let him go! He¡ªHe''s my fianc¨¦. I can''t...I can''t let him die like this."

    Cassius turned his head slightly, his piercing gaze settling on her. It was like being under the scrutiny of a predator, and she had to suppress the instinct to recoil.

    For a moment, his expression didn''t change, and she feared he would ignore her entirely. But then his grip on Edmund''s neck slackened slightly, though he didn''t release him.

    "Your fianc¨¦?" Cassius repeated, his tone devoid of emotion, as though he were simply verifying an inconvenient detail.

    Behind him, Edmund managed to choke out a gasp, still dangling like a rag doll. His muddled thoughts interpreted Isabelle''s plea in his favor. "You see¡ªShe...She loves me!" He wheezed, his voice rasping with self-assurance even as he dangled in mortal peril. "She can''t live without me!"

    Isabelle stiffened, her nails digging into Cassius''s sleeve as a surge of frustration bubbled up within her. She bit her tongue, choosing not to address Edmund''s delusion for now.

    ''Let him think whatever he wants, as long as he survives this.''

    "Please..." She said again, her voice softening as she met Cassius''s unyielding gaze. "I''ll...I''ll take responsibility for him...Just let him go."

    Cassius''s lips curled into a cold smile, his crimson eyes locking onto Isabelle''s trembling form.

    "And why..." He began, his voice low and cutting. "Why should I listen to the pleas of the woman who so mercilessly poisoned me?"

    The words hit Isabelle like a slap, pulling her back into stark reality. The fire in her chest¡ªher desperate determination to protect Edmund for the sake of appearances¡ªwas extinguished in an instant.

    She realised the truth: she had no right to ask for mercy. She was as much a sinner as Edmund, her hands tainted by her actions, no matter how noble she had thought her intentions were at the time.

    Her lips parted to respond, but no words came out. Shame filled her, and she lowered her head, ready to bow and accept whatever fate Cassius decided for her.

    But before she could, a sudden laugh broke through the tension.

    "Hahahaha!"

    Cassius''s deep, unexpected chuckle reverberated through the cold night air, startling her. Isabelle raised her head, her wide eyes meeting his now amused expression.

    "You''re surprising." He said, his tone lighter but still sharp. "I came here tonight to confirm what I already knew¡ªthat you and this imbecile were the ones responsible for my attempted murder. And..." He continued, a glint of dangerous intent flashing in his gaze, "...I was planning to take both of your heads back with me."

    A shiver ran down Isabelle''s spine as she caught sight of the unmistakable bloodlust in his eyes. He wasn''t bluffing¡ªshe could tell. He would''ve killed them both without a second thought if not for...something. She swallowed hard, bracing herself for his next words.

    "But..." Cassius said, his voice dropping to a contemplative tone, "...I''ve changed my mind."

    Isabelle blinked in confusion, her heart racing as he continued.

    "After listening to you just now, I realised you were dragged into this mess by him." Cassius said, jerking his chin toward the grovelling Edmund. "You acted out of a misguided desire to protect innocent women, and frankly, I admire that." His expression softened, just a fraction. "You didn''t do this for yourself, but for others. That''s rare¡ªstupid, but rare."

    The unexpected praise caught Isabelle off guard, and she felt heat rise to her cheeks.

    ''''I..." She began, but the words stuck in her throat as she saw his faint smile return.

    "And..." Cassius added, his gaze flicking disdainfully to Edmund, who was still on the ground clutching his throat, "...Unlike a certain coward here, you were brave enough to confess your sins...That takes a kind of courage not many possess."

    Her blush deepened, her embarrassment mingling with a strange sense of gratitude. She couldn''t tell if he was mocking her or genuinely admiring her, but the way his words warmed her made her chest tighten.

    Then Cassius tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as they raked over her face. "Besides..." He said, his voice dropping into a teasing lilt, "How could I possibly hurt someone as beautiful as you?"

    Isabelle froze, her cheeks now burning crimson.

    She opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out. She knew, deep down, that had she been as treacherous as Edmund, he wouldn''t have hesitated to end her life.

    But hearing those words, even spoken in jest, sent her thoughts into disarray.

    Her heart pounded as she stared at Cassius, his smirk making it impossible to tell if he was serious or just enjoying her reaction. Either way, she knew one thing for certain: this man was far more dangerous than she had ever imagined.

    Cassius''s gaze shifted lazily to Edmund, who was still struggling weakly in his grasp, dangling like a caught rat. "Relax." He said, his voice cold yet calm. "I''m not going to hurt her...You, on the other hand..." His grip on Edmund''s neck tightened slightly, making the man choke. "...You''re the reason all of this happened. I''m going to kill you and leave her alone...That seems fair, don''t you think?"

    At those words, Isabelle''s panic returned in full force.

    "No!" She blurted, stepping closer with her hands outstretched. "Please, don''t do this!...I-I can''t let you kill him just like that!"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, and asked, "And why not? He''s a traitor, a manipulator, and a coward...What''s there to save?"

    Isabelle bit her lip, her heart pounding as she struggled to find the words. "He''s..." She hesitated, unwilling to admit the truth of her situation aloud. "He''s my...future husband." She finally managed, her voice trembling. "Even if I don''t love him, I...I can''t just let him die. It wouldn''t be right."

    Cassius''s eyes flickered with something unreadable before a cruel smile spread across his face. "Your loyalty is impressive, if misplaced." He said, his tone laced with mockery. Then, leaning slightly closer, he asked, "So, you''re saying you''ll do anything to save this miserable excuse for a man?"

    The implication in his voice made Isabelle''s cheeks burn, but she nodded nonetheless, her eyes lowered.

    "Yes...anything." She whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk widening.

    "Anything, huh?"

    He repeated, savouring the way her face turned a deeper shade of crimson.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    To anyone who thinks that the MC is leaving these two off two easily, I''ll just tell you guys that he has deeper plans in mind for both of them...They''ll most definitely get the retribution they deserve.

    You also don''t have to worry about the MC getting backstabbed out of nowhere or getting tricked, as this is a story where you can read it without any stress since the MC can easily handle anything that''s thrown at him.

    ...So kick back and relax and enjoy the depravity that is about to slowly unfold.

 Chapter 13 - 13: Cook Me A Meal

    Before Cassius could push further, Edmund seized the opportunity to speak.

    "No! Don''t listen to him, Isabelle!" He croaked desperately, his voice raw from Cassius''s grip. "You don''t have to accept whatever twisted deal he''s offering!"

    Cassius shot Edmund a disdainful look, cutting off his protests with a sharp glare. "Did I ask for your opinion?" He said icily. "Keep talking, and I''ll shove you into that fireplace over there...I''m sure roasted pig would make an excellent midnight snack." His words, though delivered with a calm tone, carried enough malice to make Edmund snap his mouth shut in fear.

    Despite his indignation, Edmund tried again, his voice trembling but insistent.

    "Isabelle, listen to me! I-l meant what I said before. I fell in love with you at first sight. And yes, I wanted to kill him...But it wasn''t just for my ambition!" His voice grew weaker, desperation taking hold. "I wanted you to have a better life...I wanted you to be the lady of the house, not some maid. You mean more to me than you think."

    Cassius rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.

    "Touching." He said flatly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But you don''t get to monologue your way out of this." He glanced at Isabelle, who looked conflicted, her hands trembling at her sides. "Tell me, do his words sway your heart?..Or are you still willing to do anything to save him?"

    Before Isabelle could respond, Edmund, realising his situation was only getting worse, made one last desperate attempt. "Cassius!" He hissed, his voice low but frantic. "Your father, Lord Holyfield! He wouldn''t approve of this...He''ll punish you if he finds out!"

    At that, Cassius''s expression shifted, his cruel smile returning.

    "Ah, you mean my father, the man you tried to manipulate with your sycophantic behavior?" The same man who you betrayed by plotting against his blood?" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Do you really think he''ll mourn you when I tell him the truth?"

    Edmund''s face paled, his bravado crumbling under the weight of Cassius''s words. He opened his mouth to retort but found himself utterly speechless, the hopelessness of his situation sinking in.

    Isabelle, meanwhile, stood frozen, torn between her sense of responsibility and the horrifying realisation of what would happen to her if she agreed to what Cassius said.

    Isabelle stood silently for a moment, her mind racing. The weight of Edmund''s pleading gaze bore into her, but she shut it out. A promise was a promise, and if this was the price of sparing Edmund''s life, she would pay it.

    Taking a steadying breath, she looked at Cassius and nodded, saying, "Fine. I''ll do whatever you ask."

    "Isabelle, don''t! He''s just toying with you! You can''t trust him!" Edmund groaned in frustration. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius ignored Edmund entirely, leaning back slightly as his piercing red eyes settled on Isabelle. A mischievous smile crept onto his face, and he finally spoke.

    "Good. I''m glad you''re reasonable. Now, my request." He paused dramatically, watching her tense as though bracing for the worst.

    "...I want you to make me a meal."

    The words took a moment to sink in.

    Isabelle blinked, confusion flickering across her face.

    "A...meal?" She repeated, her voice uncertain, as if she had misheard him.

    "Yes." Cassius confirmed, his tone casual yet deliberate. "I''ve been eating meals laced with your lovely poison for quite some time now. It''s only fair I get to enjoy one that won''t kill me." He added the last part with a faint chuckle, as if joking about his near-death experience was the most natural thing in the world.

    Isabelle''s cheeks trembled with embarrassment and shame. Her hands clenched at her sides, but she nodded quickly, determined to make up for her sins.

    "I''ll make you the best meal you''ve ever had." She said with quiet conviction before hurrying off toward the kitchen.

    Cassius smirked as he watched her leave.

    With a content sigh, he pulled out a small, leather-bound book from his coat and sat in a nearby chair, flipping through the pages leisurely.

    The calm, almost domestic scene he created was a stark contrast to the chaos of moments earlier.

    Edmund, still sitting on the floor where Cassius had dropped him, shifted uncomfortably. He tried to rise, but the instant Cassius''s sharp crimson gaze landed on him, he froze.

    The cold, silent warning in Cassius''s eyes was enough to make him sink back down, his pride utterly shattered. He sat stiffly, like a dog waiting for permission to move.

    Cassius returned his attention to his book, ignoring Edmund entirely, as though the man''s very presence was beneath his notice. The fire crackled softly, the only sound in the room, save for the faint clinking of utensils coming from the kitchen.

    Time stretched on, with Edmund occasionally glancing nervously at Cassius, only to find the young master utterly unbothered, as if the events of the evening were nothing more than a passing inconvenience.

    Finally, Isabelle entered the room with a tray stacked high with steaming containers. The enticing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, filling the room with warmth.

    She carefully set the containers on the dining table, revealing a feast of perfectly cooked dishes¡ªroast meat glistening with juice, fragrant rice, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy soup. She then stepped back and surveyed her work, a satisfied glimmer in her eyes as she admired the spread.

    She turned to Cassius, her tone polite but carrying a hint of pride, "Young Master, please take the main seat. I''ve prepared this meal especially for you."

    Cassius glanced up from his book, his crimson eyes flickering with mild interest. He closed the book with a quiet thud and rose from his chair, moving toward the dining table with the grace of a predator.

    His presence filled the room as he approached, making Isabelle feel both nervous and eager for his approval.

    As Cassius took the main seat, Isabelle''s gaze darted toward Edmund, still sitting stiffly on the ground with his head bowed, his pride thoroughly crushed. Frowning, she tilted her head and asked,

    "Edmund...Why are you still sitting on the floor? Come sit at the table."

    Edmund flinched at her words but didn''t move or respond. The humiliation of being reduced to a grovelling dog by Cassius was too much to bear, and his silence spoke volumes.

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, a faint, mocking smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

    "Oh, don''t mind him." He said with an air of nonchalance. "He''s just sulking...Come now, Edmund." His tone sharpened, and his eyes glinted with a cruel edge as he added, "Join us at the table...You wouldn''t want to miss this meal, would you?"

    The underlying meaning in his words sent a shiver down Edmund''s spine. There was no kindness in Cassius''s invitation, only an unspoken warning.

    Realising he had no choice, Edmund slowly got to his feet, his movements stiff and reluctant. The weight of his earlier defiance hung over him, and his head remained low as he shuffled toward the table like a scolded dog. Cassius''s smirk deepened as he watched the man take a seat opposite him, his unease palpable.

    "Good boy." Cassius murmured, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Now, let''s enjoy this wonderful meal Isabelle has prepared for us."

    His gaze briefly flicked to Isabelle, softening just enough to make her blush before returning to Edmund, his predatory smile still firmly in place.

    The atmosphere in the room was tense, the unspoken power dynamics as clear as the feast laid out before them.

    Isabelle, ever the diligent and composed woman, set about making two plates. She worked with precision, her hands moving deftly as she portioned out the meal.

    Cassius''s plate was clearly given extra attention, with the best cuts of meat and the finest presentation. Edmund''s plate, though still well-made, received far less care¡ªa quiet but deliberate decision on her part.

    Once the plates were ready, she placed them before the two men. She started with Cassius, setting the dish in front of him with a small bow before moving to Edmund, whose head remained lowered in silence. She cleared her throat softly, drawing their attention as she stood by the table.

    "I''ve prepared a variety of dishes today." She began, her tone slightly formal but carrying an undertone of nervousness. "For the main course, we have a spiced roasted lamb with a glaze made from honey and herbs. It''s accompanied by buttered rice and saut¨¦ed vegetables seasoned with a touch of garlic and thyme...The soup is a creamy mushroom bisque, light yet rich. And for dessert..." She hesitated, her cheeks reddening as she glanced at Cassius. "It''s a simple honey cake that I quickly made. I hope it pleases your palate, young master."

    Isabelle thought Cassius would simply brush off her explanation, perhaps give a curt nod or ignore her entirely. That was what most nobles did, after all¡ªdismiss the words of someone they considered beneath them.

    But to her surprise, Cassius rested his chin on his hand, his eyes fixed on her with genuine interest.

    He didn''t touch his utensils. Instead, he asked, "How did you manage to balance the sweetness in the glaze with the spices?...Honey can be overpowering if used too generously."

    Isabelle blinked, caught off guard. "Ah, I used just a hint of vinegar to cut through the sweetness, Young Master." She explained, her voice hesitant but growing steadier. "It balances the flavours without overwhelming the palate."

    Cassius nodded thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering.

    "And the buttered rice, what herbs did you use? I can smell parsley, but there''s something else, isn''t there?"

    "Yes." She said, feeling an unexpected thrill at his attention. "I added a touch of dill. It complements the butter without being too bold."

    He leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing with an almost teasing glint. "And the honey cake, is it dense or light? It looks fluffy, but appearances can be deceiving."

    "It''s light." Isabelle assured him quickly. "I whipped the egg whites separately before folding them into the batter...That helps create a soft, airy texture."

    "Hmm." Cassius mused, glancing at the dishes as if contemplating each detail she described. "You''ve put a great deal of thought into this meal."

    Isabelle found herself feeling embarrassed, unsure how to interpret his sudden interest. "I...I only wanted to do my best, Young Master. I thought it was the least I could do after¡ª"

    She stopped herself abruptly, her words trailing off as guilt flickered across her face.

    Cassius smirked, tilting his head as if daring her to continue. When she didn''t, he let the moment stretch before speaking again.

    "Interesting. You seem skilled¡ªnot just in execution, but in understanding how to create harmony in a dish. I didn''t expect this from someone who..." His eyes glinted mischievously. "Let''s just say he has a history with poison."

    The comment made Isabelle''s heart skip a beat, and she glanced down, unable to meet his gaze. "I-I''ve always taken pride in my cooking." She murmured, her voice trembling slightly.

    "Clearly." Cassius replied, his tone softer now, though his eyes still held their sharp edge. "It''s impressive, Isabelle. You''ve done well."

    She lifted her head, startled by the genuine compliment.

    It was unexpected, coming from a man she had feared and wronged. For a moment, she forgot the tension in the room. Instead, she felt a flicker of something she hadn''t felt in a long time¡ªpride.

    Meanwhile, Edmund sulked as he quietly ate his food, his pride wounded by the stark contrast in the way Cassius treated Isabelle compared to himself. Isabelle barely noticed his sullen presence, her attention entirely on Cassius, whose unexpected interest had shifted her perception of him entirely.

 Chapter 14 - 14: He Needs Some Salt

    "You know..." Cassius suddenly began casually, turning his attention to Edmund. "...I distinctly recall you telling me that you enjoy a little extra salt in your meals."

    Edmund blinked in confusion, his mouth opening to protest, only to falter when he caught the eerily pleasant smile on Cassius''s face. The smile promised nothing good. He swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

    "Ah...Yes! Yes, I do like...a lot of salt." He stammered, nodding quickly as if his life depended on it.

    Cassius chuckled softly, as though he''d expected that response.

    "Well then." He said, turning to Isabelle with a relaxed wave of his hand. "Be a dear and add a little more salt to Edmund''s plate...We wouldn''t want him to feel unsatisfied, would we?"

    Isabelle, who had been standing nearby, sighed inwardly. She wasn''t oblivious. She knew Cassius was playing with Edmund for his own amusement.

    Still, she obediently picked up the salt shaker and approached the plate. With careful precision, she sprinkled a light dusting of salt over the food as she said,

    "This should be enough, surely-"

    "No, no." Cassius interrupted, his tone light but firm. "More...He likes a lot of salt, remember?"

    Edmund''s face was covered in indignation, but under Cassius''s sharp gaze, he forced a stiff nod.

    "Yes...more." He grumbled, though his voice barely concealed his growing dread.

    Isabelle hesitated but complied, adding another generous sprinkle.

    "This really should be plenty-"

    "Still not enough." Cassius said smoothly, leaning forward with a gleam in his eyes. "Sprinkling won''t do...I think spoonfuls would be more appropriate, don''t you think?"

    Both Edmund and Isabelle froze, their faces a picture of shock.

    "Spoonfuls?" Isabelle repeated, her voice faint, unsure if she''d heard him correctly.

    "Yes." Cassius replied, utterly unbothered. "He''s a man of refined taste. Let''s indulge him."

    Edmund''s mouth opened in protest, but he snapped it shut when Cassius cast him a warning glance. Isabelle, biting the inside of her cheek, reluctantly reached for a spoon and began scooping salt onto Edmund''s plate.

    One spoonful...Two...Three...Each clump of salt made the once-edible dish look more like a snow-covered wasteland.

    "Keep going." Cassius encouraged, his grin widening as Edmund''s expression grew increasingly horrified. Isabelle glanced at him uncertainly, but he merely gestured for her to continue. "He''s the one who loves salt, after all."

    By the time Cassius finally told her to stop, the plate was a grotesque mountain of salt, the actual food buried beneath the white crystals. Edmund stared at it in disbelief, his face pale and drenched in sweat.

    Cassius clapped his hands together, his tone as bright as ever, and said,

    "There we go. The perfect meal for someone with such...unique tastes."

    Isabelle stepped back, biting her lip to stifle the laugh threatening to escape.

    Despite the absurdity of the situation, she couldn''t help but marvel at how Cassius managed to reduce someone like Edmund to a trembling mess without lifting a finger.

    Cassius leaned back, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement as he gestured toward Edmund.

    "Go on." He said with a lazy smile. "Have the first bite...You''ve been sitting there so patiently."

    Edmund froze, his hands trembling slightly as he stared at the mountain of salt that used to be his meal. His gaze flickered to Isabelle, whose wide, expectant eyes made it clear she was waiting to see if he''d actually go through with it.

    He clenched his jaw, realising he had no other choice. Cassius wasn''t the type to let him off easily.

    With visible reluctance, Edmund picked up his spoon and dug into the salted monstrosity before him. The food underneath the salt was barely recognisable, but he managed to scoop up a bite. His hand shook as he brought it to his mouth, and the moment the overly salted food hit his tongue, his face twisted in pure agony.

    "Ahh!~ Gahh!~ Ehhh!~"

    It was a struggle not to gag. The salt burnt his mouth, the flavour so overpowering it made his eyes water. He glanced at Cassius, hoping for mercy, but the young master''s cold, expectant gaze made it clear: he was to finish the bite.

    Summoning every ounce of willpower, Edmund forced himself to swallow. The sensation was unbearable, and he coughed slightly, his throat raw from the onslaught of salt.

    Just when he thought he could stop, he noticed Cassius''s raised brow and the subtle nod toward the plate. The unspoken command was clear.

    Edmund gritted his teeth, his pride and dignity shattered as he took another spoonful. His hands shook with every bite, but he continued to eat in silence, his body trembling as he endured the torment.

    Each mouthful felt like torture, the salt scorching his taste buds and leaving a bitter sting in his throat. Isabelle watched, caught between pity and amusement at the ridiculous scene.

    Satisfied that Edmund was sufficiently preoccupied, Cassius turned his attention back to Isabelle, his sharp gaze softening ever so slightly.

    The sudden shift in his focus caught Isabelle off guard, and she suddenly felt embarrassed.

    She looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her apron as she tried to compose herself. Her heart raced as she wondered what he was about to ask of her.

    ''Would it be something as absurd as Edmund''s task? Or something even more daunting?''

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze making her feel like he could see right through her. The intensity of his attention made her blush even deeper, and she bit her lip nervously, waiting for his next command.

    "Isabelle..." Cassius called, making her jump in her place and making Edmund wonder what he wanted from his fiancee.

    But to both of their surprises, he simply looked at the fireplace that was starting to simmer down and said, "Could you please add some firewood to the fireplace?...It''s getting quite chilly in here, and I don''t want to catch a cold with this weak body of mine that mostly consists of alcohol."

    Edmund scoffed under his breath when he heard Cassius so shamelessly call himself weak when he could still feel his solid grip around his neck, where the hand marks still resided. Isabelle also rolled her eyes and gave a reluctant smile at her young master, who liked to joke a lot.

    "Yes, young master...I apologise for not noticing that the fire was slowly starting to go out earlier. I''ll add some right now and make this room feel toasty in no time." Isabelle bowed and went over to the brick fireplace to add some fuel to it.

    Actually, in modern Eleanor, a lot of the new houses that were being built by the upper class or the upper middle class have internal heaters that run on Eather. But because this was a servant quarter built long ago in the past, it had no such function and had to be heated through the old-fashioned way.

    When Isabelle went over to the iron rack where all the firewood should be, she found that there wasn''t any more, to her surprise. She looked around the room and the other, but she still didn''t find any of the fuel.

    "Edmund, where have you kept all the firewood?" She went over and whispered to Edmund who was slowly eating salt as his ears teared up and his nose turned red. "I can''t find it anywhere."

    "I''ve forgot to restock it, Isabelle...I''ve already had a lot on my hands recently, so it just slipped my mind." Edmund replied in an irritated manner since she was basically asking something for Cassius, whom he hated with all his heart.

    "But Edmund! What will young master do now!" Isabelle couldn''t help but whisper in a hurry while glancing at Cassius, who still hadn''t touched his plate like he were waiting for something. "If he were to get a cold, it would be on both of our heads when we''re trying to make up for what we did."

    "Hmph! Who cares about that vile man!" Edmund cursed silently, making sure that only Isabelle heard him. "I hope he dies after getting an illness and a painful death as well."

    "Edmund!" Isabelle couldn''t help but say in a frustrated manner, unable to believe that she was going to marry such a childish and stubborn man, who couldn''t realise the dangerous situation he was in.

    "Isabelle...I asked you to warm up the room, not to have a little lover''s conversation with your fiancee...What''s taking you so long?" Cassius asked while impatiently tapping his finger on the table.

    Isabelle quickly spun around, her cheeks aflame as she stammered.

    "Young master, I wasn''t flirting with my fiancee! I was simply...S-Simply-" She faltered, realising too late that she had rushed to clarify something that didn''t truly matter.

    Why had she been so eager to erase that implication first? The thought unsettled her, but she quickly pushed it aside.

    "I...I apologize for the delay, young master." She said with a bow, desperate to shift the focus. "It seems the firewood has run out. I''ll go out immediately to fetch some more."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his finger pausing mid-tap on the table. His eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as his lips curved into an all-too-knowing smile. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Now, now, Isabelle." He said lazily, leaning back in his chair as though settling in for a leisurely game. "There''s no need for you to venture out into the cold night over something so trivial. After all, the room can still be warmed...and I can think of a very practical alternative."

    His gaze slid down from her flustered face to her figure, finally landing on her rotund bottom with a look so pointed it felt almost tangible.

    Isabelle stiffened as she registered the direction of his gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and her blush deepened into a vivid crimson.

 Chapter 15 - 15: Warm Pillows

    "M-My lord?"

    Isabelle stuttered, unsure if she was hearing him correctly. The warmth of the dying fire was nothing compared to the heat now flooding her cheeks.

    Cassius rested his chin on his hand, smiling as though they were discussing nothing more serious than the weather.

    "I''m simply suggesting..." He said like he were innocent. "...That your presence here could serve an additional purpose. After all, what''s warmer than the company of a devoted maid?...Don''t you think your young master deserves to have his lap warmed by someone so eager to atone for her sins?"

    The audacity of his suggestion left Isabelle speechless. Her mind raced, torn between indignation, embarrassment, and the knowledge that refusing him outright could risk offending him further.

    She glanced nervously at Edmund, who had been chewing on his overly salted meal in quiet misery.

    For once, his attention was no longer on his own humiliation but on the exchange unfolding before him. His jaw dropped, and his wide-eyed expression made it clear that he was just as shocked as she was.

    "Y-Young master. Isabelle finally managed, clasping her hands together nervously. "Surely you jest..."

    "Do I look like I''m joking?" Cassius tilted his head, his smile growing wider. "You were so quick to clarify your loyalty to your fiancee just moments ago, yet here you are hesitating to do a small favor for me...Don''t you want to make amends, Isabelle?...Don''t you want to do acts of forgiveness for trying to kill a innocent man?"

    Her mind froze for moment. There it was, that teasing, manipulative tone that somehow left no room for argument.

    Isabelle felt trapped, like a mouse cornered by a cat, yet there was no malice in his expression. He was enjoying this far too much, she realized. She lowered her gaze, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to find the words to defuse the situation without outright refusing him.

    "I-I of course I want to atone, young master." she murmured, avoiding his eyes. "But...surely there must be another way."

    "Another way?" Cassius echoed, feigning contemplation as he tapped his chin with a finger. He then gestured lazily toward Edmund, who flinched at the implication and continued saying, "Hmm...I suppose I could let you fetch the firewood after all, but that would mean leaving me here alone with him."

    Isabelle''s eyes darted between the two men, her heart sinking.

    If she left the room now, there was no telling what Cassius might do to Edmund in her absence. She couldn''t risk it, not after everything that had already happened.

    Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, forcing her gaze back to Cassius.

    "If... if that is truly what you desire, young master." She said hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then I will comply."

    "Good girl. Come, then. Let''s see if you''re as warm as you are obedient." Cassius''s grin widened, his satisfaction evident as he patted his lap invitingly.

    Isabelle''s hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she stepped toward him. Her heart pounded furiously, and she could feel Edmund''s horrified gaze burning into her back.

    But she couldn''t afford to think about anything else now¡ªnot her embarrassment, not Edmund''s judgment, not even her own pride. For now, all that mattered was surviving this moment and ensuring that Cassius''s anger didn''t spiral out of control.

    As she reached Cassius, she hesitated for the briefest moment before lowering her fat bottom onto his lap.

    Sit~

    The interaction between two soft buns that felt so warm that they felt like they came fresh out of the oven and the stiff lap that was starting to get cold was sublime.

    Her fleshy bottom didn''t even leave any space behind and sank into the gap between his legs because of how much of excess fat there was on her rear, which was just as developed as her chest.

    His arm also immediately wrapped around her waist, steadying her as though she might try to escape. The heat of his body against hers was both startling and strangely comforting, despite the mortifying circumstances.

    She kept her gaze fixed on the ground, too humiliated to meet his eyes she wiggled her ass around in embarrassment.

    "There." Cassius said with a chuckle, his voice low and teasing. "Doesn''t this feel better already?...I must say, Isabelle, you''re quite good at following orders when you set your mind to it."

    Isabelle bit her lip, refusing to respond. She couldn''t bring herself to say anything, afraid that her voice might betray the tumult of emotions raging within her.

    Cassius''s hand rested lightly on her hip, his touch casual yet possessive, as though he were merely staking his claim.

    Edmund, meanwhile, looked as though he might combust from sheer indignation.

    "You...You bastard!" He hissed through gritted teeth, his fists trembling with suppressed rage. "Let her go this instant! She''s not some toy for you to play with! She''s mine!"

    Cassius glanced at him, his expression turning icy in an instant.

    "Careful, Edmund." He said in a tone that sent shivers down Isabelle''s spine. "You''re in no position to make demands right now...Or have you forgotten who holds the power here?"

    "...If I hear a single word come out from your mouth again while I eat my dinner with your future wife, I''ll make sure to use your worthless corpse as fuel for the fire."

    Edmund faltered, his bravado crumbling under Cassius''s piercing gaze. Isabelle felt a pang of pity for him, despite everything he had done.

    She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of Cassius''s profile. His eyes, though cold and calculating, held a glimmer of something else¡ªamusement, perhaps, or even satisfaction at having asserted his dominance once again.

    As the silence stretched on, Isabelle forced herself to take a deep breath, willing her heart to calm. This, she reminded herself, was just another trial she had to endure. If playing along with Cassius''s whims meant ensuring her safety, and Edmund''s, then so be it.

    "Now, coming back to our topic Isabelle..." Cassius suddenly said with a friendly smile on his face. "...Let''s talk about your ass, shall we?"

    Once again, Isabelle was thrown off guard as her dainty little ears turned a shade of red.

    This wasn''t because he was asking such lewd questions that one normally couldn''t ask a proper lady, since she was actually used to people in higher positions talking about her in such a way.

    Living as beautiful maid in a household where even the servants who were a little higher in position had a ego, it was only natural that she would hear vile comments about her figure that even she knew was appealing to the eye.

    Every day she would walk down the hallways and she could see the butlers glancing at her with evils eyes, while she simply ignored them and moved.

    Sometimes they would even make a comment out loud which would make her grit her teeth, since she was unable to do anything back because of the position she was in.

    But suprisingly, the questions that her young master was asking didn''t make her feel that way at all.

    Usually, people went out of their way to indirectly talk about her in such a dirty manner and never actually confronted her with those words since they didn''t have the balls to do the same.

    But her young master was different.

    He went straight to the point without thinking of any reprecussions whatsoever. Many would say that he was using his status as a noble to take advantage of her. But in her eyes, it was more like he was simply saying such brazen words to see her reaction and how she would respond for his own amusement.

    Like, as much as she did believe that he had crude thoughts about her, she also believed that he was teasing her for his joy and was expecting her to respond back.

    What especially made her feel that way was his blood red eyes which looked a little evil at the moment.

    Even though they looked a little menacing, so close up, Isabelle could clearly see that there was no lust in his eyes and only admiration. She had witnessed the ugly looks several people around her on a daily basis and she could for sure tell that her young master wasn''t looking at her like she was a piece of meat, or a toy, rather he was marveling at her like she was a rare piece of art that he couldn''t take his eyes off. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Even if he were to be staring at her plump butt, she would be sure that he wouldn''t simply be thinking of lustful thoughts, but also the beauty of the curves and the tone of her flawless rear like he was looking at her through the eyes of a artist.

    That was why, at this moment, she wasn''t completely offended by his question and was rather intrigued by it which made her ask him a question of her own¡­

 Chapter 16 - 16: Growing Interest

    "Young master, don''t you think that''s a bit too direct?"

    Isabelle asked to which Cassius raise his brow in surprise, as she wasn''t talking in a tone of enquiry and rather looked like she was trying to converse with him.

    After seeing that her young master was interested to hear what a maid like her had to say, she continued saying,

    "Like, royalty and nobles like yourself are usually taught from a young age to maintain a standard for themselves and keep their images high up in the clouds...So, even if they were to do something wrong which is unfitting of their status, they are taught that they should engage with it in such a way that it seems like they''re on the right side."

    Cassius nodded his head like what she was saying all made sense. This surprised Isabelle as she wasn''t expecting a noble like him to agree so easily to a topic that was usually so sensitive to higher ups.

    While glancing at him curiously and thinking that he really wasn''t like the rest of the nobles that she and seen, she continued saying,

    "That''s why I''m asking why you are so direct when it comes to asking such crude matters, so much so that it makes you look like a hoodlum on the streets?" She asked with a intrigued gaze.

    "Why don''t you follow what the other nobles of your status do and indirectly approach the matter in a hypocritical manner where your status is still intact, rather then what you did now, asking a lady like me to talk about her rear?"

    Isabelle finished her questioning and awaited for her young master master''s answer. She had seen several nobles speak before, so she thought that once again she was about to hear a roundabout excuse as to why he behaved that way.

    But to her surprise he once again replied in a very straightforward manner.

    "Because it''s too tedious Isabelle." Cassius said after sipping some hot tea to warm his body up.

    "Too tedious?" Isabella asked, not expecting his answer to be finished in a few words. "Forgive this servant for asking, but what do you mean by that exactly?"

    "Okay, rather saying that it''s too tedious, I''ll just say that I''m too lazy to talk in such a hypocritical manner." Cassius answered honestly while Bella nodded her head, carefully listening to what her young master had to say. "Sure, I can twist my words in a exaggerated manner and talk about a topic without bringing up the objective until the very end so that I wouldn''t want to be seen as a brute and would appear to be more refined."

    "...But why should I even bother about that when I''m the son of one of the most powerful people in the continent?"

    Cassius sighed like he found the hypocritical talk of nobles to be so boring.

    "Like, why should I waste my time and words for something that I so obviously want, when I can just directly ask them about it, knowing that the other party would agree to it because of the power I hold over them."

    Isabelle thought about it for a second and nodded her head, as even she was one of those opposite parties who had no choice but to comply to his words.

    "And in all honesty, I prefer to talk in a straightforward manner rather then shy around the topic, so it''s only natural that I would ask about your ass directly, rather then compose a 5000 word essay to give a reason as to why I want to sneak a peek in a justified manner."

    Cassius concluded while watching Isabelle''s beautiful face turn red because of his crude comment that resembled something a ruffian would say rather then a dignified noble like him.

    "But young master...Do you not care that others will look down on you if you act like a brazen hooligan?" Isabelle asked with a curious gaze in her eyes, suddenly wanting to know more about her young master who seemed so much interesting now.

    "Oh no¡ªI for one could not give a single fuck about what those hypocrites think of me."

    Cassius smirked while Isabelle also let out a little chuckle when she heard her young master curse others so blatantly. He then looked at Isabelle who was starting to think that her young master was rather funny and said in a knowing manner,

    "And even though I may speak in a brash and direct manner, I speak of it in such a way that the other party wouldn''t even be offended that they heard such a suggestion and would rather be amused that such a interesting person existed."

    "For example, someone like you who isn''t offended that I forced you to sit on my lap and is talking to me in a lively manner like I''m your fiancee, instead of the buffoon sitting over there."

    Cassius grinned at Edmund who had no choice but to grit his teeth after hearing his degrading words and swallowed the salt he had in his mouth.

    Isabelle also didn''t do him any favour as she quietly started to giggle while covering her mouth, since her fiancee really did look like a buffoon from a certain angle.

    "Oh please, young master~ There''s no way a common birth like myself can be a befitting fiancee to someone like you, who has two of the most powerful families in the country running through you." Isabelle joked, feeling much more comfortable with Cassius now that he seemed just as human as others.

    "Well, you''re right Isabelle...There''s no way you could ever be my fiancee."

    Cassius''s immediate acceptance stumped Isabelle as even though she knew what he was saying was true, it still hurt to see him admit it so blatantly.

    But it really wasn''t what she had assumed, as Cassius continued saying while he gazed at her saint like face,

    "If I were to see a girl as gorgeous as you then I wouldn''t even bother with the whole fiancee process and would straight up take you to the church and marry you on the spot."

    Isabelle shifted restlessly on Cassius''s lap, her cheeks warming as his words echoed in her mind. He had praised her beauty, an act she was far from unfamiliar with.

    Countless others had admired her before, their compliments often wrapped in flowery language and ulterior motives, each syllable crafted to woo or manipulate. She had grown adept at brushing such remarks aside, immune to their hollow charm.

    But this time felt different.

    Cassius''s words held no hidden agenda, no trace of artifice. He spoke with a sincerity that pierced through her usual defenses, leaving her uncharacteristically flustered.

    For the first time, she didn''t feel the need to deflect or dismiss. Instead, she let herself bask in the warmth of his appreciation, the authenticity in his tone making her believe, perhaps for the first time, that someone truly saw her¡ªnot just for her beauty, but for all that she was.

    It stirred something deep within her, a rare mixture of pride and vulnerability, as if his acknowledgment had peeled away a layer of doubt she hadn''t realized she carried.

    "You know what, I probably wouldn''t even be patient enough to take you to the church and marry you." Cassius said as he wrapped his hand around her soft but firm waist. He then continued saying as he admired her curvy figure that would make every man turn their head if she walked by, "I''d probably take you straight to my bed and make you mine first, as there''s no way I would be able to resist after seeing that stunning ass of yours."

    "Young master, that''s so wrong!~ You can''t do that!~" Isabelle smiled in a coquettish manner while being amused by her young master''s words. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I''m someone who holds a absurd amount of power, Isabelle...I get to decide what''s right or wrong." Cassius said with a arrogant look in his eyes making him look like a fiend. He then looked at the beautiful girl sitting on his lap and said with his lips curled, "So, even if you don''t like it or in love with that maggot over there, you would have no choice but to follow me and make dinner for me like the one before me for the rest of your life."

    Isabelle should have been outraged. The mere idea of someone boldly declaring they could steal her away, stripping her of her agency, was something she would normally scoff at. She wasn''t the type of woman to bend under the weight of power or threats.

    Time and again, she had faced down ambitious men¡ªwealthy businessmen with promises of status and security¡ªonly to reject them all. Isabelle had always been resolute in carving her own path, free from anyone else''s control.

    Yet, for reasons she couldn''t quite name, the notion of Cassius whisking her away didn''t entirely unsettle her...In fact, it intrigued her.

    He wasn''t like the others, with their shallow bids for her hand. She didn''t care about his power, his wealth, or the privileges he undoubtedly commanded. What drew her in was the man himself¡ªthe strange, unpredictable charm that made her laugh despite herself.

    Even worse, she even wanted to say that she didn''t even love Edmund like Cassius suggested. But she kept that to herself, especially with Edmund already looking pale, his composure unraveling under Cassius''s brazen words. Saying anything more might break him completely, and she wasn''t cruel enough to let that happen.

    Still, curiosity got the better of her, and she found herself leaning slightly toward Cassius, asking the one question that lingered in her mind.

    "But what about your family, young master?...Do you think that that they would allow you to take a commoner like me as your bride or even one of your mistresses?" Isabelle asked with a gentle smile on her face as she settled herself in a more comfortable position on his lap.

    She wasn''t asking because she had suddenly fallen in love with her young master, nor because she harbored some secret desire to become his bride.

    No, her question stemmed from sheer curiosity.

    She wanted to hear what unexpected, unpolished answer he would give next, something refreshingly different from the rehearsed, predictable words of the nobles she had long grown tired of.

    "The same family who refused to even speak a single word to me since birth?" Cassius scoffed as he stroked Isabelle''s plump thighs. "I couldn''t even give a rats ass about those imbeciles."

    "...Just let them try to stop me from taking in someone I like, just so that I don''t taint their so called prestige and status. I''ll show them what it feels like to walk on a floor covered in the blood of their own brethren."

    Cassius spoke in a calm, steady tone, his crimson eyes devoid of any anger, as if his chilling words were nothing more than idle musings. Yet, his presence carried a weight that made Isabelle shudder where she sat, mere inches from him.

    She knew he wasn''t joking, he meant every word...Cassius was the type of man who would stain his hands with the blood of his own kin without hesitation if it meant protecting what he cared for.

    Strangely, this didn''t frighten her. While Edmund sat stiffly nearby, his face pale and his expression betraying sheer horror, Isabelle felt something entirely different.

    Her eyes went wide, as her heart skipping a beat. It was a reaction she didn''t expect, but there was something about his brutal honesty and the sentiment buried within it that stirred her.

    No one had ever said they''d defy the world for her, let alone challenge a family like the Holyfields, whose power was absolute. Even if his words were violent, there was a raw, unpolished romance in them that made her feel both flattered and inexplicably drawn to him.

    "D-Do I really look so enticing in young master''s eyes that you would be willing to go to such lengths for the sake of taking me under your wing?" Isabelle couldn''t help but blush and shamelessly insert herself into the scenario, which made her heart race uncontrollably.

    "Leaving you as a person aside, Isabelle, just this juicy ass of yours is enough for me to spill blood."

    Cassius grinned as he slid his hands under her butt, which felt like he was trying to squeeze his hands under a squishy hot pack and he started groping them like he was trying check out their size with his hands.

    "Mmm!?~ Young master!?~ Nnn!?~"

    As Cassius''s strong hands slipped under her generous rear, Isabelle felt like she was sitting on a pile of hot, melting butter that was being kneaded by his firm grip. His touch was possessive and heavy, making her feel lightheaded and weak in the knees.

    "Hnnm!?~ Hmm!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    She couldn''t help but whimper out when she felt his hands squeezing and kneading her plush cheeks was overwhelming. It felt like her ass was being compressed into a smaller shape, only to be released and allowed to spring back to its original size. The pressure was intense, making her feel like she was sitting on a pair of vice grips.

    "See, Isabelle...How can one possibly resist when you have such a fatty bottom which fills my hand in your flesh from a little squeeze?" Cassius said as he slipped his hand out from her botton, like the shameless act that he had committed was simply to prove his point.

    Isabelle whimpered softly as Cassius spoke, his words making her feel even more self-conscious about her ample rear. His hands felt so warm and large engulfing her soft cheeks, like they were made to fit perfectly in his palms.

    What was worse was that she wasn''t even disgusted when Cassius''s hand had suddenly found its way to her behind.

    Instead, a rush of unexpected pleasure coursed through her, leaving her questioning herself. Was she really so easily swayed by a mere touch, or was it because it was his touch¡ªCassius, the man who had just vowed to fight wars and spill blood simply for her?

    She reasoned with herself, telling her mind that this was only natural. After all, if he was willing to go to such lengths for the simple privilege of laying a hand on her, wasn''t it only fair to reward his audacity? Letting him enjoy the moment felt almost...justifiable, or so she told herself to keep from feeling like a pervert.

    Yet, deep down, her thoughts were far from settled. She was unaware of the tangled emotions brewing within her¡ªpart insecurity, part curiosity, and something far more dangerous.

    Her insecurities about her figure surfaced, too, the ones she''d buried for years. In a world where nobles idolized slim, delicate frames, her fuller curves had always been a quiet source of self-doubt.

    But now, with Cassius''s firm grip and his brazen admiration, she felt a strange sense of validation.

    Like a child craving more praise, she found herself teetering on the edge of asking him questions she knew would only lead to more trouble¡­

 Chapter 17 - 17: Sharp Eyed Maid

    "Y-Young Master." Isabelle stammered, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to steady her thoughts. "Even though you say you appreciate my behind, I find it hard to believe you''d truly find it attractive. It''s just...It just has an extra layer of fat compared to others."

    She averted her gaze, refusing to look at Edmund, who now sat frozen in place, his bloodshot eyes glaring daggers at the man openly touching what was supposed to be his.

    "I-I mean, wouldn''t you much rather prefer a petite figure like the rest of the men out there?" Gathering her courage, Isabelle looked up at Cassius, her expression shy yet laced with curiosity.

    There was an almost childlike vulnerability in her words, as if she needed him to refute her insecurities, to tell her something only he could.

    "Oh, you don''t understand, Isabelle, nor do the rest of the poor existences in this world who call themselves men about how tantalizing your bubbly behind is." Cassius sighed like he couldn''t believe what he was hearing.

    He knew that the nobles of this world liked their women to be slim and petite, as it gives them a more elagant and dainty look from the memories he had inherited. But he still couldn''t believe that it was true and that some people actually preferred pancakes over some freshly baked muffins.

    "Get up, Isabelle." Cassius suddenly stated, determined to prove his point. "I''ll show you exactly why I like my woman to be thick and plump as you."

    "T-Thick and plump?" Isabelle got up from his lap and looked back with a slightly offended look on her face. "Young master, did you not just tell me that I had a splendid figure. So why are you suddenly changing your mind and calling me fat?"

    "...I mean, I will agree that I have a little too much weight on my chest and behind, but I promise you that my waist is more slender then any of the maids in the household." Isabelle stated and then looked down at her curvy body like she was wondering if she should lose some weight.

    "I''m not calling you fat, Isabelle...Well, I am actually, but fat all in the right places." Cassius said as he watched Isabelle''s bouncy ass rise up from his lap. He then slowly carressed it like it were a cute little animal and continued saying as he felt her tender flesh, "Like your ass right here...It''s got the perfect amount of meat that I just want to get in there and bite a chunk off."

    The frown on Isabelle''s face vanished in an instant as she felt the tender way his fingers traced the curves of her bottom. The touch, so oddly deliberate yet gentle, sent a wave of heat throughout her body. She couldn''t help but blush and smile at the same time when her gaze met her young master''s¡ªhis eyes fixed on her behind like a predator assessing its prey.

    ''So, the young master desires me just the way I am?'' She mused, a flicker of amusement crossing her mind. ''How interesting, when even Edmund and my own parents have told me time and again to slim down before I get married.''

    Turning slightly, she glanced back at him, her gaze lingering on the peculiar man who seemed more captivated by her imperfections than anyone else ever had.

    His amusement was unmistakable as he stared at her rear, almost childlike, as if her body was a treasure he had just discovered, a toy he was unwilling to share. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Why are you giggling, Isabelle?...Did anything funny happen?"

    Cassius asked when he heard some muffled laughter coming from her, while focusing his attention on the line in between her cheeks that was quite sunken in.

    "No, young master, it''s just that this humble servant couldn''t help but think that you look rather quite cute right now." Isabelle looked back and said with a playful smile on her face, not even caring that saying such a comment to a noble could give her the death sentence. She then continued saying as she watched him curiously trace his fingers around her cheeks, "Even though you''re already a full grown man and looked so scary earlier that I was actually shivering in my boots, you suddenly look like a baby right now who is curious about everything in the world and I couldn''t help but think of that as endearing."

    Her tone carried a mix of amusement and warmth, as though she''d momentarily forgotten the vast gulf of rank and propriety between them.

    "Calling a noble like me a baby, which most people out there would find to be quite insulting..." Cassius looked up at Isabelle''s playful face with a grin. "...Are you not afraid that I might punish you for what you said, Isabelle?"

    "Not at all young master, as this servant firmly believes that you are not such a petty person who throws people in prison because of a little comment someone said on a whim."

    Isabelle stuck out her chest in a confident manner like she were willing to bet her life that what she thought of Cassius were true.

    She then looked back, her eyes gleaming with an unusual brightness and mix of admiration and intrigue as she continued saying,

    "You''re someone who''s different from the rest...Someone who''s willing to find reason and forgive a sinner like me who tried to murder you, someone who doesn''t seem to mind official status and is even willing to casually talk with a maid like me, someone who for some reason I can''t help but think of as cute even though you''re playing with my body, and finally someone that I wouldn''t mind serving under because of how interesting of a master he is."

    "Damn...So what you''re basically saying is that you aren''t scared of me at all and find me rather amusing like a clown?"

    Cassius asked in an intrigued manner as he already knew that this maid before him was rather smart, but he didn''t expect her to actually figure out a rough idea of what sort of person he was just from a single meeting. Not to mention have the guts to follow through with what she thought, which not many people could do.

    "Not like a clown, young master, but a little doggy who looks a little scary from the outside because of it''s sharp teeth...But in actuality is a sweetheart on the inside, who wants to gets petted by everyone and called a ''good boy''." Isabelle told with a eager and urgent look in her eyes, which were staring at his fluffy bed of hair like she couldn''t help but want to give him a pet herself.

    "Haha...You really aren''t afraid of me at all, my beautiful maid?"

    Cassius''s expression shifted slightly as he contemplated her words. He had tried to project an image of a depraved noble, someone beyond reproach or empathy, but it seemed that no matter how hard he tried to keep up the facade, his true nature was bound to surface eventually.

    And here, in front of him, was Isabelle¡ªsharp-eyed, unafraid, and somehow looking at him not with the fear and awe he had become accustomed to, but with the tender, almost protective gaze one might reserve for a younger sibling.

    He was only 19, after all, still a boy by many standards. Isabelle, on the other hand, was nearing her late twenties¡ªan age where maturity and life experience often shaped how one viewed others. It made sense now, why she looked at him with that warm, almost nurturing gaze.

    To her, perhaps, he wasn''t the powerful and mysterious young master he tried so hard to appear as; instead, he was simply a cute young man who made her smile every time he spoke.

    "Not at all, young master...I''m not afraid of you at all." Isabelle gave a playful smile and said like she were saying a solemn vow. "After seeing how thoughtful you are, unlike the other nobles and how adorable you looked while you played around with my behind, like a toddler with a toy, I just can''t help but not be scared of you at all."

    Isabelle bit her lips as she held herself back from pulling on her handsome young master''s cheeks, who she couldn''t help but want to spoil as his older sister.

    "Then, that just means I have to work on my act more, unless I want more keen people like you to find out that I''m not who I seem to be." Cassius said some words that Isabelle couldn''t really understand and chuckled.

    He then gestured towards Isabelle to sit down on his lap once again, so that he could continue dinner and know a little bit more about the interesting maid who caught him in his act.

    But to his surprise, Isabelle didn''t sit back down and continued to stand with her round ass facing him. She was looking back at him with a shy gaze like she were telling that he forgot something.

    "Umm...Y-Young master...Did you not say that you were going to show me, why exactly you find my rear to be quite desirable?"

    Isabelle blushed and asked, as she really wanted to know exactly what her young master thought of her, knowing that she was basically sticking out her ass for him when he himself told her to sit down...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    Note: To anyone who thinks that the MC is leaving these two off too easily, I''ll just tell you guys that he has deeper plans in mind for both of them for the purpose the Goddess sent him here...And at the appropriate time, they''ll most definitely get the retribution they deserve, especially Edmund who will have a horrible end.

    You also don''t have to worry about the MC getting backstabbed out of nowhere or getting tricked, as this is a story where you can read it without any stress since the MC can easily handle anything that''s thrown at him.

    ...So, simply kick back and relax and enjoy the depravity that is about to slowly unfold.

 Chapter 18 - 18: Daring Words

    "You really are quite bold, Isabelle, asking for another man to tell you why he finds your behind appealing when your actual fianc¨¦e is sitting right next to us."

    Cassius said with a smirk on his face as he glanced at Edmund, who looked so furious at the moment with the way that Isabelle was treating Cassius that his entire face was red as a tomato and his fingers started digging into his palms.

    "But since I''m such a generous young master, I''ll not only tell you why I find your juicy behind appealing, Isabelle, but I''ll even show it to you." Cassius patted Isabelle''s perky butt like he were asking if she was ready, which made her bow her head and blush profusely. "But before any of that, I''m going to ask my boy, Edmund, to keep his head down and make sure his eyes stay on the plate."

    Cassius slowly turned his head to look at Edmund, who was in a wretched state, while at the same time slipping his hands underneath Isabelle''s skirt and caressing her plump thighs.

    "You see, to show why I want to take this lovely ass straight to bed, I''m going to need Isabelle to lift her skirt up all the way and reveal her rear to me."

    Cassius said to Edmund, which made Isabelle tremble as she wasn''t expecting him to see her bare flesh so soon. But she didn''t say anything to reject him and simply looked away in a fluster, which told many different stories. He then continued saying to Edmund with a slight grin on his face,

    "That''s why I''m going to need you to keep your gaze away from both of us, as I''m not a big fan of letting another man or whatever you are watch me indulge myself in a lady."

    Edmund''s fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his jaw tightening with a mixture of fury and frustration.

    "She''s my fianc¨¦e, Cassius!" He barked, his voice rising with indignation. "Why the hell should I look away? If anyone has the right to-"

    "To what?" Cassius interrupted smoothly, his voice cutting through Edmund''s rant like a blade. His eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement as he tilted his head, his grin widening. "To ogle her?...To lay claim to her like some object?...Before you even try to taint her with your gaze, let me remind you, Edmund, that you''re in no position to assert any rights here."

    Edmund''s breath hitched, and for a moment, his rage faltered under the weight of Cassius''s piercing gaze. But his pride wouldn''t let him back down.

    "You think you can just-"

    "I know I can." Cassius said, his voice calm yet laced with icy authority. He turned his attention back to Isabelle, who sat poised on his lap, her face a deep shade of crimson.

    This time, though, her trembling wasn''t entirely out of fear¡ªit was something else, a curious blend of nervousness and intrigue.

    "Isabelle, my dear maid." He asked her for her opinion. "Do you really want him gawking at you while we share this moment?"

    Isabelle''s beatiful face turned even warmer, and her heart raced at his words. Instead of recoiling, she found herself questioning why her young master seemed so captivated by her.

    ''What was it that he saw in her that made him so boldly claim her attention?'' Against her better judgement, her curiosity outweighed her apprehension.

    "I..." She murmured softly, as she glanced briefly at Edmund, who looked as if he''d been struck, before her gaze returned to Cassius.

    "M-Maybe it would be better if he didn''t watch."

    She said hesitantly, her voice lacking the defiance from before. Her tone, while soft, carried a trace of something else, perhaps a desire to understand her young master''s intentions.

    Edmund''s mouth fell open, his expression shifting from outrage to betrayal.

    "Isabelle!" He growled, his voice thick with disbelief. "You can''t seriously be siding with him!"

    "Enough." Cassius said sharply, his voice like a whipcrack. His grin vanished, replaced by a cold, chilling expression. "I''ve humoured you long enough, Edmund...Sit down, keep your head down, and focus on your dinner...If I catch you so much as glancing in our direction, I''ll personally gouge your eyes out."

    His words were delivered with terrifying calm, making it clear there was no bluff in his tone.

    Edmund, seething but unable to defy the man who held all the power, dropped his gaze to his plate. He stabbed at the food with his fork, his appetite gone, but he dared not lift his eyes again.

    Cassius turned back to Isabelle, his cold demeanour melting into a teasing grin. "Now, my dear, Isabelle." He murmured, his voice low and smooth. "Where were we?"

    Isabelle''s ears burnt as she fidgeted nervously, avoiding Cassius''s gaze. She glanced down at her lap, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "You...You were going to lift my skirt, young master." Her tone was heavy with embarrassment, and the way she avoided his eyes only added to her flustered demeanour.

    "Ah, what an obedient girl you are, Isabelle...I didn''t even need to remind you." Cassius''s smile widened, the teasing glint in his eyes intensifying.

    Isabelle swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn''t know whether to feel mortified that she was going to expose herself to another man or be strangely flattered by his words.

    She wanted to protest, to say something to preserve her dignity, but the way he looked at her¡ªlike she was the centre of his attention¡ªleft her completely tongue-tied.

    Cassius then reached out and gently touched her lower back, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

    "Now, my beautiful little maid...Could you please arch your back slightly and stick out that lovely little ass of yours?...Let me get a better look."

    Isabelle''s face burnt with embarrassment as she obediently arched her back, sticking her rear end out towards Cassius.

    She could feel his hot breath brushing against her covered-up cheeks, and the knowledge that he was looking at her in such a humiliating position made her want to sink into the ground.

    Bounce~

    As she presented her backside, the outline of her plump, rounded cheeks became clearly visible through the thin fabric of her skirt. The shape was unmistakable¡ªa perfectly spherical ass, pushed out to its fullest extent, the crease of her buttocks forming a deep valley between her twin hemispheres.

    The way her hips flared outwards gave her an hourglass figure, and the skirt stretched tautly across her ample bottom, leaving little to the imagination. From his seated position, Cassius could clearly see how the fabric strained against her full curves, outlining every plump inch of her vulnerable backside.

    Of course, he couldn''t just stop right there after catching a glimpse of the treasure, so he started to pull up her skirt.

    Lift~

    Isabelle''s face felt hotter than the sun as Cassius slowly gathered the fabric of her skirt in his hands, lifting it inch by inch. She could feel the cool air hitting her exposed thighs, then her lower back, and finally, the cool air washing over her hot, rounded cheeks.

    As the skirt rose higher, her plump, pale bottom came into full view, the soft, creamy skin a stark contrast against the dark fabric of her skirt. Two perfect, round globes stared back at him, the crease between them deep and inviting.

    Her bottom was like two ripe, juicy peaches, round and heavy, with a slight jiggle as she shifted her weight from foot to foot in embarrassment. The cheeks were smooth and unmarred, begging to be squeezed and grabbed.

    ''Lord have mercy...With maids like her wandering around the halls with their fat asses swaying about, it''s no wonder that there were so many depraved nobles back in the day...Heck, if I didn''t have a whole lot of self-restraint myself, I would''ve pounced on her myself.'' Cassius couldn''t help but think as he stared at the glorious sight before him. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    As her skirt was lifted higher, he caught sight of the black lace top of a garter belt peeking out from beneath her skirt''s waistband. The contrast of the lacy undergarment against her soft, pale skin made her plump bottom look even more tantalising and erotic.

    "How naughty of you, Isabelle." Cassius murmured, his eyes locked onto the black lace of her garter belt as he pushed his finger under the strap and tugged on it. "Were you wearing this the whole time under your innocent apron?"

    "Y-Yes young master, is there anything wrong with it?" Isabelle asked in a fluster, knowing that her young master was playing with the thin piece of clothing hugging her bouncy butt. "This was what came along with the set of maid clothes that was given by the Holyfield household...Is it possibly not to your liking?"

    Cassius''s grin widened as his crimson eyes roved over the intricate black lace of Isabelle''s garter belt. It contrasted starkly with the innocent exterior she projected in her maid uniform, and he found the disparity utterly amusing.

    "Not to my liking? Oh, Isabelle, you wound me with such a question. How could I dislike something so...artfully designed?" Leaning back slightly, he rested his chin on his hand, his voice smooth and teasing.

    Isabelle fidgeted nervously, her cheeks burning under his intense gaze.

    "I-I wasn''t sure, young master." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "If it doesn''t suit your tastes, I-I could find a way to replace it."

    Cassius chuckled softly, his tone rich with amusement.

    "Replace it? Now, that''s an interesting idea...Tell me, Isabelle, if I said I didn''t like it, would you be willing to take it off for me and stand before me with your naked ass sticking out?" His words hung in the air, laced with a mix of teasing and challenge.

    Isabelle''s breath stopped for a second, her embarrassment deepening as she struggled to find a response. Her mind raced with conflicting emotions¡ªhumiliation, curiosity, and a strange desire to please her young master.

    Finally, she managed a soft whisper, saying,

    "I-I suppose...If it''s what you wish, young master."

 Chapter 19 - 19: I Want To See More...

    Cassius''s grin turned wicked, his gaze flickering with delight at her submission.

    But at the same time he didn''t expect her to surrender so easily, as she most definitely wasn''t someone who would be pushed around without putting up a fight.

    To be honest, Cassius felt a twinge of disappointment. He was a man who admired strength and bravery in a woman¡ªthe kind who could hold her ground and face even the harshest realities with resolve.

    Isabelle, for all her sweetness and devotion, had shown glimpses of such qualities before. A woman who had dared to plot murder to protect others from harm, even at the cost of her own soul, and then confessed her sins, fully aware that death might very well be her final judgement.

    That sort of courage intrigued him. It hinted that she wasn''t just some simple maid destined to be crushed under the weight of noble expectations or toyed with as a fleeting diversion.

    No, Isabelle seemed more than that.

    She was a puzzle, a contradiction. A woman capable of such daring acts shouldn''t fold so easily under a bit of teasing pressure. Yet here she was, stammering and in a fluster, obediently submitting to his provocations.

    Cassius sighed inwardly, the faintest hint of disappointment creeping into his thoughts. Somewhere in the exchange, he felt he had lost sight of that unique spark she had shown before¡ªthe very spark that had drawn his attention in the first place.

    Still, Cassius was not one to reveal his inner thoughts. His eyes gleamed with feigned amusement, and the familiar smirk remained firmly in place. Whatever dissatisfaction he felt, he buried it deep beneath his mask of playful arrogance, and he continued with his antics.

    "Such dedication to your role...Truly, the Holyfield household has outdone itself in selecting the perfect uniform and the perfect maid to wear it." He said some half-hearted words while thinking that it was a pity that she gave in so easily. "I should write a letter of thanks to my family for their exquisite taste in accessories and..."

    ''Such dedication to your household.''

    Isabelle''s trembling hands fidgeted around as she tried to steady her breath when she heard Cassius utter those words, completely misunderstanding her intention.

    She avoided his gaze at first, but something within her stirred¡ªa strange courage she couldn''t quite explain. She didn''t want her young master to think she was willing to go so far simply because of her duties as a maid.

    ''It wasn''t just that...It wasn''t just obligation.''

    Finally, she looked up at him, her lashes framing eyes that glimmered with both hesitation and determination.

    "I-I''m not willing to take it off for the household''s sake, young master...Please don''t think that I''m some sort of easy woman who would bend her principles just because she''s forced to." Isabelle murmured, her voice trembling but steady enough to carry the weight of her words.

    She hesitated, not knowing what to say. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let the moment slip away without saying what she truly felt.

    Finally, she took a deep breath and pushed herself to continue, her voice soft yet laced with unshakeable sincerity as she said,

    "I-I want to do it for you....Not because it''s my duty or because I''m expected to, but because I want to please you, young master...I-I''m willing to reveal myself to you if that''s what it takes for you to reveal your true self to me, which you are hiding."

    Her gaze wavered but didn''t falter completely, her emotions laid bare in her trembling voice and the vulnerability in her eyes. It wasn''t just submission; it was an earnest desire to matter to him in a way that went beyond her role as a servant.

    The moment the words left her lips, Isabelle froze, her heart pounding wildly. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''What am I saying?'' She thought, barely able to process the boldness of her statement.

    She had always been careful to keep her composure, to act with propriety, yet here she was, openly admitting her willingness to bend to Cassius''s whims¡ªnot as a servant, but as something far more personal.

    Cassius''s teasing smile also faltered for the briefest of moments, his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

    He had expected her to play along, perhaps stammer an excuse or feign innocence, but this¡ªthis honest and provocative confession¡ªhad caught him off guard. For the first time, he was the one rendered momentarily speechless.

    "Well, well." He said finally, recovering his usual composure, though a hint of intrigue lingered in his gaze. "You''re full of surprises, Isabelle. I wasn''t expecting such...sincerity, I guess."

    ''She''s still the same intriguing woman I always thought she was.'' Cassius thought as a fire to claim this woman before him grew even more than before.

    Isabelle couldn''t meet his gaze now, her face burning with embarrassment. She bit her lip, cursing herself for letting such a thought escape aloud, but part of her couldn''t help but notice the shift in his demeanour.

    His usual playfulness seemed tinged with genuine curiosity now, as though her words had managed to crack through his facade.

    Isabelle''s heart raced, but amidst the whirlwind of embarrassment, a new feeling began to take root¡ªdelight.

    Her young master, always so composed, always wearing that playful yet detached smile, had faltered. Even if just for a moment, she had seen something raw beneath his carefully crafted mask.

    The faint flicker of surprise in his eyes, the way his teasing words momentarily stalled¡ªit was enough to make her feel as though she''d stumbled upon a treasure no one else had discovered.

    ''So even he can get flustered.'' She thought, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips despite her reddened cheeks.

    She couldn''t deny how curious it made her. For all his cold and commanding demeanour, there was something endearing¡ªcute, even¡ªabout seeing Cassius caught off guard.

    And she wanted to see more.

    She wasn''t sure why, but a part of her longed to uncover more of the man behind the mask.

    Perhaps it was because he always seemed so unreachable, so distant even in his moments of teasing warmth. Or maybe it was simply the fact that, for all his power and authority, he was still human¡ªcapable of vulnerability like anyone else.

    Whatever the reason, Isabelle couldn''t help the spark of curiosity that lit within her.

    Of course, Cassius''s sudden voice broke her out of her daydream and brought her back to the present.

    "You''re smiling, Isabelle." He said, his tone teasing yet laced with genuine interest. "What''s going on in that little head of yours?...Have I possibly become a source of amusement for you, seeing as to how you can''t help but smile when you look at me?"

    Isabelle was startled, realising she had indeed been smiling. Her hands flew to her cheeks in a futile attempt to hide her expression.

    "N-No, young master! I wouldn''t dare-"

    Cassius chuckled, cutting her off with a wave of his hand.

    "Relax, my Isabelle. I''m not offended. In fact..." His eyes narrowed slightly, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. "...I''m curious as well."

    "...What is it about this moment that managed to brighten your face like that and made you let out such a gentle smile that it almost seemed like you were at peace?"

    Isabelle hesitated, her heart pounding.

    She could deny it, could deflect as she always did. But something in the way Cassius looked at her now made her feel bold again.

    "It''s just... I didn''t expect to see this side of you, young master." She admitted quietly.

    "This side?" Cassius repeated, arching a brow.

    "Yes." She lowered her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "You were always so composed, so in control. But just now, I think...I think I saw a glimpse of the real you. And it was..." She hesitated, her cheeks flushing anew. "...It was rather cute."

    For the second time that evening, Cassius appeared genuinely taken aback. His eyes widened briefly before his grin returned, though this time it carried a hint of self-awareness.

    "Calling the same man who was thinking about how to slaughter you a little while ago, cute...How endearing."

    "Perhaps it is, young master...But as scary as you seem, I can attest that you have your charming sides as well that make me want to coddle you because of how cute you are." Isabelle''s blush deepened, but she found herself laughing softly despite her nerves.

    Cassius leaned closer, his glaring eyes searching hers, as he said, "Careful, Isabelle...Keep talking like that, and I might start to believe you''re trying to win my favour."

    Her smile wavered, but her gaze didn''t falter.

    "Maybe I am." She said, surprising even herself with the honesty of her words.

    Cassius stilled, his grin softening as he regarded her.

    For a moment, the playful banter between them faded, replaced by a quiet intensity that made Isabelle''s breath stop.

    She had no idea what he was thinking, but she couldn''t help but feel that, somehow, she had reached him in a way few ever had.

 Chapter 20 - 20: A Little Brother

    Cassius didn''t say anything back and simply turned his attention from Isabelle to Edmund, who was sitting with his head low and his shoulders tense as he tried to ignore the conversation unfolding behind him.

    "Edmund." Cassius called out casually, his tone dripping with mock politeness. He then continued, saying to Isabelle''s surprise, "You''ve got quite the adorable fianc¨¦e here. Did you know that?"

    "She''s not only charming but also surprisingly obedient as well...Not because she fears the power I hold over her or because she''s a dignified maid of the Holyfield household, but just because she genuinely wants to please her young master, who she finds rather cute." His eyes flicked toward Isabelle, and his grin widened as he saw her ears turn a deep red from his teasing.

    "Y-Young master, please." Isabelle stammered, her hands gripping the fabric of her skirt as she squirmed around, shaking her ass in the process.

    Her embarrassment was evident, and yet she couldn''t bring herself to look up at Edmund, knowing how furious he must be.

    "Adorable, isn''t she?" Cassius continued, ignoring her protests. "The way she blushes, the way she tries so hard to please¡ªit''s truly endearing. You should be proud, Edmund...Few men could claim such a delightful creature as their fianc¨¦e."

    Isabelle couldn''t take it anymore.

    "Young master, please don''t!" She pleaded, her voice soft yet urgent. "Stop bullying Edmund like this. It''s...It''s embarrassing." She lowered her gaze, her face burning as she fiddled nervously with her fingers.

    Edmund''s jaw clenched, but he said nothing, clearly struggling to contain his rage while keeping his head down. Cassius, satisfied with the reaction he''d provoked, turned his attention back to Isabelle, his grin returning.

    "Yes, it''s just like you said; I can''t help but be distracted by the stinkbug that keeps on flying around." Cassius said as he marvelled at the twin peaks before him. "But leaving that aside, do you want to know what makes your butt so great, Isabelle?"

    Isabelle didn''t answer but slowly nodded her head in a fluster.

    "Well, for one, it''s soft and warm like a pillow full of hot water, so it would absolutely be divine to spread your legs apart and rest my head between your cheeks."

    Isabelle''s face turned an even deeper shade of red as Cassius reached out and gently prodded her plump cheek with his finger. He poked and pushed, testing the softness of her butt, marvelling at how it yielded to his touch like a warm, fluffy cloud.

    "I-Is my behind really that soft, master?" Isabelle looked back and asked her master as she watched his finger pressed into her soft flesh, leaving an indent that slowly bounced back into place. "Doesn''t every woman out there normally have a rear that''s rather s-squishy to touch?"

    Cassius chuckled softly at Isabelle''s question, his eyes glinting with mischief as his finger pressed slightly deeper into her flesh, watching the way it yielded before springing back into shape.

    "Oh, Isabelle." He murmured, his tone as smooth as velvet. "Comparing rears to just any other is like comparing pillows."

    "Pillows?" Isabelle asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and embarrassment.

    "Yes, pillows." Cassius replied, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "You see, all pillows are technically soft. That''s their purpose, isn''t it?...But there''s a distinction between an average pillow and one of those rare, exquisite ones that allow your entire head to sink in¡ªa pillow so luxurious that it gives the best sleep in the world."

    Isabelle''s ears grew even redder at his analogy, her lips parting slightly in surprise.

    "A-And you''re saying that''s what...mine is like?" She stammered, unable to believe what she was hearing.

    Cassius tilted his head, his expression one of mock thoughtfulness.

    "Precisely." He said with a playful glint in his eyes. "Your behind isn''t just soft. It''s the kind of softness that ruins you for anything less...The kind that makes you wonder why the world doesn''t make more like it."

    "Young master!" Isabelle squeaked, burying her face in her hands in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. "You can''t just say things like that so casually!"

    "But I''m being honest, Isabelle." Cassius replied smoothly, leaning in to get a closer look at her mounds. "And honesty is a virtue, isn''t it?"

    Her heart pounded as his words washed over her, leaving her both flustered and oddly pleased. But a doubt also crept up in her mind that she didn''t know if she should ask.

    Isabelle hesitated, her heart pounding as her curiosity got the better of her. Though she was flustered beyond relief, she couldn''t help but glance back at him and softly ask,

    "T-Then would you...w-would you like to sleep with this pillow of mine, young master?"

    The room seemed to grow quieter as her words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, she wondered if she had crossed some invisible line.

    But before the panic could fully take root, Cassius''s expression lit up with a delighted grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

    "There would be no greater joy, Isabelle!" He replied without hesitation, his voice smooth and sincere, though the playful edge was still there. "I dare say a single night with such a divine pillow would put me in such a good sleep that I don''t even know if I would be able to wake up and turn me into a comatose patient."

    Isabelle shook her head in a fluster, unable to believe that she asked such a daring question. But also felt giddy on the inside that her master valued her so highly, or at least her that fat ass of hers, which she was slowly starting to appreciate.

    "Now, Isabelle...Let me show another reason why I want to keep your juicy ass all to myself."

    Cassius''s mischievous grin suddenly widened as he slid his hands under Isabelle''s rear, his fingers pressing firmly into the plush softness.

    "Isabelle." He murmured, his tone teasing as he gently lifted her backside. "What exactly is happening here?"

    Before she could respond, he let go of her fat cheeks that he was holding onto his lap and let them fall down, watching intently as her ample curves jiggled with the motion. He repeated the action once more, his eyes flickering with amusement as the supple flesh quivered in response every time he slapped them up and watched them shake like they were mounds of pudding being slapped around. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Isabelle''s entire body burnt with embarrassment as she stammered, her hands clutching at the hem of her skirt.

    "Y-Young master...It''s, well, it''s shaking around." She finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Shaking around?" Cassius repeated, arching an eyebrow and feigning innocence. His hands remained firm on her hips as he tilted his head to observe her more closely. "That''s an awfully modest way to describe such a mesmerising and erotic sight...You''re being far too humble, Isabelle."

    Isabelle''s eyes darted away, her heart pounding at his words. "I-I wouldn''t know, young master." She mumbled. "It''s not like I''ve ever thought about it before."

    "Then allow me to enlighten you." Cassius said with a glint in his eye.

    "When something so soft and supple reacts this way, it''s not just shaking¡ªit''s an invitation to appreciate the beauty of form, movement, and... well, craftsmanship." His fingers pressed gently into her flesh, testing its softness. "Wouldn''t you call that remarkable?"

    "Young master, you''re exaggerating." Isabelle protested weakly, though her trembling voice betrayed the fluster she felt. "It''s just, well, it''s just me."

    "Well, I guess as a woman yourself, you wouldn''t be able to understand the raw desires of a man...But maybe Edmund would?" Cassius turned his piercing crimson gaze toward Edmund, who was still miserably forcing himself to eat the overly salted meal.

    His hands trembled slightly as he tried to focus on his plate, clearly desperate to block out the humiliating conversation unfolding before him.

    "Don''t you also agree, Edmund?" Cassius continued with a wicked grin. "About the fact that watching the asscheeks of the girl you''re ramming from behind shake all over the place while defying the laws of gravity is a sight worth dying for?"

    Isabelle gasped audibly, her face turning as red as the finest wine.

    "Y-Young master!" She exclaimed, utterly flustered. "That''s such an inappropriate thing to say!"

    Cassius chuckled at her reaction, the sound low and teasing. "Inappropriate? Perhaps...But true, nonetheless." He replied smoothly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You should be flattered, Isabelle...I''m merely speaking about the undeniable appeal of what you''ve been blessed with."

    Isabelle''s eyes wandered around restlessly as she quickly tugged her skirt down and covered up her bare butt, the action sharp and hurried as though she could somehow undo the embarrassment that had already unfolded.

    Without missing a beat, she sat herself down on Cassius''s lap once again, this time with an air of determination, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

    "It''s time to eat dinner, young master." She said firmly, her voice carrying a maternal edge despite the lingering redness on her face.

    Cassius blinked, momentarily taken aback by her sudden shift in demeanor. Then, his usual mischievous grin returned.

    "But I still want to watch those delightful cheeks of yours jiggle a little more, Isabelle." He said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "Dinner can wait, don''t you think?"

    Isabelle gave him a stern look, one that was almost reminiscent of a responsible older sister.

    "No, young master." She said firmly, folding her arms across her chest. "You have to eat your dinner while it''s still hot. It''s important to maintain your health."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her attempt to scold him.

    "And if I refuse?" He asked, his tone laced with playful defiance.

    Isabelle paused, her hands still resting on the table as she looked at him, unsure how to respond to his teasing.

    "Well...I suppose there''s nothing I can do if you refuse."

    She admitted, her voice tinged with reluctant honesty.

    Cassius smirked, satisfied with her admission, but before he could retort, Isabelle hesitated. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth, and her voice softened as she added in a flustered tone,

    "But...Y-You''d be missing out on the opportunity to be fed by me if you decline, so think about that for a second, young master."

    Her words hung in the air, and Cassius''s eyes lit up with amusement and intrigue.

    ''Oh, so you''re going to make me eat my veggies like that...It seems like she really does want to coddle me like her little brother like she said.'' A slow grin spread across his face as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

    "Isabelle." Cassius called, leaning back with a smirk. "You''re quite the negotiator...Are you saying that allowing myself to be fed by you is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege?"

    Isabelle hesitated, clutching the hem of her apron as if to steady herself.

    "I wouldn''t call it a privilege, young master." She said softly, her cheeks tinged with red. "But if you decline, you''ll...you''ll miss the chance to experience being served by me. I-I mean, compared to eating your dinner yourself, wouldn''t you want your beautiful little maid to do it for you?"

    Her words hung in the air, surprising both of them.

    ''This maid...She really is quite daring, isn''t she?...Worst part being that I like daring women like her and can''t help but be caught in their whims.'' Cassius''s smile faltered briefly, replaced by a flicker of intrigue, before his grin returned in full force.

    "Well, when you put it like that, Isabelle." He said, his voice lowering. "How could I possibly refuse?"

    "But, Isabelle." He added, his tone playful yet firm. "I don''t want to be the one being fed. I''d much rather feed you instead."

 Chapter 21 - 21: A Warm Bowl Of Soup

    Isabelle''s eyes widened in shock as she heard her young master''s order-defying words.

    "Y-Young master!" She stammered, completely taken aback. "There''s no way that can be allowed! I''m your servant, and you''re my master. It wouldn''t be proper!"

    Cassius leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a smooth murmur. "Proper?" He repeated, his smile softening slightly. "You always talk about propriety, Isabelle. But don''t you think you deserve to experience something different, something special for once?"

    Isabelle froze, her mind racing as she processed his words.

    In their world, such an offer was almost unthinkable. The dynamics were clear: the wife was subservient to the husband, the servant to the master.

    For Cassius, her young master, to even suggest reversing that, to put himself in a position of servitude¡ªeven for a fleeting moment¡ªwas entirely outside the bounds of tradition.

    Her chest tightened with a confusing mix of emotions.

    On one hand, there was embarrassment. The idea of her young master feeding her felt far too intimate, far too indulgent. Yet, on the other hand, a strange warmth blossomed within her, a hesitant flutter that she couldn''t quite define.

    It was as though his words, unorthodox as they were, were quietly undoing some invisible barrier within her.

    Her fingers fidgeted with the fabric of her skirt as she lowered her gaze, unable to meet his.

    ''Why would he even suggest such a thing?'' She wondered. ''Does he truly think of me as more than just a servant? Or is this just another one of his games?''

    The very thought sent a blush creeping up her neck, and she bit her lip, conflicted.

    "Young master." She began hesitantly, her voice wavering, "I¡­I don''t understand. Why would you...Why would someone like you want to serve someone like me?"

    Her question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of centuries of societal norms. And yet, beneath her confusion, a small part of her¡ªa part she barely dared to acknowledge¡ªfelt an odd sense of delight, even yearning.

    To be treated as someone worthy, someone seen as an equal, if only for a moment...It was a thought as terrifying as it was intoxicating.

    Cassius leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a charming, almost lazy smile.

    "If there really should be a reason." He began smoothly, his tone carrying a soft, teasing tone. "It''s because a beautiful girl like you deserves to be treated special...Is that so hard to believe?"

    Isabelle''s breath stopped, her cheeks instantly flooding with warmth. She tried to dismiss his words as mere flattery, but there was a sincerity in his voice that made her heart stutter. She wiggled around in his lap as she stammered, "Y-Young master, you¡ª"

    But he didn''t let her finish. "And besides..." He continued, as if her reaction was exactly what he''d expected, "...since you''re the one who made this meal with your own hands, isn''t it my duty, as a man, to serve you and watch that cute little face of yours indulge in it?"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, her embarrassment deepening as his words sank in. He was shamelessly laying out his intentions, leaving her with no room to refute. Her mind spun with confusion and disbelief.

    "You can''t mean that." She managed, her voice trembling. "I''m just your servant, young master. It wouldn''t be proper for you to¡ª"

    "Proper?" He interrupted with a chuckle, leaning forward slightly. "Who cares about what''s proper? I''m more interested in what''s fair...You cooked; I serve. Simple logic, isn''t it?" His expression softened as he tilted his head, meeting her gaze. "Unless¡­You really don''t want me to."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened at his words, and she immediately shook her head, her voice rushing out before she could think.

    "No, young master! I would love to be fed by you personally, and it would be my greatest joy!...I mean, it¡ªit would be an honour to be fed by you!" Her cheeks burned crimson as she realized what she had just said, but there was no taking it back now. She clasped her hands together nervously, unable to meet his gaze as she said, "I wouldn''t dare reject such a k-kind gesture from you."

    Cassius''s smile widened, clearly pleased by her reaction.

    "Well, well, Isabelle. I didn''t expect you to agree so quickly...Here I thought I''d have to persuade you a little more." He said, his tone dripping with amusement.

    Isabelle fidgeted in her seat, her ears turning a bright shade of red.

    "No, I just¡­I didn''t mean to-" She paused, flustered, then let out a small sigh. "It''s just no one has ever offered me something like this before, young master...Especially not someone like you, and I genuinely don''t know how to react because of my inexperience." Her voice softened as she spoke, her heart thudding in her chest as the reality of the situation began to sink in.

    Cassius relaxed himself, the playful grin still tugging at his lips.

    "No need to overthink it, Isabelle." He said smoothly, realising how lost and confused Isabelle was at the moment. "Just enjoy the moment for what it is."

    Isabelle also understood that her young master was trying to calm her down in a thoughtful manner, which made her heart feel warmer than it already was in his presence.

    "Now, tell me, my darling maid, which dish would you like to start with?" His gaze flicked briefly over the table before he returned his attention to her.

    Isabelle hesitated, her eyes darting over the spread of food. Finally, she pointed shyly to a small bowl of creamy soup.

    "That one, young master." She said softly, her tone almost unsure.

    Cassius tilted his head curiously as he picked up the bowl and spoon and asked,

    "The soup, huh? Any particular reason why, since I haven''t ever seen anyone choose soup with such excitement?"

    Isabelle bit her lip, her hands nervously fiddling with her apron as she thought about how to answer. After a brief pause, she gave a small, embarrassed smile.

    "When I was a child, my mother used to make a similar soup on rainy days." She began, her voice gaining a bit of warmth as she spoke. "I always thought it was magic because no matter how gloomy the weather was, the soup made me feel warm and happy...Once, I even told her that the soup had to be made by angels since it was too good for humans to make!" She chuckled softly, her cheeks pink with both fondness and embarrassment. "I guess that''s why I''ve always liked it...It reminds me of those simple, happy moments...Those moments of the distant past."

    "...Ah! I''m sorry, young master!"

    Realising she had been rambling, Isabelle quickly dropped her gaze.

    "That was probably boring for you to hear." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius shook his head firmly, a rare sincerity softening his features.

    "Not at all, Isabelle. In fact, I''d happily listen to a hundred more of your stories if it meant hearing them in your charming voice."

    Without waiting for her to respond, he dipped the spoon into the soup and brought it toward her lips as he said,

    "Now, let''s see if this soup lives up to your angelic memories."

    Isabelle''s ears turned red as she opened her mouth, letting him feed her the spoonful of soup. The warmth and taste of it were comforting, but the act itself¡ªbeing cared for so tenderly¡ªwas almost overwhelming.

    She let herself relax into the moment, allowing her young master to coddle her. A small, contented smile crept onto her lips as she savoured the soup and the uncharacteristic gentleness in his actions.

    "How is it?" Cassius asked, watching her reaction with a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

    "Delicious." Isabelle whispered, her voice soft but genuine. For once, she let herself enjoy the rare delight of being pampered, her heart fluttering in a way she couldn''t quite explain.

    Cassius smirked as he set the bowl down for a moment.

    "You know, Isabelle, it wouldn''t really be fair for you to judge the dish." He said, swirling the spoon in the soup. "After all, you''re the chef...A little biased, wouldn''t you say?"

    Before she could respond, he brought the spoon to his lips and took a sip himself.

    Isabelle''s eyes widened as her mind immediately fixated on the spoon. ''He''s using the same spoon.'' Her mind was sent to a whirl at the intimate thought, her heart beating faster as she stared at him, waiting for his reaction.

    The moment the soup hit Cassius''s tongue, his eyes lit up¡ªnot with their usual mischievous glint, but with genuine, unrestrained delight. He sat upright, his free hand slapping the table as he let out an exuberant shout.

    "Damn, Isabelle!" He exclaimed, his voice loud and filled with excitement. "This¡­This is incredible!"

    Isabelle jumped at his outburst, startled by his sudden break in composure.

    "Y-Young master?" She stammered, unsure of what to make of his overwhelming reaction.

    Cassius turned to her, his usual calm demeanour completely gone as he launched into an animated stream of praise.

    "This is amazing, Isabelle! The flavour is rich, the texture is perfect¡ªit''s like a warm hug in liquid form! Isabelle, you''ve outdone yourself! You''ve completely outdone yourself!" He leaned forward, his expression uncharacteristically open and full of awe. "This isn''t just food; it''s art! You''ve managed to make something so comforting, so full of heart¡ªhow do you even do it?"

    Isabelle stared at him, her mouth slightly agape. She''d never seen him like this before. His genuine, unfiltered enthusiasm was such a stark contrast to his usual teasing or calculated charm.

    It was raw and sincere, and it made her heart swell¡­

 Chapter 22 - 22: Death Would Be Kinder

    "I-I¡­" Isabelle began, her voice faltering as she tried to process his words. She felt her cheeks heat up, not just from the praise but from the sight of this vulnerable, almost childlike side of him that she''d never thought she''d witness. It was¡­endearing.

    Cassius, still holding the spoon, looked at her with wide, excited eyes.

    "Seriously, Isabelle, this might be the best thing I''ve ever tasted...I know you probably hear this all the time, but your cooking is on another level."

    Isabelle smiled softly, bowing her head slightly in gratitude.

    "Thank you, young master." She said, her voice warm but carrying a subtle note of melancholy. "Your words mean a lot to me." She hesitated, her fingers gently fiddling with the edge of her apron. "But¡­Truth be told, you''re the only one who''s ever praised my cooking before."

    Cassius froze mid-bite, lowering the spoon as he looked at her in disbelief, unable to believe what he just heard.

    "What?" He asked, his tone sharp with incredulity. "You''re telling me no one else has said anything about how amazing your cooking is?"

    ''She is joking, right? Since I have a fond interest in delicacies, I''ve visited so many restaurants back on Earth before and have probably tasted every single dish that''s out there...And even by my high standards, her dishes are unlike anything I''ve tasted, so how is it that no one has ever said a word about it?'' Cassius couldn''t help but grumble in his mind, furious that no one acknowledged such godly cooking.

    Isabelle gave a faint smile, her eyes lowering to her lap.

    "No, not really, young master." She admitted quietly. "Most of the time, I was just expected to cook and serve, without anyone noticing or commenting on the food itself...It was always about getting the task done, never about whether it was good or not."

    Her fingers tightened slightly on her apron as a stray thought crossed her mind. Even Edmund had never said anything about her cooking. He ate her meals without a word, as if it was her duty to meet unspoken expectations.

    But here Cassius was¡ªa noble, no less¡ªopenly praising her food, without a hint of hesitation or pride. It was strange, refreshing even, how different he was.

    Cassius''s expression darkened, setting the spoon down with a clink. Leaning forward, his tone grew sharp, edged with disbelief.

    "That''s absurd." He said firmly. "How could anyone eat something this good and not say a word about it? That''s not just ungrateful; it''s downright criminal!" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "...Honestly, Isabelle, I''d almost say they didn''t deserve to taste your food if they couldn''t appreciate it." Straightening in his chair, Cassius crossed his arms as if offended on her behalf.

    Her cheeks faintly turned a shade of pink, and she quickly lowered her gaze, feeling her heart stir. His sincerity, his lack of arrogance despite his status, made her realise just how different he was from the rest. Cassius wasn''t afraid to voice his thoughts, even if it was something as simple as enjoying a dish.

    "You''re too kind, young master." She said softly, her cheeks warming at his passionate defense. "But it''s all right...Just knowing you enjoy my cooking makes it worthwhile."

    Cassius tilted his head, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Oh, I don''t just enjoy it." He said, his tone lightening. "I''m utterly spoilt now...Don''t think for a second I''ll settle for anything less than your masterpieces from this point on."

    Isabelle chuckled softly, a playful glint in her eyes.

    "Well, young master, I''d be honoured to cook for you for the rest of my life." She said, her tone lighthearted. "It''s the least I can do after trying to take your life."

    Cassius blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her joke, before a smirk spread across his face.

    "Ah, so you''re offering a lifetime of service as penance for a single mistake? How generous." He teased as he wrapped his hand around her waist.

    Cassius leaned closer, his expression softening but with a glint of mischief in his gaze. "You know." He murmured. "What you''re saying sounds an awful lot like something a wife would say to her husband. ''Cooking for him for the rest of her life,'' ''repaying a debt''...You''re practically proposing marriage, Isabelle."

    Her eyes widened at his teasing words, and she felt her face heat up immediately.

    "Young master! You can''t keep teasing me like this!" Isabelle, who was finally fed up with her young master''s antics, let out a cute little yelp. She then looked at the look of surprise on his face at her little outburst and said with her narrowed eyes, "You said that you wanted to treat me today, but here you are bullying me the whole time."''

    "...That''s not expected at all, especially when you''re my caretaker right now!"

    Isabelle declared with a harumph, turning her noble young master, who had royal blood flowing through him, into a simple butler in a matter of seconds.

    Cassius blinked at Isabelle''s bold declaration, his usual smirk faltering as he stared at her in genuine surprise.

    "Wait¡­When did I become your personal butler?" He asked, his eyes wide in disbelief.

    Isabelle crossed her arms and tilted her head, her newfound confidence making her seem far less flustered than before.

    "The moment you decided you were going to feed me, of course!" She replied matter-of-factly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Only a butler, or perhaps a caretaker, would stoop to such tasks. And since you''re clearly neither a maid nor a cook, I''m left with no other conclusion."

    "...Or is that serving a maid like me is too low of a job for you, young master, since if it is, I can most definitely feed myself."

    Isabelle pouted like a child and turned away in an adamant and spoilt manner, resembling a noble''s daughter who did whatever she did on her whims.

    Cassius blinked at her pout, then let out a soft chuckle, his usual coldness melting as he relaxed into his normal, playful demeanor. He shifted slightly, adjusting Isabelle on his lap as he looked at her with an amused glint in his eyes.

    "Well, we can''t have that, can we?" He said with mock seriousness. Then, to Isabelle''s surprise, he leaned forward slightly and bowed his head while still keeping her firmly seated on his lap. One hand rested theatrically on his chest as he intoned, ''''It would be my utmost honour to serve my young lady for today.''''

    Isabelle raised an eyebrow, trying to keep her composure, though a small, victorious smile played on her lips.

    Cassius lifted his head, meeting her gaze with a playful grin.

    "So, my lady, what is your command? What shall this humble butler serve you next?'''' He gestured grandly to the spread of food on the table.

    "Well..." Isabelle said, pretending to deliberate as she glanced at the dishes. "Since you''re offering, I suppose I''ll let you make up for your earlier teasing with something sweet." She crossed her arms, her voice adopting a mock-haughty tone. "That is, if you think you can manage it, young master."

    Cassius let out a dramatic sigh, one hand pressing against his forehead as though her words had deeply wounded him as he said,

    "You doubt my abilities as your caretaker already? I''m crushed, my lady."

    Isabelle rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a giggle at his theatrics.

    "Then prove me wrong. Feed me something sweet, and maybe I''ll forgive you...I wouldn''t mind trying the fruit tarts next."

    Cassius obliged, picking up a dainty tart and holding it to her lips, feeding her with the same care as before. Isabelle took a bite, savouring the tangy sweetness of the fruit.

    "Mmm, this one''s really good." She murmured, her eyes lighting up.

    "Is it now? Cassius asked with a faint smile, watching her with amused affection.

    She nodded eagerly before tilting her head at him.

    "But I need you to try it too, young master. I need to know if you agree."

    Cassius sighed with feigned exasperation. "Again? You really do enjoy making me break all the rules of propriety, don''t you?" But he took a bite nonetheless, chewing thoughtfully. "It''s excellent, young lady. The crust is buttery and just the right amount of crisp, the cream''s sweetness isn''t overpowering, and the fruit adds a refreshing burst of flavor...Your taste in desserts is impeccable."

    Isabelle''s cheeks glowed with pride, and she clapped her hands together like a child who had just received high praise.

    "I knew you''d like it!"

    And so the process repeated itself. Isabelle would pick a dish, Cassius would feed her, she would insist he try it as well, and he would offer her his approval with a teasing or affectionate comment.

    The atmosphere between them grew lighter, warmer, filled with playful laughter and quiet smiles.

    ...But not everyone shared in their joy.

    Edmund, who had been quietly standing guard in the corner of the room, watched the scene unfold with a face that seemed carved from stone.

    His hands clenched into fists at his sides, and his jaw tightened with every shared laugh and every lingering glance between Isabelle and Cassius.

    ''This¡­This is torture.'' He thought bitterly. ''Death would be kinder than this.''

    The woman he loved was here, smiling brighter than he''d ever seen, but not because of him. She wasn''t looking his way, wasn''t even sparing him a thought. Her entire world, in this moment, revolved around another man¡ªCassius.

    And yet, as much as he longed to intervene, Edmund remained rooted in place, forced to endure the sight of the person he cherished most finding happiness in someone else...Just what kind of life was this?

 Chapter 23 - 23: Unintended Consequences

    Pop~

    The sudden crackle of the fireplace broke through their lively conversation, making both Isabelle and Cassius glance toward the dancing flames. The sparks flared up briefly, as though the fire itself had grown impatient with being ignored.

    Isabelle blinked, realising how long they''d been sitting there.

    "It''s already so late." Isabelle murmured, her voice tinged with surprise. She turned her attention back to Cassius, who was leaning comfortably back in his chair, a small, amused smile on his lips. "I didn''t even notice the time. Young master, you...You really know a lot about cooking." She added, still surprised by their long discussion.

    Cassius chuckled softly, resting his chin on his hand as he regarded her with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

    "Why does that surprise you so much? Did you think I was only good for bossing people around?"

    "Well..." Isabelle began hesitantly, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "...You do spend most of your time giving orders. But I didn''t expect you to have such practical skills. It''s really impressive, actually, especially in a time where many people consider cooking to be a lowly task."

    "Impressive, huh?" Cassius''s smirk widened. "So I''ve managed to surprise my charming maid...That''s a rare feat. I''ll take that as a compliment."

    "You should. I didn''t think young masters like you even stepped foot in kitchens, let alone knew how to prepare dishes." Isabelle laughed softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

    Cassius leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hasten as he said,

    "Let''s just say I''ve had my fair share of experiences...Life isn''t always as predictable as it seems, Isabelle."

    Before she could respond, another loud crackle from the fireplace reminded them of the hour.

    Isabelle straightened, her cheeks flushing slightly as she averted her gaze and said,

    "I suppose we should call it a night. It''s getting late, and you''ve already spent so much time here."

    Cassius tilted his head, studying her with a soft expression that momentarily betrayed his usual playful demeanour.

    "Are you trying to send me away, Isabelle?" He teased, though his tone was unusually gentle.

    "N-No, young master." Isabelle stammered, though she couldn''t quite hide the shy smile that played on her lips. "I just don''t want to take up too much of your time...You''re probably needed elsewhere, after all."

    "Perhaps. But right now, I think I''m exactly where I need to be."

    Cassius let out a quiet laugh, his gaze never leaving hers as she looked away in a fluster. He then shifted slightly, the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips deepening as he added,

    "Though I''d offer you a hand to get up so that we can leave, I''m afraid that''s a bit difficult considering you''re still sitting on my lap, Isabelle."

    "Oh! I-" She stammered, her thoughts a whirlwind of panic.

    The realisation hit Isabelle like a bolt of lightning, her face heating up in an instant. She hadn''t even noticed how naturally she''d remained in such an intimate position, as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

    Her heart gave a slight pang as she prepared to move, reluctant to part from the warmth that had enveloped her so completely while she sat on his lap.

    It wasn''t just the physical warmth that lingered; it was the feeling of safety, of being cocooned in an unspoken sense of closeness. His steady presence had been comforting, like the kind of gentle fire one could curl up beside during a winter storm.

    But she couldn''t stay. She knew she couldn''t. What if her young master thought she was overly familiar? Or worse¡ªclingy? The thought made her chest tighten, and with a burst of determination, she quickly pushed herself to her feet, her heart sinking further as the cold, empty air rushed to replace the warmth she had just left behind.

    Even as she stood, Isabelle couldn''t stop her mind from lingering on the contrast. For a fleeting moment, being so near him had made her feel like she was somewhere safe, somewhere she belonged. But she shook the thought away, forcing herself to refocus, even as a hollow ache settled in her chest.

    But because her movements were so rushed that she miscalculated her space, she stumbled back slightly, and her hips accidentally bumped against the edge of the table.

    Bang~

    The force was enough to send a cup of grape juice teetering over the edge. She watched in slow-motion horror as the glass tipped and spilt its vibrant purple contents directly onto Cassius''s lap, soaking his pants right at his crotch.

    Cassius froze, his expression caught between shock and disbelief as the cold liquid seeped through the fabric. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the room filled only with the sound of the fireplace crackling behind them.

    "I-I''m so sorry, young master!" Isabelle blurted out, her hands flying to her mouth as her eyes darted frantically from the table to his now-ruined pants. "I didn''t mean to¡ªoh no, oh no¡ªwhat do I do?!"

    Cassius let out a soft chuckle as he saw the stain spreading below.

    "It''s fine, really...Though, I must say, perhaps it''s your fault for having a butt so big that it knocks into tables." He teased with a smirk as he stared at her massive ass swaying around in panic.

    Isabelle''s face turned scarlet at his comment, her hands immediately flying to her hips as if to defend herself.

    "Young master!" She exclaimed, her tone flustered and indignant.

    Yet, despite her embarrassment, she couldn''t help the tiny smile tugging at her lips.

    Determined to fix her mistake, Isabelle grabbed a hand towel from the table.

    "Let me clean it up." She said firmly, kneeling down beside him as she began dabbing at the grape juice stain on his pants.

    ''This girl-...Does she know what she''s doing?'' Cassius''s smirk wavered slightly as he stiffened in his chair, the situation quickly escalating beyond his control.

    "Isabelle." He said, his tone calm but edged with tension. "There''s no need for you to do that. Really, I can take care of it myself."

    But Isabelle shook her head ignorantly, her brows furrowed in guilt.

    "No, it''s my fault. I should have been more careful." She insisted, her voice resolute.

    She then continued to rub the damp spot with the towel, her movements focused and oblivious to the strain building on her young master''s face because of her innocent actions.

    ''Ahhh...Does this girl really not know where she''s rubbing me? Or is this her attempt at trying to seduce me?'' Cassius wondered as he witnessed his maid focus on his crotch so much.

    "Isabelle." Cassius repeated, this time his voice sounding slightly strained, his hand gripping the edge of the chair. "Stop it. Seriously...I don''t think you understand what you''re doing right now."

    "I''m almost done!" She replied, still intent on her task.

    But as she pressed the towel against the stained area, she suddenly froze, her hand halting mid-motion.

    Her cheeks flamed anew as an odd sensation registered under her fingertips¡ªa firmness that had absolutely nothing to do with grape juice.

    Her wide eyes darted up to Cassius, who was now staring down at her with a mix of exasperation and amusement.

    "Now do you understand why I told you to stop?"

    He asked dryly, though there was a slight curve to his lips that betrayed his amusement despite the awkwardness of the moment.

    Isabelle''s face burnt brighter than the flames in the nearby fireplace. She quickly pulled her hand away as though she''d been scorched, clutching the towel to her chest.

    "I¡ªI didn''t mean to!" She stammered, her voice barely above a squeak.

    Her wide eyes darted anywhere but at him, yet her mind betrayed her as it raced to process what had just happened.

    She couldn''t help but think about it¡ªher young master, always composed and in control, had reacted to her...The realisation made her heart pound even faster.

    ''Did I really just bring about such a reaction?'' S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The thought both mortified and fascinated her, a whirlwind of embarrassment and an unfamiliar sense of pride swirling in her chest.

    "I swear, young master." Isabelle managed to say, her voice trembling as she scrambled to her feet, "I wasn''t trying to¡ª I mean, I didn''t mean for that to happen!"

    Cassius, for his part, seemed far less frazzled. Though his face held a faint flush, his usual smirk had returned in full force.

    "Isabelle." He said, leaning back in his chair with an air of deliberate nonchalance. "I believe you. But it seems that your ''helpfulness'' often leads to...unintended consequences."

    His teasing tone only made Isabelle''s embarrassment worse. She wanted to crawl under the table and disappear, but she couldn''t help stealing a glance at him.

    Her eyes drifted downward, drawn to the subtle tenting of his pants like a moth to a flame. She had never seen a man''s clothing bulge like that before, let alone her young master''s.

    It was so large that it strained against the fabric of his pants, making her wonder if it was even possible for a man''s...thing to be that big.

    Her heart raced faster than a galloping horse, and her breath felt shallow in her chest. The sight both terrified and captivated her; she had never seen anything so substantial, so masculine.

    The way it pressed against his pants, so prominent...It made her simultaneously want to run away and study it closer.

    The sheer size of it made her wonder if it would even fit. The thought of her small hand wrapping around such a thick, hard thing made her fingers twitch. She felt a strange, empty ache between her legs, a longing she couldn''t comprehend...

 Chapter 24 - 24: For The Mission...

    But as much as Isabelle was trying to be secretive, Cassius noticed Isabelle''s look of avid intrigue as she stared at the bulge in his pants long ago.

    He had also noticed how Edmund was currently staring at the plate in front of him with bloodthirsty hatred, hearing everything that was going on and how his fianc¨¦e had ''accidentatally'' managed to make his wood rise.

    Seeing these two things happen made him wonder if he should go back to the original plan as to why he came here and fulfil his purpose.

    You see, the reason Cassius came over to Edmund''s place wasn''t just to catch both of the culprits in the act and bring back both of their heads for what they did. He also had another purpose in mind, and that was the mission that the Goddess had given him.

    The Goddess had told him to be the messenger of her purpose and spread her gospels all throughout the land.

    Yet, unlike the gods of peace or prosperity, his deity demanded something far less noble: acts of debauchery so outrageous, so scandalous, that his name would echo throughout the continent. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He was to be her herald, her agent of chaos, and his actions would serve as a living testament to her philosophy.

    It wasn''t exactly the life he''d envisioned, but who was he to defy divine will?

    When he arrived at Edmund''s estate, his plan had been clear: ''humiliate'' Isabelle in front of her lover, break their spirits, and ensure their downfall was as public as it was memorable.

    The act itself wasn''t purely malicious¡ªthese two had blood on their hands. They were the reason the old Cassius no longer existed. Ending their lives would be justice, a righteous sacrifice to the Goddess''s cause.

    ...But then, things had shifted.

    Cassius had come to realise that Isabelle wasn''t the cruel and conniving woman he''d been led to believe...Far from it.

    She was earnest, selfless even, throwing herself into danger for others without a second thought. Her mistakes were born of ignorance, not malice, and when faced with the consequences of her actions, she was willing to repent, even if it meant her life.

    Her courage, her vibrant spirit¡ªit all struck a chord in him, the side of him which was the reason he was chosen as a peacekeeper in his previous world. She wasn''t the type of person he wanted to punish, let alone destroy.

    She was...intriguing.

    So, he''d abandoned the original plan. Taking her life would be a waste, a stain he wasn''t willing to bear so early in his journey.

    But that didn''t mean he was going to forgive her for what she did, as even though she didn''t mean to take the life of the old Cassius, a sin was still a sin, and her punishment that he had decided for her, which would ruin her life forever, was slowly approaching.

    Yet, as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, the situation before him had presented a unique opportunity.

    Isabelle had stumbled into an incredibly compromising position, one where it wouldn''t be unusual for a noble like him to exact punishment¡ªor take liberties.

    And she wasn''t exactly discouraging him. Her lingering glances and the way she fidgeted around told him that much. Beside her, Edmund''s silent rage only added to the tableau, practically daring Cassius to act.

    Cassius exhaled, his smirk widening as he leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. If the Goddess wanted a debauched noble to spread her gospel, then this was as good a place as any to start.

    Isabelle''s actions had created a scenario too perfect to ignore¡ªa scenario where her humiliation, witnessed by her fianc¨¦, would send ripples of scandal far beyond these walls.

    And so, Cassius decided to proceed. For the Goddess. For the mission...And maybe, just maybe, for a bit of his own amusement.

    "Isabelle...You''re quite the naughty little maid, aren''t you?" Cassius suddenly spoke in a low voice, which made Isabelle, who was kneeling down beside him jump in fright. "I let you peek at my crotch since you looked rather curious. But here you are taking advantage of the situation and sneaking glances at it every second.

    "...I didn''t expect you to be so lewd."

    Cassius said with a little smile on his face as he looked down at the flustered Isabelle and stroked her puffy cheeks that were blushing profusely.

    "N-No, young master...I-I wasn''t looking there...I was...I-I was-" Isabelle couldn''t bear to accept the fact that her master had seen such a disgraceful side of her, and she tried to cover it up with some kind of excuse.

    But because she had been staring at his wood for so long and her mind was full of thoughts about what exactly was inside of her master''s pants, she couldn''t come up with anything at all and just stammered as she looked up at her young master with pitiful eyes.

    "Don''t lie to me, Isabelle...Be straightforward with me." Cassius suggested in a gentle voice as he wiped away the tears forming in her eyes for being caught in the act and spoke in such a way like he was telling her to confess her sins for the sake of her sanity. "Are you really going to lie to me even after I pardoned your life after you tried to kill me? Even leaving that aside, are you going to deceive me after the time we had with one another tonight?...Did that really mean nothing to you?"

    Cassius spoke like he was aggrieved that Isabelle had led him on for nothing and was asking if any of her time with him was special or if it was all to appease him so that he would forgive her for the sins she had committed.

    Isabelle, of course, took the bait and immediately refused his words.

    "No, young master! Not at all!" Isabelle exclaimed in a panic when her master misunderstood her intentions.

    "T-This night..." Isabelle''s voice softened, her lips quivered as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "This night... I don''t know how young master feels about everything that happened. B-But what I will say is..." She hesitated, then looked up with a sudden surge of courage. "This humble maid of yours will never forget this night."

    She paused, her delicate fingers fidgeting with the hem of her skirt as her voice dropped to a whisper.

    "Not because I came face to face with death tonight, nor because I was granted forgiveness for trying to take your life... But because of the time I got to spend with you, young master. A time that allowed me to glimpse a side of you that few¡ªif any¡ªhave ever seen."

    Her blue eyes, shimmering with emotion, locked onto his. There was a vulnerability in her gaze, but also a flicker of resolve, as if she was baring her soul to him.

    "So please..." She pleaded, her voice thick with emotion. "Don''t say this night means nothing to me. For this lowly maid, it is everything. Though fleeting, it''s the most cherished night of my life, and I will carry the memory of it with me always."

    As she spoke, her thoughts drifted to the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced. The night that should have marked her end had instead become a moment of awakening. She had faced the man who could have easily ended her life, only to discover his hidden depths¡ªa man who shattered her preconceived notions of nobility, who praised her in ways that made her heart flutter, and who had unknowingly given her a sense of purpose.

    And as much as she felt unworthy, she knew in her heart: if fate allowed her, she would gladly devote the rest of her life to him¡ªnot out of duty, but out of the quiet, budding affection that had taken root within her.

    "Wow, Isabelle...After hearing what you have to say about tonight, I''m starting to wonder if you really want Edmund over there as your fianc¨¦e or someone else, who you''re obviously so much more interested in."

    Cassius looked down at her flustered face and teased, not expecting to hear such a devoted proposal from Isabelle.

    "N-No, young master...I wouldn''t dare think about taking such an important and prestigious position by your side."

    Isabelle quickly informed him as she felt her master play with her cheeks, which she honestly really liked. She then sighed as she recalled the position she was in and looked up at him with a loveable smile on her face as she said wryly,

    "I''m simply happy to be your beloved maid, young master, and I would be more than satisfied if I could stay by your side as your servant for the rest of my life...I-I wouldn''t dare to ask for anything else than that."

    As Isabelle spoke those words, a bittersweet ache welled up in her chest. Her voice was steady, but deep down, she could feel the weight of her own heart''s unspoken desires.

    A small, hidden part of her yearned for something more¡ªa dream so fragile that she dared not speak it aloud. To be someone truly close to her young master, someone cherished, someone loved, like his wife...It was a foolish thought, she reminded herself, one unworthy of her position.

    The reality of her station as his maid loomed like an insurmountable wall, keeping her dreams at bay. Yet, the solace she found in her current role¡ªbeing by his side, serving him, seeing his smiles, and hearing his laughter¡ªwas enough to bring a strange sense of fulfilment. Even if she couldn''t have more, she would treasure these fleeting moments.

    Her hands clenched slightly against her skirt as she glanced at him, her lovable smile masking the quiet longing in her heart.

    ''This is fine.'' She thought to herself, trying to silence the ache. ''At least I can stay by his side like this, even if it''s only as his servant. That''s enough...isn''t it?''

    Still, as his fingers brushed against her cheek, tender and playful, her heart betrayed her, skipping a beat. She knew her devotion to him was far greater than her words could ever convey, but for now, she convinced herself that the distance between them was one she could endure. Even if it meant hiding her feelings forever¡­

 Chapter 25 - 25: Inevitable Hatred

    Cassius''s sharp eyes caught the flicker of emotion that passed through Isabelle''s gaze¡ªthe brief but unmistakable shadow of longing she tried to hide behind her smile.

    It wasn''t the first time he had noticed her devotion running deeper than her words suggested, but tonight, it was clearer than ever. She cared for him in a way that went beyond loyalty or duty, and it stirred something unfamiliar in his chest.

    Still, as much as he wanted to keep someone as steadfast and devoted as Isabelle by his side, Cassius hesitated. His path was not one meant for someone like her.

    It was a journey marked by decisions that would upset many, perhaps even destroy lives.

    He was destined to become someone terrible¡ªa lecherous villain in the eyes of many, a man willing to shoulder the burdens of the fate of the world and the hatred of the women of the world to achieve his debaucherous goals.

    But at the same time, he couldn''t help but think that he could most definitely make her happy, even with the chaos his life would bring.

    He knew he had the means to protect her, to shield her from the worst parts of his world, and to bring some light into her life. The idea of her staying by his side, her presence softening the harshness of his path, was tempting.

    But he also knew he couldn''t force her. If Isabelle was to stay, it had to be her choice. He wouldn''t take away her freedom or push her into a life she might one day resent.

    Whatever she decided, he would respect it. If she chose to remain by his side, he would do everything in his power to make her happy. And if she chose to leave, he would let her go, no matter what.

    ...But at the same time, he was also sure that this little maid of his would surely come to hate him and despise him more then anything in the world after receiving the appropriate punishment for her murder of the previous Cassius.

    He didn''t want to make her suffer, as he was fond of her vibrant spirit. Yet, if he overlooked the sin she had committed, he would be betraying the memory of Cassius¡ªthe one who had given him a second chance at life. His unwavering principles wouldn''t allow that.

    Thus, he resigned himself to the inevitable: her life would be ruined. With a heavy sigh, he braced for what lay ahead, fully aware that the events of the coming days would surely ignite her hatred for him, perhaps more than anything else in the world.

    And if, beyond all that, she still harbored any fondness for him...Well, that would be nothing short of a miracle.

    Cassius studied her face, noting the flicker of conflict in her eyes. He decided to give her space to work through her feelings. After all, this was her choice to make, not his.

    He then chuckled softly, leaning closer to Isabelle, his warm breath brushing against her skin.

    "Regardless of whether you choose to stay as my maid or aspire for something more, your words tonight have touched me, Isabelle. They''re worth a little reward, don''t you think?"

    Before she could respond, he gently pressed a kiss to her cheek, lingering just enough to make her heart race. Isabelle froze, her eyes wide and her blood racing as his lips left a trail of warmth on her skin.

    Warmth spread across her face, making her cheeks burn as if his kiss had left a mark only she could feel. She didn''t dare move, afraid the feeling would disappear if she did.

    Pulling back slightly, Cassius studied her reaction with a mix of amusement and intrigue, the playful smirk on his lips softening ever so slightly.

    "What''s this? Did you not like your reward?" He asked, his tone light and teasing, but his gaze holding a flicker of genuine curiosity.

    Isabelle froze at his words, the warmth of the kiss still lingering on her cheek like a mark of fire. Her heart thudded violently in her chest, each beat echoing louder in her ears as she struggled to process the moment.

    The question caught her off guard, but it wasn''t just the words¡ªit was the way he looked at her, as if her answer truly mattered to him.

    Without thinking, her lips moved before her mind could catch up.

    "N-No, young master! I..." Her voice wavered, trembling with the weight of her emotions. She swallowed hard, her gaze darting between his expectant eyes and the floor, and then the truth spilt out, raw and unfiltered, as she said, "I actually wouldn''t mind devoting the rest of my life to you i-if it meant receiving rewards like this from you!...That''s how much your reward means to me!"

    The moment the confession escaped her, Isabelle''s eyes widened in panic, and she clapped her hands over her mouth, as if she could somehow take it back. Her heart thudded painfully as she realised what she had just said. Yet, despite the overwhelming embarrassment, a small part of her, a quiet, daring part, felt relieved to have spoken her truth, even if only for a fleeting moment.

    She couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze, instead staring down at her trembling hands, her mind screaming at her for being so bold. But the warmth spreading through her chest refused to fade, leaving her both mortified and oddly at peace with her impulsive honesty.

    Cassius leaned back, his smirk never faltering as he observed Isabelle, clearly amused by her flustered reaction.

    ''How cute.'' He thought to himself, his eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and teasing. ''She''s so honest, even when she''s embarrassed. It''s rare to find someone as sincere as she is.'' He couldn''t help but feel a soft warmth in his chest, seeing her so vulnerable yet still so devoted.

    ''She''s really something else.'' He thought, marvelling at how she so easily managed to surprise him. ''But I wouldn''t have it any other way.''

    On the other side of the room, Edmund''s fury boiled over as he watched Isabelle speak so freely to Cassius, her words so sincere and unguarded.

    ''What is she doing?'' He seethed internally, his jaw clenching as he fought to maintain his composure. ''She''s...She''s really saying that?'' His mind refused to believe what he was witnessing, the image of her devotion to Cassius burning into his thoughts.

    ''She''s supposed to be mine. Why is she offering herself to him like this?'' Edmund''s anger twisted into something darker, the thought of his fianc¨¦e being so openly affectionate toward another man filling him with resentment.

    ''I can''t stand this.'' The more he watched, the more his anger festered, his hands balling into fists as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

    "I appreciate your honesty, Isabelle, as much as I value the sentiment behind your words." Cassius said in a tender manner as he gently stroked her golden hair, which made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. "But could you be honest one more time and tell me where exactly you were glancing a little while ago?"

    "...You said that you weren''t looking at any place when I asked you, but is that really the truth?"

    Cassius brought her back to his initial question that started this whole flurry of emotions.

    But unlike before, when Isabelle was stumped and didn''t dare tell the truth because of how shameful it was, this time she felt much more comfortable with speaking of what she did. It wasn''t that she didn''t feel embarrassed anymore, but she just trusted that her young master wouldn''t look at her any differently if she were to admit the truth.

    "I-I was looking at the protrusion in your pants, young." Isabelle finally admitted as she played with her fingers to hide her embarrassment. "I was looking at the bump that had come up when I rubbed that place." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I see...Well there''s nothing wrong with taking a glance at it, as even I would sneak a peek if one of your plump breasts popped out of your dress."

    Cassius said as he traced his hand down her cheeks and slid it down her smooth breasts. While Isabelle was shocked by his actions but didn''t do anything against it and simply accepted him playing with her chest in silence, he continued saying,

    "But to keep on glancing it over and over again like you''re trying to copy the answers of someone else in a test...Is there any reason you had such an avid interest in the bulge in my pants?"

    "W-Well, young master, it''s actually the first time I had seen such a sight..." Isabelle trailed off as she glanced at the boner in his pants once again with a look of awe in her blue eyes.

    "Huh? It''s the first time you''re seeing such a thing?" Cassius asked, even though he already knew that was true, and then looked at Edmund who looked like he was about to blow up any second with a mocking smile and continued asking, "But what about Edmund?...Isn''t he your fiancee?"

    Isabelle''s face turned crimson, her eyes widening at Cassius''s question.

    "N-No! Young master, we don''t...We''ve never..." She stammered, her voice rising in desperation as she waved her hands frantically. She leaned forward slightly, as if trying to emphasise her point.

    "Edmund hasn''t laid a single finger on me! Not even once! The church strictly forbids such acts before marriage, and I¡ª" She hesitated, her gaze locking onto Cassius''s. "I''ve always followed those rules...I''m still...pure."

    Her voice grew quieter at the last word, but her determination to make him understand shone through.

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her adamant declaration.

    Meanwhile, Edmund''s fists clenched tightly at his sides, his face contorted in rage. Her words were like daggers to his pride.

    ''Why does she sound so desperate for him to know that? Why does she care what he thinks?'' His teeth ground together as his chest burnt with humiliation and fury.

    Isabelle''s insistence on proving her purity to Cassius, of all people, felt like a betrayal, an insult that he couldn''t ignore.

    ''Does she even remember I''m standing right here?'' He thought bitterly, his anger simmering dangerously.

    "Oh? The size caught you off guard, did it?" Cassius asked, wanting to see her flustered face even more. "Care to elaborate on what exactly you mean by that?"

 Chapter 26 - 26: Wheres My Ear?

    Isabelle''s face turned red, and her hands fluttered nervously as she tried to find the right words. "W-Well, I mean..." She stammered, glancing anywhere but at him. "It''s just that...It was so-so prominent, young master! I wasn''t expecting something so l-large to be so obvious, even through your clothes." She gestured vaguely toward his lap, her embarrassment mounting with every word.

    "And the shape..." She continued, her voice rising slightly in her flustered state. "I mean, it''s just so defined! I couldn''t help but notice, and it really surprised me because I didn''t think..." Her words faltered, and she covered her face with her hands, groaning softly. "I-I didn''t think that those things men have in their pants would be so big!"

    Cassius''s smirk widened as he leaned back, thoroughly enjoying her spiralling explanation.

    "Prominent? Defined? My, Isabelle, I had no idea you were so observant...It''s almost as if you''re trying to write a poem about my manhood." He teased, his tone light but brimming with mischief.

    Isabelle let out a mortified squeak, shaking her head furiously.

    "N-No, young master! I''m just trying to explain why I reacted like I did!" She protested, her voice tinged with desperation. "It''s not like I was trying to look or anything!" She said even though she kept on glancing at his crotch as she said so.

    Meanwhile, Edmund sat in stunned, seething silence, his rage bubbling over as he watched his fianc¨¦e describe another man''s physique in such agonising detail. His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched as he struggled to contain himself.

    ''How is this happening right in front of me?'' He thought, his fury barely held in check.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more calculated but still teasing.

    "Well..." He began, his voice smooth and deliberate. "...whether you were interested in the sight you saw or not isn''t really important, Isabelle." He paused, watching her squirm under his gaze, before leaning in just enough to make her heartbeat quicken. "But whether you''re willing to take responsibility for what you caused...now that is important, if you know what I mean."

    Isabelle blinked, her mind struggling to process Cassius''s words. She gulped as she shifted nervously, her gaze darting to the now-dried grape juice stain on his trousers before flicking back up to his smirking face.

    "W-What exactly do you mean by that, young master?" She stammered, her voice hesitant but curious.

    "What else, Isabelle? I can explain the stain on my pants as an accident...But how do you expect me to walk back to my mansion with a full hard-on?" Cassius asked as he pointed at his log, sticking out like he were asking who was going to take responsibility. He then looked at her trembling figure with a keen look in his eyes and said, "Don''t you think that someone has to help me settle my little brother down there...Someone who caused it in the first place."

    "...Or is it that you''re going to refuse and let the servants in the mansion see me in such a disgraceful state?" Cassius asked, throwing all the responsibility on the poor little maid before him.

    "No, young master, not all! This humble servant won''t let that happen as long as she lives!" Isabelle let out a shout despite how shy she felt because of the meaning behind the words she said. She then coyly looked towards the direction Edmund was sitting and said, "I-It''s just that Edmund is sitting here, and I don''t know if it would be appropriate to do such a d-dirty favour in front of him...I think it would be better if we went somewhere else private or-"

    "Isabelle, you bitch!" Edmund''s composure finally snapped, his face contorted with a mix of fury and disbelief. His hands trembled as they clenched into fists on the table, and his voice, previously restrained, erupted in anger. "Have you completely lost your mind?..What in the world are you saying?"

    He shot to his feet, the chair screeching against the floor as he stood. His glare was venomous, aimed directly at Isabelle below, though it briefly flickered toward Cassius with unmasked hostility.

    "You call yourself my fianc¨¦e, yet here you are, spouting such shameless nonsense as if I don''t even exist!" He spat, his voice rising with each word. His fingers curled around the edge of the table as though he was mere moments away from overturning it entirely. "And you, Cassius!" He snarled, his anger now directed at the young master. "How dare you sit there and encourage this disgraceful behavior? Have you no shame-"

    Shing~

    Before Edmund could finish his tirade, a sudden, sharp whistle sliced through the air. The sound was so swift, so precise, that he barely registered it before something blurred past his head.

    The room fell into a suffocating silence, broken only by the solid thunk of metal embedding itself into the wall behind him. Edmund froze, his body stiff with an inexplicable sense of dread. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned toward the source of the sound, his breath caught in his throat. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    There, quivering in the wall, was a fork. Its prongs were buried deep, as though thrown with the force of a weapon.

    But that wasn''t what made his stomach churn and his blood run cold. Impaled upon the fork was a severed ear, the jagged edges still dripping crimson.

    Drip~ Drip~

    Edmund''s mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the horrific sight before him. He raised a shaking hand to the side of his head, his fingers brushing against slick, warm blood. The absence of his left ear hit him like a thunderclap.

    His legs threatened to buckle as a strangled gasp escaped him. "M-My ear..." He stammered, his voice trembling, his hand now pressing against the wound in disbelief.

    Across the table, Cassius sat as though nothing unusual had occurred, his posture relaxed, his silver eyes gleaming with a chilling sharpness, akin to the weapon he had so effortlessly wielded. His fingers idly traced the edge of his wine glass as his gaze settled on Edmund with unnerving calm.

    As Edmund''s trembling lips parted, likely to spew more accusations or curses, Cassius''s voice cut through the air like a blade.

    "Not. A. Word."

    The words were low and deliberate, yet carried an authority that froze Edmund in place. Cassius leaned forward, his hand moving to grasp another fork from the table, twirling it lazily between his fingers like a predator toying with its prey.

    "Sit back down and listen as your fianc¨¦e sucks my cock off." He commanded, his tone ice-cold and devoid of humour. His silver eyes glinted with a lethal promise as he added, "Unless, of course, you''d prefer the next one to go straight through your neck."

    The fork in his hand stilled, poised as though ready to fly, and the faint smirk tugging at his lips sent a shiver through Edmund''s spine.

    In that instant, Edmund felt as though he were staring into the eyes of the devil himself. Any thoughts of retaliation, of reclaiming his pride, vanished like smoke in the wind. His body trembled uncontrollably, and the defiance that had burnt so brightly within him moments ago was doused entirely.

    Without another word, Edmund sank back into his chair, his hands trembling as they pressed against the still-bleeding wound where his ear had once been. Hot tears spilt from his eyes, and he sniffled pitifully, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as the reality of his situation set in.

    Blood trickled from his wound, dripping onto the pristine white tablecloth and pooling on his plate. He tried to stifle his sobs, but the humiliation and fear overwhelmed him, and his quiet cries filled the otherwise silent room.

    His pitiful sobs filled the air, but they barely registered to Isabelle, who remained seated on the ground, her expression a mixture of confusion and concern.

    She adjusted her position, trying to crane her neck to see what had caused such a shift in the atmosphere. "W-What''s happening?" She asked hesitantly, her hands pressing against the floor as she prepared to push herself up.

    Before she could rise, Cassius''s voice cut through the tension, firm yet tinged with the same calm authority he always wielded.

    "It''s nothing you should bother yourself about, Isabelle." His gaze didn''t even flicker toward Edmund; it remained fixed on her, as if the chaos behind him didn''t warrant any attention. He then grinned and said, "Rather, I think you should be working on the ''problem'' you''ve created, as even your fianc¨¦e doesn''t seem to mind what you''re about to do."

    "...Isn''t that right, Edmund? You don''t mind me borrowing your fianc¨¦e''s mouth for a minute, right?" Cassius asked, to which he didn''t get a reply, or more like Edmund didn''t dare to reply, as his life wasn''t even in his own hands anymore.

    "See, Isabelle...Even Edmund isn''t saying anything against what you''re about to do, so there''s really no need for any hesitation."

    Even though Cassius said that Edmund had accepted the circumstances, she knew that he was most definitely silenced by Cassius''s overbearing nature.

    But she didn''t know if it was because of her sincere desire to help her master out or if she was simply craving to see just how big her young master was; she completely ignored the fact that Edmund was right by her side, and she stared at the tent in Cassius''s pants with trembling eyes¡­

 Chapter 27 - 27: The Monster In His Pants

    "I-I want to help you out, young master." Isabelle stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she continued to stare at the bulge in his pants. "But I don''t know what to do...Y-You said something about using my mouth?"

    "Yes, Isabelle, I want you to use your lips." Cassius said as he played with her lips, his fingers tracing the shape of her mouth, occasionally dipping inside to touch her tongue. "Not to kiss me, which I would say would give me the utmost joy as well, but to suck my cock as you wrap your lips around my shaft until it settles down." He continued saying as he pulled his fingers away, only to bring them back to her lips, his thumb pressing against her top lip while his index finger teased her bottom lip.

    Blushing furiously at his explicit words, she spoke in a soft tone, "I-I''ll do it...I''ll s-suck it like you say, young master, if that''s the only way it can settle down." Her voice trembled slightly. "B-But the problem is that it looks so big, and I don''t know if I can fit it in my mouth." Isabelle said as she stared at the behemoth that was trying to escape from the cage it was in.

    Her mind raced as she stared at the enormous member, trying to imagine taking it into her mouth. ''Young master can''t be serious...There''s no way something that big can fit in my mouth. It''s huge!'' She thought to herself, panic starting to set in.

    "Isabelle, stop coming to your own conclusions and scaring yourself to death when you haven''t even seen it with your own eyes." Cassius said as he stared at Isabelle, who was flexing her jaw with a terrified look on her face, mentally imagining taking his dick in a cute manner. He then sighed and continued saying, "First take my cock out and have a look at it yourself before you say anything about it...Once you get to see it, you won''t think it''s too bad."

    Even though Cassius said that he knew that Isabelle was scared stiff right now because of her inexperience. Even the way she looked at his crotch like there was a monster ready to jump out on her was enough to tell her that she would probably faint if he were to take out his dick right now, which even he had to admit was rather intimidating to look at because of how abnormally large it was.

    That was why he decided to allow Isabelle to get used to his dick first by taking her dainty hand, while she was in a daze, and placing it right on top of his tent.

    "Ah!~"

    Isabelle''s hands trembled when she noticed Cassius had placed them on his bulging crotch, and she let out a cute little yelp when she felt the hard sensation in her hands. She thought of immediately taking her hands away when she felt the unfamiliar object in her hand, treating it like some kind of bug because of how scared she was.

    But when she saw her young master look down at her with a solemn and knowing gaze like he were giving her a test, she knew that he was aware of how confused she was at this moment and was giving this opportunity to familiarise herself with the opponent that she was going to meet.

    This deeply touched her as she knew that her young master could''ve just forced her to do what he wanted her to do without caring about what she thought at all. But he went out of his way to consider what she was feeling and was trying to help her out when she was the one who had caused this mess.

    This warmed her heart at how benevolent and kind her young master was to her. She also decided that she didn''t want to waste his grace and finally gathered the courage to check out her young master''s package.

    Touch~ Touch~

    Her small hands began to slowly explore the shape beneath the fabric of his pants, fingers tracing along the length of him. She could feel it pulsating slightly, and her breath caught in her throat at the thought of what it must be doing.

    Her small hands reached the tip, and she could feel the blunt head through the fabric, the way it sat heavy and full. She curled her fingers around it, marvelling at the size and the way it throbbed under her touch...''There''s a bump here.''

    Touch~ Touch~

    Her fingers lingered at the tip, gently rubbing it through the fabric, feeling how sensitive it was. A small gasp escaped her lips as she realised how this small gesture seemed to make his whole body tense. "Oh...It''s so sensitive here." She whispered, continuing her gentle exploration.

    Her hands slowly moved down from the tip, tracing the thick vein that ran along his shaft. The feel of his hardened length beneath her fingers made her heart race¡ªshe could barely imagine what it would feel like without the fabric barrier. ''It''s...so long...I wonder if...''

    She tried to press her hands further down his length, to feel the base, but it was trapped beneath his waistband, and she couldn''t reach. The fabric of his pants seemed to swallow up the bottom part of his shaft, leaving only the thick upper portion for her to explore. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A small pout formed on her lips as she realised she couldn''t touch all of him properly through the fabric. Her palms pressed firmly against the part of him she could reach, feeling the considerable weight and length that was hidden. She bit her lip in frustration, longingly whispering.

    Of course that look of longing on her face couldn''t escape Cassius, who was enjoying the massage he was getting as she looked down and said to her with his lips curled up,

    "Oh, Isabelle. It seems like you''re finally ready to see the full package...Since you seem like you can''t wait anymore, just unbutton my pants and take my cock out yourself."

    Blushing deeply, she nodded slowly, her small hands reaching for the button of his pants. As she tried to undo it, she found it quite resistant, the fabric stretched taut over the massive bulge.

    Shuffle~ Shuffe~

    Her fingers fumbled with the button, pulling and tugging, but it seemed glued shut beneath the enormous pressure. She could see the outline of his massive length straining against the fabric, making it impossibly hard to unfasten.

    Slip~

    With a grunt of effort, she finally managed to pry the button open, but in her haste, she yanked the zipper too hard. The whole fly flew open, and his pants and underwear both swung wide open, revealing his thick, veiny cock springing free.

    Whoosh~

    Her eyes widened dramatically at the sudden revelation. Her mouth formed a small ''O'' shape as she staring in sheer amazement at his immense size.

    She couldn''t even finish her sentence, her mind reeling from the sight before her. His cock was easily the size of her forearm, thick and long, with prominent veins running along its length. The head was bulbous and engorged, a thick droplet of precum glistening at the tip.

    Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she took in every inch of his massive member. She reached out a trembling hand, as if to touch it, but pulled back at the last second, intimidated by its size.

    Her hand hovered in mid-air, unsure of where to even start. "How...How is this even possible?" She whispered, her voice barely audible.

    She looked up at Cassius, wide-eyed, suddenly realising that she was about to face something much bigger than she had ever imagined.

    "I... I''ve never seen anything so..." She swallowed hard, her fingers finally moving forward, just barely brushing against the base of your shaft. "So enormous...So wild...S-So raw."

    Despite her shyness and intimidation, her curiosity got the better of her as she slowly wrapped her hand around his manhood. She was mortified that she was touching her young master''s privates, but her curiosity about the size and feel of his dick was undeniable.

    Cassius looks down at her with a smirk, his voice low and playful "Well, Bella? How does it feel? As big as you imagined?" His eyes sparkle with amusement as he watches her struggle to find the right words, her small hand wrapped around his thick shaft.

    Her hand moved slowly up and down your shaft, barely able to fit her fingers around it. Her voice was soft and barely above a whisper, "It''s...m-much bigger than I imagined. When I first saw it, I thought..." She blushed harder."...I thought that I was dreaming for a second."

    Cassius chuckled, his voice deep and rumbling. "There''s no mistake, my dear maid. This is just me, in all my raw, unadulterated glory." He watched as her small hand struggled to wrap around his massive length, his smirk growing wider.

    Her hand slowly stroked his massive shaft, her mind racing with questions. "Are all men this big? Or are you just...abnormally large, young master?"

    Her innocent curiosity was adorable, her wide eyes staring at his massive member with a mix of shock and awe, while Edmund''s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he tried¡ªand failed¡ªto keep his composure.

    Every word she uttered stabbed at his pride like a cruel dagger, her innocent curiosity feeding the gnawing insecurities lurking in the back of his mind.

    His fianc¨¦e''s voice, soft and awed, echoed in his mind: ''Are you just¡­abnormally large, young master?'' The way she said it, almost reverent, sent a chill through him¡ªnot of jealousy alone, but of a bitter realisation.

    ''That bastard Cassius wouldn''t even need his power to steal her from me¡­.

    The thought festered, dark and insidious. No amount of titles or wealth could change what now seemed painfully clear to him.

    His mind conjured images he didn''t want¡ªCassius standing there, exuding effortless dominance, while his fianc¨¦e''s small hand struggled to handle the sheer size of him, her blush deepening with every passing second.

    Edmund felt a sick twist of inadequacy. It wasn''t just power Cassius had over him¡ªit was everything.

    His breath came faster, harsher, as frustration and helplessness warred within him. How could he compare to that? How could he hope to satisfy her, to keep her loyal, when she was so clearly captivated by Cassius''s sheer presence? The very thought made his stomach churn.

    Edmund''s eyes burnt with rage, his heart pounding so loud he was certain they''d hear it at any moment.

    Yet even in his fury, he couldn''t bring himself to burst out. Instead, he stewed in silence, every passing second adding fuel to the fire of his envy, frustration, and bitter self-doubt¡­

 Chapter 28 - 28: Warm And Alive

    Cassius, seeing the mix of awe and innocence in her eyes, decided to play along, his smirk broadening. "Oh, this?" He gestured nonchalantly towards his imposing erection. "I suppose I''m just about average where I come from."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened even further, disbelief mixing with the shock.

    "Average?" She echoed, her voice tinged with suspicion as her hand gently continued its exploratory journey along his length. She could barely circle her fingers around him, her touch light and tentative, as if she feared she might break something so large.

    "Yes, average...Nothing to take notice of." Cassius reaffirmed, his tone teasing, enjoying the embarrassment written all over her face and the way her eyes darted between his face and his cock. "But I must say, you seem quite taken by it, don''t you?"

    Hearing his words, she bit her lower lip, her hand moving a little more confidently now, the curiosity overcoming her initial hesitation.

    "I...I''ve never...seen anything like this, Young Master. It''s not just the size, it''s..." She paused, searching for words, her fingers tracing one of the prominent veins. "It''s everything. The thickness, the veins, the...the way it feels."

    "And how does it feel, Isabelle? Do tell me more about how it feels to you." Cassius chuckled, his voice a low, sultry rumble.

    Her face was now a deep shade of crimson, her breath quickening as she continued to explore.

    "It''s hard, yet there''s a warmth...a-and it''s so...so alive. I can feel it pulse under my touch." She looked up at him, her eyes full of questions and wonder. "Does it always feel like this?"

    "Only when it''s eager and ready to bite..." Cassius replied, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper, "...and it seems quite eager for your attention, doesn''t it?"

    Her hand stopped for a moment, her gaze locked with his, the moment charged with an electric tension. She slowly resumed her gentle strokes, her movements more deliberate now, as if she was trying to understand this new world she had entered.

    "I-I feel like I''m touching something forbidden, something I shouldn''t...But I can''t help it." She said in awe and wonder.

    While Isabelle explored this new, bewildering intimacy with Cassius, Edmund sat frozen, his heart a tumultuous sea of emotions.

    The thought of his beloved, her hands on another man, especially one as vile as Cassius, was like a dagger twisting in his gut. His hands clenched into fists under the table, the nails digging into his palms, drawing blood, but he felt none of it.

    The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in his heart.

    He wanted to scream, to leap across the table and pull her away from that monster, but the weight of Cassius''s power and the knowledge of what it would mean for both of them held him back.

    Cassius, his voice thick with a mix of command and arousal, finally broke through the tension, "You''ve had enough time to just look, Isabelle. Time to do something about it, don''t you think?"

    Isabelle''s face burnt a deeper shade of red, the pink saturation spreading down her neck as she was caught between embarrassment and an intense, confusing arousal.

    Her hand, which had been tentatively exploring, now trembled with a mix of fear and excitement. She began to stroke him, her grip initially clumsy, her movements jerky.

    "Stroke!?~ Rub!?~ Slide!?~ Glide!?~ Press!?

    The sight of her struggling only seemed to amuse Cassius more. "Come on, you can do better than that." He taunted, his voice both teasing and demanding. "Show me your skills as a dutiful maid."

    Flustered yet driven by an odd sense of duty mixed with curiosity, Isabelle''s technique started to improve.

    "Swipe!?~ Brush!?~ Slip!?~ Slick!? Swirl!?~"

    Her hand tightened around his massive cock, her fingers finding their place. She began to stroke more confidently, her pace quickening as she adapted to the feel of him. The head of his cock glistened with precum, lubricating her movements, making her strokes smoother, more rhythmic.

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    Cassius watched her with a mixture of pleasure and command, his eyes locked on her face, enjoying the transformation from innocence to something more knowing.

    "That''s it, there you go." He murmured, his voice now a husky whisper of approval. He leaned back, giving her more space, his cock fully erect and throbbing under her touch.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    Isabelle, despite the degradation, found herself oddly empowered. Her strokes became more deliberate, her hand twisting slightly at the head, then sliding back down to the base with a newfound confidence.

    "Slosh!?~ Plop!?~ Drip!?~ Schlurp!?~"

    Her initial awkwardness gave way to a rhythm that elicited small grunts of pleasure from Cassius.

    "Gloop!?~ Squelch!?~ Thwap!?~ Splat!?~"

    The room was filled with the sounds of her hand working him, the slick, wet noises of her strokes, the occasional sharp intake of breath from Cassius.

    Edmund, bound by his rage and helplessness, could only hear all this while his eyes remained fixed on his plate, his heart breaking with each stroke, each sound, witnessing the perversion of their love.

    Cassius, now fully immersed in the moment, let out a low groan, his hips subtly moving to meet her hand. "You see, Isabelle..." He said, his voice thick with lust. "...sometimes all you need is a bit of encouragement."

    Isabelle, her rhythm now steady, felt a strange thrill at the control she was exerting, however forced it might be.

    "Slosh!?~ Plop!?~ Drip!?~ Schlurp!?~"

    Her strokes were no longer just an act of obedience but something of defiance, learning to wield her newfound power in this twisted game.

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    She gulped, but her eyes had a determined glint as she watched the effect she had on Cassius, feeling his cock pulse in her grip, a testament to her growing skill.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    The explicit nature of the act, the raw sounds of flesh against flesh, the sight of Cassius''s pleasure, all painted a picture of a moment both corrupt and strangely intimate, a dark ballet of power, submission, and awakening desire.

    Cassius''s hand slid through Isabelle''s hair, his fingers tangling in her soft locks as he watched her, his cock standing thick and proud in her grasp.

    His voice, smooth as silk but dripping with authority, then cut through the heated air as he said, "It''s about time you put that pretty little mouth to better use, Isabelle. Don''t worry about taking it all in yet. Start slow....Just lick it¡ªlike a popsicle."

    Isabelle''s hand, still wrapped around his length, moved in a slow, dazed rhythm. Her strokes were unsteady, her heart beating like a horse as she gazed at the impressive sight before her. A faint, unfamiliar scent wafted from him¡ªearthy, masculine, and oddly enticing.

    But when she heard her young master''s words, she was thrown for a loop and was left confused. And seeing as she couldn''t find the answer to her question no matter how much she thought about it, she decided to ask her master himself.

    "My lord...Forgive me for my ignorance, but what is a popsicle?" Her soft voice broke the tension, laced with honest bewilderment.

    Cassius froze for a moment, his brow lifting in genuine surprise. A grin spread across his face, the sharp edge of his teeth glinting as amusement flickered in his dark eyes.

    "You don''t know what a popsicle is, Isabelle?" He asked, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. "It''s a frozen treat. Sweet, cold, something you lick to savour. Like ice cream on a stick...Wait, don''t tell me you''ve never had ice cream either."

    She blinked, shaking her head slowly, her strokes faltering as she whispered, "Ice cream? I...I don''t know what that is, my lord." Her curiosity was evident, mingling with the heat in her cheeks as she dared to glance up at him. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius tilted his head back, laughing softly, a sound both indulgent and teasing as he realised that the inhabitants of this world don''t know about something as simple and delicious as ice cream¡­

 Chapter 29 - 29: Like A Popsicle

    "Now this is a tragedy." He murmured, his hand still resting on her head, guiding her strokes ever so slightly. "You''ve been denied one of life''s greatest pleasures. Ice cream is...magic, if I had to say. Pure indulgence."

    "...Sweet, creamy, smooth. It melts on your tongue, leaving behind bursts of flavour that make you crave more."

    Her brows furrowed in wonder, her lips parting as she tried to imagine the treat he described. Her hand continued to glide along him, her grip tightening slightly as she found herself mesmerised by his words.

    "H-How is it made, Young Master?" She asked in a voice small, though her fascination was clear.

    Cassius''s smirk grew, his body shifting forward, pushing his cock subtly into her hand.

    "It starts with cream..." He explained, as he imagined all the ice creams he indulged in back in his world. "Fresh, thick cream, mixed with sugar until it''s as sweet as honey. Then you add flavours¡ªvanilla, chocolate, strawberries, anything your heart desires. You churn it slowly, folding air into the mixture as it freezes, until it becomes a soft, velvety delight."

    Isabelle''s strokes slowed further, her blue eyes widening as she imagined it¡ªthis magical dessert, cold and sweet, melting on her tongue. Her eyes glimmered with awe, her voice a whisper of wonder. "It sounds...like something from a fairy tale. A dish only gods could create."

    Cassius chuckled, his grip tightening in her hair as he tilted her head back to meet his gaze. His thumb brushed the corner of her lips, teasing the soft skin. "Oh, it''s real, Isabelle. And I can make it for you. Just for you." He paused, his grin turning wicked, his voice dropping to a murmur. "But only if you earn it."

    Her blush deepened, the heat in her cheeks spreading to her neck and chest. "Earn it...How, my lord?" She whispered, though the answer was obvious in the way he guided her hand along his shaft.

    "You''re already holding the answer." Cassius said with a smirk, his thumb pressing against her lips until she parted them slightly. "Treat me like I''m your first taste of ice cream. Start slow¡ªuse that curious tongue of yours."

    "...Lick me. Explore me. If you do it right, I''ll show you just how magical ice cream can truly be."

    Her heart raced, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths as she nodded and said with her voice barely audible,"I...I-I''ll try, my lord."

    "That''s my good girl." He said, his grip on her hair firm but gentle as he guided her mouth closer to his cock. "Start at the base. Slowly...Let your tongue savour every inch of me."

    Isabelle hesitated for only a moment before leaning in, her tongue flicking out tentatively to trace the base of his cock.

    Lick!?~

    The taste was foreign, salty, and musky, but not unpleasant. It was overwhelming in its intensity, awakening something primal in her. Her strokes resumed, her hand steadying his length as her tongue began to explore with more confidence.

    "Slurp!?~ Ohhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Guzzle!?~ Yum!?~"

    Cassius groaned low in his throat, his head tilting back as he watched her as she licked his dick. "Good girl." He uttered, his voice thick with pleasure. "That''s it. Take your time. Imagine the sweetness, the coolness, the way it would melt on your tongue...Just like that."

    Her eyes flicked up to him, the praise igniting something warm and unfamiliar in her chest. The promise of this magical dessert lingered in her mind, pushing her forward even as her body trembled with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation.

    "Sip!?~ Ahhh!?~ Sip!?~ Drink!?~ Mmm!?~" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She licked slowly, deliberately, her tongue tracing every vein, every ridge, as if she were savouring the sweetest treat in the world.

    Cassius''s hand tightened in her hair, a sharp intake of breath escaping him as she worked.

    "That''s my Isabelle." He uttered, as he felt her cold tongue making its rounds around his cock. "Lick me like you crave it. Please me, and I''ll give you something sweeter than you''ve ever imagined."

    "Glug!?~ Ahhh!?~ Glug!?~ Ingest!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her cheeks burnt, her body humming with the strange blend of humiliation and excitement as she obeyed, her tongue worshipping him with newfound determination.

    The thought of ice cream, of its sweetness, mingled with the heat of the moment, driving her to explore him with a fervour she didn''t know she possessed.

    "Quaff!?~ Ohhh!?~ Quaff!?~ Swig!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Isabelle''s lashes fluttered as her tongue ran along the base of Cassius''s cock, the weight of it in her hand grounding her in the moment even as her mind spiralled into forbidden imaginings.

    His words lingered in her head¡ªTreat me like I''m your first taste of ice cream.

    Her heart thudded against her ribs as she obeyed, licking him slowly, deliberately, as though she could taste sweetness where there was none.

    "Imbibe!?~ Ahhh!?~ Imbibe!?~ Swallow!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her strokes became firmer, her tongue dragging up the thick vein that pulsed beneath her lips.

    ''This is what it must feel like to pleasure a man.'' She thought. ''To savour something decadent, something forbidden.'' She imagined his cock transformed, a cold, frosty treat¡ªsmooth and sweet, melting against her tongue with every lick.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Her eyes fluttered closed as her tongue swirled over the ridges of his shaft, tracing the contours as though they were etched in frozen cream.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    The heat of him against her mouth contrasted sharply with the icy vision in her mind.

    In her imagination, the salty tang became a burst of sweetness, like vanilla, sharp and rich, but with hints of something deeper¡ªsomething exotic and addictive.

    ''Would ice cream feel like this?...Like an indulgence that coats your tongue, that makes you crave more with every taste?''

    She tilted her head, pressing her lips to the side of his cock, her tongue darting out to wet the skin before dragging her mouth along his length in slow, wet kisses.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    ''I''m learning about Young Master...exploring him. Is this what it means to truly give yourself to someone? To feel every inch, to take it in as though it''s yours to worship?'' The thought sent a shiver down her spine, her nipples tightening beneath the thin fabric of her dress as she licked her way back to the swollen head.

    Her tongue swirled around the tip, teasing the sensitive slit as she imagined it was the syrupy centre of her fantasy popsicle¡ªsomething sweet and forbidden, dripping with a forbidden flavour.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Cassius''s low groan above her, the way his body shifted to meet her tongue, only spurred her further.

    "Slurp!?~ Squelch!?~ Lick!?~ Shluck!?~ Gluck!?"

    She lapped at him with more confidence, and shockingly, her lips parted slightly to take him into her mouth on her own, her tongue pressing against the underside of his cock as she sucked lightly.

    "Sluuurp!?~ Smack!?~ Drip!?~ Gulp!?"

    Not far from her, Edmund''s presence loomed, a storm of rage and heartbreak that Isabelle couldn''t afford to confront.

    His eyes burnt with silent fury, locked on his plate full of salt as he heard her tongue worshipping another man.

    His fists clenched at his sides, nails biting into his palms as his breath came in shallow, uneven bursts.

    ''How could she do this?!'' His mind screamed, his body rigid as if he were frozen in place. ''How could she let herself be taken like this, reduced to this?!''

    Isabelle, oblivious to Edmund''s torment, was lost in her task, her tongue exploring Cassius with a growing hunger.

 Chapter 30 - 30: I Want To Make You Happier

    Isabelle continued licking along the underside of Cassius''s cock, her strokes with her hand becoming more synchronised and firmer, as if she could coax out more of the taste she imagined.

    ''He''s so hot...so alive. I can feel his pulse under my lips, the way his body responds to every touch...I-Is this what he meant by savouring someone else''s body?''

    Cassius''s hand tightened in her hair, his voice low and rough as he groaned, "Yes, Isabelle. Just like that. Don''t stop...Show me how much you crave it."

    His praise sent a pulse of heat through her, her lips closing around the head as her tongue flicked over the slit.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    She sucked lightly, her cheeks hollowing as she took him in deeper, inch by inch, her hand stroking the base to match her mouth''s rhythm.

    Her inner thoughts were a mix of shame and exhilaration: ''Am I really doing this? Does he feel this much because of me?'' The thought sent a wave of unfamiliar pride through her, driving her to please him more.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    Her tongue worked with a newfound fervour, swirling over the head, dragging along the sides, teasing every ridge as though it were the texture of her imagined treat.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    Cassius''s groans deepened, his hips rocking slightly as she took him deeper, her lips sliding further down his length until she gagged lightly, pulling back to catch her breath. Her eyes flicked up to him, meeting his dark, hungry gaze, and the intensity there made her stomach flutter.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Isabelle''s lips slid further down Cassius''s cock, the weight of him filling her mouth as her tongue flattened against the underside, feeling every vein and ridge as she descended.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Her hand at the base tightened, stroking in sync with the wet heat of her mouth. Her determination to please him burnt brighter with every low groan that escaped his lips, spurring her on.

    ''H-He''s enjoying this...because of me. I can do this. I can make him happy.''

    The thought gave her courage, and she pushed herself to take him deeper, her lips stretching to accommodate his girth.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    But suddenly, as she reached the back of her throat, the sensation became overwhelming¡ªher muscles clenched, and she gagged suddenly, her body instinctively pulling back.

    "Cough!~ Cough~" A cough erupted from her lips, her eyes watering as she gasped for air, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

    Cassius immediately released his grip on her hair, his hand moving to the top of her head as he looked down at her, concern evident in his voice. "Isabelle..." He said, his tone softer than before. "Are you alright?" He stroked her head gently, his fingers threading through her hair in a soothing motion.

    She looked up at him, her lips shiny and slightly swollen, her cheeks warm from both the effort and the heat of the moment.

    A small, sheepish smile then tugged at the corners of her mouth as she nodded. "I''m fine, my lord." She said, her voice soft but steady as she glanced at his rock-hard penis. "I just got...a little too greedy."

    Cassius chuckled lowly, the warmth of his amusement easing the tension between them.

    "Greedy, were you?" He teased, his thumb brushing against her cheek as he tilted her chin up slightly. "But there''s really no need for you to take so much of me in when it''s your first time, especially since my cock isn''t going to run away and you can slowly take your time getting used to it. "

    The tint of pink on her face deepened at his words, but she shook her head, her smile growing more sincere despite her shyness.

    "It''s my duty to serve you, my lord." She said, her eyes lowering for a moment before flicking back up to meet his gaze. "For all the sins I''ve committed...It''s my responsibility to satisfy you, to bring you pleasure, to give you anything you desire to make up for the inexcusable sin I have committed."

    Cassius exhaled slowly, his thumb brushing across her flushed cheek, but his smirk returned, softer now, his dominant air still intact.

    His voice was low, steady, and threaded with a quiet intensity that sent a shiver through her.

    "You''re full of surprises, Isabelle." He said. "I can see you''re willing to give all of yourself to please me, but you don''t have to force it. You''re already doing more than enough."

    Her heart thudded harder at the understated warmth and familiarity in his tone, but she shook her head slightly, her lips pressing together before she found the courage to speak.

    "It''s not just for you, my lord." She said softly, her fingers curling tighter around his cock as her voice grew more certain. "It''s my responsibility. I''ve sinned, and this...this is my way of repenting. Of showing you my devotion, or at least that''s what I think of it."

    He tilted her chin slightly, his bright crimson eyes holding hers with a calm intensity. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You see this as penance?" He asked, his smirk faint, the edge of it teasing but his gaze steady, unreadable. "I see it as something more than that. But you shouldn''t have to hurt yourself just to satisfy me, Isabelle." He concluded even though what he was going to do soon was going to hurt her more then anything she had experienced before.

    Ignorant to the plans he has for her, Isabelle''s ears burnt brighter, but she forced herself to meet his gaze, her voice lowering, growing softer, more hesitant.

    "It doesn''t hurt me at all, Young Master...A-And honestly, I''m not doing this because I''m being forced." She whispered, her lips trembling as she spoke. "In actuality, when I saw how much you enjoyed it, y-you when I went deeper, it made me want to do more. To give you more. You seemed so pleased, and I-I want to make you happy...Happier than you already were."

    Her words trailed off as the weight of her admission settled between them, her warmth on her face spreading down her neck as she dropped her gaze.

    Cassius was silent for a moment, his thumb brushing her lip, tugging it free from where her teeth had trapped it.

    His smirk remained, subtle but unmistakable, his expression unreadable except for the faint flicker of warmth in his eyes, and then came a sigh, as if even though what was building here was something he was looking forward to, it was also something that would be destroyed by what he was about to do in the future, which made him feel a bit sad.

    "You''re an eager little thing, aren''t you?" He said finally, his tone quiet but rich with amusement as he decided to ignore the coming future and focus on the present. "So eager to please, you''re willing to push yourself just to see me satisfied."

    Her breath caught at his words, her heart racing as her lips parted to respond. "I just..." She began, her voice trembling. "I-I want to be useful to you, Young Master. To give you what you deserve."

    His fingers tightened slightly in her hair, his smirk widening just a fraction as he leaned closer, his voice a low, commanding murmur.

    "If that''s what you want, Isabelle, then I''ll take what you''re offering. But remember, devotion isn''t about how far you can go¡ªit''s about how well you can obey. There''s no need to overdo it."

    Isabelle''s embarrassment grew as her fingers tightened slightly around Cassius''s cock, her small, bashful smile trembling at the edges with both fluster and resolve.

    "Yes, Young Master." She said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her devotion as she prepared to lower herself again.

    But just as her lips parted, Cassius''s hand tightened lightly in her hair as he pulled her away, halting her movements.

    She froze, her wide, curious eyes darting up to him as he leaned back slightly, an unmistakable glint of mischief flashing across his face. His lips curled into an evil smile that sent a shiver through her, though she wasn''t entirely sure if it was dread or anticipation.

    "Stop for a moment." He said, his voice low but laced with a playful edge. He then tilted his head, watching her intently, his smirk deepening as he spoke, "You''ve been so eager, so devoted...But after that little incident, I think you might need a drink to clear your throat. Don''t you agree, Isabelle?"

    Her eyes brightened as her lips pressed together as she nodded hesitantly. The idea of a drink was appealing, though she couldn''t shake the feeling that he was up to something.

    "Yes, Young Master." She said softly. "I think a drink would be nice."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, the expression almost predatory as he sat up straighter.

    "Splendid!" He said, his tone dripping with amusement. He glanced toward the far end of the table where a silver container sat, condensation clinging to its sides. "Apple juice should do the trick."

    He then reached out lazily, his fingers brushing the edge of the container but failing to grasp it.

    His smirk faltered briefly, and then in an exaggerated manner, without even attempting to pick it up once again, he leaned back in his chair, shaking his head as though lamenting a great tragedy.

    "Alas." He said, his voice loud and theatrical. "It seems I cannot reach it. What a shame."

    Isabelle blinked, her eyes looking up at him in confusion as she looked between him and the container. "Would you like me to-"

    "No, no." Cassius interrupted, waving a hand dismissively as though her suggestion were preposterous. His grin returned, sharper now, as his gaze flicked toward the other end of the table. "Rather than you, Isabelle, I think our dear Edmund should assist us, seeing as he''s the one closest to the container."

    At the mention of his name, Edmund''s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as they met Cassius''s.

    He''d been sitting silently, his shoulders stiff, his gaze fixed on the plate in front of him, trying desperately to drown out the humiliating spectacle unfolding before him. But now, with Cassius''s mocking smile directed his way, he felt every nerve in his body ignite.

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, resting an arm over the backrest as he gestured lazily toward the container.

    "Edmund..." He said with urgency, his tone dripping with false politeness. "Would you be so kind as to pour me a glass? My throat''s quite parched, and Isabelle will need it too, of course."

    His gaze then flicked briefly back to Isabelle, who was thinking that her young master really enjoyed tormenting Edmund, even making him bring refreshments to the same man who was having his cock sucked by his fiancee...

 Chapter 31 - 31: Unclean Lips

    Note: Since many of you are asking, I''ll just say that that this novel isn''t entirely based on lemon scenes, nor will it be full of hardcore scenes like this. It will honestly focus more on the characters and their fun romantic developments so you can just take it as a slice of life romance with a little twist.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Edmund''s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together as his hands curled into fists beneath the table. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to defy the order, to throw the container across the room, to shout his rage and humiliation.

    But he didn''t. He couldn''t. Instead, he rose slowly, his movements stiff as he reached for the container.

    The weight of the chilled silver against his palm did nothing to cool the fire burning in his chest as he poured the golden liquid into a glass. His hands shook ever so slightly, the only outward sign of the storm raging within him as he fought against the searing jealousy and helpless rage coursing through his veins.

    "There." He said curtly, his voice low and tight as he set the glass down on the table, his knuckles white against the edge of the wood.

    Cassius didn''t look up, his smirk growing as he traced a finger idly along the rim of the glass.

    "Thank you, Edmund." He said lightly, his tone dismissive. "Your assistance while your fianc¨¦e has a taste of me is always appreciated."

    Edmund''s fists clenched tighter at the mocking tone in Cassius''s voice, but he said nothing. He lowered himself back into his chair, his head bowing slightly as he returned his gaze to his plate, though his hands trembled with suppressed rage beneath the table.

    Cassius leaned back in his chair, his smirk lingering as he swirled the golden liquid in the glass. His gaze dropped to Isabelle, who knelt before him, her cheeks puffed out, her eyes flickering nervously between the cup and his face.

    And then, without breaking eye contact, he extended the glass toward her, his voice low and soft.

    "Here, Isabelle. You should have the first sip."

    Her eyes widened in alarm, and she immediately shook her head, her hands clutching the hem of her dress as if to anchor herself.

    "Oh no, Young Master." She said quickly, her voice trembling with a mix of urgency and embarrassment. "There''s no way I could possibly share a drink with you. It would be improper¡ªunthinkable!"

    Cassius arched a brow, amused by her fervour, but he kept his tone light. "Improper? Nonsense. I don''t care about such trivial things. You''re the one who needs it the most right now, so take it."

    She shook her head more vehemently, her cheeks burning brighter as her fingers twisted the fabric in her lap. "No, Young Master!" She stammered. "I couldn''t. It wouldn''t be right for me to drink from the same cup as you."

    His smirk deepened, his amusement clear as he leaned forward slightly, resting the glass on the table within her reach.

    "Isabelle..." He said, his voice carrying a gentle insistence. "I''m telling you, I don''t mind. You''re the one who struggled, after all."

    Her body turned warm, and she glanced away, her voice dropping to a barely audible murmur. "My lips are...u-unclean, Young Master." She finally revealed the reason she was so against the act, her words trembling with mortification. "After what I just...did, it wouldn''t be proper for me to sully your drink."

    Looking at the adamant look on her face, Cassius knew that he had no choice but to follow what she said, as it didn''t seem she was going to let go of her stubbornness anytime soon.

    "Fine, fine...If it puts your mind at ease, I''ll drink first." He said, taking a slow sip of the apple juice as his eyes remained fixed on her.

    Lowering the glass, he placed it back on the table and slid it toward her, the teasing smirk never leaving his face. "There. Now you''ve no reason to refuse."

    Isabelle stared at the glass, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for it. Her fingers wrapped around the cool surface, but she hesitated, her thoughts swirling chaotically.

    She couldn''t look at him as her mind raced. ''The same glass...his lips were just there. It''s...i-it''s like sharing a kiss.''

    Cassius tilted his head, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied her hesitation. "What''s the matter now?" He asked, as he watched her look at the glass like it was a relic. "Don''t tell me you think my lips are dirty."

    "No, Young Master! Of course not!" Her head snapped up, and she shook it frantically, her voice quick and nervous.

    She then told herself it was just juice, that she was overthinking as she brought it to her lips. But the thought of his lips having been there lingered.

    As the cool liquid slid down her throat, she couldn''t stop the soft gasp that escaped her. The simple act of drinking felt impossibly intimate, and no matter how much she tried to suppress it, her cheeks burnt hotter.

    Cassius''s gaze didn''t waver, his smirk deepening as he caught the subtle shiver that ran through her. "Good girl." He murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Determined to compose herself, Isabelle set the glass down and licked her lips nervously. She could feel his eyes still on her, watching her every move, and it sent a tremor through her body.

    She then thought that she couldn''t let him see how affected she was¡ªnot when she wanted to prove her devotion.

    So with renewed determination, she leaned forward, her hands steady as they returned to his lap. Her fingers then wrapped around his cock once more, her grip firmer now as she pressed a soft kiss to the sensitive head.

    Cassius''s breath stopped for a second, his smirk faltering as she took him into her mouth again all of a sudden.

    "Gulp!?~"

    This time, there was no hesitation. Her lips moved with purpose, her tongue swirling and flicking over the sensitive underside as she bobbed her head. The wet sounds filled the room, more audible now as her pace quickened.

    "Shluck!~ Glorp!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Gluck!?~ Smack!?"

    Isabelle''s trembling hands steadied as they wrapped around the base of Cassius''s cock, her fingers tightening slightly as she marvelled at its girth. Her lips parted, her warm breath ghosting over the sensitive head as a mix of shame and exhilaration coursed through her.

    ''He''s so hot in my hands....I-I can feel him pulse against me. Every twitch, every throb...It''s like he''s daring me to see how far I''ll go.'' She thought, her heart pounding as her tongue flicked out to wet her lips.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Leaning in, she pressed another delicate kiss to the swollen tip, the faint taste of salt lingering on her tongue. Her lashes fluttered as her tongue darted out again, this time swirling around the head in slow, teasing circles, gathering the faint bead of pre-cum that had gathered there.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    The flavour was rich, almost electric, and it sent a thrill down her spine as she moaned softly against him.

    Cassius groaned low, his hand tightening in her hair, the sound spurring her on. Her tongue flattened as she dragged it along the underside of his cock, tracing every ridge, every vein, as though memorising the texture. Her hand began to stroke him in time with her mouth, her grip firm but yielding, her movements deliberate.

    "Shluck!~ Sluuurp!~ Lick!?~ Glorp!~ Smack!?"

    Her lips closed over the head, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked lightly, the wet heat of her mouth drawing him in deeper. She worked her way down, inch by inch, her tongue caressing him as her free hand reached up to cup his balls, rolling them gently in her palm.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    Cassius cursed under his breath, his hips jerking slightly as he fought the urge to thrust into her eager mouth. "Fuck, Isabelle...You''re taking this far better than I expected." He said, his voice thick with pleasure.

    Her inner thoughts swirled in chaos, half-shameful, half-proud, as she pushed herself to take more of him. ''He''s enjoying this...Because of me. I''m making him feel this good.'' The realisation only made her more determined.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    She moaned around his length, the vibrations making him groan louder as she began bobbing her head, her pace quickening. Her tongue pressed and flicked against the underside with each movement, savouring the way he throbbed against her.

    "Sip!?~ Gluck!~ Shloop!~ Lick!?~"

    Her lips stretched further as she took him deeper, the heat of him filling her mouth as her jaw ached deliciously. She pushed herself, her throat tightening as she swallowed him down, tears pricking the corners of her eyes.

    "Gaak!?~ Guuk!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    She gagged lightly, pulling back just enough to breathe, her lips slick and swollen, before diving back in with even greater fervour.

    Cassius''s grip in her hair tightened, his groans turning into low growls as his body began to move in rhythm with her mouth. "That''s it, Isabelle." He muttered, his voice strained, a mix of praise and command. "Take it all, Isabelle. Show me how much you want it."

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    Her moans grew louder, the wet, messy sounds of her effort filling the room. Drool escaped the corners of her mouth, dripping down her chin and onto her dress, but she didn''t care. She wanted to please him, to push him over the edge, to hear him lose control.

    "Shluck! Sluuurp!~ Gulp!~ Gluck!?~ Smack!?~

    Her hands worked in perfect sync with her mouth, one stroking the base while the other gently massaged his balls. Her tongue swirled and flicked with expert precision, coaxing every groan, every shudder from him.

    Cassius''s control began to unravel as his back bucked again, his groans growing louder. Her newfound aggression was unlike anything he''d expected, and it drove him wild. His fingers tightened painfully in her hair, pulling her closer as his cock throbbed against her tongue.

    "Goddamn it." He growled, his voice thick and strained. "You''re going to¡ª"

    Isabelle moaned again, her tongue dragging along the underside of his cock as she took him deeper still. The way her lips stretched around his girth, the glistening sheen of spit dripping down her chin¡ªit was too much. His body tensed, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he teetered on the brink of release.

    "Shluck!~ Slurp!~ Gluck!?~ Gulp!?~"

    "Isabelle, I¡ª" His words caught in his throat, his hips jerking as she pushed him past the edge.

    And then, without any word whatsoever, Cassius came with a guttural groan, his cock pulsing violently in Isabelle''s mouth as the first hot spurt hit the back of her throat.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    She moaned softly, her throat constricting as she swallowed instinctively, the thick, salty fluid coating her tongue. But it didn''t stop¡ªhis release came in powerful, unrelenting waves, spilling into her mouth faster than she could manage.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    Her eyes widened as she struggled to keep up, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked harder, desperate to take all of it.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    But the sheer volume overwhelmed her; thick trails of cum escaped the corners of her lips, sliding down her chin and dripping onto her trembling fingers, leaving her gasping with a thick cock in her mouth, not knowing what she should do with the thick load of cream in her mouth...

 Chapter 32 - 32: What If You Made A Mess On My Face?

    ''It''s so much... I-I can''t believe it keeps coming.'' She thought, her mind scrambling for focus as her body trembled under the intensity of the moment.

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    Her tongue swirled in her mouth, tasting the heat and saltiness of him, trying to make sense of it all.

    But then, an idea sparked¡ªchildish, almost absurd¡ªbut one that grounded her amidst the overwhelming sensation.

    ''Ice cream.'' She told herself, her mind conjuring the image of a soft, melting scoop she had heard about but never tasted. She imagined its texture, smooth and rich, the way it would coat her tongue and melt slowly. The thought of the sweetness softened the edge of her embarrassment, giving her a way to focus and push through.

    "Slosh!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Squelch!?~"

    Her lips tightened around him as she swallowed again, imagining each thick wave as another bite of that imagined treat. She moaned softly, her tongue working to catch every drop, her hand stroking him at the base to coax out the last of his release.

    "Splat!?~ Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Gloop!?~"

    Even as more spilled from her mouth, dripping down her chin and staining her dress, she kept going, determined to savor every ounce.

    Cassius''s groans deepened, his fingers threading tightly into her hair as his hips jerked involuntarily. "Damn, Isabelle." He rasped, his voice raw and unsteady. "I wasn''t expecting you to swallow it all into your mouth."

    The praise sent a flush of pride through her, and she redoubled her efforts, swallowing around him again, her throat working tirelessly.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She didn''t stop until the last shudder wracked his body, and even then, she lingered, her tongue dragging along his length to ensure she hadn''t missed a single drop.

    When she finally pulled back, her lips released him with a soft, wet pop.

    Pop~

    Her chest heaved as she caught her breath, her tongue darting out to lick at the corners of her mouth, cleaning away the remnants of his release. Her cheeks were stained pink, her lips swollen and glistening, her chin and hands still sticky with what she hadn''t been able to manage.

    Cassius stared down at her, his crimson eyes dark with satisfaction as he took in the sight of her. Her messy, flustered state was almost too much to bear¡ªher trembling hands, the glimmer of devotion in her gaze as she looked up at him.

    He chuckled low, his eyes narrowing with both amusement and astonishment as his thumb brushed a streak of cum from Isabelle''s chin, lingering on her swollen lips. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Perfect..." He murmured, though his tone betrayed a rare surprise. "I didn''t think you could handle so much, yet not a single drop wasted." He tilted her face up, studying her flushed cheeks and trembling lashes, his smirk returning, sharper now.

    "You''ve surprised me, Isabelle." He said, as he looked into her sparkling eyes with a mix of teasing and approval. "I''ll admit, I didn''t think you had it in you¡ªbut now, I''ll expect nothing less...I guess this is what they meant when they said the Holyfield maids are top tier in every aspect."

    Isabelle swallowed hard, her lips parting as she struggled to find her voice. "I-I just wanted to do well for you, Young Master." She said softly, her face burning as she glanced away. "I...I imagined it was something sweet, like ice cream. It made it easier to...s-so it wasn''t too hard..." She trailed off, embarrassed by her admission.

    Cassius smirked, his thumb tracing her lower lip as his other hand stroked lazily through her dishevelled hair. "Ice cream, hmm?" He asked, amusement lacing his tone. "Perhaps I''ll have to bring you some to compare, though I suspect it won''t be nearly as satisfying as this."

    Her pale ears flamed brighter, but she couldn''t suppress the small, bashful smile that tugged at her lips.

    Despite the mess, despite the overwhelming nature of the act, she felt a flicker of pride at having pleased him.

    And while her young master caressed her face to her joy, her gaze drifted to the ornate mirror mounted on the wall to the side, which made her jump for a second because of how she looked.

    Her messy hair clung to her damp forehead, stray strands falling loose from her braid. Her cheeks were flushed a deep pink, a mixture of exertion and embarrassment, and her lips¡ªshiny, swollen, and slightly parted¡ªbore the unmistakable evidence of her actions.

    Her collar had slipped, revealing more of her slender neck than she would ever dare to show, and there was a faint sheen of sweat glistening on her skin.

    The sight made her stomach twist. She looked nothing like the poised, proper maid she prided herself on being. This image was raw, undone, and wholly unbecoming.

    To cover herself up, her hands flew to her face as if to shield herself, panic rising in her chest. "Oh no!" She whispered, her voice trembling. "This is¡ªthis is so improper. I look so...unseemly."

    Cassius caught the shift in her expression immediately. His sharp eyes followed her gaze to the mirror, and his smirk faded into something softer.

    "What''s wrong, Isabelle?" He asked, his tone low and curious, though he already knew why she was acting in such a way.

    She quickly turned back to him, shaking her head frantically as she scrambled to kneel properly again, her hands fumbling to smooth her hair.

    "I-I''m so sorry, Young Master." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I must look horrid right now¡ªdisgraceful even. Please allow me a moment to groom myself. I shouldn''t be seen like this in front of you¡ª"

    But before Isabelle could even finish her words, Cassius moved swiftly, leaning down to scoop her up in one fluid motion to her shock.

    Scoop~

    A startled gasp escaped her lips as he cradled her against his chest, her small frame pressed close to his broad, unyielding one. The effortless way he held her in a princess carry left her breathless as she fidgeted in his arms.

    "Y-Young Master!" She exclaimed, her voice higher-pitched than usual, her hands fluttering uncertainly as though she didn''t know where to put them. "What are you doing¡ª"

    Before she could utter another word, Cassius cut her off with a calm but firm tone. "Quiet, Isabelle." He said, his crimson eyes glinting with subtle amusement. "You''re making too much fuss over nothing...Just relax."

    Relax? How could she relax when her young master was carrying her like a child? She opened her mouth to protest further, but before the words could form, he settled back into the chair with her on his lap, holding her securely as though she belonged there.

    "P-Please, Young Master." She stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and confusion. "You really shouldn''t-"

    Her words trailed off abruptly as he reached for her face, his fingers brushing against her forehead. Isabelle froze, her breath stopping as she realised what he was doing.

    He wasn''t just holding her; he was grooming her.

    Cassius''s movements were uncharacteristically gentle, his touch precise as he smoothed back the stray strands of her hair that had fallen loose. His hands worked with care, as though it were the most natural thing in the world for him to be tending to her. Isabelle blinked, her thoughts racing.

    ''He''s... fixing my hair?'' She thought incredulously. ''Why is he doing this? Shouldn''t he leave such things to me? He''s my master, not my¡ª'' Her internal objections faltered as her gaze drifted to his face.

    There was an intensity in his expression, a quiet focus that stole her breath. His sharp eyes were entirely locked on the task at hand, his lips pressed into a line of quiet concentration. He didn''t say a word as he worked, and the silence felt oddly soothing.

    She wanted to speak, to tell him he shouldn''t trouble himself with something so trivial, but the words caught in her throat. The careful way he tucked her hair back into place, the light graze of his fingers against her skin¡ªit all made her chest tighten in a way she couldn''t explain.

    ''Has anyone ever done this for me before?'' She wondered, her heart aching faintly at the thought. She couldn''t remember a time when someone had tended to her so gently, so thoroughly.

    Cassius moved on to her collar, adjusting it with practiced ease until it sat perfectly against her neck. His fingers brushed the sensitive skin there, sending a shiver down her spine, but he didn''t seem to notice.

    Next, he retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully dabbed at her forehead, wiping away the faint sheen of sweat that had gathered there.

    "You really are a mess." He said softly, though his tone lacked its usual teasing edge. Instead, there was a faint warmth in his voice that made her wiggle in his embrace like a little girl who was in the presence of her first love.

    Her lips parted as if to protest, but she stopped herself again, unwilling to break the quiet rhythm of his ministrations. She lowered her gaze instead, letting him continue, her heart pounding as a strange sense of contentment washed over her.

    Finally, he turned his attention to her lips.

    Isabelle''s breath caught as he leaned in closer, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he focused on cleaning away the remnants of his release. His hand moved with the same careful precision, the cloth brushing against her swollen lips in slow, deliberate strokes.

    "There we are..." He murmured at last, pulling back to admire his work. He folded the handkerchief neatly and tucked it away, his gaze softening as it lingered on her face. "All tidy now."

    Isabelle blinked, her heart stuttering at the quiet pride in his voice. She touched her face instinctively, still feeling the warmth of his fingers against her skin.

    "Young Master..." She whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You didn''t have to...I could have done it myself."

    Cassius smirked, though it was gentler than usual.

    "Perhaps." He said, his tone light. "But I wanted to. Someone has to take care of you when you forget to take care of yourself."

    Her words caught in her throat, and she looked down, her hands clutching her skirt tightly. "I...I must look so improper." She murmured, her voice barely audible. "Messy and...even unseemly for a maid."

    Cassius let out a soft chuckle, tilting her chin up with his fingers. His crimson eyes gleamed with mischief as he said, "Unseemly?...Isabelle, you could be dragged through a storm, covered in mud, and still manage to look beautiful as a flower."

    Her eyes went wide, and she blinked up at him, caught off guard by the teasing lilt in his voice. "Young Master, I¡ª"

    He interrupted her, shaking his head with false seriousness. "No, no, it''s true, Isabelle. There''s no amount of mess in the world that could ruin that face of yours." He leaned in slightly, his smirk softening. "So, stop worrying about it, alright?...Messy or not, you''ll always be beautiful in my eyes."

    Isabelle''s chest swelled with warmth at Cassius''s words, the sincerity laced within his teasing making her heart flutter.

    No one had ever called her beautiful so casually yet so genuinely. She could feel her lips curling into a smile, a soft, bashful expression overtaking her face as a rare sense of joy blossomed within her.

    But that joy carried a hint of mischief, a cheeky thought creeping into her mind that she couldn''t entirely suppress.

    Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she hesitated, glancing up at him with a coy, almost shy expression. "Y-Young Master." She began hesitantly, her voice small but steady. "What you said...Do you really mean it? That no mess could ever ruin my beauty?"

    Cassius arched a brow, his smirk widening as he caught the slight nervous tremor in her voice. "Of course, Isabelle. I never say things I don''t mean."

    Her blush deepened, and she bit her lip before quickly blurting out, "Even if¡ªif instead of my mouth, your...y-your fluids had ended up on my face instead and made a complete mess?"

 Chapter 33 - 33: Ill Smile For You Till The End Of Time

    The boldness of Isabelle''s question hung in the air, and she immediately regretted voicing it, her hands flying up to cover her burning face. "Oh no! I-I''m sorry, my lord, I shouldn''t have said something so a-absurd!"

    Cassius blinked, momentarily stunned by her audacity. A rare, unguarded laugh burst from him, rich and genuine, his head tilting back as he let her words sink in. He composed himself quickly, though his crimson eyes gleamed with wicked amusement as he leaned closer, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

    "Well..." He said, his voice low as he stared at her adorable face that had gone red. "...in that case, Isabelle, I might really not call you beautiful."

    Her heart sank for half a second before his smirk deepened, his gaze trailing over her nose that also had a tint of pink on it as he continued saying, "No, at that point, I''d call you something else entirely¡ªsomething far more fitting."

    "W-What would you call me, Young Master?" She peeked at him from between her fingers, her curiosity overtaking her embarrassment.

    Cassius chuckled, his tone dipping as he murmured, "I''d call you overwhelmingly erotic. You''d look like a succubus, Isabelle¡ªtoo sinful to be just considered ''beautiful."

    His words hit her like a bolt, her entire face going scarlet as she gaped at him. "Y-Young Master! You can''t say such things to a lady...I-It''s inappropriate!" She squeaked, unable to form any coherent reply.

    The vivid image his words conjured made her squirm, her body betraying her mortification with the heat rising in her cheeks and down her neck.

    Cassius''s sharp eyes softened as he watched her squirm, the blush on her cheeks spreading all the way to her neck. There was something utterly captivating about her purity, her innocence shining through even in moments like this.

    A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips, a rare departure from his usual smirk when he saw this sight.

    "You know, Isabelle..." He began, his tone lighter now, almost contemplative. "I really like your smile."

    "M-My smile, Young Master?" She blinked, startled by the unexpected compliment.

    He nodded, tilting his head slightly as his gaze lingered on her. "There''s just something about it." He continued, his voice quieter, more thoughtful as he stared at her pink, plump lips that were still moist from the forbidden act that she had just committed. "It''s warm¡ªwarmer than any fireplace could ever hope to be. And it''s comforting to see, like I''m back at home or a place that I can feel safe in."

    Her hands clenched nervously in her lap as she squirmed under his gaze, her eyes darting around everywhere from the overwhelming praise that came out of nowhere.

    "Y-You''re too kind, Young Master...This maid doesn''t deserve such words of praise from you." She stammered, glancing down in an effort to hide her embarrassment.

    Cassius chuckled softly at her reaction, but his smile faltered slightly, a faint shadow passing over his face. His expression turned pensive, his eyes narrowing as though he were lost in thought. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh and leaned back in the chair.

    "Unfortunately..." He said, his tone heavy with something she couldn''t quite place. "I don''t think I''ll be able to see that smile of yours directed at me from tomorrow."

    Isabelle''s head snapped up, her wide eyes filled with concern. The sudden shift in his demeanour made her chest tighten. "My lord, why would you say that?" She asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Is something wrong?"

    Cassius shook his head, his expression unreadable as he avoided her gaze. "I can''t say anything now." He replied, his voice quieter than before. "You''ll just have to find out tomorrow."

    Her stomach twisted uneasily at his words, a flicker of fear creeping into her heart.

    But as she watched him, his face shadowed by something she couldn''t understand, a spark of determination ignited within her. She straightened her posture, her hands curling into fists as she met his gaze with newfound resolve.

    "Then no matter what happens tomorrow, Young Master." She said firmly, her voice steady and filled with conviction. "I''ll follow my duty as your maid¡ªand as the one you so mercifully saved." She hesitated for a moment, her expression softening. "And if my smile brings you even a little warmth, Young Master, then I''ll smile for you until the very end of time or you get bored of this little maid''s face."

    Cassius''s crimson eyes widened slightly when he heard her words of devotion, his lips parting as if to say something, but he stopped himself.

    Instead, he simply stared at her, his gaze searching, as though he were trying to commit every detail of her face to memory. After what felt like an eternity, he let out a heavy sigh and leaned forward, his hand gently patting her head.

    "You''re a strange one, Isabelle." He said softly, his tone laced with a quiet affection. "And what you just said, we''ll see about all of that tomorrow...Whether fate decides to keep us together or not."

    His words trailed off, leaving an unspoken weight hanging in the air. For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the faint crackle of the fireplace.

    Then, as though shaking off the heaviness of the moment, Cassius straightened and offered her a small, mischievous smile.

    "But for now..." He said, his voice returning to its usual teasing cheerfulness. "I should probably head back. If I stay here much longer, people might start thinking someone''s kidnapped their precious young master."

    Isabelle blinked, startled by the sudden shift, and quickly tried to stand, only to realise she was still perched on his lap. Her eyes turned limpid from embarrassment as she scrambled to move.

    "Ah, yes, of course, my lord! I-I''m so sorry!" She stammered, her movements hurried and clumsy in her embarrassment.

    Cassius laughed softly, his hands gently gripping her waist to help her off. "Calm down, Isabelle." He said, his voice rich with amusement as he noticed how slim her waist was compared to her full hips. "You''re going to trip over yourself at this rate."

    As she finally stood, smoothing her skirt with trembling hands, she glanced back at him, her expression still tinged with concern. "Will...Will you be alright, Young Master?"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk as he observed her petite figure. "Well..." He said it as a joke. "...if I said no, would you be willing to carry me all the way back to the mansion? It''s a long way, you know."

    For a moment, she stared at him, blinking in confusion. Then, to his surprise, her expression shifted into one of solemn determination.

    "If that''s what you wish, Young Master..." She said seriously, her voice steady."...then I wouldn''t mind even if my feeble hands snap under the weight. I''d carry you all the way home and not leave your side until I''ve delivered you safely."

    Cassius''s smirk faltered, replaced by an expression of sheer disbelief as he straightened. "Wait, what?" He asked, blinking as she stepped closer, her gaze resolute.

    "I mean it." Isabelle continued, glancing down at her arms with a fleeting look of doubt before nodding firmly. "Even if I have to carry you like a princess, I won''t rest until I see you back at the mansion, safe and sound."

    The image of her struggling to princess-carry him all the way through town flashed in his mind, and he let out a laugh so loud and genuine it echoed in the room.

    "Oh, Isabelle~" He said between chuckles, shaking his head. "You really are something else."

    Her determination didn''t waver, though her cheeks tinged pink at his amusement. "I-I''m serious, Young Master...P-Please don''t make fun of my determination." She murmured, lowering her gaze shyly.

    Cassius stepped forward, his laughter softening into a warm smile as he reached out to take her hands in his. Her smaller fingers trembled slightly in his grasp, but he held them steady, his touch firm yet gentle.

    "You''ve got it all wrong, Isabelle." He said, his voice dipping into a more tender tone. "These hands of yours¡ªthey''re not meant for carrying stubborn men like me around." He paused, lifting her hands slightly and running his thumb along her knuckles. "They''re meant to knead dough and craft the most delicious cakes, to create meals that leave me wondering if I''ll ever taste something better."

    Her blush deepened, her heart racing as his words sank in. "Young Master..." She whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Cassius smirked faintly, leaning down and then, to her utter shock, pressing a soft kiss to the back of one hand, then the other.

    Kiss~

    The warmth of his lips lingered against her skin, sending a shiver through her entire body. Her heart felt like it might burst, the gesture so intimate and unexpected it left her completely dazed.

    "So keep these hands safe." He concluded quietly, his crimson eyes meeting hers as he straightened. "I''m looking forward to eating what you make again."

    Isabelle could only nod, her voice caught in her throat as she stared up at him, her cheeks aflame and her body buzzing with warmth.

    Cassius let her hands go gently, turning toward the door and pulling it open with an easy motion. He gestured toward the hall with a playful smirk. "Ladies first." He said, his tone light but firm, thinking that after everything that''s happened tonight, he didn''t want her lingering around here any longer, especially when Edmund looked like a feral donkey at the moment.

    Still caught in a reverie, Isabelle blinked slowly before stepping forward, her movements almost mechanical as she passed him. Her mind swirled with the warmth of his kisses, the sound of his voice, and the intensity of his eyes.

    She barely registered her surroundings as she began walking, her feet carrying her on autopilot down the dimly lit pathway.

    Cassius stepped out, watching her with an amused but faintly exasperated expression. Her dazed state was painfully obvious, her steps slow and unfocused, her gaze distant.

    "At this rate, she''s going to walk straight into a lake." He muttered to himself.

    "I''d better send someone to make sure she gets home safely." Cassius muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a small smile. He glanced toward the path where Isabelle had wandered off, still dazed and stumbling like she was floating on air. "Who would''ve thought she''d be so innocent and gullible that a few kisses on her hands would have her acting like that...She didn''t even react this way after having a taste of me."

    The smirk on his lips deepened, though it held a hint of something more sombre beneath its surface. His crimson eyes flicked to the horizon, his thoughts turning inward. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Still..." He murmured to himself, his voice softer now. "I wonder if she''ll still look at me like that after tomorrow." His smirk faltered briefly, and he exhaled slowly, the faintest shadow crossing his face. "Or if she''ll hate me altogether."

    The thought lingered for a moment, heavy and unavoidable, before he shook it off with another faint smile. "It doesn''t matter. And if it does, it''s not something I can interfere in." He said quietly, as though convincing himself.

    "...She''ll get the inevitable punishment she deserves, and all I can do is hope for the best."

    He sighed as he looked up at the pretty moon high up in the sky, not knowing how the ''purge'' he was going to commit tomorrow was going to go.

 Chapter 34 - 34: My Duty Isnt To Judge, But Serve

    As Cassius turned back into the room, his eyes fell on Edmund, who remained seated at the table, his head bowed low, fists clenched tightly in his lap.

    The dim light of the room cast sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the intensity in his tightly shut eyes.

    Cassius''s sharp gaze caught the faint movement of Edmund''s lips as he muttered under his breath, the words too soft to hear but venomous in their rhythm, like a curse being silently woven. He didn''t need to hear the words to know exactly what Edmund was stewing over. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The humiliation of being forced to pour a drink for the man who had so thoroughly claimed his fianc¨¦e was likely eating away at him, corroding whatever pride he had left.

    He was clearly boiling in his humiliation, likely plotting something vindictive to even the scales.

    Cassius''s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. He thought of the man''s hatred, the inevitable schemes that would follow, and how those schemes would play out.

    A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but he said nothing. He didn''t need to. Whatever Edmund had in store, Cassius was more than ready to meet it head-on.

    He gave one last glance in Edmund''s direction, scoffed softly, and turned away, leaving the house behind.

    Outside, he was greeted by a familiar presence standing at the edge of the pathway to his surprise.

    Lucious, his ever-so-loyal butler, straightened the moment Cassius appeared, his bright grey eyes lighting up like a puppy spotting its master.

    "You''re back, Young Master!" Lucious said, practically bouncing on his feet as he hurried over, his soft dark hair catching the moonlight.

    His youthful, almost androgynous features were framed by the glow, making him look more like a girl wearing her father''s tuxedo rather than a butler.

    Cassius squinted his eyes because of the energy radiating from him, almost as if he was looking at the sun itself, and then asked with his tone carrying a note of mild disbelief, "You''ve been waiting out here this entire time, Lucious? Out in this cold night without even a scarf to cover you up?"

    Lucious nodded enthusiastically, his bright eyes wide. "Of course, my lord! I couldn''t possibly leave you alone in there for too long. What if something happened?"

    Cassius let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "I can take care of myself, Lucious...You really don''t need to bother, especially since you don''t look like you can come out winning if a fight were to break out with that tiny frame of yours." He said dryly.

    Lucious puffed up his chest, clearly unconvinced. "I know, Young Master. But it''s my duty to ensure that you''re always safe."

    "...Not to mention that even though I may be useless in a physical fight, I still have a few tricks up my hand because I''m a user of ''Eather''." He declared proudly, his eyes gleaming with earnestness.

    Cassius smirked, his gaze sharpening slightly as he leaned closer. "Well, it seems like you''ve been busy ensuring more than just my safety." He said with a knowing tone, his smirk widening. "Judging by how much you clearly enjoyed listening in on us back there."

    Lucious froze, his wide eyes blinking up at Cassius in shock.

    "Wh-What?" He stammered, his voice raising an octave in surprise. "How...How could you possibly know that, Young Master? I was quiet¡ªI swear! I didn''t even breathe too loudly when I put my ears against the door to hear what was going on inside!"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, his expression bordering on amused condescension. "Oh, Lucious." He said, chuckling softly. "Do you really think I wouldn''t notice when it''s written all over your face?"

    "My...face?" Lucious repeated, confused.

    "Yes, my adorable butler." Cassius said, gesturing toward him. "You''re blushing like a maiden caught sneaking peeks at her crush...That''s what gave you away."

    Lucious''s hands flew to his cheeks, his palms pressing against his warm skin as realisation dawned. "Oh no!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine horror. "I-I didn''t even realise! My face really is flushed!"

    Cassius couldn''t help but laugh at his butler''s dramatic reaction, the sound rich and genuine as he leaned back slightly. "Calm down, Lucious." He said, waving a hand dismissively. "It''s not the end of the world."

    "But, my lord!" Lucious protested, his expression growing serious. "This is unbecoming of a butler like me! Showing my emotions so openly¡ªit could be detrimental in certain situations!" He paused, his gaze turning contemplative as his fingers tapped against his chin. "Perhaps I should invest in a mask to hide my face...Something simple, but effective."

    "A mask, you say? And what kind of mask are you thinking of, exactly?" Cassius asked, wondering how he would look with a butler wearing a Halloween mask following him around.

    Lucious frowned thoughtfully, clearly taking the question seriously.

    "Well, it would need to cover my entire face, of course." He said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Maybe something elegant to match your unbelievable charm, Young Master...Or perhaps something intimidating, like those worn by the knights of old to scare away anyone that tries to approach you. And that way, no one could ever read my emotions again!"

    Cassius stared at him for a moment, his amusement growing as he imagined the ridiculous sight. Finally, he shook his head with a chuckle. "Absolutely not...Don''t you ever wear a mask, Lucious. I command you not to do so." He said firmly.

    "But why, my lord?" Lucious blinked, startled. "Wouldn''t it make me more effective as your butler if no one could read my emotions?"

    Cassius leaned closer, his crimson eyes glinting with faint mischief. "Because, Lucious." He said as he admired his butler''s delicate features. "I''d rather let the enemies see your true emotions than be deprived of seeing your cute face myself."

    "C-Cute?!" Lucious repeated, caught off guard by his master''s sudden praise, and even took a step back in fright.

    Cassius chuckled softly, patting Lucious on the shoulder. "Yes, cute...Pretty even." He said, his tone teasing but with a genuine warmth that only deepened the blush on Lucious''s cheeks. "So don''t go covering it up with some ridiculous mask, understand?"

    Lucious nodded quickly, his grey eyes wide and bright as stardust as he replied, "Of course, Young Master! I promise, no masks!"

    Cassius smirked but said nothing more, instead turning his attention ahead to the quiet path. Yet, as they walked, a thought crept into his mind, unbidden but persistent.

    He glanced at Lucious out of the corner of his eye, noting the soft curve of his delicate features, the way his dark hair fell in gentle waves around his face, and¡ªmost frustratingly¡ªthe way his rose-tinted cheeks made him look even more enticing.

    ''Maybe he should really wear a mask for the sake of my sanity.'' Cassius thought wryly, his smirk fading into a faint sigh. ''It''s hard enough to consider him as a boy when he looks like that.''

    ''I mean, which man blushes so prettily that it makes you question everything?'' He shook his head subtly, clearing the thought before it could take root any further.

    There were more important matters to consider than the androgynous charm of his overenthusiastic butler. Still, the idea lingered at the edges of his mind, teasing him as they continued their walk through the crisp night air.

    Lucious, oblivious to his master''s internal musings, walked alongside him with the same boundless energy, humming softly under his breath, as if entirely unbothered by the world. If anything, his innocent demeanour only reinforced Cassius''s amusement and his faint exasperation at how careless he seemed when he was by his side.

    As they walked under the soft glow of the moon, Cassius remembered what Lucious had witnessed just now and wondered what he thought of him after seeing such an atrocious act take place. To ease his curiosity, he broke the silence, his voice quieter than usual.

    "Lucious." He began, his crimson eyes glancing sideways at his butler. "What do you think of me now that you''ve seen...everything?"

    Lucious blinked, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "What do I think of you, Young Master?" He repeated, his tone confused.

    Cassius nodded, his smirk fading into something softer, more contemplative. "Yes. After seeing me behave like that¡ªindulging in something so depraved¡ªdo you hate serving a master like me?"

    "...A debaucherous overlord who likes to feast upon the fianc¨¦e of others while they watched everything happen right in front of them?"

    Lucious stopped in his tracks, his expression one of genuine bewilderment when he heard his master''s words.

    "Hate you?" He said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Why would I hate you for something like that, Young Master?"

    Cassius turned to face him fully, crossing his arms as his sharp gaze locked onto Lucious. "Because what I did wasn''t exactly moral." He said as he observed his butler''s expression. "I mean, it wasn''t something anyone would look at and think, ''There''s a good man."

    Lucious stared at him for a moment, his expression softening as he took a step closer. He then shook his head slowly, a faint, earnest smile touching his lips. "Morality has nothing to do with how I see you, Young Master. So no matter what atrocious act you would commit, it wouldn''t change the way I look at you at all." He said quietly, his tone steady but warm.

    "Oh? And why''s that?" Cassius raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.

    Lucious took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with unshakeable resolve as he spoke.

    "Because it doesn''t matter if something is right or wrong. All that matters is that it''s you, Young Master. My duty isn''t to judge you or to question your actions...My only purpose is to follow you, to serve you."

    His voice grew quieter, more intense.

    "So even if the whole world turned against you¡ªif you burnt cities to ash or led us all to hell¡ªI would without a doubt still be by your side."

    Cassius''s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the raw conviction in Lucious''s words. For a moment, the only sound was the faint rustle of the wind through the trees.

    "You''d follow me even then?" Cassius asked, his voice lower, almost tentative.

    Lucious nodded firmly, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, my lord. Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will follow...That is my promise to you."

    Cassius let out a slow breath, his arms falling to his sides as he studied the young man before him. There was no hesitation in Lucious''s expression, no doubt¡ªonly a steadfast loyalty that made something twist deep in Cassius''s chest as he wondered what caused him to be as loyal as a dog.

    "Sigh...You''re either the most devoted butler in existence..." Cassius said softly, his voice carrying a faint edge of wonder. "...or the most reckless fool I''ve ever met."

    Lucious smiled, his bright eyes softening. "If it means I can stay by your side, Young Master." He replied. "I don''t mind being either."

 Chapter 35 - 35: A Foolish But Admirable Way Of Thinking

    "Besides, Young Master..." Lucious continued the conversation, his tone steady but carrying a sharp edge. "...those people¡ªthe two you dealt with back there¡ªthey''re sinners anyway. They deserved death long before you stepped into their lives."

    "...The fact that they''re still breathing is already more mercy than they deserve."

    Cassius glanced at him, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly in thought. He didn''t reply immediately, letting Lucious''s words settle in the air between them.

    "Especially that man, Edmund." Lucious continued, his voice dipping lower, almost conspiratorial. "It''s dangerous to let a snake like him roam free. You''ve humiliated him, and he''s burning with revenge. People like that are unpredictable. They''ll lash out when you least expect it." He turned his gaze to Cassius, his usually soft features hardening with an unsettling resolve. "If you say the word, my lord, I can finish him off. Quietly. Cleanly...No one would ever know."

    Cassius stopped walking, his lips curling into a faint smirk as he looked at his butler. There was no doubt in Lucious''s tone, no hesitation in his eyes¡ªit was clear he meant every word.

    "There''s no need for that." Cassius said as he gazed into his mansion in the distance, his voice carrying an air of casual authority. "Edmund''s time will come soon enough. For now, I still want to...play with him a little longer."

    Lucious blinked, his head tilting slightly in confusion. "Play with him, Young Master?" He asked, his tone cautious but curious.

    Cassius chuckled softly, resuming his walk as he glanced ahead. "Let him stew in his anger. Let him scheme; let him try to make his move. I want to see what he''ll do when he thinks he has a chance." He said, his eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "It''s more entertaining that way."

    Lucious hesitated for a moment, clearly struggling to understand the logic behind his master''s decision. But, as always, his faith in Cassius''s judgement overrode his doubts.

    He nodded slowly, falling into step beside him again. "If that''s your wish, Young Master." He said, his voice soft but resolute. "I trust in your plan, as I''m sure you have your reasons."

    Lucious then thought of something and hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting to the ground. Finally he decided to be open with his master about his thoughts, so he hesitantly said, "Actually, Young Master...There''s something else I''ve been thinking about."

    "Oh? And what''s that?" Cassius asked, glancing at him with mild curiosity.

    Lucious straightened slightly, his usual cheerfulness dimming as a more serious expression crossed his face. "It''s about the maid, Isabelle." He said carefully, as he knew this was a sensitive topic to his young master.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened, his crimson eyes narrowing as he interrupted. "What about her?" He asked, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness. Then, with a raised brow and an almost teasing smile, he added, "Do you think she deserves death as well?"

    Lucious blinked, startled by the question. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, his brow furrowing as he seemed to consider it carefully.

    And then, after a long pause, he spoke, his voice quieter than before. "At first..." He admitted. "...I did. I wanted nothing more than to see her dead."

    "Oh? And why didn''t you follow through with that desire?" Cassius tilted his head, intrigued by the bluntness of the response.

    Lucious sighed, his gaze softening as he glanced ahead. "When I first learnt what she did, I was furious." He said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of frustration. "She poisoned you, my lord¡ªthere''s no crime greater in my eyes. I wanted to see her punished, to make her pay for even thinking about harming you." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius hummed softly, intrigued. "And yet, here we are, walking side by side, and you''re speaking about her as though she isn''t entirely unforgivable...What happened?"

    Lucious hesitated again, his fingers brushing against the hem of his sleeve as he continued. "After hearing her story, I¡­didn''t feel the same." He admitted reluctantly. "She was tricked into it, manipulated by someone who used her loyalty and innocence against her. It doesn''t make what she did right, but it made me realise she wasn''t as guilty as I first believed."

    Cassius''s smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a look of mild surprise. "Hmm...To think, you, of all people, thinking so rationally about her." He said, a faint chuckle escaping him. "I wasn''t expecting that."

    Lucious stopped in his tracks, his indignant eyes narrowing sharply. "You''re wrong, my lord!" He said vehemently, his voice firm with an edge of restrained fury, like he didn''t want to be thought of as someone who forgave a person who tried to harm his master so easily. "I''m not rational about her¡ªnot in the way you think."

    Cassius turned to face him fully, curious now as he watched the rare intensity flicker across his butler''s usually bright expression.

    "I still think she should be punished for what she did." Lucious continued, his voice rising slightly. "Even if it wasn''t done with malice, even if she was tricked, it doesn''t change the fact that she put your life in danger...That alone is unforgivable."

    His fists clenched at his sides, his teeth chattering like he was ready to bite someone and pull a chunk of flesh out.

    "Your life matters more than anything else in this world, Young Master. I''d give up my own a thousand times over to ensure your safety. So, yes, I wanted her gone¡ªI still do."

    Cassius blinked, his smirk returning faintly as he crossed his arms. "And yet..." He slowly said. "...you haven''t lifted a finger against her."

    Lucious let out a long sigh, the fury in his eyes dimming slightly as he looked away.

    "That''s because I know it''s not my place anymore." He admitted, his voice quieter now. "I mean, after hearing the way you spoke to her inside, it''s clear you''ve taken an interest in her."

    "...I wouldn''t dare interfere with your decisions or your choice in women, Young Master, no matter how much I hate that person."

    "Oh, and what makes you think I''m interested in her?" He asked while thinking that this little butler of his was really attentive.

    Lucious glanced back at him, his expression unreadable for a moment before he spoke. "Because it was obvious." He said bluntly. "The way you talked to her, the things you said¡ªit was like you were trying to woo her."

    "Trying to woo her? You have an interesting imagination, Lucious." Cassius blinked, then let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

    But Lucious didn''t laugh. His grey eyes darkened slightly, and his voice grew more serious. "She doesn''t deserve it, my lord!" He said firmly. "A woman like that¡ªsomeone who almost took your life¡ªdoesn''t deserve your attention, let alone your affection."

    Cassius''s smirk lingered faintly, though his crimson eyes gleamed with intrigue as he studied Lucious.

    "Strong words..." He remarked, his tone light but carrying a hint of sharpness. "But you''re not usually so direct about these things, Lucious. Is there something else you''re not telling me that''s been bothering you?"

    Lucious hesitated for a moment, glancing away before letting out a slow breath, not expecting his contradictory thoughts to be found by his master.

    When he spoke again, his voice was quieter, more thoughtful. "There is." He admitted. "I''ve been conflicted ever since I looked into what actually happened¡ªhow she was tricked into doing what she did."

    "Go on."

    Lucious''s gaze met his master''s again, and there was a flicker of frustration behind his eyes.

    "Well, the thing is, when I found out that a maid like Isabelle, who has such a stellar reputation to the extent that she even visits the local orphanage every week, I wondered how in the world she agreed to something as absurd as poisoning you, Young Master."

    "...And when I couldn''t hold onto my curiosity any longer, I decided to dig deeper into what happened, and to my shock, I found out just how involved Edmund was in the recruitment of Isabelle to follow his schemes."

    "I thought that he had simply lied to her, saying that you were some criminal who molested women, and she was dumb enough to believe his words. But to my shock, Edmund actually went to lengths I didn''t even think possible to make her his accomplice." He said, his voice tight with restrained anger. "That dirtbag Edmund, he knew that Isabelle couldn''t be controlled with simple words or reasoning, so he used everything¡ªfalsified police statements, forged witness testimonies, fabricated medical autopsies, bribery records...the list goes on to incriminate you."

    "...It was so thorough, so convincing, that even I might have believed it if I weren''t as wary as I am."

    Cassius''s smirk disappeared entirely, replaced by a thoughtful frown. "Is that so?" He murmured, his tone neutral but carrying an edge of curiosity.

    Lucious nodded. "He painted you as some kind of...monster. An evil man who preyed on others¡ªon helpless women, specifically. Given all the evidence he manufactured, it''s no wonder she believed him." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But that''s where my confusion comes in. If she had all of that evidence, why didn''t she bring it forward? Why didn''t she use it to prove she was tricked, to defend herself?"

    Cassius was quiet for a moment, his crimson eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considered the question. Finally, he let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

    "Because that''s not who she is." He said simply.

    "What do you mean, my lord?" Lucious frowned, not understanding his master''s words.

    "Well, the thing you don''t know about Isabelle is that she''s a genuinely pure-hearted girl." Cassius explained, his voice quieter now, more introspective. "She believes that she sinned, no matter the circumstances. To her, trying to shift the blame to Edmund¡ªor even justifying her actions¡ªwould feel like making excuses."

    "...So instead, she accepted her fate. She took responsibility for what happened, even if it wasn''t entirely her fault."

    Lucious stared at him, his lips pressing into a thin line as he processed the words. His twinkling eyes flickered with something unreadable¡ªfrustration, perhaps, or admiration.

    "That''s...an unusual way to think." He said finally, his tone tinged with reluctance.

    "It''s foolish," Cassius said, though his voice lacked any real heat. He then smirked faintly, glancing at Lucious. "But it''s also admirable, isn''t it? There aren''t many people who would accept responsibility like that, knowing they could easily shift the blame elsewhere."

    Lucious let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

    "I suppose you''re right." He admitted, like he couldn''t believe that he was actually acknowledging someone that tried to murder his beloved master. "It''s hard not to respect someone like that, even if I still think she should have done more to defend herself."

    Cassius chuckled softly, his smirk widening as he clapped Lucious on the shoulder. "Careful, Lucious." He teased. "If you''re not careful, you might end up liking her after all."

    Lucious''s eyes widened, and he shook his head vehemently. "Absolutely not, Young Master!" He exclaimed, his tone firm. "She still doesn''t deserve an ounce of your care or love. But..." He hesitated, his voice softening slightly. "...I can understand why you''re interested in her."

    Cassius sighed when he heard his butler''s words, his eyes glinting faintly in the dim light.

    "Well, Lucious, it doesn''t matter how interested I am." He murmured, his voice heavy with something unspoken. "She''s likely going to despise me more than anyone in the world after the punishment I''m going to give her tomorrow."

    "Punishment, my lord? But...why?" Lucious frowned, confusion flickering across his face. "I thought you''d already forgiven her for what she did."

    Cassius''s smirk returned, but it was smaller, darker, as though laced with a secret he had no intention of sharing.

    "I have no right to forgive her, Lucious ..." He said cryptically as his gaze drifted skyward for a moment, his expression unreadable. "...for it''s not my life that was harmed, after all, and someone else''s."

    Lucious blinked, thrown by the sudden shift in his master''s tone. "Not your life, my lord? T-Then...whose?"

    "Who other than the past Cassius, who once existed in this world?" Cassius smiled, enjoying the perplexity seen on his butler''s face.

    "T-The past...Cassius?" Lucious tilted his head, his confusion deepening.

    "Yes." Cassius murmured, his voice almost wistful as if he were mourning the loss of a close friend. "It''s not about me since I personally don''t have too much of an attachment to my own life...It''s about him."

    "...And it''s my duty as the one who has taken his reins to ensure his revenge is carried out. To see to it that his soul can rest in peace."

    The mysterious statement hung in the air, heavy and impenetrable. Lucious opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it again, sensing that pressing further would yield no answers.

    Whatever his master meant, it was clearly something deeply personal, something that could not be easily explained because of some kind of personal conflict¡ªor perhaps something Cassius simply refused to explain.

    Lucious then nodded slowly, his loyalty outweighing the several questions that were going through his mind.

    "I... I see, Young Master." He said softly, even though he didn''t understand what he was speaking about. "If that''s your will, then I will follow it without question."

    Cassius glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Good...That''s for the best." He said simply, while thanking the gods for giving him such an obedient and adorable butler.

    Lucious fell into step behind him, silent but thoughtful, as they continued down the moonlit path.

    Though his master''s words remained a mystery, Lucious knew one thing for certain: whatever came next, he would be there by Cassius''s side, as he always had been his whole life.

    ...Even as he thought about the depraved purge his master was about to commit tomorrow, the one that would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the family and leave behind irreversible devastation to his reputation, Lucious felt no hesitation.

    Whatever tomorrow brought¡ªwhether it was chaos, destruction, or even their downfall¡ªLucious would follow his master into the depths of it all.

    Even if the world turned against them, he would remain steadfast, standing by Cassius''s side until the very end, and that was his solemn promise...

 Chapter 36 - 36: Let Me Apologise

    The grand hallway of the mansion echoed with the murmurs of its gathered staff. Every servant, from the highest-ranking stewards to the lowest washing maids, walked in uneasy groups, their voices hushed as they exchanged nervous glances.

    The soft tread of their footsteps seemed louder in the tense silence, the grandeur of the marble floors and towering ceilings doing nothing to ease their discomfort. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Why do you think the head butler called us all here?" A sweeper whispered to the maid walking beside him.

    "I don''t know." She replied, clutching her apron anxiously. "Do you think it''s about...the attempt on the young master''s life?"

    The mention of the assassination attempt sent a ripple of unease through the group. Others joined in the sneering, their voices low but urgent.

    "Could it be about punishments? Do they think one of us is involved?"

    "Don''t be ridiculous." A steward hissed, though his tone carried its own uncertainty. "The staff''s been loyal for years. There''s no way it''s one of us...right?"

    "But then why this meeting?" Another voice chimed in, quieter this time. "And why call all of us at once? This isn''t normal."

    Questions overlapped, their concerns filling the air as the hallway stretched on, its opulent design suddenly feeling oppressive.

    As they neared the end of the corridor, the whispering began to falter.

    All eyes turned forward to see Lucious standing at the grand intersection of the halls, his posture straight and composed, his hands clasped neatly behind his back. His face was a mask of stern authority, a sharp contrast to his usual energetic demeanour.

    The servants stopped in their tracks, their uneasy whispers dying entirely under his steady gaze. For a moment, there was only silence, the weight of anticipation pressing heavily on their shoulders.

    One of the lower butlers hesitated before stepping forward, clearing his throat nervously.

    "Mr. Lucious." He began, his voice shaking slightly, "For what purpose have we been gathered here? Is it...is it about the incident with the young master?"

    Lucious''s sharp gaze flicked to the man, and he raised a hand to silence any further questions.

    "I won''t be answering any of your concerns right now." He said, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable authority that brooked no argument. "All of your questions will be addressed once you''re inside. Until then, follow the instructions I give you without delay."

    The butler swallowed hard and stepped back, bowing slightly in acquiescence.

    Lucious nodded once before turning his attention to the rest of the gathered staff. "The men..." He began, his tone steady and deliberate as he gazed at all the men who were well-groomed and well-clothed to meet the standards of the Holyfield estate. "...will proceed to the banquet hall on the left. He gestured toward the ornate double doors at the end of the hallway. "The women..." He continued as he gazed at the women in the crowd who were all mostly maids. "...will go to the drawing room on the right." He pointed toward a smaller but no less elegant doorway on the opposite side.

    The servants exchanged uncertain glances, hesitant to move. A few murmured softly amongst themselves, their unease growing at the odd separation.

    "Why split us up?" A maid whispered to her colleague.

    "Maybe it''s something specific to the men and women separately, someone else muttered.

    Lucious''s sharp voice cut through their hesitation.

    "I said move." He commanded, his tone carrying an edge that made several of the servants flinch. "You''ll find out soon enough. Now, go to your assigned rooms...Do not make me repeat myself."

    The staff hesitated for only a moment longer before reluctantly following his orders. The men shuffled toward the banquet hall, their unease visible in their stiff movements and averted gazes.

    The women cast a few nervous glances at each other before heading to the drawing room, their steps slow and uncertain.

    Lucious waited until the last of the men had filed into the banquet hall before following silently, the grand double doors swinging shut behind him. The noise in the room was nearly deafening¡ªexcited murmurs and speculative whispers filled the air as the gathered staff exchanged their thoughts on the strange meeting.

    "What do you think this is about?" One of the servants asked nervously.

    "Probably a lecture about discipline." A gardener muttered, his arms crossed. "The head butler loves those."

    "I heard it''s about the assassination attempt." Another chimed in. "Maybe they''re going to question us."

    The chatter continued, growing louder and more chaotic as theories flew back and forth.

    But the moment they stepped farther into the room and caught sight of the figure waiting for them, the noise died down all at once, replaced by a heavy, almost oppressive silence.

    Cassius was seated in the centre of the room, a single elegant chair beneath him. His posture was relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, his hands folded neatly in his lap. A faint smile played at his lips, calm and composed, yet somehow unnervingly sharp.

    Next to him, placed deliberately on a small, polished table, was a jagged rock roughly the size of a coconut. Its sharp edges glinted faintly in the light of the chandelier, a stark and unsettling contrast to the otherwise refined atmosphere of the banquet hall.

    And next to the rock is what seemed to be a modern but archaic looking safety helmet that strange patterns on it, a stranger looking version of what the construction workers in Cassius''s past world would wear.

    The men froze in place, their gazes darting between their young master and the strange objects beside him.

    They also noticed that Cassius looked nothing like the man they were used to. Gone was the perpetually drunken, careless wastrel who had stumbled through life in a haze of liquor and indulgence.

    In his place sat someone entirely different¡ªsomeone who, despite his composed act and faint smile, radiated an aura of quiet authority that was impossible to ignore.

    "What''s with the rock?" One of the cooks whispered, his voice barely audible.

    "I don''t know." Another replied, glancing nervously at the jagged stone. "But it can''t be good."

    The tension in the room thickened as the staff exchanged nervous glances, their unease palpable. Yet, among them, one figure stood out, his expression entirely unfazed by the change in their young master''s demeanour.

    The supervisor of the mansion, a tall, middle-aged man with sharp, angular features and a perpetual air of arrogance, stepped forward. His every movement exuded a confidence that bordered on disdain, his lips curling into a faint sneer as he regarded Cassius.

    "Relax, everyone." The supervisor said, his voice carrying easily across the room. "There''s no need to make a fuss."

    The other staff members turned to him, their nervous expressions faltering slightly at his confident tone.

    "But the young master..." One of the servants began hesitantly, glancing back at Cassius.

    "...Is still the same useless fool he''s always been."

    The supervisor finished, his tone dripping with condescension.

    "Don''t let the new look fool you. He might be trying to play the part of someone important, but at the end of the day, he''s still just a drunkard who happens to live here...There''s no reason to concern yourselves."

    The other men murmured in agreement, their shoulders relaxing slightly as they clung to the supervisor''s dismissive words.

    Cassius, meanwhile, remained seated, his faint smile never wavering. His crimson eyes flicked toward the supervisor, gleaming with quiet amusement as if he had found the toy he was searching for.

    Lucious, standing silently near the back of the room, bit his pink lips in frustration. His gaze shifted between the arrogant supervisor and his composed master, and though he said nothing, his clenched fists betrayed his simmering irritation.

    The room''s tense silence stretched as Cassius remained seated, his calm gaze sweeping across the gathered men.

    For a moment, no one dared to move or speak, each man bracing himself for what might come next. The oppressive atmosphere felt as though it might snap at any second, and even the ever-arrogant supervisor seemed to stiffen slightly under the weight of it.

    Then, to everyone''s surprise, Cassius rose slowly from his chair, his movements measured and deliberate. The sound of the chair legs scraping against the polished floor echoed loudly in the stillness, sending a ripple of unease through the gathered staff. Several of the men gulped audibly, their nerves clearly fraying.

    Cassius, however, to everyone''s surprise, smiled brightly, the expression disarming in its sincerity. "Gentlemen..." He began, his voice warm and pleasant. "...First, let me apologise."

    The words left the men blinking in confusion, their tension wavering.

    "I know you''re all incredibly busy with your duties." Cassius continued, spreading his hands in a gesture of humility. "And I''m sure being called here so suddenly was an inconvenience...For that, I truly apologise." He inclined his head slightly, as though bowing in respect. "I hope you can forgive me for taking up your valuable time."

    Sigh~

    A collective sigh of relief passed through the room.

    The men visibly relaxed, their shoulders loosening as the tension melted away. The whispers began anew, but this time, they carried an air of mockery rather than concern.

    "It''s just him apologising." One of the staff muttered, his tone light with disbelief.

    "I knew it." another whispered, shaking his head. "He''s still the same pathetic master as always."

    Even the supervisor scoffed openly, his sharp features twisting into a sneer. "That''s exactly what I thought." He said with a derisive chuckle, glancing over his shoulder at the other men. "Didn''t I tell you there was no reason to worry?"

    Several of the men nodded in agreement, a few even chuckling softly.

    Cassius''s smile didn''t waver as he continued, his tone still pleasant.

    "I also want to assure you." He said, his voice carrying easily across the room. "I have no intention of keeping you here longer than necessary...This will all be over very soon."

    Another round of chuckles rippled through the group, the men exchanging amused glances. The nervous atmosphere from before had all but evaporated, replaced by a sense of condescending amusement.

    "Subservient as always." A measly cleaner murmured under his breath.

    "Spineless." Another agreed quietly.

    But just as the mood had fully shifted into one of careless derision, Cassius''s next words struck like a thunderclap.

    "Of course." He said casually, his smile unwavering, "...That will only happen after I''ve punished the culprit who tried to poison me, who I''ve already discovered."

    The words sent a shockwave through the room.

    The light-hearted chuckles died instantly, replaced by stunned silence. Several of the men stiffened, their expressions twisting into varying degrees of alarm and panic.

    Cassius''s eyes swept over them, his smile widening just a fraction as he took in their reactions. "And..." He continued, his tone conversational. "...the person responsible is actually standing right here, amongst all of you, so it won''t take too long to drag him out and let you all back to your work."

 Chapter 37 - 37: Ill Report You To Your Father!

    The room descended into chaos...Whispers broke out in frantic bursts, men muttering nervously to each other as they exchanged uneasy glances.

    "Standing amongst us?!"

    "Who could it be?"

    "It''s not me¡ªl swear it''s not me!"

    "It''s you! You look the most suspicious here!"

    "Well, you look like a fucking pig, so fuck off!"

    Even the supervisor, who had been so smug mere moments ago, looked taken aback. Though he quickly tried to mask his unease with a haughty sneer, there was a tightness around his eyes that betrayed him.

    Cassius watched the growing panic in the room with quiet amusement, his smile never faltering as the servants'' nervous whispers swelled into a cacophony of fear and uncertainty.

    The earlier carefree mood was gone entirely, replaced by an oppressive tension that weighed on everyone present.

    That is until one of the younger guards, unable to bear the silence any longer, stepped forward, his voice trembling as he asked, "Y-Young Master...Who is it? Who tried to poison you?"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, as though giving the question serious consideration. He tapped a finger against his chin, his smile widening ever so slightly.

    "Who indeed?" He murmured, his tone playful. His crimson eyes scanned the room slowly, deliberately, before settling on a single figure.

    He let the silence stretch for a moment longer before speaking again, his voice calm but laced with subtle implication.

    "Well, if I had to guess...perhaps someone in charge? Someone with authority?... Someone who has the most power among you all, so much power that it wouldn''t be unimaginable to think he would try to pull off an assassination." His gaze lingered briefly on the supervisor.

    The room erupted into murmurs, the vague hint enough to ignite a spark of suspicion. Eyes darted toward the supervisor even though Cassius hadn''t mentioned his name, and within seconds, the men began to shift away from him, their nervous glances turning into outright glares.

    "Could it be him?" One whispered.

    "It makes sense." Another muttered, his voice dripping with unease. "He''s always been saying that our master is useless and that he can make a much better noble if given the opportunity."

    The shift was immediate. Those who had been standing closest to the supervisor now took several steps back, their expressions a mix of disdain and fear.

    The supervisor, caught off guard by the sudden hostility directed at him, raised his hands defensively.

    "W-Wait a minute, you all!" He stammered, his sharp features contorting in disbelief. "You''ve got it all wrong! I didn''t do anything!"

    The men didn''t respond, their cold stares unwavering. Seeing that his words weren''t working against the crowd, the supervisor''s gaze snapped back to Cassius, his voice growing louder and more desperate.

    "My lord! You must be mistaken!" He exclaimed. "I''ve been loyal to this household for years! I''d never harm you¡ªI swear it! You must be mistaken!"

    Cassius didn''t answer right away, letting the supervisor''s protests echo through the room. The tension built with every passing second, the gathered servants frozen as they awaited their young master''s judgement.

    Then, to everyone''s utter shock, just when everyone thought that he would insist he was the culprit and then drag him away, Cassius let out a soft chuckle, his smile widening as he spoke.

    "You''re absolutely right." He said casually as the room went silent, confusion rippling through the gathered men.

    He then leaned back slightly, his gaze sweeping across the room with an almost lazy amusement. "What I just said was false." He continued, his tone light and unbothered. "We''ve already caught the person responsible for the attempt on my life, so you really aren''t the one who tried to assassinate me."

    The collective relief was almost palpable, but it was overshadowed by the dismay and confusion left in his wake.

    "You...You''ve already caught them?" One of the servants asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

    Cassius nodded, his smile never faltering. "Of course...Catching such petty criminals is nothing for the Holyfield household." He said simply, his tone making it sound as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. He then continued saying, like it was some kind of joke, "I just thought it might be funny to see how everyone would react if I suggested one of you was the culprit."

    His eyes glimmered with amusement as they flicked toward the supervisor, then back to the rest of the room. "And just as I expected." He continued, his voice carrying easily in the tense silence. "Your reactions were rather amusing."

    A few of the servants fidgeted, their earlier nervous energy replaced with shame as they realised how quickly they''d turned on the supervisor.

    Those who had distanced themselves from him moments before now avoided his gaze entirely, their expressions tinged with guilt.

    The supervisor, on the other hand, was visibly seething. His sharp features were twisted in a bitter grimace with veins popping out of his neck.

    He could feel the weight of the servants'' stares on him, their suspicion and unease lingering despite Cassius''s admission.

    The humiliation was almost unbearable.

    Unable to stay silent, the supervisor stepped forward, his voice shaking with barely concealed anger.

    "Young Master!" He shouted as he stared at his master, who was acting like a tyrant all of a sudden. "This is completely unacceptable! You can''t abuse your position like this¡ªhumiliating me in front of the entire staff! It''s a disgrace!"

    Cassius''s smile didn''t falter, but there was a subtle shift in his posture, a slight tilt of his head that gave his expression a sharper, more dangerous edge.

    "A disgrace, you say?" He asked softly, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight.

    The supervisor pressed on, emboldened by his own indignation.

    "Yes! This kind of behaviour is unbecoming of someone in your position." He snapped, his tone laced with contempt. "And if you continue down this path, I''ll have no choice but to report your actions to the head of the household!"

    The mention of Cassius''s father hung in the air like a challenge, its weight pressing on everyone in the room. It was a clear attempt by the supervisor to regain control, a calculated move designed to intimidate Cassius back into submission.

    For a moment, the man''s twisted features softened into a smug smirk, his posture straightening as he anticipated the same result he''d seen countless times before: the young master retreating, stumbling over an apology when his father was involved in the picture.

    But instead, Cassius chuckled softly.

    The sound was low and unhurried, yet it seemed to cut through the room like a knife.

    His faint smile widened, curling into something sharper, something cruel. The chill that ran through the gathered servants was palpable.

    "Then, Mr Supervisor..." Cassius said, his tone light and conversational. "...instead of saying it was all a joke, I''ll just really add you to the group of culprits and have you dragged away."

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Cassius took a step forward, the click of his polished shoe echoing in the stillness. His fiery red eyes locked onto the supervisor, gleaming with an amusement that felt almost predatory.

    "And once that happens." He continued. "What exactly do you think you''ll tell my father? Or anyone else, for that matter, when you''re already locked up in chains?"

    The supervisor''s smirk vanished instantly, his face paling as he took an involuntary step back.

    "You...Y-You can''t be serious." He stammered, his voice trembling. "You wouldn''t dare¡ª"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his smile deepening into something colder. "Oh, but I would...I absolutely would." He said softly, his tone almost cheerful. "Oh, and you know that I have the power to do so with just a single order from me."

    The room shifted. The servants exchanged nervous glances, their earlier confidence crumbling into unease. Whispers of disbelief flickered between them, but no one dared speak loudly.

    "I-I''ve been loyal to this household for years!" The supervisor finally protested, his voice rising with desperation. "You have no right¡ªno evidence¡ª"

    "Evidence?" Cassius interrupted, raising a brow as if the concept amused him. "If I decide you''re guilty, that''s all the evidence I need."

    The supervisor''s jaw dropped, his protests faltering as the weight of the words¡ªand the calmness with which they were delivered¡ªhit him like a physical blow.

    The servants were still, their earlier smugness and dismissiveness replaced with wide-eyed disbelief.

    They didn''t dare look at Cassius directly, their eyes flitting instead between the supervisor and the jagged rock and the helmet that sat ominously on the small table beside their young master.

    The supervisor opened his mouth to speak again but faltered, his voice caught in his throat.

    Cassius gave him one last glance, his cruel smile softening ever so slightly as he sat back in his chair, his hand brushing casually against the rock. His posture was relaxed, his tone calm, yet there was something undeniably dangerous in the way he carried himself.

    The servants didn''t say a word, but their expressions spoke volumes. This wasn''t the Cassius they had mocked and dismissed as a pathetic wastrel. The man before them now radiated an authority and malice that left them shaken.

    They didn''t need him to tell them he had changed. They could feel it, and the realisation sent a chill through the room.

    The supervisor, still frozen in place, swallowed hard, his earlier confidence shattered. The silence stretched unbearably, the weight of Cassius''s presence suffocating.

    Finally, Cassius gestured toward the room with a lazy wave of his hand. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Shall we move on?" He asked lightly, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather. "I think it''s about time we root out the true traitors of this mansion."

 Chapter 38 - 38: Rat Extermination

    The statement about traitors being in the mansion made everyone''s eyes go wide in disbelief.

    The crowd erupted into a mix of reactions. Some of the servants froze, their faces paling as nervous energy rippled through them. Others chuckled uneasily, their laughter thin and strained as they exchanged wary glances. A handful remained eerily silent, their stiff postures and averted gazes speaking volumes.

    It was as though every man present carried some secret, some transgression they feared might now be exposed.

    The tension increased as the murmurs grew louder.

    "Traitors?" One person whispered to the servant beside him, his voice trembling. "What does he mean by that?"

    "Who knows?" The other replied, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "But it''s clear he knows something we don''t."

    In the midst of the commotion, an older cook stepped forward, his round face splitting into an amiable smile. He rubbed his hands together, the gesture nervous despite the warmth he tried to project. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "My sire..." He said, his tone placating as he bowed slightly. "Surely there''s been some sort of misunderstanding."

    The murmurs quieted slightly as all eyes turned toward the cook.

    "Wherever you''ve gotten your information from." The cook continued, his smile never faltering. "I can assure you, it''s wrong. There are no traitors in this household. Everyone here is loyal to you and your family, my lord...Isn''t that right, everyone?"

    His words were quickly met with a chorus of agreement from some of the servants.

    "That''s right!" One shouted.

    "We''ve always been loyal!" Another added, though his voice carried a faint quiver.

    The cook gestured toward the crowd with both hands, his smile growing as he turned back to Cassius.

    "You see, my lord? There''s no one here who would betray you. You have nothing to worry about."

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his smile widening. There was a knowing glint in his eyes as he regarded the cook, his expression almost playful.

    "Is that so?" He asked, his tone soft but laced with an undercurrent of danger.

    The cook hesitated, his smile faltering ever so slightly.

    Cassius stepped forward, his crimson gaze sweeping over the crowd before settling back on the cook. "Let me ask you something." He said, his voice calm but commanding. "Do you really believe there''s no one here who''s been doing something they shouldn''t?"

    The crowd fell silent, the earlier murmurs and shouts fading as the weight of the question settled over them. A few servants shifted uncomfortably, their gazes dropping to the floor or darting away from Cassius''s penetrating stare.

    The cook opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, his confidence wavering under the intensity of Cassius''s gaze.

    Cassius took another step forward, closing the distance between them. His smile softened, but the cold sharpness in his eyes remained.

    "Look at me." He said quietly. "And tell me, with absolute certainty, that everyone here is innocent. Can you do that?"

    The cook swallowed hard, his round face glistening with a faint sheen of sweat. He lifted his gaze to meet Cassius''s, but the moment their eyes locked, the composure he''d fought so hard to maintain crumbled entirely.

    Cassius''s stare was icy and unrelenting, piercing through the man''s feeble attempts at deflection.

    The cook''s smile faltered, then vanished completely. His shoulders sagged as he broke eye contact, his head bowing in defeat. Without a word, he turned and shuffled back into the crowd, his movements slow and heavy.

    The dismay among the servants was easily noticed. The earlier facade of loyalty and unity had been shattered, replaced by an oppressive silence that spoke louder than any words.

    Cassius took a step forward, the sound of his steps cutting through the suffocating silence. His eyes scanned the room, lingering briefly on the faces of each servant, as if he could see straight through them. His faint smile widened ever so slightly, but it carried no warmth¡ªonly a quiet menace that made the servants uneasy.

    "I don''t know if this may come as a surprise to you all. But I know..." He said as he watched them all shuffle around nervously. "...that there are rats running around my mansion. Selling information about me to other parties and doing other things that I shouldn''t be doing."

    The room shifted as murmurs broke out. Some servants exchanged wary glances, their unease growing. Others stared at the floor, avoiding Cassius''s gaze entirely. A few stiffened where they stood, their rigid postures betraying the secrets they tried to conceal.

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his smile sharpening. "Ah!" He said softly, his tone almost amused. "I see this news doesn''t surprise you all."

    He then lifted his hand slowly, holding it in front of him as if cradling something small. His fingers curled slightly, mimicking the act of grasping an imaginary creature.

    "Let me just say that like anyone here." He continued, his tone shifting into something more intense. "I detest the presence of rats in my household." He glanced down at his hand, tilting his head as if examining the invisible rat he held. "And like anyone, I''d very much like to get rid of them as soon as possible."

    The room fell deathly silent. The servants shifted uncomfortably, their guilt manifesting in the way that they could feel their body heat increasing rapidly.

    "So here''s what''s going to happen." Cassius straightened, his gaze sweeping over the group.

    He then gestured toward Lucious, who stepped forward with a small stack of papers in his hand. The butler placed the stack on the table beside the jagged rock and helmet, his expression as composed as ever.

    "Two things." Cassius continued, holding up two fingers. "First, anyone here who is guilty of something¡ªanything¡ªwill come forward, sign their name, and write down what they''ve done. Those who confess will receive the minimum punishment, and they will be forgiven."

    A bunch of murmurs swept through the room as the servants glanced at one another, their expressions a mix of uncertainty and fear.

    "And the second option?" A brave guard finally asked, his voice shaking as he stepped forward slightly.

    Cassius turned his attention to the man, his smile widening into something colder, like he couldn''t wait to see the second method take place. He lifted his hand again, curling his fingers tightly around the invisible rat in his grasp.

    "The second option." He said, his voice soft but with an unmistakable edge. "Is when the rat refuses to come forward. And when that happens..." He clenched his fist sharply, his knuckles whitening, as he crushed the imaginary rat in his hands. "...I''ll have to cut off the rat''s head and throw away its twitching body myself."

    The room flinched collectively, the eeriness of the gesture sending a wave of fear through the gathered servants.

    Cassius''s gaze lingered on the guard as he added, "And I''ll let you know that when I find the rat, there will be no forgiveness. Only consequences."

    The guard swallowed hard, his face pale as he stepped back into the crowd, his courage now fully spent.

    Cassius let his gaze sweep over the room once more, his smile never faltering. "So..." He said lightly, gesturing toward the papers. "Who will be the first to take me up on my offer and be lucky enough to escape with losing basically nothing?"

    No one moved. The servants stood frozen, their fear written plainly on their faces. Some glanced toward the table, but none dared to approach it.

    Lucious stood silently at Cassius''s side, his posture impeccable, his expression calm and unreadable. He observed the scene unfolding before him with the sharp eye of a man who missed nothing, though his hands remained clasped behind his back as though he were a mere bystander.

    But despite the oppressive atmosphere, none of the men moved toward the table. Instead, they exchanged furtive glances, subtle shifts of their posture betraying their shared, silent resolve. They were intimidated, yes¡ªbut not enough to give themselves away.

    Cassius''s smile softened, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned back slightly, his relaxed stance completely opposite to the tension thrumming through the room.

    "You''re brave souls..." He remarked, his tone light and intrigued with their decision to abstain. "...to wager your lives like this."

    The servants stiffened collectively, his words sinking like a stone into the silence.

    Cassius gestured toward the table with an almost casual air, his smile widening just a fraction. "Here I am, offering you a way out. A path to redemption, if you will. And yet..." He tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "You choose to stand there and do nothing...Interesting."

    A few of the servants glanced away, his gaze too much to bear. Others stood their ground, their expressions carefully neutral as though trying to mask their unease.

    "But it''s understandable, really." Cassius continued, his voice as smooth as silk. "You must feel confident. Confident in yourselves, in your abilities to keep your secrets hidden." He paused, letting his words hang in the air before adding, "After all, if you weren''t, you''d have come forward by now."

    The faintest murmur went through the room as the servants stared at their master nervously.

    Cassius chuckled softly, as if he couldn''t help but laugh at the fools who were missing a golden opportunity.

    "But you see..." He said, his tone dropping to something quieter. "...confidence is a dangerous thing. It blinds people to the reality of their situation."

    He took a step forward, the sharp click of his steps echoing in the silent room. The servants instinctively moved back, their unease growing with every measured step he took.

    "And the reality..." Cassius continued, his voice soft yet carrying effortlessly across the room. "...is that you are completely naked before me. Every one of you. No secrets, no lies¡ªnothing is hidden from my sight."

    A collective gulp was heard through the gathered servants, the mood in the room reaching a fever pitch.

    "But..." Cassius said, his smile sharpening into something cruel. "I understand. It''s hard to believe something like that, isn''t it? You think, surely, he can''t know everything. Surely, my sins are safe." He gestured lightly with one hand, his movements slow and deliberate. "So, just so you lot know your place, let me make it easier for you."

    "...Let me show you what happens to those who refuse to confess their sins."

    The air in the room turned even more tense, like a massive weight waiting to break loose and crush them, the severity of his words pressing down on everyone present. A shiver ran down the backs of the servants as they exchanged nervous glances, their earlier defiance beginning to waver.

    Lucious, still standing silently beside Cassius, allowed his gaze to move through the crowd. Though his expression remained calm, there was a faint glint of something cold and sharp in his eyes, as if he too were ready to act the moment his master commanded it...

 Chapter 39 - 39: Paragons Of Virtue

    Cassius stopped walking, standing still in the centre of the room, his presence looming over the crowd like a shadow. His smile widened, his crimson eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.

    "Don''t worry..." He said softly, his voice carrying a mockery of reassurance. "I''ll make sure this lesson is...unforgettable and will make sure you know never to think too highly of yourself again, so that you don''t lead yourself into such a situation again."

    The servants remained frozen, their fear and uncertainty now visible in the stifling silence. Whatever Cassius planned to do next, none of them doubted that it would leave its mark¡ªand none of them wanted to be the example he spoke of.

    Cassius then moved back to his seat with a relaxed, unhurried grace, settling into the chair as if nothing in the world could faze him.

    His look across the room lingered briefly on the servants, who didn''t know what was going to happen next. Leaning back comfortably in his chair, he then turned his head slightly toward Lucious.

    "Lucious..." Cassius said lightly, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather. "How about I tell you a story?"

    Lucious, who had maintained his usual calm throughout the night, momentarily blinked in surprise. His bright grey eyes lit up, and an eager smile spread across his face, a rare flash of unguarded enthusiasm.

    "It would be my greatest honour to hear one, Young Master!" He bowed his head and said earnestly, his voice tinged with genuine excitement. Lucious then straightened, his curiosity clear. "But what kind of story is it, Young Master?" He asked, tilting his head slightly out of curiosity.

    Cassius tapped a finger lightly against the armrest of his chair, considering the question with a faint glint of mischief in his eyes.

    "Ah, a fine question." He said like he asked the perfect question. He then let the silence linger for just a beat longer before answering. "It''s the story of a man who once worked in the mines of the Holyfield province."

    The room collectively tensed, and even Lucious''s ever-present smile faltered slightly at the mention of the Holyfield mines.

    The Holyfield mining fields were known by everyone¡ªrevered and feared in equal measure. As the largest supplier of Eather, the mines were the lifeblood of the entire continent, fuelling cities, powering machinery, and sustaining entire nations.

    To speak of the Holyfield mines was to invoke the essence of wealth and power, but also the harsh reality of its demands.

    Lucious straightened, his expression becoming thoughtful. "A worker from the mines, you say?" He asked carefully, the thought of the location not lost on him.

    Cassius nodded slowly, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. Not a miner but a worker who worked in those mines, surrounded by the very essence of prosperity and power¡­and yet, he fell."

    Lucious''s brows furrowed slightly, his intrigue deepening. "Fell?" He repeated, his voice quieter now.

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the armrest and propping his chin against his hand.

    "Yes." He said softly, he said as he looked into the distance. "A man who committed sins so vile, so insidious, that they stained the very ground he worked upon."

    The room was utterly silent now, the severity of the situation making everyone present wish they had taken a sick day instead. The servants, though still rooted in fear, couldn''t help but exchange glances, their curiosity piqued despite themselves.

    Even the most defiant among them couldn''t help but lean slightly forward, their ears pricked as they waited for Cassius to speak.

    Cassius let the silence stretch just a moment longer, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his posture as relaxed as if he were seated by a fireside instead of addressing a room full of trembling servants.

    "Now that I have your attention." He said casually while looking at the men who suddenly looked like children waiting to hear a bedtime story. "Let me begin the story."

    "But before I get to the heart of it." He continued. "There''s something you need to understand...To appreciate this story fully, you need to know a few things about the Holyfield family." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The name itself carried weight. It was impossible not to know the Holyfield name while residing on the continent¡ªit was practically a legend in its own right.

    "For generations..." Cassius began, his tone steady and deliberate. "The Holyfield family has been one of the most powerful families on the entire continent. We achieved long ago what other families still strive for: endless wealth, influence, and power."

    He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing as he added, "So much so, in fact, that even the kings of other nations consider us their equals."

    Faint whispers were heard from the crowd. Though they tried to remain composed, it was clear that the subtle pride in those words struck a chord.

    Some servants couldn''t help but glance at one another, their expressions betraying thoughts of how lucky Cassius must be to have been born into such a family.

    Cassius ignored their reactions, his smile faint and unreadable as he continued.

    "But..." He said, his voice softening slightly. "When you already have everything¡ªwealth, power, influence¡ªwhat else is there to strive for?"

    The question hung in the air for a moment before he answered it himself.

    "For the Holyfield patriarchs." He said, his tone carrying an edge of finality. "The answer was clear: the family''s reputation."

    The murmurs stopped, the servants full attention now locked onto him.

    "After achieving everything there was to achieve..." Cassius explained, his crimson gaze sweeping the room. "...the Holyfield patriarchs dedicated themselves to one goal above all others: protecting the family name."

    "The Holyfield name became more valuable than any treasure, more important than any political alliance or military victory."

    He gestured slightly with his hand, as though brushing away any doubt.

    "For years, they ensured that the Holyfield name was untarnished. Never involved in corruption. Never linked to scandal. Every action was carefully calculated to maintain the family''s spotless reputation."

    "The people..." He continued, his voice quieter now. "...also began to see the Holyfields as saints¡ª incorruptible paragons of virtue, incapable of committing any evil deed."

    The crowd nodded in agreement, showing their acknowledgement. It was true; unlike other noble families who were known for greed, corruption, and backstabbing, the Holyfield name had always been associated with dignity and righteousness.

    Even the most skeptical among them couldn''t deny the family''s near-pure reputation. The Holyfields were seen as untouchable, their honour as unshakeable as the mountains themselves.

    Cassius''s faint smile lingered as he continued, his tone steady and calm.

    "To state a few examples of the deeds, the Holyfields have never indulged in corruption." He said, his voice firm. "Always maintaining a neutral role in the affairs of kingdoms and empires. They never involved themselves in wars or disputes and instead focused on uplifting society."

    He let his gaze sweep the room, noting the quiet nods of agreement from the gathered servants.

    "They dedicated themselves to charity." He went on. "Built schools, hospitals, and shelters. They conducted their business with fairness, ensuring that even their rivals could never claim dishonesty."

    Several servants exchanged approving glances, talking softly.

    Cassius smiled faintly as he brought up the main point he wanted to focus on and said, "And one of the most notable aspects of the Holyfields'' reputation was their commitment to their employees and workers. The family took pride in providing the best possible treatment for everyone under their care."

    This was something that the men couldn''t deny, as they were also employed by the Holyfield family and knew all the benefits that came with it.

    "Even the miners who worked in the dangerous fields of the Holyfield estate were treated fairly." Cassius said, his voice carrying a hint of pride like he were honestly impressed by the Holyfield family. "They were paid generous wages¡ªfar more than the industry standard¡ªfor the risks they endured. They were given first-class safety equipment, something no other mining operation had ever done before."

    The room seemed to brighten slightly at the mention of such generosity. The servants exchanged glances, many of them nodding in approval.

    The thought of a noble family caring for its workers so deeply was unheard of, and it only cemented the Holyfields'' magnanimous image in their minds.

    Cassius leaned back slightly, letting the admiration simmer for a moment before continuing.

    "Other lords and families never cared if their workers lived or died." He said, his tone carrying a note of hidden disdain. "But the Holyfields did. They valued every life in their service."

    The servants'' expressions softened as they took in his words, some even smiling faintly at the thought of working for such a family.

    But then out of nowhere, without warning, Cassius''s expression changed.

    His smile faded, replaced by a solemn look that sent a ripple of unease through the room.

    "But unfortunately." He said, his tone quieter now. "Even with all the safety measures in place...accidents can still happen."

    The room grew silent once more, the earlier admiration giving way to a sense of foreboding.

    Cassius''s crimson eyes darkened slightly as he continued. "There was an incident a couple of years ago." He said, his voice steady but heavy. "A mining team, equipped with the best safety gear the Holyfields could provide, met with tragedy."

    The servants leaned in slightly, their curiosity mingling with a growing dread.

    "A loose ridge unexpectedly gave way." Cassius explained, his gaze distant as if recalling the event himself. "A sudden cascade of boulders rained down, striking the miners before they even had a chance to react."

    He paused, letting his words settle over the room.

    "They were killed on the spot." He said softly, while imagining how those miners felt as they felt those boulders crushing their bodies.

    The servants'' expressions grew sombre, their earlier awe replaced by sorrow as the bitterness of the tragedy sank in. The room seemed to grow colder, the oppressive silence full of unspoken grief.

    Even the faintest murmurs had died out, leaving only the faint rustle of clothing as the servants shifted uncomfortably.

    Lucious, standing beside his master, broke the silence with a quiet, respectful tone.

    "What a tragic accident." He said softly, bowing his head slightly. "May their souls rest in peace."

    Cassius''s gaze flicked toward Lucious, and a faint smile curled at his lips¡ªnot one of amusement, but something darker, edged with bitterness.

    "Accident?" He repeated, his voice calm but carrying an undertone that sent a ripple of unease through the room. "Who said that it was an accident?"''

    Lucious blinked, taken aback by the response. His gaze darted to his master''s face, searching for clarification. "What else could it be?" He asked, his voice tinged with shock.

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees as his expression darkened. His crimson eyes glinted coldly as he said, "You, as well as everyone else, may not know this, but it was actually murder, Lucious. Cold-blooded murder...driven by the greed of a certain individual."

    The room erupted into quiet gasps, the servants exchanging startled glances, stunned by the sudden twists that made the story only turn worse, and wondered what exactly was his objective by telling such a disturbing story to them...

 Chapter 40 - 40: Scurrying Away Like A Filthy Rat

    "M-Murder?" Lucious repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "Are you saying someone intentionally pushed the boulders onto them, Young Master?"

    Cassius chuckled softly, a low, humourless sound that made the hair on the back of their necks stand on end. He shook his head, his smile sharp and insidious.

    "Oh no. Not at all." He said quickly. "That part really was an accident. A freak occurrence, as they say."

    Lucious frowned, his confusion deepening. "Then...What do you mean by murder?"

    Cassius''s gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes gleaming as he spoke, his voice now colder, quieter. "The murder wasn''t in the accident itself." He said, his tone laced with disdain. "It was in what could have been avoided. Lives that could have been saved...if not for the selfishness of one man."

    His words settled heavily over the room, the servants frozen in a mix of shock and dread.

    While they were wondering who exactly was this individual he was talking about, Cassius reached for the table beside him and picked up the construction safety helmet that seemed to have some weird symbols on it. The object gleamed faintly under the chandelier''s light, its surface unmarred, the design sturdy and practical.

    Cassius then turned it over in his hands, examining it as if it held the answer to the very question he had posed.

    "Do you know what this is?" He asked the crowd, his tone soft but commanding, as he held the helmet up slightly, letting the room take in the sight.

    Lucious furrowed his brows but didn''t answer, waiting for his master to continue.

    Cassius ran a finger along the edge of the helmet, his expression unreadable as he continued saying, "To those of you who have never been to the mines before, this is a standard enhanced safety helmet. Every miner in the Holyfield mines was issued one as part of their gear. It''s equipped with an advanced safety feature¡ªan Eather-based repulsion rune."

    The servants exchanged confused glances, their unease growing.

    "The repulsion rune..." Cassius continued, his voice steady as he traced the helmet''s surface. "...creates a short energy pulse that can deflect or soften impacts. Even if a boulder¡ªor anything else¡ªslams into the helmet, the rune activates, pushing it back and drastically reducing the force of the blow."

    Lucious''s eyes widened slightly, his mind quickly piecing together the implications of what his master was saying.

    "This..." Cassius said, his tone turning icy. "...is the standard of safety we provided for every worker in our mines. Expensive, yes. Advanced technology, yes."

    "...But it was worth it, because it saved lives. Every worker had a complete set of such equipment."

    He paused, holding the helmet up higher, his gaze sweeping over the room again. "And yet..." His voice dropped, his next words chilling in their simplicity. "Those miners still died."

    The servants shuddered, the cold truth sinking into their bones.

    Lucious hesitated before speaking, his voice careful. "If they were all wearing this...then how?"

    Cassius lowered the helmet slightly, his eyes narrowing as a bitter smile curled at his lips. "Ah...That, my dear Lucious, is where the murder begins."

    The room grew impossibly quiet, every servant hanging on his words as he prepared to reveal the truth behind the tragedy.

    Cassius held the helmet up, turning it slightly so the gathered servants could see every detail. His expression darkened, his voice growing colder as he continued.

    "This helmet that you see here is not an actual helmet equipped with the repulsion ruin, just like the ones the miners who died wore. This and the ones given to that batch of workers were nothing but a collection of cheap, faulty imitations. Foamy and fake, down to the very runes that should have saved their lives."

    The crowd gasped in disbelief, their eyes widening in shock. A few of the servants began whispering among themselves about the impact of this information, their voices low and filled with horror.

    Cassius ignored their murmurs, his crimson eyes locking onto the helmet as though he could see the betrayal etched into its surface.

    "Apparently..." He continued, his tone laced with venom. "The man in charge of the miners and the equipment they used thought it would be a brilliant idea to purchase low-quality goods with the budget allotted for safety gear."

    He set the helmet down on the table beside him with a soft thud, his fingers lingering on its edge.

    "And, of course." He added bitterly. "He pocketed the rest of the funds for himself, thinking no one would ever notice."

    Another ripple of gasps swept through the crowd, the shock and disgust on their faces unmistakable.

    Lucious''s eyes narrowed slightly, his brow furrowing as he processed his master''s words.

    "But he was caught, wasn''t he?" He asked eagerly, his voice firm with conviction. "Surely, after an accident like that, he couldn''t hide his sins, especially from the Holyfield who would never tolerate such behaviour."

    Cassius nodded slowly, though his expression didn''t relax. "Oh, he was caught." He said. "Red-handed. Once the accident occurred, the truth about the faulty equipment came to light, and his guilt was undeniable."

    Lucious''s eyes lit up, a rare glimmer of excitement breaking through his otherwise composed demeanour. "What happened to him?" He asked, his voice brimming with anticipation. "Did he get the punishment he deserved?"

    Cassius''s lips curled into a faint smile, though it lacked any warmth. He sat back in his chair, sighing as he looked at the helmet by his side.

    "He did." He said simply. "§¯§Ö, along with the supplier who provided the fake goods, were hanged for what they did."

    The servants collectively let out a sigh of relief, their tension easing slightly. A few even said soft words of approval, their unease giving way to a sense of justice served.

    Lucious smiled as well, his posture straightening.

    "That''s a good thing, isn''t it, Young Master?" He said cheerfully. "He got what he deserved."

    Cassius''s faint smile didn''t waver, but a shadow passed over his expression, his fiery eyes darkening.

    "Well, it would be a good thing..." He said wryly, his tone edged with bitterness. "...if the man who was hanged had actually been guilty."

    The air in the room froze.

    The servants, who had just begun to relax, now stiffened again, their eyes wide with shock. Even Lucious blinked, his smile fading as confusion and disbelief clouded his expression.

    "What are you saying, Young Master?...Did you not just say they were the ones responsible for the accident?" He asked carefully.

    Cassius leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he clasped his hands together and said, "What I''m saying is that the man who was punished was nothing more than a scapegoat."

    The crowd erupted into hushed whispers, their disbelief turning to outrage.

    Lucious''s brows furrowed deeply, his earlier excitement now replaced with anger. "A scapegoat?" He repeated, his tone sharp. "Then who was the real conspirator?"

    Cassius''s smile widened, though there was no joy in it¡ªonly a cold, calculating amusement.

    "The real conspirator..." He said, his voice carrying a quiet menace. "...was the man who panicked the moment he realised he might be caught. And instead of facing the consequences of his actions, he meticulously framed one of his subordinates, planting evidence and crafting a perfect narrative to shift the blame."

    He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the room. "And it worked." He continued. "He escaped completely unnoticed, his reputation intact."

    "...To this day, he''s living comfortably, free from guilt, while an innocent man and his family paid the price for his sins."

    The room was silent, the weight of the revelation pressing down on everyone like a lead weight. The earlier sense of justice and relief was gone, replaced by dismay and outrage.

    Lucious shook his head while biting his lips as he struggled to contain his anger.

    "T-That''s...monstrous!'' He said, his voice trembling slightly. "How could something like that happen!?"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming. "How?" He repeated. "Because greed makes men blind. And desperation makes them cruel."

    His gaze then swept over the room, his smile fading as his tone grew colder, and he continued saying, "And that...is exactly why I despise rats. Because when cornered, they will do anything to save themselves¡ªno matter who gets hurt in the process."

    "So tell me, Lucious." Cassius said as he ignored the crowd that felt ashamed to be compared to such a criminal and turned his attention to Lucious by his side. "If you were to get your hands on a rat like that¡ªthe one who framed an innocent man to save himself¡ªwhat would you do?"

    Lucious''s gaze narrowed, his earlier composure crumbling under the weight of his frustration. He clenched his fists at his sides, the anger in his voice barely contained.

    "I...I''m not sure exactly what I''d do, my lord." He admitted, his tone heated. "But I''d want him to suffer the same pain, the same consequences, as the people he sabotaged."

    He paused, his eyes trembling before he continued.

    "It''s only when he falls¡ªwhen he''s brought to justice¡ªthat the people who died because of him can finally rest in peace. And their families...their families can get the closure they deserve."

    Hearing Lucious''s endearing words, Cassius''s expression suddenly shifted out of nowhere, his lips curling into a wide, almost delighted smile.

    "Ah!" He said with excitement, his tone carrying an almost eerie glee. "If that''s what you want to see, Lucious, then you''re in luck...It must be your lucky day as your wish is about to come true."

    Lucious blinked, startled by the abrupt change in his master''s demeanour. "In luck? My wish is about to come true?" He repeated cautiously. "Why do you say that, Young Master?"

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrests of his chair as his red eyes gleamed.

    "Why?" He echoed, his smile widening even further as he continued saying, "Because the rat that fled from the Holyfield mines....The one who orchestrated all of this ended up seeking shelter here, in the Holyfield household."

    The room erupted into gasps, the crowd recoiling in shock as they exchanged panicked glances. Whispers broke out among the servants, their voices full of disgust that such a person was among them.

    "Here?" One of them murmured.

    "In this household?" Another whispered, his tone trembling.

    Lucious''s eyes widened, his shock mirrored in the expressions of the gathered staff. "He''s...here?" He asked, his voice sharp with disbelief.

    Cassius nodded slowly, his smile softening into something far more sinister. "Indeed...Using his high connections, he managed to worm his way into the estate. He''s been living comfortably ever since, as if nothing happened...As if the lives he destroyed were just a trivial matter." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Before anyone could muster the courage to ask who it was, Cassius''s gaze shifted. Slowly, deliberately, his eyes locked onto a single figure in the crowd.

    The room fell silent, the weight of his gaze drawing everyone''s attention.

    Cassius''s smile faded into something colder, more insidious, as he spoke.

    "Isn''t that right...Mr. Harland? Or Mr Rat, should I say. You did a splendid job of hoodwinking everyone and creating your own safe haven in this estate, didn''t you?"

    All eyes turned to the man Cassius had singled out¡ªthe middle-aged head supervisor standing near the back of the room, who was the one who argued against his master earlier and even threatened to report him to the patriarch.

    His face paled instantly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he realised the full intensity of Cassius''s attention was on him, even though he prayed to God that wouldn''t happen while he was listening to his own story which no one was supposed to know about.

    Cassius''s voice then dropped, his tone laced with venom as he stared at the guilty man before him,

    "You truly fled a long way, didn''t you?...Like the filthy rat you are."

 Chapter 41 - 41: This Might Hurt A Little

    The room was deathly silent, every servant frozen in place as they watched the exchange. Harland''s lips trembled, his hands shaking as he took an involuntary step back.

    Lucious''s eyes narrowed, a cold fire igniting in his gaze as he turned to look at the man his master had just exposed. The immensity of the revelation hung heavily in the air, the once¡ªimposing steward now reduced to a trembling shadow of his former self.

    The supervisor stammered, his words tumbling out in a panicked rush. "M-My lord! I-I didn''t mean any harm¡ªI swear! I never expected¡ªnever wanted anyone to die!"

    His voice cracked as his coat darkened with sweat, his trembling hands gripping at the fabric as though it might anchor him. His legs shook violently, the movement so exaggerated that it seemed as if he were standing in the midst of an earthquake.

    Cassius, however, showed no signs of sympathy. He began walking toward the man, the helmet still in hand, his expression calm but devoid of mercy.

    "Rats don''t speak." Cassius said, his voice carrying an edge that cut through the steward''s desperate pleas. "So either squeak like a rat...or shut up."

    Harland froze, his mouth opening and closing wordlessly. His trembling body seemed to crumple in on itself as he fell silent, his wide, terrified eyes locked on Cassius.

    The crowd instinctively moved away, parting like a wave as Cassius approached, their fear of him overpowering their curiosity. They knew, without a doubt, that something terrible was about to happen.

    Cassius then stopped directly in front of Harland, the helmet held loosely in one hand. His calm demeanour made the tension in the room all the more unbearable.

    And then, with deliberate ease, he lifted the helmet and placed it on Harland''s head, adjusting it carefully so it sat snugly in place.

    Harland flinched at the contact but didn''t dare move, his breathing shallow and rapid.

    Cassius patted Harland on the shoulder with a touch that was almost gentle, his crimson eyes glowing with something dark and unreadable as he suddenly started to sympathise with him by saying, "I understand, Mr Rat...I really do. You''re only human, after all. Tempted by the promise of money, by the allure of worldly treasures..."

    Harland''s trembling slowed slightly, hope flickering in his eyes as he thought, for a fleeting moment, that his master might actually forgive him.

    Cassius smiled faintly, his voice softening further. "It''s natural." He continued. "Greed is an inherent part of being human. You wanted more. You thought you deserved more."

    The steward nodded shakily, his lips trembling as he tried to speak. "Y-Yes, my lord, I¡ª"

    "But..." Cassius interrupted smoothly, his tone turning cold. "It''s only fine to be greedy if you can face the consequences of that greed."

    Harland''s flicker of hope died instantly, replaced by sheer terror.

    Cassius''s smile widened slightly, but the warmth was gone, replaced by something far more sinister as he said, "And now just as my loyal Lucious always says¡ªit''s time for you to face the consequences of your actions."

    He then turned his head slightly, his gaze flicking to Lucious as he said, "Lucious, bring me the rock."

    Lucious didn''t hesitate, his movements precise and efficient as he stepped forward, his expression a mixture of cold resolve and satisfaction.

    "Hggh~"

    He grunted as he hoisted the jagged rock from the table, his face tightening with the strain. It was heavier than it looked¡ªimmensely so.

    He could feel its unforgiving weight pressing down on his arms, his muscles burning as he struggled to carry it. His shoes scuffed against the floor as he staggered forward, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead despite his best efforts to maintain composure.

    By the time he reached Cassius, his arms were trembling visibly, his breath laboured. He extended the rock toward his master, his shoulders sagging under the oppressive burden.

    Cassius didn''t react immediately, his gaze flicking briefly to Lucious''s straining form. Without a word, he reached out and grasped the rock with one hand, lifting it from Lucious''s trembling grip as if it weighed nothing at all.

    The room collectively held its breath, the stark contrast between Lucious''s visible struggle and Cassius''s effortless handling of the rock sending a wave of unease through the gathered servants.

    Lucious straightened, rubbing his sore arms as he stepped back, his wide eyes fixed on his master. Cassius, meanwhile, turned the rock over in his hand, studying its jagged edges with the air of someone inspecting a fine piece of art.

    When Harland saw what was happening, he froze, his breath hitching as his gaze locked onto the stone. His trembling intensified, his knees buckling as if the weight of the rock were bearing down on him even from a distance. The helmet on his head wobbled with his violent shaking, the hollow clinks of its metal reverberating through the oppressive silence.

    "This..." Cassius said as he tapped the helmet on top of Harland''s head. "...is the same type of faulty helmet you provided to those miners."

    The servants exchanged fearful glances, their fear intensifying as Cassius continued.

    "And this rock..." He tilted it in his hand, the jagged edges catching the light. "...is probably the same size as the one that crushed them."

    Harland''s breath stopped again, his knees threatening to give out entirely.

    "And now..." He said, his voice carrying a mockery of cheerfulness. "It''s time to see if you can trust your own life to the products you chose."

    Without waiting for a response, Cassius reached out with his free hand and grasped Harland''s shoulder firmly, his grip like iron. The steward flinched violently, trying instinctively to pull away, but Cassius held him in place effortlessly.

    The crowd began to back away, their fear overwhelming beyond measures they wanted to experience as they moved further from the inevitable scene. They knew what was coming, and none of them wanted to be too close when it happened.

    Harland''s instincts also screamed at him to run, to escape at all costs, but Cassius''s grip made movement impossible. The man''s panic hit it''s peak, his voice breaking into a desperate plea.

    "P-Please, my lord!" He stammered, tears streaming down his face. "I-I''ll do anything¡ªjust, please don''t¡ª"

    But before he could say another word, Cassius''s calm voice cut through his panicked rambling. "I told you..." He said, his tone deceptively gentle, "...rats don''t speak...And even if they do, I''m not in the mood to hear a disgusting animal like you speak."

    Harland''s lips trembled, his sobs caught in his throat as Cassius leaned closer, his expression softening into something almost kind.

    "Now..." Cassius said, his voice quiet but steady, "Clench your teeth and tighten your jaws as hard as you can...As well...This might hurt a little."

    Cassius didn''t give Harland a chance to utter another word. With a single fluid motion, he brought the jagged rock down at full speed.

    "Thwack!~"

    The impact was sickening.

    The sharp edges of the rock tore through the flimsy, faulty helmet with ease, shattering it into pieces and driving deep into Harland''s skull.

    "Gush!~ Gush!~ Goop!~"

    There was a nauseating crunch as bone splintered and cracked, the force of the blow leaving a crater in his head. Blood sprayed in all directions, thick and dark, pooling beneath Harland''s body that was still held up by Cassius.

    The room erupted into gasps and muffled cries of horror.

    The servants, already trembling, recoiled violently, some clutching their mouths or turning away, though most were unable to look away from the grisly scene.

    Cassius remained still for a moment, his expression unreadable as he gazed at Harland''s limp, lifeless body. Then, without a word or a flicker of hesitation, he raised the rock again.

    "Crunch!~ Splat!~ Drip!~ Splatter!~"

    The second blow came slower but no less brutal, the jagged stone slamming into what remained of Harland''s skull with a dull, wet thud.

    "Crack!~ Smash!~ Splurt!~"

    Flesh and bone gave way under the force, bits of tissue and blood splattering across Cassius''s face and clothes.

    The crowd froze in utter terror, their collective fear paralysing them. A few servants stumbled backward, their legs trembling, while others turned pale, their eyes wide with disbelief.

    Cassius''s expression didn''t change. His face, now speckled with crimson, remained calm and detached as he brought the rock down again.

    "Squish!~ Thud!~ Splatter!~ Dribble!~"

    And again.

    "Thud!~ Crunch!~ Burst!~ Splish!~"

    And again.

    "Crack!~ Slam!~ Gush!~" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Each strike was methodical, the sound of the rock meeting what remained of Harland''s head growing wetter and more grotesque with every blow.

    "Splurt!~ Crush!~ Squelch!~ Drip!~"

    Flesh was stripped away, bit by bit, splattering across the floor and staining Cassius''s pristine clothing.

    "Squish!~ Thud!~ Splatter!~ Dribble!~"

    Bone fragments cracked and shattered under the unrelenting force, scattering like shards of porcelain.

    "Thud!~ Crunch!~ Burst!~ Splish!~"

    Blood sprayed in every direction, pooling thickly beneath the mangled body.

    The servants began to break. Some turned away, retching, their stomachs unable to bear the scene any longer. Others covered their ears, their faces contorted in fear and nausea as the sickening sounds of flesh and bone being pulverised filled the room.

    Cassius''s movements never faltered. He struck with the same slow, deliberate force, each blow reducing Harland''s head further into a grotesque mess of gore.

    "Crack!~ Smash!~ Splurt!~ Squish!~"

    By the final strike, there was nothing left resembling a human head¡ªonly a pulped mass of flesh and bone fragments, a sickening pile of red and white that looked like it had been through a meat grinder.

    Blood seeped into the cracks of the floor, spreading out like a dark, viscous tide until it finally created a puddle of blood that reflected a demonic image of Cassius holding a stone that was painted red one hand and a mangled corpse in another¡­

 Chapter 42 - 42: Spawn Of The Devil

    Cassius then sighed and let the bloody rock and mangled corpse fall to the side, his hand releasing it with a dull thud.

    His face was splattered with blood, streaks of crimson dripping down his cheek and jaw. His expression remained eerily calm, his breathing steady as he gazed down at the mangled remains.

    The room was silent save for the ragged breathing of the servants, their faces pale and drawn. Some clung to each other for support, their knees threatening to give out beneath them.

    And then it happened¡ªwhat they feared, yet somehow expected. Cassius turned to face the trembling crowd, his crimson eyes sweeping over them like a predator sizing up his prey.

    To the servants, he no longer looked human.

    Blood dripped from his hair, painting his pale skin with streaks of crimson. His sharp features, once elegant and refined, now appeared otherworldly, monstrous. The flicker of light in his eyes only deepened their terror, reminding them of the stories whispered about him behind closed doors.

    He was the devil his father had once referred to¡ªthe unholy offspring that had killed his own mother.

    The room was utterly still, the oppressive silence broken only by the occasional drop of blood falling from his hands.

    And then he smiled.

    It was a harmless smile, soft and pleasant, like one offered in a moment of shared camaraderie. But here, with the mutilated corpse lying at his feet, it was horrifying.

    "Let''s see...Now that you''ve seen what happens to the rats who refuse to leave my house." Cassius said lightly, as he saw everyone who met his gaze look away in terror. "Tell me...How many of you are ready to accept your sins and leave on your own?"

    His smile widened ever so slightly, his crimson eyes shining as he added, "...And how many of you are brave enough to let me find out your hidden sins by myself just like Mr Rat here?"

    The moment those words were uttered, the room erupted into chaos as the crowd reacted with sheer survival instinct. Servants began shouting over each other, their voices desperate as they blurted out confessions of their misdeeds.

    "I-I gave information about your whereabouts to a noble!"

    "I''ve been selling treasures from the library to the market!"

    "I gave information about your daily life to someone¡ªjust once, I swear!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile deepening as he chuckled softly. The sound was low and rich, almost amused, but it carried an eeriness that made the shout out their sins even louder.

    "Now, now." He said, raising a hand to quiet the cacophony. "You guys don''t have to shout your sins to the heavens." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The room fell into an uneasy silence, the servants ragged breathing the only sound as they stared at him in terror.

    Cassius then gestured toward the stack of papers on the table. "Write it down." He said simply. "One by one. No need to fight over who goes first since you''ll all have your chance."

    The moment he finished speaking, the crowd scrambled toward the table, their earlier terror replaced by a frantic need to escape the fate they had just witnessed.

    Servants shoved and jostled each other, desperate to grab a sheet of paper and confess their sins.

    Cassius himself stepped back slightly, his arms folding across his chest as he watched the chaos unfold. His eyes glinted with satisfaction, his bloodied smile still in place.

    The sound of pens scratching against paper filled the room, the frantic motions of trembling hands betraying the fear gripping each servant as they poured their secrets onto the pages. Beads of sweat rolled down foreheads, and the air grew thick with the stench of nervous bodies packed together, the tension nearly suffocating.

    Satisfied with the atmosphere he had created, Cassius turned on his heel, his coat swaying lightly behind him as he strode toward the door. Each step echoed in the tense silence, the servants freezing momentarily at the sound, their pens halting mid-scratch as their gazes darted toward him.

    Cassius reached the doors and placed a hand on the handle, while the servants dared not move, their breaths held as they watched him.

    "Oh." He said suddenly, his tone light, almost as if he''d remembered something trivial. He turned his head slightly, his gaze filled with amusement as he glanced over his shoulder. "I can''t believe I almost forgot."

    The servants stiffened, their earlier relief shattering in an instant.

    "I never mentioned your punishments, did I?" Cassius said, turning back to face the room fully. His lips curved into a faint smile, and the blood splattered across his face only made it more unsettling.

    He then tilted his head, tapping a finger thoughtfully against his chin. "At first, I considered something simple." He mused, his tone light. "I thought about making you all crouch down and kiss my feet as a show of submission, you know, just like something those egotistical and pompous nobles would''ve enjoyed making people do."

    The servants exchanged uneasy glances, but there was a faint flicker of relief on some faces. It was humiliating, yes, but far better than the grisly fate Harland had met.

    Cassius continued, his expression calm. "But then I thought about it for a moment." He said, a glint of mockery in his eyes as he wondered if he really wanted to act like those vile pigs. "And I decided against it. After all, I don''t particularly enjoy the idea of men kissing me in any form, even if it was on my feet."

    The servants gulped even though they had dry throats, confusion flickering across their faces as they waited for him to elaborate.

    "So that''s why, instead, I''ve come up with a much better idea." He said, gesturing lazily toward Harland''s mutilated corpse. "Since Harland was essentially the sacrificial rat who saved you all, it''s only fitting that you thank him properly in a sincere manner."

    The room went utterly still, the servants frozen in place as they processed his words.

    "And that''s why you''ll each crouch down..." Cassius said, his tone light and conversational. "...and give Harland a kiss on the face, right where it truly matters to show your sincerity and repentance over your mistakes."

    A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, disbelief etched onto every face.

    Even Lucious, who rarely showed emotion, blinked in surprise and glanced at the mangled corpse before turning back to his master.

    "Y-Young Master..." He said hesitantly, pointing toward the remains. "How can they enact such a punishment when there''s no face left to kiss?"

    Cassius didn''t even glance back. He turned around as he began to walk toward the exit. "True." He said over his shoulder, his voice calm and unbothered. "But there''s still the flesh and bones of his face left, isn''t there? Let them kiss that."

    The matter-of-factness of his statement made the crowd recoil, and one man, overcome by the imagery, stumbled to the side and vomited noisily onto the floor.

    Cassius didn''t stop walking, his voice carrying effortlessly through the room as he gave his final order. "Lucious." He called out. "Make sure every single one of them completes their punishment. And don''t forget to collect all their confessions before you join me."

    With that, he disappeared through the doors, leaving the hall behind.

    The moment the doors closed behind him, the servants collectively let out a breath they hadn''t realised they were holding. Whispers of relief and dread filled the air as they exchanged wide-eyed glances.

    "The devil''s gone." Someone muttered shakily, their voice barely above a whisper.

    "But he''ll come back." Another replied, their face pale. "He''s not the master we once knew. He''s...something else now...Something evil."

    Lucious''s sharp voice cut through the murmurs, commanding their attention. "You heard the Young Maaster." He said firmly, though even he couldn''t hide the faint unease in his tone. "Line up and complete your punishment...Now."

    The servants exchanged horrified looks, but none dared defy the order. Slowly, reluctantly, they shuffled toward Harland''s corpse, their steps heavy with dread.

    One man broke down before he could even approach, collapsing to his knees and sobbing. Another retched violently, clutching their stomach as they moved closer to the mutilated remains.

    Meanwhile, those still writing their confessions scribbled furiously, their desperation to finish evident as they tried to avoid being last in line, while Lucious managed it all and couldn''t wait to see his master and ask the questions he had on his mind.

 Chapter 43 - 43: Just What Are You?

    With the task finally complete, Lucious meticulously gathered the last confession, stacking the sheets with the precision and care for which he was known.

    His expression remained calm, his movements unhurried, but a flicker of curiosity simmered beneath the surface. Questions tugged at the edges of his mind, and he found himself eager to share them with his young master.

    After ensuring the confessions were properly handed off for safekeeping, Lucious stepped into the garden.

    The cool evening air washed over him, a refreshing contrast to the oppressive tension that had suffused the hall. His steps crunched softly against the gravel as he followed the winding path toward the fountain.

    Upon nearing a fountain, Lucious came to an abrupt halt when he saw a rather suprising sight that made him wonder if he was seeing wrong.

    His master stood at the water''s edge, his head fully submerged beneath the surface, sending ripples outward with each faint movement. It was an almost absurd sight, as though Cassius were imitating an ostrich burying its head in the sand, only this time his head was submerged in the water like he was trying to drown himself.

    Lucious blinked, momentarily taken aback, before continuing forward.

    "Ahh!~ That was refreshing!~"

    And just as he did, Cassius suddenly lifted his head from the water, droplets cascading down his pale skin, his wet hair clinging to his face. His blood red eyes glinted with satisfaction, his expression one of serenity¡ªas if he had just emerged from a tranquil bath.

    "Ah, Lucious." Cassius said cheerfully, a playful smirk curving his lips when he noticed his butler approaching. "Hear this...I was hoping to find some fish in this fountain and admire the funny looks they had on their faces. But sadly, there''s nothing but a lonely toad at the bottom."

    Lucious inclined his head, suppressing a faint smile. "I''ll arrange for some beautiful fish to be placed here, my lord. I''m sure it will make your next...bath far more engaging"

    Cassius chuckled softly, accepting the towel Lucious offered. He began to dry his face, erasing the remnants of blood that had stained him earlier. His features, now pristine, appeared far more composed, though his eyes retained their unnerving glint.

    "So..." Cassius began, casually wiping at his damp hair. "Is everything handled? Any complications?"

    Lucious nodded smoothly. "Yes, my lord. Everyone wrote their confessions without resistance. As for the punishment...they followed through, though most were thoroughly shaken by the end."

    "Shaken?" Cassius arched a brow, pausing mid-motion.

    Lucious tilted his head slightly, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. "Several broke down weeping afterward. Some even curled up and couldn''t stop shaking and shivering while calling out to their mothers to save them...It caused some delays in getting everything finalized."

    Cassius smirked faintly, leaning back against the fountain''s edge. He draped the towel around his neck, his gaze flickering with faint amusement as he asked, "I see. And what about you, Lucious? How are you feeling?"

    "Young Master?" Lucious blinked, a hint of confusion crossing his otherwise impassive face. "What do you mean by that?"

    Cassius gestured lazily, his eyes narrowing slightly as they studied his butler. "I mean, you were there the entire time, weren''t you, Lucious. You saw it all. Are you not frightened just like the rest of them? Or are you merely maintaining this calm facade to uphold your image as the perfect butler?"

    Lucious remained silent for a moment, his grey eyes catching the faint light of the sun. And then, slowly, a small smile tugged at his lips¡ªa smile that was far too sharp, too unsettling, to be innocent.

    "Frightened?" He echoed, his tone carrying a faint trace of amusement. "No, my lord. Not in the slightest."

    Cassius blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sudden shift in Lucious''s demeanor.

    "In fact." Lucious continued, his voice lowering slightly, "I found it...beautiful. Mesmerizing, even."

    "B-Beautiful?" Cassius''s smirk faltered, unease flickering across his face.

    Lucious''s smile widened, his gaze gleaming with a fervor that bordered on reverence. His voice dropped slightly, his words spilling out with a passion that made Cassius shift uncomfortably.

    "The sound of the rock smashing through his skull..." Lucious began, his tone rich with admiration. "...The weight of the rock as it struck his head...The way it shattered flesh and bone so effortlessly. The way the blood sprayed across your face, my lord¡ª"

    He took a step closer, his expression unguarded, as though describing a work of divine art.

    "At that moment, you looked more handsome than I''ve ever seen you. The calmness in your eyes, the precision of your movements...I-It was breathtaking. Every strike was deliberate, calculated, like a maestro conducting a symphony of destruction."

    Cassius blinked, his hand frozen mid-motion as he wiped his face with the towel. He stared at Lucious, unsure whether to feel flattered or deeply unsettled.

    "And the way you didn''t even give him a chance to speak." Lucious continued, his voice growing softer, almost reverent. "The sheer finality of it...The mercy you withheld, Young Master. It wasn''t cruelty¡ªit was justice, divine justice delivered with the calmest, most elegant manner I''ve ever witnessed."

    "...You painted the scene with his blood as if it were your canvas, each strike perfect in its execution."

    Cassius cleared his throat, taking a deliberate step back, though Lucious didn''t seem to notice.

    "The satisfaction I felt in that moment..." Lucious went on his voice trembling slightly with excitement. "...was indescribable. To see you, my master, holding power over life and death, wielding it so gracefully¡ªit was...art. Pure art."

    Cassius pressed the towel to his face, hiding his expression for a moment as he processed the disturbing enthusiasm in Lucious''s voice.

    ''My cute little butler is definitely unhinged...Maybe even worse then me.'' He thought to himself, swallowing hard.

    Finally, Cassius lowered the towel, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Lucious. "Y-You have a...unique way of looking at things, Lucious." He said carefully, his tone measured like he didn''t want to provoke the little psychopath in front of him.

    Lucious tilted his head slightly, his sharp smile unwavering. "Do I, Young Master?" He asked, his tone polite but laced with amusement. "I simply admire what is worthy of admiration."

    Cassius sighed, rubbing his temples as he turned back toward the fountain. "Remind me never to give you a paintbrush." He muttered, more to himself than to Lucious.

    Lucious''s soft laughter followed him, tinged with that unsettling edge that made Cassius vow silently to keep his butler''s sadistic tendencies in check.

    Cassius then tossed the bloodied towel onto the stone ledge and glanced back at his butler with a faint smirk as a question came to his mind.

    "But Lucious, if you''re so calm after watching a man get brutalized and murdered." Cassius asked casually, his tone light yet probing. "Then why were you blushing so much yesterday, just from eavesdropping on what was happening inside?"

    Lucious froze, his eyes widening in panic when he hears his master''s question.

    His previously composed demeanor shattered, and he waved his hand in the air, his cheeks flushing as he stammered. "Th-That''s too embarrassing to think about, Young Master!" He exclaimed, his voice rising a pitch.

    Cassius chuckled, thoroughly entertained by the stark contrast between the sadistic butler from moments ago and the flustered, almost childlike one standing before him now.

    "Ah, so you can admire the artistry of blood and gore..." He said, his voice dripping with mockery, "...But a little intimacy makes you crumble?"

    Lucious coughed loudly, straightening his posture in an attempt to regain his composure.

    "Ahem! My lord." He said, his tone suddenly serious, though the blush on his cheeks betrayed his embarrassment. "Rather than dwell on such...improper topics, there''s something else I''ve been meaning to ask you about."

    "Oh? And what might that be?" Cassius tilted his head slightly, letting his easily flustered butler go for now.

    Lucious hesitated for a moment, his expression shifting to something more solemn, even nervous. His eyes darted away before returning to meet Cassius''s steady gaze.

    "I noticed something, my lord." He began cautiously, his voice low. "Something that others didn''t seem to catch. Perhaps because they were too focused on Harland and what was happening to him."

    "What exactly did you notice?" Cassius raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the shift in his butler''s demeanor as he didn''t seem like someone who would unnecessarily like he was now.

    Lucious exhaled softly, glancing at the ground before continuing. "When you brought the rock down on Harland''s head." He said, his words a little hesitant like he couldn''t believe what he was saying himself. "I think that, just for a moment...I saw something...A blue light...A blue light flash around the helmet." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius frowned slightly, leaning in. "A blue light?"

    Lucious nodded, his expression tense. "Yes, my lord. A faint glow that flickered the moment the rock made contact with the helmet."

    Cassius''s eyes narrowed, a faint smile pulling at the corner of his lips as he figured out what his observant buter was trying to ask. "Go on."

    Lucious hesitated again, as if weighing the implications of his next words. "At first, I thought I must have seen wrong. After all, it'' s impossible¡ªor rather, it should be impossible."

    Cassius straightened, a faint air of amusement in his tone as he replied, "And yet, here you are, about to tell me the impossible."

    Lucious glanced up at his master, his gaze filled with both awe and disbelief. "The blue light, my lord..." He said as he remembered the scene he had just witnessed. "...it was the repulsion field activating, was it not?"

    Cassius''s smile deepened, though his eyes remained unreadable.

    Lucious continued, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "I know because I''ve studied the properties of those types of runes before. That rune on that helmet is designed to repel objects, to soften impacts to the point of harmlessness and when it activates it usually shines blue because it is Eather based which is also blue in colour."

    "...It''s advanced technology that''s even used in milita, so not even a massive boulder should have been able to break through it."

    He paused, swallowing hard before adding, "But then I saw the rock you used, Young Master. The crater it left on its surface after you smashed it onto the helmet. And I knew...you didn''t just break through the helmet. You shattered the repulsion field itself."

    Cassius remained silent, his expression calm but his gaze sharp, as though he were studying Lucious with newfound interest.

    Lucious looked at him, a mix of awe and disbelief flickering in his golden eyes.

    "My lord." He said softly, his voice trembling slightly. "How is that possible? Not even a machine built to crush stones could have caused that much damage. And yet you did, with your bare hands."

    "Just...What are you?"

    Lucious looked at his master like he was wondering if he was a normal human or some kind of monster in the skin of a human being.

 Chapter 44 - 44: Battle Butler

    Cassius chuckled at Lucious''s question, as he turned to face his butler who looked a bit startled.

    "Why do you look so nervous, Lucious?" He asked, his crimson eyes gleaming with mischief. "Surely, you''re not scared of me now, are you?"

    Before Lucious could respond, Cassius placed a hand firmly on his shoulder, his grip light at first but growing steadily tighter. His fingers pressed into the fabric of Lucious''s uniform, his touch cold yet deliberate.

    "After all..." Cassius continued, his voice dropping to a quiet, almost menacing murmur. "You''ve just learned how easy it would be for me to twist your neck like a helpless little bunny."

    With that, his hand moved to Lucious''s neck, his grip tightening slightly as if to emphasize his point. The weight of his strength was easily noticable, a subtle reminder of the inhuman power he possessed.

    And then, Cassius''s crimson eyes locked onto Lucious''s grey ones, fully expecting to see a flicker of fear. It would only be natural, after all¡ªanyone would be unnerved in the presence of someone with such monstrous strength.

    But to his surprise, Lucious didn''t flinch.

    Instead, the butler''s grey eyes sparkled with an almost childlike admiration. A smile spread across his face, radiant and utterly unshaken. "Why in the world would I be scared, my lord?" He suddenly asked, his voice steady and sincere.

    Cassius blinked, his grip on Lucious''s neck faltering for a moment. "What?" He muttered, genuinely taken aback.

    Lucious''s smile widened, his gaze filled with unshakable confidence. "I mean why would I be scared when this is actually the biggest relief I''ve felt in years." He said cheerfully and with a giddiness in his step that couldn''t be hidden.

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Relief?"

    "Of course!" Lucious exclaimed, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. He placed a hand over Cassius''s, gently pulling it away from his neck. "You see, while I may be an excellent butler in most respects, I lack any real fighting ability. It''s always been a source of concern for me, knowing I wouldn''t be able to protect you if something were to happen."

    Cassius stared at him, speechless, as Lucious continued, his voice growing more animated.

    "But now, knowing that my master is blessed with such strength¡ªstrength beyond anything I''ve ever seen¡ªwell, I don''t have to worry about your safety anymore."

    He beamed at Cassius, his admiration so genuine that it bordered on unsettling.

    "In fact." He added, his tone softening slightly. "It''s genuinely a comfort to know that I serve someone so capable...Truly, Young Master, this only makes me respect you even more."

    Cassius opened his mouth to respond, only to close it again, utterly dismayed. For the first time in a long while, he found himself at a loss for words.

    Lucious, oblivious to his master''s reaction, suddenly lit up with enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he clasped his hands together and leaned toward Cassius.

    "Young Master!" He exclaimed, his tone bubbling with eagerness. "How did you get so strong? Please, tell me! I must know so I can train and become strong so that I can protect you!"

    Before Cassius could respond, Lucious took a step back and struck what he clearly thought was an impressive pose, flexing his arms as if showing off nonexistent muscles.

    "Just imagine..." Lucious said dramatically, his voice rising with excitement. "Me, a mighty warrior butler, ready to crush anyone who dares to harm my master!"

    He shifted into another pose, this time attempting a bicep curl with an invisible dumbbell. His expression was one of pure determination, though his scrawny frame made the display more comical than intimidating.

    Cassius blinked, the absurdity of the scene snapping him out of his daze. A soft chuckle escaped him, growing into a full laugh as he shook his head in disbelief. "Lucious..." He said, his voice laced with amusement. "You utterly hilarious, you know? You might just be able to get the role of court jester with your talent to make people laugh."

    Lucious pouted unabashedly when he saw his master making fun of him. "But my lord! I'' m serious! Tell me your secret! How did you achieve such monstrous strength?"

    Cassius smirked, folding his arms as walked along the well paved paths. "If you must know." He said, his tone teasing. "I followed a very strict workout routine for an entire year."

    Lucious''s eyes widened in awe, his mouth falling open slightly. "A whole year?" He whispered, as if hearing a forbidden secret.

    Cassius nodded solemnly, his smirk widening.

    "Yes. Here''s what I did: one hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, one hundred squats, and a ten-kilometer run...Every single day."

    Lucious gasped, his hands flying to his mouth in disbelief. "That''s it?" He exclaimed, his tone somewhere between shock and reverence.

    "That''s it." Cassius said, nodding like a sage. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious''s face lit up like a child who had just discovered a hidden treasure. He clenched his fists, a look of determination washing over him.

    "I''ll do it!" He declared, his voice brimming with resolve. "I''ll follow this routine diligently, every day! I''ll become strong enough to protect you, my lord!"

    He then began shadowboxing enthusiastically, throwing punches into the air with exaggerated sound effects. "Hah! Huh! Pow!"

    Cassius couldn''t suppress another laugh, shaking his head as he placed a hand on Lucious''s shoulder. "Lucious." He said, his tone half amused and half affectionate. "You'' re going to hurt yourself before you even get started."

    Lucious straightened, puffing out his chest proudly.

    "Nonsense, my lord! I''m ready to dedicate myself fully to this!"

    Cassius chuckled again, draping his arm over Lucious''s shoulder as they began walking back toward the mansion.

    "Just don''t overdo it." He said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I''d rather not have to explain why my butler collapsed from exhaustion while trying out some basic excercise."

    Lucious beamed, nodding eagerly as he matched his master''s pace. "I won''t let you down, Young Master!"

    As they approached the mansion, Cassius''s expression shifted slightly, a subtle glint of anticipation flashing in his crimson eyes.

    There was still the matter of the remaining girls in the other room¡ªan entirely different challenge waiting to be dealt with in a much more ''playful'' and ''exciting'' manner.

    Cassius and Lucious stepped into the mansion, the echo of their footsteps reverberating through the grand hallway as they made their way toward the room where the women were waiting.

    Lucious glanced at his master, his eyes filled with curiosity like he really wanted to ask something.

    "If I may ask, Young Master since I haven''t exactly been informed yet." He began carefully. "Why did you decide to bring about such a drastic purge in the mansion? Was it because of the poisoning incident?"

    Cassius smirked faintly, his eyes gleeming with something unreadable.

    "Partly." He admitted, his voice low and measured. "The poisoning was the spark, I suppose. But the real reason...was that I wanted to start off with a clean slate."

    Lucious tilted his head slightly, his interest piqued.

    Cassius continued, his tone carrying a mix of calmness and disdain. "You can''t build a strong foundation when your own house is filled with rats and snakes, can you? Especially when they''re the kind that are waiting to sink their poisonous fangs in you." His lips curled into a sharper smile. "So I decided to air out the house a bit. Let the filth reveal itself before it festers any further."

    Lucious nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious. "That makes sense, Young Master. A house divided cannot stand, after all."

    They turned down a corridor, the faint murmur of voices ahead signaling that the women were still gathered in the other room. As they walked, Lucious hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

    "If I may ask another question, my lord...How did you figure out that Harland was the true suspect behind the mining incident? Was there something specific that tipped you off?"

    Cassius glanced at him, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

    "Of course." He said lightly. "The thing was I already knew no one would admit their crimes if I simply asked them to. So I needed an example. Someone whose guilt could be easily proven, or at least someone whose life would serve as a warning to the others."

    Lucious frowned slightly, processing his master''s words.

    "Harland caught my attention during my investigation when I went through the records of every servant in the household." Cassius continued. "Most were mundane¡ªsimple transfers, straightforward hirings. But Harland''s case stood out."

    "Why?" Lucious asked, his brow furrowing.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened. "He was transferred here under circumstances that didn''t make sense. No recommendation letters, no formal evaluations. It was as if he appeared out of thin air and was granted a position he had no qualifications for."

    "...A convenient promotion for someone with a past they wanted to hide."

    Lucious''s eyes widened slightly, impressed. "And that alone was enough to suspect him?"

    Cassius shook his head. "Not quite. But when I started connecting the dots¡ªhis sudden transfer, his background in the mines, his suspicious lack of records during the time of the Holyfield mining scandal¡ªit all came together." He paused, his tone turning cold.

    "The rats always leave a trail...You just have to know where to look."

    Lucious nodded slightly, keeping his expression neutral, though his thoughts betrayed the calm facade. ''He truly is remarkable.'' Lucious mused silently, his admiration for his master growing with every passing moment.

    As they approached the door, Lucious tilted his head slightly, and asked, "My lord are we going to use the same method with the ladies? Or..." He paused, his voice dropping to something almost playful. "...Would you prefer a knife this time? Something to change things up?"

    He glanced at Cassius, his expression eerily calm as though ready to gut someone if his master so much as nodded.

    Cassius chuckled softly, shaking his head as he waved a hand dismissively.

    "No, no, Lucious." He said, his tone light yet carrying an unmistakable edge of menace. "I''m not going to use such barbaric methods when the ladies are involved."

    Lucious raised a brow, though he said nothing, waiting for his master to elaborate.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened, a faint glint of mischief sparking in his eyess. "No, with them, I''ll take my time to play with them."

    "...Especially one of them who is already willing to be our ''example'' this time and has volunteered herself to make rooting out the pests much easier."

    Cassius said mysteriously which made Lucious wonder who was crazy enough to go through something''s similar to what Harland had just gone through.

    But there was really no denying the darkness behind the cruel smile he had on his face, the sheer intent that made even Lucious¡ªa man accustomed to Cassius''s ways¡ªfeel a shiver of anticipation.

    The butler gave a faint nod, his composure returning as he stepped aside to let his master lead the way.

    Cassius placed a hand on the ornate handle, his movements slow and deliberate as he pushed the door open. The soft murmur of voices inside immediately fell silent, as his presence alone was enough to shut the mouth of everyone in the crowd.

    He stepped into the room with an air of calm authority, his gaze going over all the gathered women which mostly consisted of youthful maids. Lucious followed close behind, his sharp eyes scanning the room as he silently assessed the tension radiating from the group.

    The women, seated in neat rows on the cushioned benches, looked up at him with a mixture of fear and apprehension. Their nervous glances darted between Cassius and Lucious, as if trying to gauge which one was more dangerous.

    Cassius then took a step forward, his smirk softening into something deceptively kind.

    "Good evening, ladies." He said, his voice dripping with warmth and then continued saying as a eerie grin slowly formed on his face,

    "Shall we begin the second part of today''s purge?"

 Chapter 45 - 45: Get Out...

    Cassius stepped further into the room, his calm gaze fleeting over the assembled group of women. He took in their faces, assessing them with quiet amusement.

    Most of them were young or middle-aged, their expressions ranging from anxious to outright terrified. Not a single elderly woman was present.

    Cassius let out a small sigh of relief, internally praising the Holyfield estate for maintaining high standards.

    ''At least I won''t have to enact tonight''s punishments on any old ladies.'' He thought, shivering slightly at the thought.

    The idea alone was enough to make him grimace as the punishment he was going to give them was going to need them all to be quite ''intimate'' with them and he was really into the idea of a granny who''s teeth were starting to fall off getting too close to him.

    As his expression subtly shifted, Lucious, ever the observant butler, noticed immediately. "My lord." He said, his voice quiet but inquisitive. "Is something the matter?"

    Cassius blinked, then waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, no, no. Just...a stray thought." His tone was light, but Lucious narrowed his eyes slightly, unconvinced knowing that his master wouldn''t show such a expression unless something distressing happened.

    Still, Cassius didn''t offer further explanation. Instead, he shifted his attention back to the gathered women. His gaze roamed the group, searching for one specific face.

    And there she was.

    Toward the back of the crowd, nearly hidden behind a few of the taller women, stood the one he had chosen as his example for this group.

    Cassius''s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. And with everything set, and a whole bunch of women standing before him, waiting in uneasy silence, he finally spoke.

    "I''ll be honest with you." He began, his voice smooth and deceptively warm. "Just a short while ago, we finished our interrogation of the men in the household."

    A ripple of nervous energy passed through the women, their hands clutching their skirts, their bodies unconsciously tensing.

    "And." Cassius continued, his smile widening. "After some...extreme methods, they ended up spilling all their sins."

    At those words, Lucious stepped forward with perfect timing, holding up a thick stack of papers. The sheer volume of confessions was enough to send a visible wave of panic through the crowd.

    Gasps echoed through the room, followed by hushed whispers. Some of the women clutched their chests in fear. Others covered their mouths as they exchanged frantic glances.

    "He''s serious." One woman muttered under her breath.

    "They really confessed everything?" Another whispered, her voice trembling.

    Cassius chuckled softly, the sound sending another wave of tension through the air. "Oh, you''d be surprised what people are willing to admit when they realize the alternative is far worse."

    "Oh, you''d be surprised." He said, voice rich with joy like he enjoyed toying with those men. "Surprised at what people are willing to admit when they realize the alternative is far worse." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A few of the women stiffened, their gazes darting to one another in a silent exchange.

    Lucious then took a step forward, his posture pristine as he adjusted his grip on the stack of confessions. His grey eyes swept over the group before he spoke, his voice polite but carrying the same chilling edge as his master''s.

    "Among these confessions." He said, lifting the papers slightly. "Several of the men admitted that the women were also involved."

    The reaction was immediate.

    A wave of whispers broke out, hushed voices spilling in panic as the women exchanged frantic glances. Some of them tensed, their eyes flickering with barely concealed dread.

    Others bit their lips, clearly debating whether they should speak up before things took a turn for the worse and say that there was no way that was true.

    And yet, no one dared.

    Not because they didn''t want to. But because all of them were guilty of something.

    All except for one.

    One girl stood in the crowd, her posture straight, her face composed. Unlike the others, she neither whispered nor fidgeted.

    She simply stood, hands folded neatly in front of her, listening with quiet diligence.

    And the others noticed.

    Their gazes flickered toward her, some subtly, others openly, hope flickering in their wide eyes. Perhaps she would speak.

    Perhaps she would be their voice.

    But she didn''t.

    She remained silent, her eyes calmly fixed on Cassius, as if waiting for him to continue.

    A collective sigh rippled through the women, disappointment and resignation settling over them.

    Cassius, who had been watching the silent exchange, let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, well." He sighed dramatically. "I had hoped one of you would step forward. But it seems even among traitors, loyalty holds strong."

    He took a slow step forward, his presence like a weight pressing down on the room.

    "Let me make this easy for you." He said, his voice carrying a lazy drawl. "I am exhausted. Truly. A lazy noble like myself isn''t used to such strenuous activities. Interrogating all those men. It''s taken quite a bit out of me."

    Lucious, standing beside him, gave an approving nod, playing along with his master''s act.

    "So." Cassius continued, stopping just short of the front row, his smirk widening. "I''d like to end this quickly."

    The women stiffened, their breaths caught in their throats as they leaned closer to hear their master''s words.

    "Here''s how this will go." Cassius said, his voice deceptively gentle. "You can simply admit your sins. Right here. Right now. I promise, the punishment will be...minimal."

    He tilted his head slightly, his crimson gaze sweeping over them.

    "Or." He added, his smirk deepening. "You can keep your mouths shut. And I can show you what happens when you do."

    The whispering returned, louder this time.

    "What should we do?"

    "Maybe we should just confess."

    "But what if he''s bluffing?"

    "He wouldn''t actually¡ª"

    "Did the men really confess? Or is this some sort of trick?"

    The murmuring grew more frantic, uncertainty rippling through them. Some of them looked genuinely afraid, shifting uncomfortably as they debated their choices.

    But then someone scoffed.

    A bolder woman with glasses, standing near the center, folded her arms across her chest, shaking her head. "Come on." She muttered, her voice just loud enough for others to hear. "Think about it. He''s him."

    The realization hit like a spark to dry tinder.

    Cassius could almost see it. The moment they remembered.

    Remembered who he was...Cassius Holyfield.

    The drunken wastrel...The good-for-nothing son of the Holyfield family.

    The man who spent his days wasting money on alcohol and women, the man who stumbled through the estate like an embarrassment.

    The master they never respected.

    The fear in some of their eyes wavered. They exchanged glances, slowly straightening their postures.

    "He couldn''t have actually gotten the men to confess." Another whispered, her voice gaining strength.

    "Yeah. He''s bluffing."

    "He''s just trying to scare us."

    Their fear was still present, but something else was creeping in now. Doubt if what he was saying was true.

    One by one, their expressions hardened, their bodies stiffening as they steeled themselves.

    No. They silently agreed...We won''t fall for this. They weren''t going to say anything.

    The realization hit Cassius like a sweet melody, his smirk widening ever so slightly.

    He exhaled through his nose, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips.

    ''Ah. Perfect.''

    This was exactly what he wanted.

    He lifted his hand to his lips, stifling a soft laugh as he shook his head. Then, slowly, he turned his gaze back to them, his eyes gleaming with something dark and unreadable.

    His voice, when he finally spoke, was barely above a whisper. But it sent a shiver through the room.

    "Well then." He murmured. "I suppose I''ll just have to prove it to you."

    The room fell deathly silent.

    Lucious, standing at his side, smirked knowingly.

    ''The real fun was about to begin.'' Lucious thought as he stood at his master''s side, his eyes practically shimmering with excitement.

    He had been impressed with how Cassius handled the men. But now, he was thrilled to see what tactics he would use on the women.

    He could barely contain his giddy anticipation, already imagining the psychological games that were about to unfold.

    ''What will he do? What method will he use?'' Lucious thought, his fingers twitching slightly in eagerness. ''Will he break them down one by one? Or will he go for something grander?''

    But just as Lucious was brimming with exhilaration, Cassius turned his head slightly and, without warning, spoke in a calm, almost lazy voice.

    "Lucious."

    Lucious immediately straightened, his excitement sharpening into full attention. "Yes, Young Master?"

    Cassius gave him a slow, unreadable look before casually stating, "I need you to leave the room."

    The words hit like a slap.

    Lucious blinked, his excitement vanishing instantly. "...What?"

    Cassius sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "You heard me. Get out."

    Lucious stared at him, utterly baffled. "But why?" His voice was edged with genuine disbelief. "My lord, I¡ªI have to see what you''re going to do!"

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head as he turned back toward the crowd of women. "I simply don''t like having another man as a witness to what I''m about to do." His voice dropped to something more sly, his lips curling into a smirk. "You understand, don''t you? I''d like to admire my treasures and keep them all to myself."

    Lucious''s eyes widened slightly, his face heating at his master''s suggestive tone. "M-My lord¡ª!"

    Cassius turned back toward him, his smirk widening. "Of course, unless¡­you''d like to admit something to me, Lucious?" His crimson eyes gleamed with mischief. "If you just confess that you''re actually a girl disguised as a boy, then I wouldn''t mind you staying to watch."

    Lucious stiffened, his entire body going rigid as a deep blush spread across his face. His mouth opened, then closed again as he scoffed loudly, turning his head sharply away.

    "Of course I''m a man!" He huffed, before immediately spinning on his heel and darting toward the door. "I''ll be waiting outside!"

    With that, he practically fled the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

    Cassius blinked.

    Then, slowly, a smirk crawled onto his lips as he chuckled under his breath.

    ''That reaction¡­was rather interesting to say the least.''

    He had only been teasing, but now¡­he was starting to wonder.

    Still, that was a mystery for another time.

    Turning back to the crowd of women, Cassius rolled his shoulders lazily and let his sharp gaze roam over them. Their eyes flickered between the closed door and his face, nervous energy radiating from their stiff postures.

    "Now then." He sighed, stretching his arms dramatically before letting them fall to his sides. "Since no one is willing to confess, I''m afraid I''ll have to take more ''drastic'' measures."

 Chapter 46 - 46: Why Her?

    A eave of unease spread through the women as they realised what this meant, even though they didn''t have a clue about what was actually going to happen.

    "I''ve decided." Cassius continued. "To make an example of someone...Just a little demonstration of what happens to those who keep secrets from me." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Whispers filled the room.

    "Who''s he going to pick?"

    "Not me¡­Please, not me."

    "He wouldn''t dare¡­would he?"

    Cassius allowed the tension to build, his smirk widening as his expression darkened with amusement. He wanted them to stew in their own panic, to feel the creeping dread of the unknown.

    Then, just as the suspense reached its peak, he exhaled softly and murmured:

    "Mirror, mirror, on the wall¡­"

    The women tensed.

    "Who is the prettiest among you all?"

    His crimson gaze scanned the room slowly, his finger lazily dragging through the air as if he were deciding at random. The women watched in horror, some sucking in sharp breaths as his finger passed over them, their hands trembling as they prayed it wouldn''t land on them.

    Until¡ª

    His finger stopped.

    Right at the back of the room.

    The breathless tension shattered as the women turned their heads to see who the unfortunate soul was. And when they saw her, realization struck.

    A single girl.

    One who had been standing silently, composed, not uttering a single word in panic like the others.

    Golden hair, neatly bound.

    Blue eyes, clear and unwavering.

    An abundant figure that was unmistakable.

    It was her.

    Cassius''s smirk widened with delighted amusement.

    "Well, well." He purred, his voice carrying a quiet, predatory thrill. "Look who we have here."

    The room dropped to an ice-cold temperature.

    The women could only stare in stunned silence as the unfortunate soul turned out to be none other than¡ª

    Isabelle.

    His ever-so-devoted maid.

    The only one who had not panicked.

    The only one who had stood firm without fear.

    And exactly the one Cassius had wanted all along.

    His eyes shone as he took a slow, deliberate step toward her, and the moment Cassius''s finger landed on Isabelle, a heavy silence fell over the room. The women stared in stunned disbelief, their expressions shifting from fear to something closer to...pity.

    Out of everyone... Why her?

    Of all the women present, Isabelle was, without question, the most innocent. She was the one person among them who had likely never even thought of committing a crime. Let alone actually doing so.

    This was a girl who donated half of her earnings to various charities, insisting that she didn''t need the generous salary the Holyfield estate provided. She had always said she was fine as long as she had a roof over her head and three meals a day. The rest, she claimed, was better used for those who needed it more.

    She was the kind of person who sincerely believed in doing good. Not because it benefitted her, but because she genuinely wanted to help. She also had dreams beyond simply being a maid, unlike the rest of them, who were satisfied with their positions.

    And now, she was the one Cassius had chosen...Of all the people.

    A sinking feeling spread through the crowd.

    Even those who had little emotional attachment to her couldn''t deny that it was unfair. Isabelle didn''t deserve this. If anything, she was the last person who should be made an example of.

    But no one spoke up.

    No one dared to.

    Because despite the pity they felt, none of them were willing to risk stepping into her place.

    They weren''t foolish enough to play hero.

    The sad reality was that, while they felt bad, they also preferred it this way. If it had to be someone, then let it be her.

    Cassius observed the silent moral conflict with quiet amusement.

    ''Ah, humans. So hypocritical. So selfish. And yet, so predictable.'' He thought as if he weren''t human himself.

    Not a single one of them would protest. Not a single one would dare challenge his decision.

    Because at the end of the day, self-preservation always won.

    And that was exactly what he had expected.

    Cassius let the silence settle, allowing the tension to coil tighter, feeding on the heavy pressure pressing down on the room. Then, with the slow precision of a noble who expected obedience, he called out again.

    This time, his tone was sharper, laced with something cold and condescending.

    "Isabelle." He said her name lazily, as if it was almost beneath him to repeat it. "Did you not hear me the first time?"

    And the moment he did call out to her, her shift in her demeanour was immediate.

    Her composed stance broke like delicate glass, her bright blue eyes widening with something close to shock. Her lips parted slightly, and for the first time, hesitation flickered across her usually unwavering features.

    Then, she stumbled back half a step, her fingers clenching at the fabric of her apron, twisting it as if searching for something to ground her.

    "Y-Young Master!" She breathed, her voice laced with disbelief, almost too soft to be heard. "There must be some mistake."

    Her words trembled as she spoke them, barely holding herself together. Her head shook slightly, golden strands of hair slipping from their bindings, making her look even more fragile. "I-I don''t understand. I haven''t done anything. I have always been loyal to you. I hope you know this."

    Her breath softened slightly at the end, her chest rising and falling as though she was desperately trying to contain herself.

    And then, in a move Cassius had not expected, she turned toward the crowd.

    A pleading look overtook her features, her large, glistening eyes scanning the sea of familiar faces.

    "Tell him, please!" She begged, her voice rising in desperation. "You all know me. You know I would never¡ª"

    Silence...A heavy, suffocating silence.

    Not a single voice came to her aid.

    The very people who, just moments ago, had exchanged nervous glances with her, who had looked to her for reassurance, now refused to meet her gaze.

    Some stared at the floor, shifting uncomfortably. Others clenched their hands together, their fingers twisting as if to distract themselves from what was happening.

    But none of them spoke...Not a single one.

    And for the first time, Isabelle''s expression cracked.

    Her lips opened slightly, a soft, nearly inaudible breath escaping her as her shoulders curled inward, her frame visibly shrinking.

    Her hands trembled at her sides, her nails digging into the soft fabric of her dress as she looked back at them. Her peers. The people she had worked alongside for years.

    "Please." She whispered, the word barely holding itself together. "You know me..."

    And still, nothing.

    Cassius watched Isabelle tremble, her delicate fingers fiddling at her apron, her eyes wandering around in a perfect display of shock and devastation.

    Her voice, soft and quivering, showing a tale of innocence. Her pleading eyes sought support from the very people who had just moments ago looked to her for reassurance.

    And yet, despite all that...Not a single one of them spoke up for her.

    It was perfect.

    This was exactly how it was supposed to go. The fear, the hesitation, the self-preservation overriding any sense of morality¡ªit was all predictable and expected.

    But what wasn''t expected for Cassius, however, was Isabelle herself.

    Cassius had chosen her for this role. She had agreed to it. They had spoken this morning, laying out the strategy. She was meant to be the ''example'', the sacrificial piece used to drag out the real traitors from their holes.

    And yet¡­The way she was acting now.

    It wasn''t quite what he had planned.

    She was too convincing...Too shaken...Too devastated.

    Almost as if¡­She had forgotten everything they discussed.

    Cassius narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of confusion passing through him as he studied her closer.

    Is she improvising?

    That would make sense. After all, he had never explicitly told her how to act. He had only told her to play the part of an accused traitor.

    But this?...This felt too real.

    The way her voice wavered, the way her body curled inward ever so slightly, like someone truly abandoned. The way she seemed genuinely lost, as if she truly believed she had been falsely accused.

    Cassius watched, unable to figure out what to believe.

    This was wrong. Not in the sense that it was off-track from his plan¡ªif anything, the crowd''s reactions were exactly what he had wanted. They were buying every bit of it, believing in her despair, in her desperation.

    But he wasn''t convinced.

    Is she truly acting? Or has she convinced even herself?

    The question lingered in his mind, but he had no time to indulge it. Not now. He had a role to play, and he would play it well.

    His smirk faded, replaced by a slow, unimpressed frown. He let the silence stretch, letting the weight of his gaze press down on her like an iron brand.

    "Come here, Isabelle."

    His words were quiet, but the authority in them left no room for refusal.

    The crowd tensed. Isabelle herself stiffened, hesitation flickering across her features. She remained still, frozen in place, her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides.

    Cassius narrowed his eyes. "Are you going to come here on your own?" He asked, voice dipping into something heavier, something more commanding. "Or do I have to drag you here myself?"

    Unease spread through the women, many thinking that they were wrong to think that he was the same master they could push around in the past.

    Isabelle looked at the floor, like she was having an internal debate in her mind. She then exhaled shakily¡ªthen, with reluctant steps, she began making her way to the front.

    Cassius watched her closely.

    Too slow...Too hesitant.

    Yet, the way she held herself, the way she forced herself forward despite her supposed fear¡ªit was perfect.

    He had to give her credit. She was damn good at this.

    When she finally reached him, she kept her gaze lowered, refusing to look directly at him. Cassius let the silence drag for a second longer, then took a step forward.

    Closer...Closer...Until he was right in front of her.

    Until there was barely an inch between them.

    A collective hush fell over the crowd, no one knowing what was about to happen next.

    From their perspective, it looked exactly as he intended. Like a depraved noble admiring his prey, drinking in the beauty of the trembling girl before him.

    It looked disgusting...It looked wrong.

    And that was precisely what made them even more terrified.

    But in reality¡ª

    "Isabelle." Cassius murmured so quietly that only she could hear. "What the are you doing? Did you forget that you''re in on this?"

    Isabelle, who had been keeping her eyes cast downward, suddenly lifted her gaze to meet his.

    And just like that¡ªeverything changed.

 Chapter 47 - 47: Nothing Can Faze Me Anymore

    Her frightened expression vanished in an instant. The panic, the trembling, the hopelessness¡ªall gone, as if they had never existed in the first place.

    Instead, her lips curled into a bright, knowing smile.

    Her blue eyes, moments ago brimming with despair, now twinkled with barely contained amusement.

    Cassius stared in disbelief at the sudden change that caught him off guard.

    "Of course I remember." She whispered back, her voice as light as a feather. "I''m just playing my part, Young Master, as you instructed."

    Cassius didn''t reply immediately. He just looked at her.

    At that radiant, carefree expression on her face.

    At the sheer ease with which she had flipped her emotions like a switch.

    ''W-What...the hell?''

    A headache pressed at the edges of his mind. He had spent the last several minutes genuinely wondering if she had lost herself in the act¡ªif she had forgotten their plan and started believing her own lies, but it turned out that she was so good at acting that he himself got fooled for a second.

    It wasn''t just Cassius who was trying to figure out what was happening as a flicker of confusion crossed Isabelle''s face.

    For the briefest moment, she forgot about the crowd watching them, about the oppressive silence filling the room.

    Instead, she focused solely on the man standing before her¡ªthe man who was supposed to be leading this entire performance¡ªyet was currently looking at her like she had just thrown him into a labyrinth.

    ''Why does the Young Master look so troubled? Did I do anything wrong?''

    Her master, who had orchestrated this entire act down to the finest details, was now staring at her as if she had deviated from the script.

    Hadn''t he been the one to ask for her cooperation just this morning?

    Hadn''t he been the one to approach her in the quiet solitude of the library, his voice calm yet laced with something unreadable, as he laid out his intentions?

    ¡ª

    "Isabelle." He had said, his magnetic gaze watching her intently. "I have a task for you."

    She had straightened immediately, heart pounding at the mere thought of being entrusted with something¡ªanything¡ªby him. "Yes, Young Master?"

    "I need your cooperation." He had murmured, tilting his head slightly. "Do you think you can manage that?"

    There had been no hesitation.

    "Of course." She had answered instantly, her voice steady. "I''ll do whatever you require of me."

    Cassius had regarded her carefully for a moment before continuing.

    "I''m going to root out the traitors in this household. And for that, I need an example¡ªsomeone to put in the spotlight."

    Isabelle had listened, her mind already understanding where this was going.

    "You want me to be that example?" She had asked.

    Cassius''s lips had curled into something faintly amused. "Perceptive, as always."

    Her fingers had curled into fists at her sides. "Then I accept."

    "Are you sure? You don''t even know the extent of what I plan to do." He had raised an eyebrow at her readiness.

    But she had simply lowered her head, her voice soft but resolute. "If it''s for you, Young Master¡­I''ll do anything."

    "...N-No matter how painful or humiliating it may be to make up for what I did to you and to serve you." She added as her face warmed up that she had a feeling that her master wanted to do something similar to what he did with Edmund yesterday.

    A beat of silence had passed between them, something unreadable flickering across Cassius''s face.

    Then, his smirk had returned. "Good girl." He had murmured as he put the book he was reading back into the shelf. "Then let''s see how well you perform."

    ¡ª

    That conversation had been clear and direct. And yet, here he was now, standing before her with a look of doubt.

    Isabelle felt something tighten in her chest¡ªnot with fear, but with frustration.

    Had she done something wrong? Had she overplayed it?

    She looked up at him, and in the quietest voice, just enough for him to hear, she whispered, "My lord...Did I do something wrong?"

    Cassius blinked, his focus snapping back to her.

    Isabelle hesitated before continuing. "I thought I was following the plan." She murmured, her brows knitting together. "But if you think it needs adjusting¡ªshould I change my act a little?"

    Cassius stared at her. Then, his lips twitched.

    A soft, nearly exasperated chuckle escaped him.

    Isabelle blinked as she watched him, confused.

    Slowly, Cassius shook his head, his usual smirk returning¡ªthis time, laced with something almost wry.

    "You..." He murmured. "...are far too good at this."

    Isabelle frowned slightly, still unsure of what he meant.

    Cassius exhaled through his nose, his voice lowering to something only she could hear. "It''s nothing." He admitted, tilting his head as he studied her. "It''s just¡­" He paused. Then, with an almost reluctant smirk, he murmured, "I actually fell for your act for a second."

    Isabelle''s eyes widened slightly.

    Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "I planned this whole thing." He muttered, half to himself. "And yet¡ªsomehow, you still managed to fool me."

    A tiny, satisfied smile curled at the corners of her lips before she lowered her gaze slightly, voice dipping into something softer. "Then¡­Does that mean I did well, Young Master?"

    Cassius clicked his tongue. "Too well." He admitted. "You almost made me doubt myself."

    Isabelle''s heart soared.

    To anyone else, it was just a passing remark¡ªa teasing comment from a noble to his servant, laced with casual amusement.

    But to her?...It was praise. Real, undeniable praise from him.

    She had done well. No¡ªshe had done too well.

    And her master had noticed.

    Her lips parted slightly, her breath catching in her throat as warmth bloomed in her chest. She had always sought his approval¡ªhad always wanted to be useful to him, to prove herself as more than just another nameless maid in his household.

    And now, she had.

    Her fingers twitched at her sides, the urge to do more¡ªto be more¡ªburning beneath her skin.

    She wanted to keep this feeling. She wanted him to always look at her like that.

    Cassius observed her reaction with mild amusement.. "Hmm¡­" He exhaled through his nose, tilting his head slightly. "But I must admit, Isabelle, I didn''t expect you to be this talented in deception. If I weren''t careful, I might even start to worry."

    Her eyes widened slightly. "Worry?"

    He let his smirk stretch, his voice dipping into something almost thoughtful. "If you can fool me this easily¡­" He trailed off, gaze flickering over her face. "Who''s to say you wouldn''t use those skills against me someday?"

    Isabelle stiffened. The very idea of that¡ªof betraying him, of even thinking about deceiving him¡ªmade her stomach twist in horror.

    "Never!" She blurted out immediately, her voice sharper than intended, which made the crowd behind her think that she was protesting against something Cassius had said.

    She then quickly shook her head, her golden hair slipping loose from its bindings as she took a half-step closer, as if trying to physically prove her sincerity.

    "I would never deceive you, Young Master." She said firmly, her blue eyes blazing with conviction. "Not now. Not ever. No matter what happens, I will always be honest in front of you."

    Cassius studied her for a long moment.

    There was no hesitation in her voice. No wavering...Only pure, unshakeable loyalty.

    Looking at her now¡ªat the sheer, burning sincerity in her expression¡ªhe felt something shift.

    She wasn''t lying.

    Not even a little.

    He let out a slow breath, his smirk softening just slightly. "Well..." He murmured. "That''s certainly a relief to hear." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Isabelle exhaled, her shoulders relaxing just the tiniest bit. Cassius watched her, finding it interesting how seriously she had taken his words. Then, after a beat, he tilted his head, his lips curling into something more mischievous.

    "Now, then, my dear Isabelle." He said, stepping just a little closer. "Are you ready for what comes next?"

    A flicker of intrigue passed through Isabelle''s eyes. She could hear the knowing edge in his voice.

    He was challenging her.

    And again. She smiled.

    A slow, cheeky little smile that most wouldn''t dare direct at their master.

    "Young Master." She said with a little mischief in her tone. "After what you made me do in front of my fianc¨¦¡­" Her lips quirked. "I don''t think anything can faze me anymore."

    Cassius blinked. Then, he laughed. A sharp, amused chuckle, rich with genuine entertainment.

    "Oh?" He lifted a brow, his smirk deepening. "So you think you''re prepared for anything now?"

    "Yes." Isabelle nodded, her expression unwavering.

    Cassius leaned in just a fraction, his gaze glinting with something dangerous.

    "We''ll see about that."

    Cassius then finally tore his gaze away from Isabelle and turned his attention back to the gathered women.

    They had been watching in stunned, horrified silence, their faces taut with barely concealed revulsion.

    ''Good...Time to really make them really sick.''

 Chapter 48 - 48: Lascivious Body

    Cassius let out a soft, contemplative hum, as if considering something deeply. Then, in a voice as if he were describing a painting, he said aloud,

    "She really is pretty, isn''t she?"

    The crowd tensed.

    "Even from a distance, I thought she was quite beautiful." He exhaled, almost wistfully. "That golden hair...Those delicate features..."

    A few women shifted uncomfortably, already sensing where this was going.

    Cassius''s smirk widened.

    "But..." He continued. "It was only after seeing her up close that I realized¡ª" He paused deliberately, drawing out the mood, letting every second stretch like a blade being slowly drawn from its sheath.

    Then, with a soft, almost indulgent chuckle, he said, "Not only does she have a perfect face." His voice dipped, thick with something dangerously suggestive.

    "...She also has a perfect body as well."

    The women flinched. A collective shudder rippled through the crowd¡ªsome out of secondhand embarrassment, others out of sheer disgust.

    Cassius, naturally, relished it.

    "Curvaceous in all the right places..." He murmured, letting his gaze roam leisurely over Isabelle''s frame. "Soft, yet firm...A body made to be admired."

    Several women sucked in sharp breaths. A few looked away, their faces burning with shame at having to hear such things.

    Cassius wasn''t finished. He lifted his hand and slowly, deliberately placed it at Isabelle''s waist.

    The contact was light. Barely even a touch. But the way he did it¡ªso possessive, so casual¡ªmade it feel filthy.

    "And now that I''ve felt her flesh..." He sighed, his fingers barely grazing the curve of her waist, his voice thick with longing. "I find myself wanting more."

    A gasp¡ªaudible and sharp¡ªechoed from somewhere in the crowd.

    "I want to taste her all over."

    A collective gasp this time.

    Someone made a choking noise. Another woman murmured a horrified, "He''s depraved..." under her breath.

    Cassius only chuckled. He wanted them to think that. He needed them to believe it.

    And from the way their faces twisted in a mix of shock, disgust, and sheer helplessness, he had them exactly where he wanted them.

    But Isabelle...Ah. Isabelle was a different story entirely.

    She had frozen the moment his fingers made contact.

    Not in fear. Not in revulsion...But in something else.

    Her heart raced, her body reacting before her mind could even process it.

    It was overwhelming. The way his voice caressed her ears, rich with sinful indulgence. The way his touch¡ªlight as it was¡ªburnt through the fabric of her dress, leaving a trail of heat where his fingers grazed.

    He was praising her.

    Openly, shamelessly. Saying things most men wouldn''t even dare whisper in private.

    And¡ªOh god¡ªit thrilled her.

    Her cheeks flushed, warmth blooming in her chest, her heart pounding far too fast.

    She wanted to hear more. She wanted him to keep talking.To keep touching. To¡ª

    No.

    No, no, no¡ª Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She was supposed to be acting. She had a role to play. And right now, the role was not that of a willing, intoxicated maiden, but of an indignant, scandalised woman...She had to snap out of it.

    So with a sudden, startled gasp, she jolted backward¡ªforcing herself out of his grasp.

    Her eyes widened¡ªtoo wide, too shaken, as if she had only just realised what had been happening. Her hands flew to her chest, clutching at her dress as if trying to shield herself from his indecency.

    "Y-Young Master!" She stammered, her voice laced with a mix of shock and deeply feigned offence. "Please be respectful."

    Cassius lifted a brow, amused by her reaction that he knew was an act.

    Isabelle then took a shaky step back, her cheeks still pink¡ªthough now it looked perfectly like the embarrassment of a virtuous woman being publicly humiliated.

    "H-How could you say such dirty things in front of everyone? She pressed, her voice quivering just right, laced with disbelief. "I-I understand that I serve you, but even so!"

    Cassius let out a slow, amused hum. His eyes glinted with something dark, something deliberate, as he tilted his head, watching Isabelle''s flushed, distraught expression.

    Then, ever so slowly, his lips curled into a wicked, knowing smirk.

    "Dirty?" He echoed, voice dripping with feigned innocence. "Oh, Isabelle...When did I say anything dirty?"

    The crowd blinked in disbelief. The women, already reeling from his previous remarks, exchanged nervous glances, a few of them clutching their skirts as if trying to hold onto some sense of decency in the face of such filth.

    Cassius chuckled.

    "All I did was admire you." He sighed, his voice a lazy tone, as if he were some bored aristocrat discussing fine wine or an exquisite piece of art. "And yet, you react so dramatically. Why is that, I wonder?"

    Isabelle trembled¡ªnot from fear, but from something far more dangerous. Because she knew what was coming next, and only she knew that she wanted it.

    Cassius let the silence stretch for just a second longer, feeding the anticipation, watching the discomfort settle like a thick fog over the room.

    Then, he took a slow, calculated step forward, gaze never once leaving Isabelle''s.

    "Perhaps..." He murmured, his voice dipping into something hushed, almost confessional. "I should be clearer about what I mean."

    The women stiffened. Isabelle inhaled sharply, but she didn''t move away. And then, in the most shameless, depraved tone imaginable, he elaborated.

    "Those lips of yours..." He exhaled, his gaze dropping lazily to her mouth. "Soft. Full. Always pressed together so tightly, like you''re afraid of what you might say if you let them part too much."

    The room tensed, mortification creeping in. Isabelle''s breath hitched, her lips parting on instinct.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened.

    "Ah... So that''s what it takes." He said when he saw her biting her lips like on command. "Just a few words, and look at you, already inviting me to admire them more closely."

    Several women gasped. A few even turned away, unable to bear the vulgar implications.

    But Cassius wasn''t done...Oh, not even close.

    His gaze dipped lower, dragging lazily down the line of her throat, as if he had all the time in the world.

    "And your neck..." He murmured, stepping even closer. "So delicate...So pale...I wonder¡ª" He raised a hand, stopping just short of touching her skin. "¡ªWould it bruise easily if I pressed my fingers around it?"

    Someone choked on their own breath.

    "Or perhaps..." Cassius sighed, letting his gaze roam shamelessly. "I should focus on your lower body instead, which is a work of art on its own."

    A shudder passed through the women.

    His fingers then hovered just above her waist, the heat of his skin tantalisingly close.

    "That waist of yours..." His voice was thick, admiring, and hungry. The dip of her body was impossibly small, a perfect contrast to the fullness below, delicate yet made to be held.

    "So small..." His fingers twitched, aching to close around it. That tight, sculpted curve, begging to be gripped, controlled. "So easily graspable."

    The shape of her, that impossibly narrow span, was a tease all its own. His hands would fit there perfectly, locking her in place, feeling every little shudder.

    "I imagine it would fit perfectly beneath my hands..." His breath warmed her skin, his restraint nearly breaking. That waist, so soft yet firm, something to clutch as she moved for him.

    "...as I thrust into you from behind."

    Isabelle, despite her best efforts, shuddered.

    He smirked, shifting his stance just slightly, as if eyeing her for what he would describe next.

    "And those curves..." His voice was little more than a sinful murmur. "Every inch of you is sculpted so perfectly that it makes me want to run my tongue all over your hills."

    One of the women whimpered.

    "Your hips..." His voice lowered further. "Made for being held onto while making sweet love under the sheets."

    Soft, full, and perfectly curved¡ªhips that flared from her narrow waist with an effortless, natural allure. A shape meant to be held, to be gripped, to guide every movement. Plush yet firm, the kind of hips that begged for hands to settle on them, to claim them, to pull them closer.

    "Your thighs..." He sighed, shaking his head slightly, eyes dark with something unspoken. Thick, supple, the perfect balance of softness and tone¡ªhe could already picture how they''d feel beneath his hands, warm and yielding.

    "How cruel of you to hide them under such a modest uniform." His gaze lingered where the fabric clung, teasing at the shape beneath. Each step, each shift, hinted at something even more sinful¡ªthighs meant to be spread, gripped, worshipped.

    "I bet they''re even softer than I imagine." His voice was lower now, thick with certainty. He didn''t just want to see them; he wanted to feel them, taste them, and leave his mark against their plush perfection.

    Someone felt like they needed to take a long bath after the filthiness they were witnessing.

    "And then..." His smirk widened, revelling in the way the air grew heavier, the hush of the crowd thick with tension. His eyes dragged lower, unapologetic, predatory. "There''s your chest."

    A sharp inhale¡ªa few women stepping back in sheer mortification as Cassius locked onto the deep valley of her cleavage, the pale swell of her breasts pushing insistently against the tight confines of her maid outfit.

    The frilled fabric strained, barely able to contain their fullness, the soft mounds rising with each unsteady breath she took.

    His tongue flicked over his bottom lip as he tilted his head, as if considering, as if savouring. The way they pressed together, spilling just enough to taunt him¡ªso full, so perfectly shaped, begging for hands to cup them, to squeeze, to leave fingerprints behind.

    The room felt smaller, hotter, every gaze flickering between him and the shameless way he drank her in.

    But he didn''t care. No, he wanted them to see, to know exactly what he was thinking as he let his eyes linger, as if willing the fabric to give just a little more, to show him everything.

    "Ah, Isabelle." He finally continued after taking in the breathtaking sight of her mountains. "How blessed you are. So full, so perfectly round¡ªlike they were made to be kneaded and molested by a man''s burly hands."

    "Stop!" One of the women in the crowd finally burst out, her face burning with horror. "Y-Young Master, have some decency...!"

    Cassius laughed. A dark, rich chuckle that sent another wave of unease through the women.

    "Decency?" He echoed, feigning surprise. "But why? I''m merely speaking the truth."

    "You''re degrading her!" Another woman snapped, her voice a mix of anger and shame.

    "Am I?'' Cassius smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Or am I simply voicing the truth that no one else would dare to say when they gaze at her lascivious body?"

    The room fell silent.

    Because despite their disgust, despite their shock¡ªthere was something undeniable about his words.

    Isabelle was beautiful and erotic at the same time. And now, he had forced them all to see it. To acknowledge it with their own eyes, even when they were women themselves who held respect for themselves and one another.

    To witness it in a way that would forever stain their perception of her.

    Satisfied with their silence, Cassius turned back to Isabelle, his expression expectant, waiting for her reaction.

    She had been frozen in place, her face burning, her breath uneven...But she wasn''t horrified.

    No, far from it. Because beneath all that surface-level embarrassment, beneath the act, there was something else in her eyes.

    Something dark. Something thrilled...Something deeply, sinfully satisfying.

    But she couldn''t let it show. Not here. Not now.

    So, summoning every ounce of restraint she had left, she let out a soft, choked gasp; she turned and stumbled away from him¡ªher movements perfectly unsteady, like a woman deeply shaken.

    "P-Please..." She whispered, her voice breaking just right. "H-Have some shame, Young Master..."

    Cassius just smirked. Because even though she was turning away, even though she was playing her part flawlessly, he knew the truth...She hadn''t denied a single thing.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Just one doubt, would you guys prefer if the 18+ scenes to be long and very detailed to the extent that go over multiple chapters or do you want them to be rather short and direct?

 Chapter 49 - 49: You Dont Deserve To Wear Your Uniform

    The room was thick with suffocating silence, the tension stretching to an almost unbearable degree as Cassius stood before Isabelle, his gaze sharp and unyielding. His expression, a perfect blend of feigned disappointment and cruelty, only made his next words hit even harder.

    He exhaled slowly, the sound almost mournful, though the glint in his eyes betrayed his true enjoyment of the moment.

    "But it''s such a shame." He said, his voice carrying through the room with deceptive gentleness. "Even though you are so beautiful, Isabelle, it''s all wasted because of the sins you have committed against this household."

    Whispers spread through the assembled women, but this time, it was not because they believed his words, but quite the opposite.

    They knew she had done nothing wrong. They knew Isabelle was innocent. And that was precisely why it was so pitiful to watch her be made an example of.

    A few of the younger maids lowered their heads, unable to meet Isabelle''s gaze. Others shifted uncomfortably, clearly struggling to contain their emotions, as if speaking up would change nothing and only bring his attention upon them instead.

    Cassius, of course, was aware of this. He was counting on it.

    He let out another long, disappointed sigh, shaking his head with the air of a man forced into a role he did not particularly enjoy.

    "I even gave you a chance, you know." He continued, his voice laced with deliberate regret. "A chance to open that pretty little mouth of yours and speak the truth about what you had done."

    He made a vague gesture with one hand, as if inviting the crowd to witness his supposed mercy.

    "But alas, the poison of your sins ran too deep." His voice dipped slightly, a quiet, contemplative sorrow filling his tone. "And so you refused to take my offer. You refused to confess. And now, here we are."

    The pitifulness his words settled over the gathered women, their shoulders sagging as they glanced towards Isabelle, their expressions filled not with suspicion, but with resigned sympathy.

    She was merely an unfortunate soul, chosen for this twisted game of their master''s, and nothing she could say or do would change the outcome.

    And Cassius had known exactly what he was doing when he had selected her.

    He had picked the one person least deserving of punishment, someone who would garner pity rather than outrage, someone who would only deepen the fear within the others because if she-the kindest, most virtuous of them all¡ªcould be singled out like this, then anyone could be next.

    The dread in the room filled, sinking into every corner like a damp fog that refused to lift.

    Cassius allowed the silence to stretch just long enough, ensuring that the hopelessness of the situation had been fully understood.

    Then, with a slow, calculated step forward, he turned his attention back to Isabelle, closing the already small distance between them

    His voice, though quieter now, somehow felt even heavier. "Tell me, Isabelle." He said his tone taking on a almost gentle quality, as if he genuinely wanted to understand. "Do you even know what the Holyfield household is known for?"

    He did not wait for an answer.

    "Ethics." His lips curled into a faint smile, one that did not reach his eyes. "Morals."

    He let his fingers trail absently along the edge of his clothes, as if contemplating something far greater than the moment at hand.

    "Our name is synonymous with honor, with dignity, with an unshakable sense of right and wrong."

    His gaze flickered briefly towards the crowd before returning to Isabelle, sharp and piercing.

    "The Holyfield family has never been involved in anything wicked, anything unjust, anything evil."

    There was a cruel irony in those words, spoken so easily, so fluidly, as if he¡ªCassius Holyfield¡ªwere not the very embodiment of wickedness itself with what he was doing now.

    But no one dared to challenge him. No one would dare to laugh at the absurdity. of such a statement.

    Because this was not about the truth. This was about power.

    And right now, Cassius wielded it effortlessly.

    His gaze darkened, the playful in his expression subtly shifting into something far more dangerous. "And yet." He continued. "Someone like you someone who serves under this household¡ªcould betray it so completely."

    Cassius allowed a single beat of silence to pass before tilting his head, his voice dropping to something lower, more intimate, as if he were speaking only to her now.

    "So, tell me, Isabelle..." His tone was so deceptively gentle. "Do you even feel disgusted by what you''ve done?"

    Gasps came, not from Isabelle, but from one of the women in the crowd, a sound so small yet so filled with unease. Cassius pretended not to notice.

    "Or... His voice lowered further, until it was nothing more than a whisper of silk against steel. "Are you so far gone that you do not even care anymore?"

    The room was utterly still, Cassius''s words pressing down like an iron brand on every soul present.

    His voice, though barely above a whisper, sliced through the thick air like a blade, its sharpened edge finding its mark¡ªnot in Isabelle, who remained unmoved beneath the guise of quiet distress, but in the women who surrounded them.

    Isabelle, for all her outward trembling, was entirely unaffected.

    She had long prepared herself for this moment, had steeled her heart against whatever cruel accusations he would throw her way, knowing full well that none of it was real, that it was all just an elaborate performance.

    She understood the role she was meant to play¡ªthe condemned, the fallen¡ªbut inside, she remained completely untouched, untouched by his words, untouched by the weight of the accusations that bore down on her so heavily.

    But the crowd¡­

    The crowd was not so fortunate.

    For they, unlike Isabelle, had truly sinned.

    Each and every one of them had their own secrets, their own quiet betrayals tucked away in the folds of their conscience, hidden beneath the veil of their daily lives.

    And now, as Cassius''s voice dripped with quiet condemnation, as he wove his cruel narrative around Isabelle''s supposed corruption, they couldn''t help but feel the weight of those sins clawing at them from within.

    The words that should have struck Isabelle like a hammer instead buried themselves deep into the hearts of those watching.

    Because even though Cassius''s attention was solely on her, even though it was Isabelle standing before him accused and disgraced¡ª

    It felt as though he was speaking to them.

    The way he spoke of treachery, of betrayal, of dishonor. The way he described someone who had forsaken the Holyfield estate''s values.

    It was almost too much.

    Because they knew, they knew that, in some way or another, they had all done something that could be counted as betrayal.

    They had whispered lies when it suited them.

    They had hidden their wrongdoings beneath polite smiles.

    They had committed small acts of selfishness, of disloyalty, believing they were too insignificant to be noticed.

    But now, now, under his gaze, under his words¡ª

    It felt as though every single one of those sins had been dragged into the open, naked and exposed for all to see.

    And yet, it was Isabelle who stood before him, bearing the burden of his accusations.

    A woman who, they knew, had done nothing wrong.

    A woman whose only crime was being chosen.

    And still¡ªstill, they did not speak up.

    Because that guilt, that quiet, burning guilt¡ªmade them too afraid to intervene.

    Cassius, of course, noticed it all.

    A slow, cruel smile curled on his lips.

    ''Perfect...Absolutely perfect.'' He let the silence stretch, let their self-loathing and unease fester, before exhaling as if burdened by great disappointment.

    Then, in a voice rich with feigned regret, he sighed, "Since all your actions go against the Holyfield estate and its principles¡­"

    He let the words settle, their weight suffocating.

    Then, as his smile twisted into something darker, something more wicked¡ª

    "Then you do not deserve to wear its uniform."

    A sharp gasp tore through the crowd. A few women physically recoiled, their eyes wide with disbelief, with horror.

    Isabelle, perfect in her role, widened her own eyes just enough, her lips trembled in a quiet show of shock, though deep inside, she was already moving to the next step of the act.

    Cassius, his gaze gleaming with anticipation, took a single, measured step closer as he said,

    "Take it off, Isabelle...Take the uniform you so so obviously don''t deserve to wear on your body."

    His voice was not raised, not forceful¡ªbut commanding. The kind of voice that left no room for negotiation.

    The kind of voice that sank into the bones and made resistance feel futile.

    A murmur of panic spread through the maids.

    "H-He wouldn''t¡­"

    "Is he truly going to¡ª?"

    "This is cruel¡­"

    And yet, no one moved to stop it.

    Because fear ruled over them more than their sense of morality ever could.

    Isabelle, still locked in her role, stumbled back half a step, gripping the fabric of her uniform in trembling hands.

    "Y-Young Master¡ª" She inhaled sharply, shaking her head as if trying to comprehend his command. "T-This is absurd! I have done nothing wrong!"

    Her voice cracked, just enough to sound utterly desperate, utterly shattered.

    "I have been nothing but honest my entire life!"

    Cassius, who had been watching her with sharp, calculating amusement, merely clicked his tongue.

    Then, before she could plead any further, he cut her off, his voice dropping into something low, dangerous, and final.

    "I don''t want to hear any of that, Isabelle." He tilted his head, his smirk widening.

    "Just tell me are you going to take your clothes off on your own?"

    His crimson gaze gleamed.

    "...Or am I going to have to do it for you?"

    A fresh wave of horror rippled through the crowd.

    One of the women let out a strangled sound of disbelief.

    "T-This¡­"

    "This is going too far¡­!"

    And yet¡ªstill, no one dared to step forward. The weight of their own sins, their own cowardice, too heavy.

    As the weight of Cassius''s command settled over the room like a death sentence, the assembled women remained paralyzed, their gazes fixed on Isabelle with varying degrees of shock, horror, and helplessness.

    But Isabelle?

    Isabelle wasn''t afraid.

    In fact, beneath the delicate tremble of her fingers, beneath the soft shudder of her breath, beneath the perfectly crafted act of a woman on the verge of despair¡ª

    She was thrilled.

    The moment the words had left his lips, the moment Cassius had commanded her to strip, her heart had leapt in her chest, her body reacting before her mind had even fully caught up.

    ''He wanted to see her.''

    Not just admire her through layers of fabric, not just imagine the shape of her beneath her uniform¡ªhe wanted her exposed before him.

    And oh, if it were anyone else¡ª

    If any other man had dared to demand such a thing of her, she would have spat in his face, she would have cursed him, she would have burned with outrage at the sheer audacity of it.

    But Cassius?...Her master?

    The man whose words had stripped her bare long before his hands ever could?

    For him, she wanted this.

    She wanted to show him what he had already claimed as his.

    She wanted him to see, to witness, to appreciate her fully, just as he had always done.

    The knowledge that he¡ªand only he¡ªhad the right to demand such a thing from her sent a shiver through her body, one she had to force herself to suppress. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But she knew she couldn''t just throw away her clothes as though she were stepping into a warm bath.

    She couldn''t let her eagerness show.

    She couldn''t let the anticipation that curled within her be seen by anyone but him.

    So, forcing herself into the role of the unwilling, the reluctant, she hesitated, allowing a soft, shamed whimper to escape her lips as she cast a desperate glance toward the gathered maids.

    None of them met her gaze.

    None of them dared to.

    Because they couldn''t help her.

    Because they wouldn''t.

    And that was exactly what she needed them to believe.

    Exhaling shakily, as if forcing herself through unimaginable humiliation, she reached up with trembling fingers, hesitating once more before her hands finally found the first button of her uniform.

    Her breaths came uneven, her chest rising and falling in delicate, stuttering motions as she pinched the fabric between her fingers, feeling the cool metal against her skin.

    Then, slowly¡ªhesitantly¡ªshe undid the first button.

 Chapter 50 - 50: Taste Of Flesh That Reeks Of Sin

    As Isabelle''s fingers lingered on the first button, a hush fell over the room, the air thick with anticipation and tension.

    She drew in a long, quivering breath, letting her fingers dance delicately over the next button, her movements an art of seduction veiled in reluctance.

    Each button surrendered under her touch with a whisper of fabric, revealing more of her porcelain skin, which seemed almost luminescent in the dim light of the room.

    The uniform parted slowly, revealing the smooth expanse of her collarbone, then the gentle curve of her shoulders. Her skin was like silk, unmarred and glowing, contrasting starkly against the dark fabric of her uniform.

    She paused again, her eyes lifting just enough to catch Cassius''s gaze, a silent acknowledgement of the power he held over her¡ªa power she was willingly, thrillingly, submitting to.

    With each button undone, more of her body was unveiled. The uniform slid off her shoulders, hanging loosely around her arms, exposing the delicate lace of her bra, a garment chosen for its ability to tease and conceal in equal measure.

    Her breasts strained against the delicate lace, the fabric barely managing to hold in the fullness of her flesh. With every excited breath, the shadows between her breasts grew darker, her nipples visibly hardening beneath the thin material, teasing with each rise and fall of her chest.

    Her fingers moved to her waist, where the fabric clung to her form like a second skin. She tugged gently, allowing the uniform to slip further, revealing her slender waist and the hint of her hips. As the material cascaded down, pooling at her feet like a dark puddle, her plump, round butt was unveiled, the curves accentuated by the tight, delicate lace of her underwear and the straps of her garter belt.

    The garter belt itself was an intricate web of black lace and straps, hugging her hips and drawing the eye down to where her stockings ended, just above the knee, with a teasing promise of what lay hidden beneath.

    She finally stood there, now only in her undergarments, the air feeling cooler against her exposed skin, her body language a mix of feigned shame and underlying desire.

    Her skin seemed to glow with a blush of excitement, her cheeks tinged with color, her blue eyes bright with a mix of fear and thrill, all under the piercing gaze of Cassius.

    The room, filled with silent observers, seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable as Isabelle stood, half-clothed, a vision of both innocence and seduction, her body a canvas of contrasts between the dark lace and her pale, perfect skin.

    Cassius, a smile playing on his lips like the prelude to sin, spoke with a voice thick with desire,

    "I don''t mean to sound rude or direct, Isabelle, but your body truly is a masterpiece...Perhaps you should wear this attire more often; it suits you far better than the mundane maid uniform."

    His words sent a ripple of scandalised whispers through the room, the other women viewing him with a mix of horror and fascination at his depravity. Isabelle, for her part, managed a soft blush, her eyes darting away in feigned modesty, though her heart raced with a secret thrill.

    He then approached her with the confidence of a man claiming what he believed was his by right, his gaze locked onto her ample breasts, which seemed to strain against the confines of her lace bra as he said, Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Especially your breasts...They are breathtaking, so full they seem to defy the very fabric that holds them."

    With deliberate slowness, Cassius reached out, his hands cupping her breasts from below, lifting them gently as if he were handling the rarest of treasures.

    Lift~

    Isabelle''s breath hastened, her cheeks deepening in colour, her body betraying her with a shiver of anticipation.

    His touch was slow and meticulous. His palms pressed against the soft flesh, fingers spreading to feel every contour.

    Carress~ Grope~

    He kneaded her breasts with a rhythm that was almost hypnotic, his movements languid as if savouring every sensation.

    "They''ve grown so bountiful, thanks to the generous meals the Holyfield household has provided." He uttered, his voice a velvet caress. "You surely wouldn''t see something like this in a common village and their malnourished diet."

    Cassius''s hands moved with an erotic precision, lifting her breasts, then letting them fall slightly to watch how they moved, the weight and bounce of them captured in his hands.

    "Ahnnn!?~ Uaghh!?~"

    He would press his fingers together, watching how the flesh of her breasts spilt around them, then relax, allowing them to regain their shape, only to repeat the process, each time with a different angle, a different pressure.

    "Hmm!?~ Hnnn!?~"

    Isabelle''s nipples, now hard peaks under his touch, betrayed her arousal, visible through the thin fabric. His thumbs brushed over them, causing her to gasp softly, the sound mingling with the silence of the room.

    "Ah!?~ Ahnn!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Each touch sent a tremor through her that made her whimper out; he would lift one breast, letting the other fall, then switch, his hands never still, always exploring, always claiming.

    The room watched, some in disbelief, others with a voyeuristic fascination, as Cassius''s hands danced over her, each movement slow, each squeeze deliberate, drawing out the moment, the tension, the raw eroticism of his possession.

    Isabelle stood there, a portrait of conflicting emotions, her body responding to his touch with an undeniable eagerness, even as she tried to maintain the facade of reluctance, her chest heaving with shallow, excited breaths, a flush spreading down her neck, a silent testament to the pleasure his touch evoked.

    But just as the crowd thought that Cassius would be immersed by her plump breasts that were still covered up, he stopped and cast her a solemn gaze as he said,

    "Isabelle...Even after all the sumptuous gifts the Holyfield household has lavished upon you¡ªafter every decadent luxury that has sculpted your plump, enticing form¡ªyou have still chosen to betray the very house that has fed you. "

    A ripple of whispers coursed through the gathered crowd, their eyes locked on the scene unfolding before them. Yet Cassius, ever the master of his performance, raised a hand to silence even their unspoken judgments.

    A wry, predatory smile then curved his lips as he continued, his tone now dripping with derisive amusement.

    "Yet, fortune smiles upon me, as even though you and this body of yours have chosen to betray me, it turns out that actually works in favour of me."

    "You see, I was raised with a discerning palate, sampling every kind of meat one might imagine: from the most common of birds to the rarest of reptiles. Over time, I''ve grown weary of such mundane and exotic flavours alike." His gaze swept slowly over Isabelle''s luscious curves, lingering on the soft swell of her breasts beneath the thin lace of her undergarments. "But tonight..." He continued, a smug smile playing at his lips, "tonight I am truly exhilarated. For I have the rare privilege of feasting upon plump, fatty meat¡ªso thoroughly marbled by greed and desire that it promises a taste beyond any I have known before."

    "...It would be unthinkable to refuse such an exquisite feast, would it not?"

    Isabelle''s lips trembled as his words brushed over her, a shiver of both fear and forbidden delight racing through her. Though every fibre of her being ached to yield to him, the role demanded that she feign reluctant protest.

    A soft, trembling "M-Master please...Y-You can''t..." escaped her lips¡ªa pitiful murmur meant to echo the image of a betrayed soul, even as her eyes betrayed a secret hunger for his touch.

    And before she could utter another syllable, Cassius strode purposefully toward a richly carved chair set in the centre of the room. With the ease of a man well accustomed to commanding both desire and dread, he reached out and seized her wrist.

    "Come now." He commanded, his voice a silken mixture of authority and indulgence. "Follow me so that I may have a taste of the sins that your body holds and so that I can figure out if treacherous desire tastes sweet or spicy."

    The crowd gasped audibly, their collective shock mingling with an almost tangible anticipation.

    Isabelle''s heart pounded wildly¡ªevery instinct urged her to comply with the forbidden pleasure that coursed through her, yet the guise demanded that she feign resistance.

    She pulled away, her tone laced with an act of desperate protest, "Master, please...I-I don''t want to ¡ª"

    But Cassius was unyielding. With a swift, almost casual motion that belied the intensity of his command, he swept her aside and dragged her to the waiting chair.

    As he lowered himself onto its cushions, he extended his hand toward his lap and said, "Sit." His single word was a decree¡ªa silent edict that brooked no argument.

    For a suspended moment, Isabelle hesitated. Her eyes flickered with that secret longing¡ªthe undeniable pull toward him¡ªyet she mustered another pitiful, feigned protest, her voice soft and tremulous, "Master...I...I must protest¡ª"

    But no matter what she said, Cassius''s gaze flashed with a dangerous, possessive heat as he silenced her with a firm, almost imperious pat on his lap.

    "No more words, Isabelle." He declared, his tone both tender and merciless. "Your role here in this mansion is that of a chef who makes delicacies for her master, and as your master, I say that I want to have a taste of your obnoxious breasts."

    "...So keep your mouth shut and quickly seat yourself on my lap, as your young master here is hungry, and he''s in the mood to eat some tender, fatty meat."

    His eyes roved over her form, lingering on the gentle rise and fall of her exposed breasts, the delicate curve of her thighs, every inch of her a canvas for his dark indulgence.

    With the gathered crowd watching in a mix of scandal and voyeuristic fascination, Isabelle''s resolve crumbled.

    Unable to resist the hypnotic magnetism of his command¡ªno matter how much she had to feign despair¡ªshe allowed herself to slide onto his lap.

    In that charged instant, her plump thighs nestled against his strong legs, and the soft lace of her undergarments brushed intimately against his chest.

    Cassius''s eyes danced with impish mischief as he grinned down at Isabelle, his tone relaxed and playfully direct.

    "Alright, my dear maid, it''s time to indulge in some meat that''s been marinated in sin and desire."

    And then without even waiting for a reply, he reached out and deftly unclasped the delicate hook of her lace bra, tugging it down from her shoulder. In one smooth motion, the garment slipped away, revealing her full, sumptuous breasts to the spellbound onlookers.

    Drop~ Bounce~

    For a breathless moment, the room fell silent as Isabelle''s ample bosom was laid bare.

    Her breasts, lush and rounded in all their uninhibited splendour, were the very picture of decadence. They were large and irresistibly plump¡ªeach mound a soft, smooth expanse of pale, inviting skin that seemed to glow under the dim light. The gentle curve of her cleavage, accentuated by the way her skin caught the light, made them look as if they were sculpted by desire itself.

    Cassius''s gaze roamed hungrily over her exposed flesh as he murmured with direct, unabashed pleasure, "Isabelle, look at these beauties. They''re so full, so incredibly plump¡ªthey''re like the finest cut of meat I''ve ever seen." His voice was casual yet laced with a possessive edge, as if every word were a promise of indulgence.

    His hand, confident and teasing, traced the soft, enticing outline of her upper mound. The subtle swell of her breasts beckoned him; their softness was heightened by the way her nipples, already hardened into playful little peaks at his touch, stood out in stark contrast against her smooth skin.

    "Seriously..." He continued with a roguish chuckle, "I''ve been raised on nothing but the best, and tonight I finally get to feast on something truly otherworldly. These breasts¡ªthey''re like ripe, irresistible fruit, begging to be savored."

    His fingers caressed the gentle curve of her flesh, and every soft squeeze and lingering touch underlined his intent to enjoy every inch of her.

    And while the crowd was in disbelief at what was going on, in a hushed, conspiratorial tone meant only for her ears, Cassius leaned in close and murmured, "Isabelle, are you ready for what''s coming next? After this, I won''t stop, and the intensity will only build." He made sure his low, intimate words went unheard by the others, his gaze locked solely on her.

    A gentle smile curved Isabelle''s lips, her eyes glimmering with anticipation. In a soft, sultry reply, she whispered, "I''m ready for anything you''ll give me, Young Master."

    "...E-Even if it means devouring these breasts, I wouldn''t mind and would happily offer them to you."

    With a teasing lift of her delicate hands and a creeping blush on her cheeks, she highlighted the generous fullness of her bosom. Her ample breasts, already revealed in their voluptuous glory, now seemed to command even more attention.

    The soft, supple curves contrasted beautifully with the pale, smooth skin, while her pert pink nipples¡ªperfect little peaks of desire¡ªstood boldly, a tantalising promise against the delicate lace that had just barely shielded them.

    At her words, Cassius''s playful smile deepened into something wicked and inviting.

    And without any further hesitation, he let his eyes trail appreciatively over the exposed curves before him. Then, with an impulsive burst of lustful energy, he leaned forward and captured one of her plump mounds in his warm mouth...

 Chapter 51 - 51: Unexpected Reactions

    Cassius''s lips enveloped Isabelle''s nipple, pressing warmly against her skin. He sucked it into his mouth with a hunger that was almost feral, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak, teasing it with deliberate strokes.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    The warmth of his mouth, the wet heat of his tongue, and the gentle suction he applied made Isabelle''s breath tremble.

    He focused solely on her nipple, his lips tugging lightly, pulling it deeper into his mouth, his tongue flicking back and forth, then circling with a slow, torturous pace. Each movement was designed to tease out her pleasure, to make her squirm with desire.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    He sucked harder, drawing her nipple out further, making it glisten with his saliva before letting it pop free from his lips only to claim it again with renewed vigor. The suction was intense, the sound of it filling the room, a primal, erotic symphony.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    His tongue would then dance over the tip, lapping at it, then flicking it with a rapid, teasing motion that had Isabelle''s toes curling.

    He alternated between sucking deeply, pulling her nipple into the cavern of his mouth, and then releasing it with a soft pop, only to immediately attack it again with his tongue.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    The sensation was maddening, each suck, each lick sending waves of pleasure coursing through her, her nipple now a hard, throbbing point of ecstasy under his antics.

    "Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~"

    Isabelle felt a rush of foreign, tingling warmth course through her body as his lips closed around her nipple.

    It was the first time anyone had lavished her with such attention, and her inexperience only seemed to heighten each sensation.

    A cascade of soft whimpers tumbled from her lips, although she fought to stifle them, embarrassed by how loud she might sound in the quiet room. Yet she couldn''t deny how pleasurable it was¡ªher flesh growing exquisitely sensitive beneath his mouth, her heart pounding as if it might burst from her chest.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    But despite the trembling excitement that made her toes curl, Isabelle found herself unexpectedly enchanted by the sight of him.

    In the midst of this undeniably heated act, he looked almost vulnerable¡ªa determined devotion clear in the way he suckled and licked at her. An odd affection bubbled up inside her at that moment: she wanted to reach out and stroke his hair, to reward him with a gentle pat for pleasing her so deeply.

    But she knew her place, aware that such a gesture would break the unspoken rules between them.

    So, she gripped the clothes on his back instead, fingers twisting in the fabric as he released her first nipple¡ªnow swollen and glistening with his saliva, a new pulse of excitement shot through her when he shifted his focus to the other breast.

    But this time he didn''t immediately start sucking her milkers like a madman, and instead he cupped it gently, lifting it as though admiring the soft weight in his hand.

    His eyes flicked upward, and Isabelle felt a blush burn across her cheeks when she realized he was watching her reaction. She was already panting, her breath catching every time he moved, and his unwavering gaze only pushed her excitement higher.

    Maintaining that smouldering eye contact, he then to her surprise brought his lips down to place a single, tender kiss on her pink nipple.

    Kiss!?~

    It was an unexpectedly sweet, almost chaste gesture that sent a molten pulse of heat coursing through Isabelle''s veins.

    And to her own surprise, the nipple¡ªalready stiff with arousal¡ªseemed to tighten further under his warm breath and the softness of that kiss.

    Cassius, noticing this, gave a quiet, knowing chuckle, clearly pleased by her body''s immediate response.

    And then with a care that bordered on reverence, he began planting a series of slow, lingering kisses around her areola, like he was worshipping her flesh. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Mmm!?~ Smooch!?~ Ahhh!?~ Kiss!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    Each press of his lips radiated a delicious warmth, and Isabelle could feel her pulse beating frantically just beneath her skin.

    "Mwah!?~ Slurp!?~ Ohh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmm!?~"

    In that moment, he seemed like the most attentive, devoted lover she could ever imagine¡ªhis mouth moving in time with her shuddering breaths, as though reading her every desire.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    Then, his attention turned to the nipple itself¡ªnow glistening and even more prominent than before.

    He nuzzled it playfully, letting her feel the fleeting brush of his warm breath before enveloping the hardened bud in a gentle suction.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    The sensation was electrifying: a slow, tantalizing pull that made her gasp out loud.

    Isabelle squeezed her eyes shut, teeth biting down on her lower lip, trying not to moan too eagerly. Each pull of his lips, each swirl of his tongue coaxed another wave of pleasure through her body, her legs trembling from the sheer intensity.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    She felt his soft, wet mouth leave behind faint little love-marks wherever he kissed or sucked, each one a tiny jolt that deepened her need.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Goosebumps rose along her arms, and her thoughts spiraled into nothing but the rhythmic motion of Cassius''s lips and tongue.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    When he finally let her nipple slip free, she shivered at the rush of cool air, only for him to capture the swollen flesh again a heartbeat later¡ªhis determined mouth returning with an intoxicating blend of tender kisses and sensual suction.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    A fierce wanting also swelled in Isabelle''s body at by this time.

    She had never been touched like this before, never realized how each focused lick, each playful nibble could unravel her so completely.

    Part of her yearned to tangle her fingers in his hair, to guide him or maybe just pet him adoringly for the exquisite pleasure he was bestowing.

    But she held back, her mind spinning with the knowledge that any breach of decorum was off-limits. Instead, she simply surrendered to the flood of sensations and let her young master, who seemed so adorable like her little brother, especially since he was quite younger than her, spoil her body that was on the verge of an outbreak.

    And already overwhelmed by the cascade of sensations, Isabelle felt herself teetering on the edge of ecstasy when Cassius decided to elevate the experience further.

    With a gentle yet firm grip, he lifted her breasts above his head, taking a moment to admire them from below, the view of her full, heavy orbs both a sight and a promise of what was to come.

    Lift~

    The cool air contrasted sharply with the heat of her skin, but it was his tongue that truly sent shockwaves through her.

    "Ahhh!?~ Noo!?~"

    He began to lick the area beneath her breasts, tasting the salty tang of her sweat, an intimate act that was both shocking and deeply arousing. The sensation was unlike anything she''d experienced, his tongue exploring the sensitive, hidden skin that rarely saw the light, sending tremors through her body like ripples in a pond.

    "Ahhh!?~ Stop!?~ Mmph!?~ Y-You shouldn''t!?~ Nnn!?~ Oooh!?~"

    Isabelle, feeling the rush of embarrassment and an odd sense of cleanliness being violated, attempted to protest, her voice a mixture of shock and desire,

    "Master, no, you can''t do that!?~"

    But her words were cut short when Cassius, with a playful yet possessive bite, nipped at her flesh. The bite was a blend of pain and pleasure, eliciting a whimper from her, a sound that was both a plea and an invitation.

    "Oooh!?~ You can''t!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmm!?~ Nooo! ?~"

    Each time she squirmed in self-conscious protest, he responded with that mischievous little bite¡ªnever harsh enough to truly hurt, but enough to command her submission. It was as though he enjoyed coaxing out these involuntary sounds from her, savoring each gasp and whimper.

    "Nooo!?~ Don''t!?~ Suck!?~ Y-You naughty thing!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Isabelle quickly found herself torn between the urge to sink into the sensations coursing through her and the urge to preserve some shred of dignity.

    Yet the arousal flooding her system only grew more potent with every lick and playful bite.

    Cassius, for his part, seemed enthralled by her reactions. He continued to kiss and lick the perspiring underside of her breast, leaving slight impressions from his teeth that flared into delicious warmth once his mouth moved on.

    In that moment of vulnerability, Isabelle felt her own body betray her embarrassment¡ªher back arching, her breath growing ragged, her lips parted in a silent moan.

    Between the slick heat of his tongue and the teasing pressure of his bites, she could hardly think straight. Every nerve in her body seemed attuned to his playful getsures, and her chest began rising and falling more rapidly in a desperate attempt to steady herself.

    Eventually, Cassius paused just long enough to glance up, a glint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

    The sight made Isabelle''s heart flutter¡ªand also reminded her that, for all his domineering confidence, there was something adorably intent about the way he studied her reactions.

    The realization that he found her worthy of such focused desire sent another flush of heat across her cheeks.

    Then, without breaking eye contact, he pressed another lingering, sensual kiss to that spot beneath her breast.

    Kiss!?~

    A shiver ran the length of her spine, and she let out a shaky exhalation that hitched in her throat.

    Despite the swirling mix of mortification and growing excitement, she couldn''t deny that Cassius''s attentions were eroding any sense of restraint she might have had left.

    By the time he finished, Isabelle''s chest felt hypersensitive¡ªthe slight weight of her own breasts suddenly exquisite, each brush of air against her sweat-kissed skin setting off tiny tremors of pleasure.

    She realized with a burst of self-consciousness that she was trembling so much she could barely remain upright. His gaze, meanwhile, promised that he was far from finished, and the knowledge sent a fresh surge of warmth straight to her lower body.

    Cassius allowed himself a self-satisfied smile as he admired Isabelle''s trembling figure. Every taste of her skin, every quiver of her body, had been more intoxicating than the last, and he caught himself thinking he could suck and nibble at her sweet flesh all day.

    The warmth of her, the slight saltiness of her sweat, and the enticing way she arched under his mouth were more addictive than any flavor he''d experienced.

    But he drew in a deep breath, reminding himself that there was a larger scheme at play.

    Just moments ago, he''d nearly forgotten they had an audience¡ªso lost was he in the fever of his own desire.

    But a quick glance around the room was all it took for him to recall the circle of maids standing at a careful distance, their gazes fixed on the scene he was orchestrating.

    Originally, he''d envisioned how they would recoil in fear or outrage.

    He''d imagined shocked gasps, trembling shoulders, perhaps even some of them fleeing from the room in horror at his brazen behavior.

    After all, what he was doing with Isabelle, was meant to push boundaries, to make the rest of the staff wary and uneasy, to rattle secrets out of them knowing that they could be next to suffer such a humiliating experience.

    ''Haha...They must be imagining how it would feel to be in her place right? How horrible it would feel if I tease them in front of everyone and sucked on their body like a filthy dog in heat?'' The thought brought him a smug sense of victory.

    ''Yes, fear me!'' He wanted to project. ''Fear the lengths I''ll go to, so you''ll finally confess.''

    But as his gaze settled on the watching maids, that smugness cracked as his face contorted in disbelief.

    Instead of the revulsion or terror he had counted on, he noticed flushed cheeks and wavering eyes to his utter dismay.

    Even worse, some of them appeared fascinated, even enraptured by the sight.

    Like he spotted one maid biting her lip, her feet shifting awkwardly as though she were trying to rub away an ache between her legs. Another seemed to be unconsciously clenching and unclenching her thighs.

    Others had turned their gazes to the side, a pinkish hue coloring their faces, but they still peeked every few seconds¡ªunable to tear their eyes away entirely.

    The possibility that they were...enjoying this... hadn''t occurred to him.

    ''W-What''s going on? Why are they reacting like this?...It''s not like they''re shy little girls who have never witnessed such intimate acts.''

    He reasoned as many of them were older or married¡ªsurely not new to the intimacies of the bedroom.

    ...So how could this scene be making them blush with excitement rather than shrink back in terror?

    A flicker of confusion passed across his features, chasing away the self-assured grin. He took in the maids reactions more carefully: wide eyes, parted lips, shallow breathing.

    Even as some of them tried to hide their faces, it was clear many were deeply flustered, perhaps aroused.

    ''W-What in the world?'' Cassius wondered, momentarily forgetting his big plan.

    He had counted on fear, on condemnation¡ªon them thinking he was depraved beyond measure.

    But now they were looking at him almost as if...as if they wanted more.

 Chapter 52 - 52: Depravity Turned To Comedy

    While Cassius stood there, silently wrestling with the difference between what he''d expected of the onlooking maids and the reality of their intrigued, even aroused, reactions, the truth of the matter ran much deeper than he could have guessed.

    In fact, Cassius¡ªand the inexperienced Isabelle, too¡ªremained unaware of the full scope of the maids'' thoughts.

    The truth was that the women who encircled them weren''t foolish or indiscriminate; they prided themselves on belonging to a prestigious household, maintaining both their dignity and discipline in public settings.

    They had no desire to behave like a gaggle of gossiping, wide-eyed girls at the slightest hint of impropriety.

    Yet it was precisely this performance¡ªthe slow, intimate way Cassius had lavished attention on Isabelle¡ªthat stirred something in them that was far from common.

    To understand why, one must know how :making love'' worked in this world.

    Here, men approached sex less as mutual pleasure or an affirmation of affection and more as a matter of establishing dominance¡ªand, above all else, furthering their bloodline.

    These men placed procreation first in every sexual encounter, aiming to merge with the woman, impregnate her, and thus secure their lineage. Once their own goal was met, the act was, for them, largely complete. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    To put it into perspective in this world, sexual encounters tended to mirror the raw efficiency of animal mating: swift, driven by a nearly single-minded aggression, and concerned solely with the goal of impregnation.

    A man would mount his partner with mechanical urgency¡ªhardly bothering to spare a word or glance for her enjoyment¡ªrushing toward his own release so the ''task'' would be done. Pain, or at least discomfort, was common for the woman, and there was rarely any sense of shared intimacy or affection.

    Everything was reduced to a cold, almost brutal transaction of flesh. This left most of the women they bedded unfulfilled.

    The sex itself often defaulted to dry, functional positions¡ªlike a predictable, bare-minimum missionary, devoid of tenderness or concern for the woman''s enjoyment.

    Men sought control over their partner and satisfaction for themselves but rarely gave thought to the other person''s pleasure.

    As long as their purpose was achieved, the rest was irrelevant.

    So, while there was no shortage of married maids or those in relationships, it wasn''t as if they were accustomed to any particularly fulfilling intimacy. If anything, most knew sex in the deeply traditional way of this world¡ªroutine, brief, and impersonal.

    Few, if any, had experienced the kind of slow, thorough attention Cassius was giving Isabelle: the tender tasting of skin, the deliberate exploration of her body, the lingering desire to discover her every response.

    Such genuine focus on a lover''s pleasure was, for many of them, only a rumour or fantasy.

    That was why, instead of looking at Cassius with fear or scorn, the maids found themselves both stunned and inexplicably enthralled. They had never seen a man teasing a woman''s body in such a careful, almost reverent manner.

    In their eyes, it was so foreign, so different from the cold, duty-focused encounters they had grown used to. With each heated glance they stole, they recognised a level of sensual care and indulgence that none of their husbands or partners ever attempted to provide.

    As a result, even those who believed themselves steeled against witnessing such acts felt subtle waves of longing and curiosity. They found themselves blushing because the scene on display awakened cravings they''d never quite identified in themselves: to be devoured in slow, deliberate kisses, to feel a lover''s mouth trailing along their skin simply for the sake of pleasure.

    Some unconsciously clenched their thighs because, for the first time, they were watching a coupling where the woman''s enjoyment was not merely an afterthought but a focal point.

    And all the while, Cassius, caught in the thrall of his plan, remained blissfully unaware of this cultural gap.

    He had expected disgust, shock, and fear.

    Never in his wildest schemes had he imagined his audience would respond with quiet fascination, their body language revealing intrigue and even envy at the thoroughness of his attention to Isabelle.

    Had he understood the true nature of most men''s approach to intimacy in this world, he might have anticipated that his display would seem enthralling rather than appalling. Instead, he stood there, perplexed, his plans hovering on the edge of unraveling¡ªall because he''d misjudged what these women longed to see.

    Cassius sat still, forcing himself to reclaim that haughty, commanding demeanour, and he tried to ignore the flurry of conflicting reactions he''d glimpsed among the maids.

    ''I''m just overthinking their looks. They must be horrified, just better at hiding it than I gave them credit for.''

    Cassius thought, and if there was doubt lingering in his mind, he resolved to banish it by pressing forward, determined to see his plan through.

    So, with newfound resolve, he cast a sharp look up at Isabelle, who was still catching her breath in the aftermath of his attentions.

    Her chest rose and fell unevenly, the faint sheen of perspiration along her collarbones and underside of her breasts glistening under the light.

    And at his silent gaze, she looked down, eyes wide, cheeks still painted with embarrassment.

    Cassius then cleared his throat and announced in a voice meant to echo across the hall, "You''ve proven to be quite an indulgence, Isabelle. The taste of your so-called ''sinned flesh'' has been...exquisite to say the least."

    His lips curved, attempting a show of haughty satisfaction, but there was genuine heat behind his words.

    He then shifted his gaze toward his lap that had suddenly become really wet and slippery due to some fluids dripping down onto it, recalling the unmistakable warmth he had felt and continued saying,

    "And it appears you enjoyed yourself as well, Isabelle, even though this was supposed to be your punishment."

    "...I could practically feel how ''aroused'' you were, even through your clothes."

    That brazen statement made Isabelle''s face flare crimson. She quickly dropped a hand over her crotch as though trying to hide that telltale evidence.

    Never had she imagined being so exposed before her master¡ªlet alone the entire gathering of staff. Embarrassment rushed through her, so strong it nearly rivaled the lingering pleasure thrumming in her veins.

    But the effect on the audience of maids was even more dramatic.

    Collective gasps filled the air, blending with murmured exclamations as some women covered their mouths in shock. Others pressed their thighs together nervously, a few audibly swallowing as if trying to keep their own excitement at bay.

    For them, merely hearing of a woman''s body responding so openly¡ªso obviously¡ªwas nearly legendary. It was one thing to suspect men could, in theory, bring a partner to that kind of arousal; it was another to see and hear living proof of it.

    Cassius caught sight of their reactions, and his confidence almost faltered again.

    ''Why in the world do they look so...captivated?'' He wondered. ''Are they truly enthralled rather than horrified?''

    The confusion roiled inside him, threatening to break his composure. Still, he steadied himself, unwilling to let the moment slip through his fingers.

    If they weren''t yet cowering, then by all means, he would force them further into the realm of scandal¡ªsurely that would achieve the intimidation he needed.

    Meeting Isabelle''s gaze once more, he allowed his voice to deepen in a provocative command.

    "You''ve had your fun." He purred, intentionally emphasizing the word to heighten her blush. And then with a casual downward tilt of his head, he indicated the now¡ªprominent bulge straining against his trousers.

    "...So now I think it''s time for you to return the favour with those very tender breasts of yours, if you know what I mean, my dear maid." Cassius said with a lecherous look in his eyes, thinking that he had finally managed to frighten the crowd with his statement.

    Yet, even as he silently congratulated himself on setting the stage for pure shock, the faintly ragged breathing and pink-cheeked interest of his audience remained.

    Some pressed trembling fingers to parted lips; others fidgeted with their skirts. And none of them were showing the horrified expressions he was sure he should be seeing.

    If anything, the heat in their gazes only grew more intense as they realised what was about to happen next. He even caught sight of a maid near the front¡ªsomeone older, with greying temples, lowering her eyes in embarrassed fascination, her cheeks flushed a light rose colour.

    It was unbelievable, to say the least, and it spurred a fresh wave of uncertainty inside him.

    But then, what truly threw him into disarray was Isabelle''s next move.

    Instead of the protests and feigned outrage he had expected her to act out after hearing what he asked her to do, Isabelle, with her cheeks still flushed from the intensity of their encounter, slipped off his lap with a tenderness that was utterly unscripted.

    Her eyes, heavy-lidded and filled with a lustful intent, held his as she gracefully descended to her knees before him on the cold, hard floor.

    Cassius''s jaw slackened in shock.

    This was not how it was supposed to go; she was meant to be defiant, to play the part of the unwilling, to make the others fear their own potential punishments.

    Yet, here she was, her obedience unexpected, her submission overwhelming.

    Now, why was she suddenly acting like she completely forgot the plans in mind?

    Well, after the intense bout of pleasure, Isabelle''s mind was a whirl of emotions and sensations, all rational thought drowned by the throb of desire and loyalty to her master.

    So when he had spoken of her returning the favour, she didn''t hesitate; her role, her act of reluctance, was forgotten in the heat of the moment.

    She knelt before him, her position one of complete surrender, her gaze fixed on his crotch with a hunger that was visible, her earlier defiance replaced by an eager willingness to serve.

    Cassius also tried to remind her of what was going on and did his best to glare at Isabelle with the kind of imperial superiority a noble was known for. But Isabelle didn''t seem to notice and simply sat quietly on her knees, her cheeks flushed a charming pink, looking up at him in a way that defied any notion of reluctance to his dismay.

    Slowly, he became aware that his mouth was hanging open just a little. He snapped it shut, trying to think of something ominous or menacing to say in a last-ditch effort to seize control.

    "Ahem." He coughed and said in what he hoped was a threatening baritone. "Isabelle, you you...are hardly in a position to¡ª"

    But before he could continue, he paused, lost for words, because she was barely listening to his stumbling attempt at intimidation.

    Her gaze had once again dropped to the unmistakable bulge at the front of his trousers, and the bright sparkle in her eyes unmistakably said:

    Yes, Master, I see exactly what you need.

    Mortified, Cassius risked another quick look at his staff. And unfortunately, the audience seemed even more enthralled by this unexpected twist.

    One maid had clasped her hands over her heart, gazing at them with a mixture of shock and...approval? Another was biting her lip like she couldn''t decide if this was scandalous or the best performance she''d ever witnessed.

    ''T-This is escalating so fast.'' He lamented internally.

    A hundred cautionary thoughts raced through his head: Stop her before it goes any further...Remind the maids that they should be cowering...Glare more...Do something.

    But even that thought process when a stray whisper reached his ears¡ªtwo maids covertly whispering to each other:

    "She''s so bold, isn''t she?"

    "I-I can''t believe this is happening in front of us...But...Oh my, why does my body feel so hot while watching it."

    "I know, right? Is it supposed to look...so, um, sensual? I didn''t think men ever cared about well, you know...foreplay and were always rough with their ways."

    Cassius swallowed a groan, fiercely determined to block out the rest.

    ''Is it too late to put the cat back in the bag?'' He thought as he hadn''t meant for this kind of scandal.

    He''d meant for another kind of scandal.

    Yet, there he was, perched in a chair like an unwitting monarch overseeing the strangest display of loyalty he''d ever seen, with a circle of heated onlookers apparently enthralled in a theatrical performance he never rehearsed.

    And Isabelle, with every trembling breath and gentle, obedient movement, was happily abandoning any notion of protest to serve him in the most public, shameless way possible.

    A wave of self-consciousness washed over him, overshadowed only by the bizarre sense of comedic irony swirling in the back of his mind.

    This was supposed to be a carefully orchestrated spectacle of depravity.

    ...But now it was practically turning into an erotic comedy.

 Chapter 53 - 53: Keep Your Eyes On Mine

    Cassius braced himself and forced down the flustered mess his mind threatened to become. Enough, he told himself, trying to claw back the iron-fisted demeanour he''d cultivated for so long.

    He needed to escalate, to be more aggressive, more shameless¡ªthen surely the maids would recoil in horror...Or so his reasoning went.

    So with a sharp glare down at the kneeling Isabelle, he adopted a colder, haughtier tone.

    "It seems like you''re quite eager to follow my words, Isabelle, even though you looked so reluctant earlier." He said, letting a sneer tug at his lips. "So, since you''re so avid to serve your master, you can start by taking out my cock and putting those fat tits of yours to good use."

    He felt a small spike of triumph at how harsh his words sounded.

    ''That should do it...No one would think a man commanding his maid so crudely was attractive in any way, right?''

    It was all the arrogance and depravity of a man who cared only for his own pleasure¡ªexactly the image he wanted to project.

    But instead of the wave of revulsion he expected, he heard a collective intake of breath from the onlooking maids.

    Far from looking offended, more than a few of them looked...intrigued.

    ''Did I just hear a quiet sigh of longing from somewhere off to his left?'' Cassius almost lost his composure again. ''Why on earth are they¡ª?'' He promptly squashed the thought.

    ''No matter how they act.'' He assured himself. ''Just keep going, and they''ll surely succumb..''

    Meanwhile, Isabelle, who had been borderline hypnotised by the sight of his boner in his pants, snapped instantly to attention at his words.

    The roughness of his tone seemed to thrill her, if anything. She nodded eagerly¡ªtoo eagerly¡ªand reached for the waistband of his trousers with trembling fingers. Cassius tried to maintain a smug expression, but he could practically feel his heart hammering in his chest.

    She then tugged downward, and his rock-hard penis sprang free into the open air.

    Whoosh~

    The sudden reveal drew a loud, collective gasp that ricocheted around the room.

    Several maids clamped hands over their mouths; others stared wide-eyed, cheeks going from pink to scarlet in the span of a heartbeat.

    He even caught glimpses of a few extending their index fingers, as though measuring in the air, with baffled looks that said: That''s...bigger than my...?

    Cassius bit back a bark of incredulous laughter at the absurdity of it all.

    ''Are they really comparing me to their husbands right now?'' He thought, completely torn between embarrassment and an odd sense of pride he couldn''t suppress. He picked up whispers here and there:

    "Gods, that''s...well, it''s bigger than I expected

    "Do men even get that large?! I mean, is he even human at that point and not a full-on stallion¡ª"

    "My husband...W-Well, never mind."

    Their reactions, rather than sending them scurrying away in fear or disgust, seemed only to stoke the weird, mounting fervour in the room.

    Some of the younger maids looked as though they might faint at any moment. The older ones fanned themselves more intensely, some giving each other sidelong glances that practically screamed: That was a unexpected surprise...but a pleasant, one nontheless.

    Inwardly, Cassius was teetering on the edge of his own composure. This entire plan was sliding further out of control by the second.

    Still, he clung to the idea that if he simply pressed onwards with his show of dominance¡ªkept it shocking and over the top, someone, somewhere, had to recoil in horror.

    ...Right?

    He then fixed his gaze on Isabelle, who, for her part, couldn''t peel her eyes away from his now¡ªexposed member. He watched her gulp, her lips parting in an almost disbelieving fascination.

    The flush on her cheeks deepened, a pink that spread down her neck, and her breath came in shallow gasps.

    Despite his determination to stay stern, Cassius''s own pulse kicked up another notch. Isabelle''s undisguised eagerness was...well, it was extremely difficult not to be affected.

    He straightened and forced a smirk, doing his best to exude arrogance instead of confusion.

    ''Yes, that''s it. Keep acting like the depraved noble you''re supposed to be, and eventually they''ll see this is a debaucherous act.'' He told himself one last time.

    He then forced himself to look down at Isabelle''s naked breasts and, in as cool a tone as he could manage, demanded. "Are you going to keep staring at it all day, or are you going to begin already?...My cock is going to start withering at this rate and shrivel up like a ballsack."

    That snapped Isabelle out of her daze. She blinked rapidly, her cheeks glowing hot as she tore her gaze away from his exposed length.

    Yes, she''d seen it before, but never quite like this, surrounded by the entire household staff.

    With a stammered apology and a deep breath, she scooted closer, intent on pleasing him as she''d been told...only to freeze at the crucial moment.

    ''W-Wait, what exactly had he ordered her to do?''

    Isabelle knew the words ''use those fat tits of yours to please me'', but she had no idea what that actually entailed.

    She leaned back slightly to glance at her own generous cleavage, then looked uncertainly at Cassius''s member, as if trying to puzzle out how, precisely, her breasts might be used in such a way.

    Her confusion was painfully obvious. She squared her shoulders, lowered her head respectfully, and murmured an apology. "Forgive me, Master, but...I-I don''t understand. I''m not sure what you...want me to do with them."

    Behind her, the maids in the audience collectively leaned forward, eyes wide. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''They''re curious, too? Why are they trying to do?...Learn the techniques here and practice them on their husbands?'' Cassius thought, almost losing his composure at the sheer absurdity of the situation.

    He could practically feel the anticipation crackling in the air. It was as if a whole class of students were awaiting a particularly scandalous lesson.

    Ignoring them and then summoning every ounce of swagger he had left, Cassius let out a low, self-satisfied chuckle as he said,

    "Hah. You have the nerve to carry around such sinful assets, Isabelle, yet you don''t even know how to use them?"

    He then, to Isabelle''s surprise, bent down and grabbed Isabelle''s generous breasts in both hands.

    Grope~

    His grip was firm, but not harsh, as he parted them wide enough to reveal the plush valley between. Isabelle let out a soft, mortified squeak, her entire face going beet-red at being handled so openly.

    "Tell me, my beautiful maid." He purred, feigning calm despite the chaotic swirl of emotions in his head. "Do you have any idea what this sweet little hollow is for?" His thumbs brushed the soft skin in a show of familiarity that was supposed to degrade, but ended up looking rather...possessive.

    Isabelle''s breathing grew shallow. She stared at the space he''d created as though it were some mysterious artifact. "I...I-I don''t know, Young Master." She admitted finally, voice quaking with embarrassment.

    Cassius gave a grin he hoped appeared wicked. ''Please let them be appalled now.'' he silently pleaded, then said aloud.

    "Why, of course it''s there to slide a man''s cock right between these lovely cushions. To keep it nice and warm in the cold winter weather." His tone dripped with insolence, clearly intending to scandalise.

    But instead of grimacing in disgust or recoiling, Isabelle just went rigid, her eyes going wide in dawning realization¡ªand, from the look on her flushed face, a distinct sense of excitement.

    As for the maids around them, many appeared even more enraptured. A few exchanged flustered glances, while others attempted to avert their eyes but failed miserably, peeking through parted fingers. Cassius could swear he heard a handful of them exhale in unsteady, heated little gasps.

    ''Of course they''re not horrified...Those damn perverted maids, making me lose the image I''m trying to maintain over and over again.'' He almost groaned aloud, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. ''They''re actually more turned on? Why does this keep happening?''

    Cassius could practically feel a vein pulsing at his temple. The whole situation was bordering on farcical at this point, but he refused to let it rattle him any further.

    ''If they''re all crazy, so be it...I can''t deal with crackheads at the moment.''

    Deciding that there was no point in trying to reason with the entranced maids, he drew in a calming breath and turned his full attention to Isabelle and the task at hand.

    He shot her a glance, voice low and commanding. "Quit dawdling, Isabelle. My cock''s chilled from all this exposure, and you wouldn''t want me falling ill, would you?" He said it with a hint of mockery, as though trying to shame her into immediate action.

    The moment he mentioned the possibility of him getting sick, Isabelle''s eyes went wide with concern.

    "N-No, of course not, Young Master!" She stammered, sounding almost frantic.

    Her worry for his well-being overrode her embarrassment in an instant. With trembling resolve, she rose up a bit taller on her knees, wrapped her hands around her ample breasts, and slowly lowered them over his length.

    Lower~ Push~

    As her soft flesh slid down, she drew a shaky inhale¡ªshe hadn''t realised just how warm he was until that very moment.

    He, meanwhile, watched her breasts envelop him completely, but then, to everyone''s surprise, the head of his member peeked out at the top, right under her chin.

    Isabelle looked down and nearly let out a squeak. She hadn''t expected it to emerge like a little snake coming out of its burrow.

    Unbeknownst to Cassius¡ªwho was now steadfastly ignoring the peanut gallery behind them¡ªthe entire row of onlooking maids was craning their necks to see.

    A series of soft gasps fluttered through the group as they realised he was so large that not even Isabelle''s generous bosom could conceal him fully.

    In unison, more than one woman found herself glancing at her own chest and mentally measuring¡ªsome even pressing their arms together to see if theoretical coverage might be possible.

    The results, from the way they shared wide-eyed, blushing glances, were not encouraging, as they didn''t have the abundant assets Isabelle.

    For his part, Cassius didn''t catch their subtle self-comparisons. He was too focused on Isabelle''s plush warmth now cradling him.

    The sensation tugged at his composure, and he forced himself to speak with detachment. "Well..." He said, arching a brow. "They may be uselessly fat, but at least they make a decent blanket."

    To his further bewilderment, Isabelle actually looked pleased¡ªher cheeks flushing at what was both an insult and a compliment rolled into one.

    If he''d meant to degrade her, she was too relieved and perhaps too smitten to notice. She shifted slightly, hoping to coax more heat into him, determined not to let him catch a chill.

    "That''s better." Cassius remarked, reaching a hand out to smooth his thumb along her cheek with the faintest of smirks. "But I still feel a little cold. Move them around..." He ordered. "...rub them against my cock like you''re trying to warm my body. And.."

    He paused, tilting his head in an almost theatrical display of arrogance as he lowered his gaze directly into Isabelle''s eyes. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, drawn into the tension between them.

    Cassius''s next words came out in a rumbling hum,

    "...while keeping your eyes on mine, I want you to kiss the tip with the utter devotion you owe to your master."

    The hush that fell over the maids was absolute.

    Many of them leaned in as though drawn by a magnet; a few pressed trembling fingertips to their lips in a mixture of curiosity and shock.

    Isabelle''s ears burnt at the scandalous command, but she couldn''t bring herself to defy him.

    Heart pounding, she lifted her face, locking her gaze with his.

    And then, her lips, soft and parted, made contact with the swollen tip of his length in the gentlest, shyest kiss imaginable.

    Kiss~

    A ripple of reaction swept through the spectators, leaving them dizzy with secondhand excitement. One or two actually brought their hands to their chests, as if steadying hearts that threatened to gallop away.

    Cassius, still settled in the chair, lifted his gaze from Isabelle''s trembling lips to the wide, entranced eyes meeting his.

    It took all his willpower to maintain the fa?ade of calm authority, especially given the roiling heat in his veins and the dozens of curious onlookers. For a heartbeat, the entire room seemed suspended in anticipation, as though every maid in the place had briefly forgotten how to breathe.

    "Don''t stop." He uttered another command, letting a hint of huskiness colour his voice. "Keep kissing me just like that until my bulging tip is stained in the beautiful pink colour of your lips."

 Chapter 54 - 54: Unrelenting Kisses

    Isabelle''s cheeks coloured to a deeper shade of rose when she heard his passionate words, but she obeyed him without question.

    Her face lingered close, the warm breath from her slightly parted lips ghosting over his tip. Every brush of air drew a subtle twitch from him¡ªan undeniable sign of how powerfully he was reacting to her touch. And even as she dipped her head to press her mouth against that sensitive apex again, she kept her eyes locked on his.

    "Kiss!?~"

    The second kiss was more intentional and infinitely more sensual.

    Her lips melded softly to his flesh, lingering for a breath longer than before. She treated it almost like a reverent gesture, as though bestowing upon him a devotion she could hardly put into words.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    And then with each press of her mouth from the coming kisses came a faint, wet sound that made Cassius''s chest tighten, a low hum of tension coursing through his body. He let out a measured exhale, trying not to betray the stirring excitement that threatened to coil his spine.

    All around them, there was an unmistakable hush.

    The maids¡ªstill enthralled¡ªheld their collective breath, cheeks flushing as they saw the subtle slide of Isabelle''s breasts pressing around him, cradling his length in voluptuous warmth. More than a few unconsciously pressed their own hands against their chests, as if trying to imagine how it might feel to be in Isabelle''s place.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Smack!?~ Mwah!?~ Sip!?~"

    The next time Isabelle brought her lips to him, she couldn''t help letting her eyes flutter half-closed, her focus shifting to the tactile sensations under her mouth.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    The scent of him and the lingering taste against her lips sparked a rush of heat down her neck and across her collarbones. She found herself almost trembling with a curious blend of eagerness and bashfulness.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Even so, she never fully lost that eye contact he had demanded¡ªlifting her gaze in between each gentle kiss, making sure he could see the shy longing shimmering in her eyes.

    Cassius felt an unexpected pang of satisfaction at her obedience, the heady thrill of having someone so thoroughly attuned to his desire. He shifted in the chair to lean slightly forward, one hand skimming along her jawline until his fingertips traced the curve of her ear.

    The intimacy of the gesture¡ªtender and almost affectionate¡ªcontrasted sharply with the raw, unguarded hunger they both shared in that moment.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    His voice then dropped low, laced with a thread of barely contained tension. "Just like that, Isabelle." He murmured, guiding her with the barest brush of his thumb near her chin. "Slowly¡­take your time."

    She nodded, swallowing audibly, and bent again to lay another trembling kiss on his tip. This time, she added the faintest hint of her tongue, as though testing her own courage.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    The warm, velvety pressure drew a tight hiss from Cassius, and she felt a surge of pride¡ªknowing she could evoke such a reaction from her master. That single, subtle movement unleashed another wave of electricity through the room.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    A few maids had to clamp their hands over their mouths to keep from gasping too loudly, and the air felt charged, heavy with arousal and disbelief.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Kiss!?~ Peck!?~ Taste!?~"

    Her mouth made contact with the very tip, her lips parting just enough to envelop him in the warmest, wettest kiss. She sucked gently at first, her lips forming a perfect seal around the head, her tongue darting out to tease the sensitive underside, circling with exacting precision.

    "Mmm!?~ Smooch!?~ Ahhh!?~ Kiss!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    Each kiss was a pang of enthralling emotions, her lips sliding over the smooth, swollen cap, her mouth pulling him in slightly with each loving suck.

    "Mwah!?~ Slurp!?~ Ohh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmm!?~"

    The sensation was electric, each kiss sending a jolt through Cassius. He watched, entranced, as her lips stretched slightly to accommodate him, the pink flush of her cheeks deepening with her arousal.

    Her tongue danced over him, tasting, teasing, the tip of it flicking against the slit at the top, coaxing out a bead of moisture, which she eagerly lapped up.

    "Hmmm!?~ Mwah!?~ Haa!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Isabelle''s lips moved with an erotic rhythm, up and down, over the head of his cock, each kiss a little deeper than the last, her mouth enveloping him in warmth and wetness. Her eyes, wide with both desire and submission, never left his, communicating a silent plea for his approval, for more of this intimate connection.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Smooch!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    Her kisses turned more passionate when she saw his hungry gaze, her mouth now taking in more of him, her lips sliding down until they reached the ridge where the head met the shaft, then pulling back up with a slow, lingering motion that left a trail of her saliva.

    "Ohhh!?~ Lick!?~ Sigh!?~ Nibble!?~ Mmm!?~"

    The sound of her kisses, wet and soft, filled the room, a symphony of seduction that left no doubt of her skill and her eagerness to please.

    And despite all his bravado, Cassius couldn''t entirely conceal how deeply her touch affected him. He raked his teeth over his bottom lip, a quiet groan escaping before he could catch it.

    Focus, he told himself, determined to play his part. Yet the swirl of desire in his lower body made it increasingly difficult to keep a measured distance.

    "Stay just like that." He instructed, voice edging into a growl. "Let me see those pretty blue eyes of yours."

    Obediently, Isabelle tilted her head back, letting him watch the soft flush in her cheeks and the flutter of her lashes.

    She kept one hand cupping the underside of her breasts to maintain the snug, pillowy pressure around his cock, and with the other, she carefully supported herself against his thigh.

    And seeing that her master was satisfied and feeling a dizzy rush of warmth, she leaned forward again, lips parting in a slow, deliberate kiss.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Smack!?~ Mwah!?~ Sip!?~" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Good." Cassius managed in a low voice, fingertips briefly digging into the arms of the chair. "Keep going...Show me everything that mouth can do."

    In response, Isabelle began to explore him with shy enthusiasm¡ªeach new kiss slightly bolder, each light lap of her tongue more assured.

    "Mwah!?~ Slurp!?~ Ohh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmm!?~"

    She''d lift her head, meet his eyes for a charged moment, then lower her mouth again with a growing sense of confidence. Her breasts, pressed tightly around him, shifted each time she moved, creating a friction that sent sparks down his spine.

    "Hmmm!?~ Mwah!?~ Haa!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~"

    From behind her, hushed exclamations and the occasional rustle of fabric told the story of maids too entranced to tear their eyes away.

    Despite their presence, Isabelle found it harder and harder to concentrate on her usual sense of decorum. All she could focus on was the way Cassius''s body responded to her touch and the inexplicable warmth blossoming in her own core.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Smooch!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    "Closer..." Cassius murmured. The single word dripped with command, but beneath it lurked the ragged edge of hunger. He laid a hand atop her head, not harshly, but firmly enough to guide her forward.

    Isabelle responded by pressing her breasts more snugly around him, letting them slide over his length in a slow, sensual motion. She felt him twitch at the increased pressure, and it made her heart flutter.

    ''He really is so warm.'' She thought in wonder, remembering how he''d teased about needing to ''keep him from getting cold.'' Every brush of her skin against his left her more attuned to the pulsing heat throbbing between them.

    Feeling the crescendo of pleasure building to an unstoppable peak, Cassius''s voice was a rough command, edged with desire. "Hug those breasts tight, choke my cock with them, Isabelle...Rub them up and down while you suck me off."

    Isabelle, her eyes alight with devotion and lust, complied eagerly, her hands coming up to press her soft, ample breasts together, creating a tight, warm valley around his length.

    She squeezed them hard, her flesh molding around him, the pressure intense, almost as if she were trying to wring pleasure from him.

    "Ohhh!?~ Lick!?~ Sigh!?~ Nibble!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her breasts, though lush and full, couldn''t completely envelop his size, leaving him partially exposed at the peak of each stroke.

    But the sensation was maddeningly sweet; her flesh was like velvet, sliding up and down with an aggressive, rhythmic pace. Each movement was a blend of friction and warmth, her nipples brushing against him, adding to the sensory overload.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Smack!?~ Mwah!?~ Sip!?~"

    Simultaneously, her mouth descended on his tip once more, her lips never leaving him as she sucked with a fervent need. Her tongue was relentless, swirling around, flicking at the sensitive spot just beneath the head, tasting him, teasing him.

    "Mmm!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~"

    She sucked harder, her cheeks hollowing as she took him in, her mouth a perfect, wet suction that matched the pace of her breasts.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Her eyes, locked with his, were filled with a look of pure adoration, of love mixed with raw desire, each gaze a silent confession of her feelings. Even in this act of intense physical pleasure, she was giving herself to him completely, with every stroke, every suck, every loving glance.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    The room was filled with the sounds of their union¡ªthe wet sounds of her mouth, the soft, squelching noise of her breasts moving against him, her moans vibrating around his tip.

    Her movements were aggressive, driven by a need to bring him to the edge, her body working in harmony to push him closer to release.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Cassius was on the brink, the combination of her mouth and her breasts an intoxicating assault on his senses.

    He could feel every stroke, every lick, every loving gaze as if it were the touch of fire on his skin, his control slipping away with each passing second.

    His breaths were ragged, his body tensing, all while Isabelle continued her worship, her lips never leaving his tip, her breasts never ceasing their rhythmic dance.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    And then, Cassius''s voice became a hoarse, desperate whisper, strained with the edge of release.

    "I-I''m going to cum...now, Isabelle¡ª"

    Without waiting, he pressed down on Isabelle''s head, guiding her further onto him, his fingers tangled in her hair as he reached his climax, a torrent of his cum burst forth, filling Isabelle''s mouth.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    She kept all his fluids in her mouth, her cheeks puffing out slightly as she held his essence within her, her eyes wide with an enthralled look, communicating her devotion and her pleasure in this act.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her lips remained sealed around him, not letting a single drop escape.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    Isabelle didn''t flinch or draw back as she took all his fluids inside of her; instead, her gaze remained locked on his, a mixture of awe and devotion shining behind her flushed cheeks.

    She accepted each hot surge of his climax with an almost reverent air, lips sealing around him to catch every drop.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    Cassius, for his part, felt the last of his restraint melt beneath the electrifying pleasure. His body went rigid, then shuddered, breath stuttering in a series of harsh gasps.

    He stayed that way, head tilted back, for several seconds¡ªspilling what felt like wave after wave of pleasure into her mouth.

    Only when the last drop was spent did Cassius release her head, allowing her to pull back slightly, her mouth still a reservoir of his cum. She didn''t swallow, keeping it all within, her breath coming in short, controlled bursts through her nose.

    The spectators, who had been holding their breath during this display, felt a mix of shock and arousal.

    The act, meant to be one of depravity, had transformed into something mesmerizingly seductive.

    Some of the maids felt a tremor run through them, their bodies reacting to the raw, unfiltered intimacy they had just witnessed. Their cheeks were flushed, their breaths uneven, the sight before them igniting a fire of curiosity and desire they hadn''t anticipated.

    And when Isabelle finally decided to gulp down the fluid filling her mouth, the maids couldn''t help but wonder in awe and fascination just how much cum Cassius had released, causing her cheeks to swell so dramatically. Their minds raced with scandalous thoughts, imagining what it would feel like if such a volume were to be released inside them.

    The very idea sent a shiver of pleasure through them, their bodies responding with an involuntary quiver. And almost as if on cue, several of the maids, caught in the throes of their shared fantasy, felt a small, unexpected squirt release from their own bodies, dampening their skirts just slightly.

    Each maid was dealing with her own wet predicament, their skirts subtly darkened at the edges, a testament to the shared, unspoken desire that had been stirred by the display.

    This had undoubtedly created an unexpected bond among them, a secret they all held, their bodies betraying their true feelings in a moment of collective, hidden ecstasy...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    NSFW illustrations of Isabelle gave been posted on the discord...Check them out!

 Chapter 55 - 55: Why Dont You All Come A Little Closer?

    Cassius heaved a tired sigh, his eyes flicking over the gathered maids who had all but given up on hiding the flush staining their cheeks.

    Their fascination only reinforced his suspicions¡ªthey weren''t repulsed at all by the scandalous display, they were actually intrigued, perhaps even excited.

    ''Perverted maids...'' He thought wryly, feeling more resigned than shocked at this point. ''No matter how far I go, they just seem to grow more enthralled.''

    With a faint shake of his head, he decided there was only one way to drive home the sheer depravity of what they were all witnessing and that was to cover them in the ''filth'' of what they were witnessing to bring them back to reality.

    Turning his attention back to Isabelle, he commanded in a low voice, "Stand up, Isabelle...Let''s try something else."

    She complied at once, bracing herself on unsteady legs. Her disheveled state revealed the enticing curves of her half-naked body¡ªhair tousled, her breasts shaking around, and the sultry gleam in her eyes betraying just how affected she was by it all.

    Cassius rose from his seat as well, passing close enough to Isabelle that she could feel the heat of his body. Under his breath, he mumbled something that only she could catch: a soft, almost apologetic note.

    "I''ll replace them with another set." He murmured, eyes flicking to her remaining garment.

    A question formed on Isabelle''s tongue, but before she could voice it, Cassius made good on his cryptic promise. In one swift, startling motion, he reached behind her and seized the thin fabric of her underwear.

    Tear~

    "Kyaa!?~ "She let out a gasp of surprise, but there was no real protest in her voice¡ªonly a faint shock that he was taking such a bold step in front of everyone.

    The maids'' collective exclamation echoed through the hall.

    Now fully exposed, her vagina glistened with arousal, the lips slightly parted, revealing the wet, pink interior that spoke of her readiness. Her buttocks, firm yet bouncy, quivered with the sudden coolness of the air against her skin. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    They were round and full, the flesh smooth and inviting, each cheek jiggling slightly with the force of the underwear being removed. The contrast of her pale skin against the now¡ªexposed, darker areas was stark, drawing all eyes to her most intimate parts.

    Cassius allowed his gaze to linger on Isabelle''s newly exposed form.

    Her cheeks, already flushed, turned a deeper shade when she realized just how fully he was taking her in.

    Then, leaning in almost imperceptibly, he whispered, "You look absolutely stunning."

    There was a softness to his words that seemed at odds with everything that had just occurred¡ªa moment of genuine appreciation woven into his otherwise brazen display.

    Isabelle''s cheeks flared with renewed heat. Her heart thudded loudly against her ribs, torn between shy gratitude and the awareness that she stood half-naked, openly exposed before an entire gathering of her fellow maids.

    She murmured a faint, "Thank you, Master," unsure what else to say, the sincerity in her eyes showing she was deeply moved by his remark, no matter how quick and subdued it was.

    Straightening up, Cassius then turned from her to face the crowd.

    He noticed how each maid''s gaze flickered between Isabelle''s body and his own face¡ªseveral of them trembling with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and lingering embarrassment. More than one face bore a glow of guilty fascination they couldn''t quite hide.

    And then, with a sudden shift, Cassius plastered on a wide grin that made the assembled staff tense with anticipation.

    To them, it seemed more sinister than friendly, though it was impossible to discern any real threat in his tone.

    "So..." He began, sweeping a hand in the direction of Isabelle as if presenting a prized work of art. "It''s quite obvious you''ve been enjoying the show from back there, looking at how''s it''s basically written on your faces that all look as red as a tomato."

    "So, since you''re all so eager, why not come closer a little closer and have better look of what''s going to happen next?"

    A ripple of apprehension passed through the group.

    Some lowered their gazes in embarrassment, others reflexively took half a step back, but none of them outright refused.

    "Come, now." Cassius coaxed, his voice smooth yet threaded with the confidence of someone who knows he holds all the cards. "I want my beloved maids to have the best view of what''s coming next, that''s all...You don''t have to be so scared."

    It was a challenge, and they knew it.

    So reluctantly, yet undeniably drawn, they began to shuffle forward. The distance between them and the couple shrank as they formed a hesitant semicircle, like onlookers at a performance they couldn''t tear themselves away from.

    Mutual glances were exchanged, silent acknowledgments that none could bring themselves to break the tension by speaking up.

    As the maids finally settled into position, Cassius surveyed them, briefly meeting each anxious face with a steady stare. Isabelle also with her garments torn away, shifted her weight from foot to foot, acutely aware of every flicker of movement in the onlookers'' eyes.

    "Watch closely." Cassius said with a smile that was both charming and predatory. "Consider this a treat for all your hard work." His voice held a note of mischief, a reward wrapped in scandal.

    He then turned to Isabelle, gently guiding her to sit back in the chair.

    Sit~

    Her plump cheeks squished against the seat, sending a shiver through her as the cool leather met her warm, exposed flesh. She was still adjusting to the feeling of being so openly displayed when to her shock, Cassius suddenly began to spread her legs apart.

    Spread~

    The sudden movement caught Isabelle off guard, and she instinctively closed her legs, a reflex of modesty in this moment of exposure.

    Close~

    But when she looked up and saw Cassius''s reassuring smile, a sense of calm washed over her. She knew she was under his protection, his care, and there was no need for fear.

    With that trust, she allowed him to part her legs once more, her feet coming to rest on the armrests of the chair, opening herself completely to the room.

    Spread~

    Her pussy, now fully revealed, was a sight of pure delight.

    The lips were plump and slightly parted, glistening with her arousal, the moisture catching the light in a way that made her seem almost to gleam. The pink, tender flesh within was visible, the inner folds delicately ruffled and inviting, the entrance to her body an alluring, wet promise. A small trail of her excitement had begun to trickle down, highlighting her readiness and desire.

    The contrast of her pale thighs against the dark leather of the chair, the way her legs were spread so wide, gave an unobstructed view of her most intimate area.

    Her clit was also slightly swollen, peeking out from its hood, a beacon of her arousal.

    Every detail was laid bare for the maids to see, from the soft, trimmed hair around her mound to the way her labia seemed to beckon with their wet, inviting sheen.

    Isabelle was momentarily gripped by fear, worrying that Cassius might find the sight of her pussy, glistening with her own arousal, revolting.

    But when she caught the look in his eyes¡ªa gaze filled with admiration and a desire that promised to shower her with all the love in the world¡ªher fears melted away.

    His eyes were gentle, filled with an affection that reassured her. Emboldened by this, she spread her legs even wider, offering herself to him fully, her modesty forgotten in the heat of the moment, even with the flustered maids as witnesses to her boldness.

    As the maids held their breath, wondering what would unfold next, especially from such a close vantage point, Cassius leaned in closer, his face nearing Isabelle''s exposed vagina.

    And then to everyones shock, he took a deep, deliberate sniff, his nose brushing against her sensitive flesh.

    Sniff~

    The scent of her arousal was a heady mix of musk and sweetness, like the first bloom of a flower after a rain, or the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla and honey. It was intimate, personal, and intensely arousing, causing both Isabelle and the crowd to flush with embarrassment and excitement.

    Then, like a dog discovering a rare and delicious treat, Cassius dragged his tongue along her lips, tasting her for the first time.

    "Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~ Noo!?~"

    The sensation was electric, his tongue warm and probing, collecting the nectar of her desire. Her taste was exquisite, a blend of salt and sweetness, the essence of her pleasure on his tongue sending shivers through both of them.

    His lick was slow, savoring, each movement designed to tease out more of her flavor, to make her squirm with delight which ultimately made Isabelle''s body respond instantly, a moan escaping her lips as she felt the warmth of his breath, the wet heat of his tongue exploring every fold.

    Her pussy, already wet, seemed to grow even more aroused under his antics, her legs trembling with the effort to stay open, to give him all the access he desired.

    After that first taste, Cassius seemed to lose all restraint, his tongue and lips attacking Isabelle''s pussy with the voracity of a wild animal.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    His tongue flicked out, darting between her folds with a speed and precision that had her gasping, the flat of it pressing hard against her clit, then circling it with a relentless rhythm.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    He sucked at her labia, drawing each lip into his mouth with a possessive hunger, his lips pulling, his tongue teasing the sensitive flesh within.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    The sounds of his feasting were lewd, wet, and utterly primal, filling the room with an erotic orchestra of pleasure.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Isabelle''s moans only grew louder, her body arching off the chair as waves of pleasure crashed through her, while the maids watched with gaping mouths at the sight of her pussy leaking out viscous fluids like a broken faucet, not knowing that they were going to be covered in it in a few minutes...

 Chapter 56 - 56: Rainfall Of Sweet Nectar

    Cassius''s technique was aggressive, unrelenting.

    "Mmmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Noo!?~ Slurp!?~"

    He''d lick Isabelle''s pussy with broad, sweeping strokes, then narrow his focus, his tongue flicking rapidly over her clit, sending electric shocks through her system.

    "Ooh!?~ P-Please Young Master!?~ Mmm!?~ Smack!?~"

    He''d alternate between these intense licks and sudden, deep plunges of his tongue into her, mimicking the act of sex, tasting her deeper, making her squirm with each penetration.

    "Nnn!?~ Lick!?~ Suck!?~ G-Good!?~ Feels so good!?~ Mmph!?~"

    Isabelle''s reactions were visceral; her hips bucked against his face, her fingers clutching at the arms of the chair, her breaths coming in short, sharp pants.

    Her pussy seemed to pulse with each aggressive move he made, her wetness increasing, providing more for him to taste, to savor.

    "Ahh!?~ Just like that!?~ J-Just like that, my lord!?~ Mmmph!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Every flick, every suck, every time he buried his face deeper into her, she felt herself losing control, her body singing with raw, unfiltered pleasure.

    He growled against her, the vibrations adding another layer to her sensations, making her legs shake violently. His hands gripped her thighs, holding them apart, ensuring she couldn''t close them even if she wanted to, not that she did; she was too far gone in the throes of this intense, animalistic pleasure.

    "Mmm!?~ Oh God!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ J-Just what is this feeling!?~ Ahh!?~"

    The maids watched, some with hands pressed to their mouths to stifle their own gasps, others with eyes wide in shock and arousal, as Cassius devoured Isabelle like she was the last meal on earth.

    And after the intense torment she was going through, Isabelle felt an unfamiliar sensation building within her, an intense pressure that seemed to be culminating into something she''d never experienced before.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ N-No, something coming!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Somethings coming, Young Master!?~"

    In her flustered state, she pleaded, her voice a mix of fear and excitement, "S-Something''s going to come out, Young master!?~ Ahhh!?~ Oh, please move away, or it might pour right on your face!?~"

    Cassius, however, only smiled wider, his plan unfolding perfectly.

    And then, with a look of dark delight, he spread her pussy even further, his fingers pulling her lips apart to expose her inner walls fully. He dove in with renewed desperation, his mouth enveloping her, sucking on her inner walls with a voracity that had her entire body tensing like it was being electrocuted.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nooo!?~ Slurp!?~ N-Not there, please!?~ Nnn!?~ I can''t!?~"

    Her back arched off the chair, her hands gripping the armrests for dear life as she felt the pressure reach its zenith.

    "S-Something''s coming! P-Please move away, my lord!?~ Please!?~ I can''t hold back anymore!?~" She cried out again, her voice breaking as her body gave in to the overwhelming sensation.

    And then it happened¡ªa torrent of clear, warm squirt burst from her throbbing pussy with astonishing force, a flood of liquid pleasure that was impossible to contain.

    "Ahhh!?~ Ahh!?~ Haughh!?~"

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    There was so much of it, an overwhelming cascade of her arousal.

    "Slosh!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Squelch!?~"

    And Isabelle, in a moment of panic, realized the stream was about to drench her young master and felt a rush of embarrassment at the thought of him being covered in her fluids.

    But in a swift, surprising move, Cassius dodged out of the way, his agility turning the moment into one of unexpected dominance.

    The stream of squirt, now without its intended target, soared through the air, arcing high above before descending like a warm, erotic rain.

    The maids, who had been watching in a state of rapt fascination, were caught completely off guard. Unlike Cassius, they had no such reflexes to escape the deluge.

    "Splat!?~ Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Gloop!?~"

    The squirt showered over the front row, droplets cascading down in a sensual, fluid dance, landing on their clothes, their hands, and most importantly, their faces.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    It dripped down, slow and deliberate, tracing paths over their skin, a warm, intimate kiss from Isabelle''s pleasure.

    One maid, who had been leaning forward with rapt attention, now found herself with a droplet hanging from her nose, her eyes wide in disbelief. Another, trying to shield her face, ended up with wet hands, her expression one of bewildered amusement.

    And just as Isabelle was about to let out a sigh of relief, even though she was deeply embarrassed that she actually enjoyed her fellow maids, Cassius swiftly moved again.

    With an intention to stir even more chaos, he thrust his fingers into her still-throbbing pussy without warning, aggressive and unyielding, not giving her a moment to recover her breath.

    Push~ Enter~

    He then began to finger her with an intensity that bordered on madness, his fingers moving in and out with a pace that was both punishing and exhilarating, which caught Isabelle off gaurd.

    "Stroke!?~ Rub!?~ Slide!?~ Glide!?~ Press!?

    "Ahhh!?~ Noo, Young Master!?~ You can''t start so suddenly!?~ Haughhh!?~"

    His movements were deep, his fingers curling to hit that sweet, sensitive spot inside her, each thrust accompanied by the wet, lewd sounds of her arousal.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    His hand itself was a blur, the rhythm relentless, pushing her body to the brink once more.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ No, Master!?~ Shloop!?~ T-Thats too much!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    Isabelle''s pussy, already sensitive from her recent climax, throbbed under his assault. Her walls clamped down on his fingers, trying to hold onto him with each withdrawal, only to be stretched and filled again with each aggressive thrust.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ S-Slow down, please!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ I-I can''t handle this much stimulation down there!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    Her body seemed to vibrate with pleasure, her hips lifting off the chair, meeting his hand, her moans turning into sharp cries as waves of sensation crashed through her.

    The sight was one of pure eroticism; her pussy glistened, the lips swollen and red from the friction, her clit standing at attention, begging for more even as she was overwhelmed.

    His fingers were merciless, spreading her wide, twisting inside her, each motion designed to wring out another reaction from her trembling form.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? That''s too fast!?~ Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ T-That part of mine can''t handle it!?~ Shlick!?~"

    The maids, already dampened by her previous squirt, watched in a mix of shock and awe as Isabelle''s body responded to this new onslaught.

    Her pussy was visibly pulsing around his fingers, the muscles contracting with each aggressive stroke, her arousal clear, dripping down his hand and onto the chair below. Her legs shook, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her entire being focused on the pleasure that was being so ruthlessly extracted from her.

    The maids were enthralled by the scene, their own bodies reacting to the display, even as they felt the remnants of Isabelle''s previous squirt dripping off them.

    "Ahhh!?~ Oh, no!?~ Hnnn!?~ Somethings coming o-out of me again!?~ Haughh!?~"

    And then sabelle, overwhelmed by Cassius''s relentless torment, couldn''t hold back any longer. With a shout that echoed through the room, she squirted again, a powerful stream erupting from her.

    "Haahhh!?~ Haann!?~ It''s coming!?~ Aughh!?~ It''s coming out of me!?~"

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    This time, Cassius was not only swift in moving out of the way but also cunning in his next move.

    With one strong push, he sent the chair Isabelle was sitting on skidding to the side.

    The sudden movement meant the arc of her squirt, now free from any obstruction, flew directly into the crowd of maids who had, until this moment, remained untouched by the previous chaos.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Thwap!?~ Squish!?~"

    The stream of her juice splashed over them, a warm, unexpected shower that left them gasping and wide-eyed.

    "Plop!?~ Schlurp!?~ Splat!?~ Slosh!?~"

    It coated them, their clothes sticking to their skin, their faces wet and glistening under the room''s light, each drop a mark of Isabelle''s pleasure and it caused an undeniable erotic charge as the newcomers to this intimate baptism felt Isabelle''s release on their skin, their own bodies tingling with the shared, vicarious pleasure.

    Isabelle, still in the throes of her climax, was oblivious to the new wave of shock and arousal she had just unleashed on her unsuspecting colleagues, her body quivering with the aftershocks of her pleasure, her breath coming in sharp, uneven pants.

    But before Isabelle could even settle her ass back onto the chair after arching her back in ecstasy, Cassius was upon her again.

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    His fingers plunged back into her vagina with a ferocity that spoke of possession and desire; the splashes from her arousal coated his hand, already slick from her previous climax.

    As if it were an inevitable continuation, the sensation was too much for Isabelle. Her body, still buzzing from the last peak, responded with another explosive squirt.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    Cassius, anticipating this, shifted the chair to the other side with a swift, purposeful movement.

    "Gloop!?~ Squelch!?~ Thwap!?~ Splat!?~"

    The stream of her squirt, now directed to the previously unaffected side of the crowd, cascaded over them in a warm, erotic wave.

    It was as if he had orchestrated this moment, ensuring that no one was spared from participating in this intimate, shared experience.

    And then like a man with a mission to drench every onlooker in Isabelle''s essence, Cassius repeated this a few more times.

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    Each time she squirted, he maneuvered the chair, ensuring that no maid was left untouched by the spray of her pleasure.

    "Slosh!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Squelch!?~"

    The maids, rooted to the spot in awe, felt themselves growing wetter with each passing second. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And despite the instinctual urge of their bodies to move away from the repeated sprays of Isabelle''s fluids, found themselves rooted to the spot.

    Their minds, captivated by the passionate spectacle unfolding before them, overruled the logical desire to escape. They stood, mesmerized, watching with wide eyes as Isabelle was brought to peak after peak by Cassius''s relentless attacks on her soaking wet pussy.

    Their own arousal was visible; the erotic display before them stirred something deep within, causing their own pussies to leak, the juices slowly trickling down their thighs.

    Hence, the wetness was not just from Isabelle''s squirts but from their own bodies reacting to the scene.

    Each maid felt a confusing mix of envy, arousal, and fascination, wondering how Isabelle could endure such intense pleasure, how she must feel under the relentless gaze and touch of their master, and if they would also let out so much fluid that it could fill a bucket if they went through the same treatment she was going through.

    And finally, like a water gun that had run out of ammunition, Isabelle''s pussy could produce no more.

    After several explosive releases, only a small, final drop of squirt emerged, signaling the end of her body''s capacity to give any more...

 Chapter 57 - 57: Punishment To Reward

    In her haze of exhaustion and satisfaction, Isabelle saw the maids around her, drenched in her love juices, their expressions a mix of disbelief and fascination.

    She was terribly flustered by the sight and wondered how she was ever going to look at their face again, knowing that they once had her love juices dripping down their faces. But more then her embarrassment, she was more concerned if she had blasted her master with her streams of liquids and prayed to God that she didn''t make a mess of him.

    Her trembling eyes then found Cassius, standing by, completely dry and safe from her sprays, having planed this shower of pleasure with a cunning precision.

    And after seeing her young master unscathed, Isabelle let out a sigh of relief, her body slumping back into the chair in utter exhaustion as she passed out after knowing that her master was safe.

    Isabelle''s head was about to hit the back of the chair in her exhausted slump, but Cassius was quick to react.

    He caught her head gently, guiding it to rest comfortably against the chair''s back.

    And then, looking down at her ravishing face with a gentle gaze, he murmured, "You did really good, my dear maid...I''m proud of you," as he tenderly caressed her cheek.

    Even in her sleep, Isabelle responded with a cute, contented smile, her face the picture of peace despite the compromising position she was in.

    Cassius couldn''t help but think how adorable she looked, even with her legs spread and her most intimate parts exposed to the world.

    However, his smile faded as he turned to face the crowd of maids.

    They were all drenched in Isabelle''s fluids, looking back at him in a dazed, almost dreamlike state.

    To his disbelief, rather than seeing repulsion or shock, he saw in their eyes a new kind of hunger, a craving that suggested they were wondering when it would be their turn to experience such raw, unfiltered pleasure.

    Their expressions were those of longing and desire, their bodies visibly aroused, clothes clinging to them, the sight of which was a stark contrast to the innocence of Isabelle''s sleeping smile.

    The maids, now seemingly more turned on by the display than ever, looked at him with eyes that spoke volumes of their curiosity and eagerness, a development he hadn''t fully anticipated.

    Cassius had intended for this spectacle to serve as a harsh wake-up call, a way to drag the maids back to reality by making them literally come into contact with the raw, visceral reality of what they were witnessing.

    That''s why in a move meant to be both literal and metaphorical, Cassius decided to ''splash'' them with something that would surely bring them back to their senses.

    And instead of using water, he used Isabelle''s love juices, thinking that if they were covered in the physical evidence of what had transpired, it would act as a massive wake-up call.

    He planned the scene so that each maid would be marked by Isabelle''s pleasure, hoping the intimacy and shock of it all would make them realize the gravity of the situation.

    However, as he surveyed the maids now, their eyes locked onto him, filled with a mix of desire and curiosity, he was met with disbelief.

    His plan to shock them into awareness seemed to have backfired spectacularly.

    Instead of recoiling or showing signs of being jolted back to reality, they appeared even more enthralled, as if the very act of being drenched in Isabelle''s essence had only deepened their fascination and longing.

    Cassius felt his jaw twitch as he took in the utterly shameless, dreamy-eyed expressions of his maids.

    He had done everything¡ªeverything¡ªto shake them, to make them see the depravity of what they were witnessing. He had staged the most scandalous, debauched spectacle he could conjure, all in the hopes that they would recoil in shock, that their composure would break, that fear would finally settle into their bones.

    Instead¡­ they were looking at him as if he were the most desirable man on the planet, their gazes filled not with horror, but with longing. Some of them were even fidgeting where they stood, looking like they were preparing themselves for something, as if waiting for him to call on them next.

    Cassius felt his vision blur at the sheer absurdity of it all.

    ''No¡­No, this can''t be happening.''

    With a slow, agonizing exhale, he staggered backward a step...Then another.

    His mind reeled. His fingers curled uselessly at his sides.

    And then¡ªhe dropped.

    With all the grace of a man who had just been punched in the gut by fate itself, Cassius crouched down to the floor, shoulders slumped, head hanging low in utter, utter defeat.

    The silence in the room stretched for a long moment.

    Then, he let out a choked, near-hysterical laugh.

    "I-I lost." He whispered under his breath, his voice hollow, distant, as though he couldn''t quite believe it himself.

    The maids blinked in confusion, their fascination unbroken.

    He lifted his head slightly, staring at nothing in particular as reality settled in. "I actually lost." He repeated, a little louder this time. "And of all people to lose too, it was a bunch of perverted, shameless, depraved maids."

    His hands dragged down his face in sheer despair.

    ''How did this happen? When did this happen?!'' He ussd to someone who, back on Earth, could solve any problem, no matter how complicated. A man who was once known as the ''Peacekeeper'', a name given by ''Gaia'' herself with the purpose of restoring balance to the world.

    And yet¡­ here he was, a broken man, utterly powerless against a crowd of women who, instead of falling into scandalized fear, had only grown more enthusiastic the more he pushed.

    A sob nearly choked him.

    ''This was supposed to be a display of absolute control! He had thought. ''Oh, I''ll make them submit. I''ll teach them their place. I''ll be feared! But¡ª''

    Instead? Instead, he was now staring at the floor, experiencing his first true failure, while a group of dazed, panting maids waited eagerly for their turn.

    It was so surreal he wanted to scream.

    And while he was sulking, one of the maids took an unconscious step forward, perhaps about to say something.

    Cassius flinched.

    ''Oh no. Oh no, no, no. If I hear a single one of them ask if it''s their turn, I might actually start crying.''

    So he stayed on the floor, crouched like a defeated animal, staring blankly at the floor, trying to figure out where exactly his life had gone so horribly wrong.

    The maids in the other hand were concerned, their eyes fixed on Cassius who now looked defeated, sitting on the ground.

    Despite his current state, there was no derision in their gazes; in fact, their attitudes had shifted dramatically from the past.

    They had once looked upon him with disdain, seeing him as nothing more than a man who squandered his days in drink and brothels, behavior they found utterly unworthy of respect.

    But now, observing the pleasure he had bestowed upon Isabelle, their perspective had changed.

    Even though he seemed off, there was a newfound respect in their eyes for him.

    He had managed to ignite a fire within Isabelle, a pleasure so intense that it left them all feeling hot and restless in their own skin, without even being the direct recipient of his touch.

    This was something their own partners had never achieved, leaving them to think of Cassius as a true man, unlike the men they knew who left their women feeling unfulfilled and dull.

    One maid, her hair slightly damp from perspiration, finally mustered the courage to step forward.

    "Um... M-Master Cassius?" She ventured in a timid voice.

    Another maid, emboldened, moved to join her, perhaps intending to offer him a hand or at least inquire if he needed help.

    But just as they drew close, Cassius lifted his head.

    He let out a long, weary sigh, then slowly pushed himself up to his feet. His shoulders sagged in a way that suggested he felt decades older than he was.

    When his gaze finally fell on the concerned faces before him, the maids felt an unexpected flutter.

    Something about his expression¡ªperhaps the lingering sadness or the faint glimmer of raw determination, made their hearts skip a beat.

    Even in his exhaustion, he looked...strangely resolute. Like a man who had just run a marathon he never wanted to sign up for in the first place.

    Cassius then studied them in silence, the corners of his mouth slowly quirking into a half-smile that was part wry humor, part defeat.

    "I swear..." He muttered, raking a hand through his hair. "...this is not how I imagined things were going to turn out."

    He paused, and his gaze flicked over each maid in turn. Some lowered their eyes, bashful under his scrutiny; others found themselves holding his stare, strangely drawn in. The entire group seemed to lean forward, hearts pounding, as though anticipating some grand declaration.

    Cassius cleared his throat. "Right...So." He huffed a quiet laugh¡ªone that didn''t reach his eyes.

    "Remember how I said that all of you would end up like poor Isabelle here if you didn''t spill your secrets?" He gestured with one hand toward Isabelle, who still slumbered in the chair, her features serene despite the...compromising position that exposed her wet pussy to the cold air.

    A ripple of uncertainty passed through the maids. The mention of his earlier threat rekindled a flurry of confused, heated memories¡ªhadn''t he promised something quite scandalous would befall them if they refused to confess their sins? S-Something just like what Isabelle had gone through? S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And yet, they felt little dread.

    In fact, if anything, some felt an odd twinge of hope at the mention of being ''punished'' in the same way.

    Cassius let out another sigh, shaking his head slowly. "Well, even though I said that, I might just have to take that back after seeing that it doesn''t work on you bunch and change it up a bit." He said at last, tone resigned. He then looked at them with a wry smile on his face like he had no other choice and said, "Let''s say I''m...reversing that statement."

    The maids gasped and waited for his next words in a revenant manner like it was the word of god.

    "Instead of punishing you like I did with Isabelle for not speaking up, I''ll be giving you a reward of the same treatment that Isabelle went through if you do decide to confess the truth."

    "So, what do you say my traitorous maids?"

    Cassius asked as he saw the light in their eyes shine when they realised the significance of his words.

    "...It''s not a bad offer, is it?"

 Chapter 58 - 58: Flowers That Become More Beautiful Every Year

    An immediate stir moved through the maids¡ªan excited buzz that had them edging closer, their eyes brightening as if they''d just been told, ''Yes, there''s a chance after all!''

    Some parted their lips, half-ready to voice the question that burned on all of their tongues: Does that mean we get a turn?

    Cassius smiled, a knowing, almost teasing smile that seemed to see right through their excitement.

    "Now, now, don''t get too excited." He said, his voice carrying a playful warning. "I can see it in your eyes, the way they lit up at the mention of punishment turning into reward." His words made the maids blush, embarrassed at how transparent their desires had become.

    He continued, his tone becoming more serious.

    "But just like any reward, it needs to be earned. You all must confess your sins, and yes..." He paused, letting the weight of his next words sink in. "...you will not only be confessing but also be kicked out of the mansion because of your mistakes."

    The light in their eyes dimmed slightly at this, the reality of consequences setting in.

    However, in their hearts, many were already prepared for this outcome.

    They had come to see that their master had truly changed, and there was no doubt he would uncover their misdeeds himself if they didn''t confess.

    They had braced themselves for the possibility of losing their positions, accepting it as the natural consequence of their actions and sighed, the sound a collective acknowledgment of their fate.

    But then, another thought drifted across the maids faces all at once, something that made the corners of their lips quirk upward or a hint of color return to their cheeks.

    ''Wait. Didn''t he also say something about reward?''

    With the memory of Isabelle''s reward still burning bright in their minds, hearts began to pound anew. If we''re on the verge of being thrown out anyway, more than one maid thought, ''We might as well enjoy ourselves first, right?''

    Cassius noted the sudden ripple of renewed excitement. He caught the soft gasps, the faint flush creeping back into their cheeks.

    One or two of them exchanged glances that practically shouted: I can''t believe I''m saying this, but I''m actually okay with it, aren''t you?

    He arched a brow, half-amused. "I see you''ve reached some sort of...understanding." His voice carried a wry edge, as though even he couldn''t fully believe how quickly they''d gone from despondent to elated again. "Let me guess: you''re all perfectly willing to talk if it means you can...experience what Isabelle did, is that right?"

    Dead silence. Not one dared to speak a word, but the collective flush deepened, and that was answer enough.

    "Huh." Cassius said quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "So... just to be clear: you''re going to willingly march up to me, spill out every skeleton in your closet, accept being tossed out of the mansion, and in return, you want¡ªwhat, exactly? A demonstration of my talents?"

    He almost winced at his own phrasing, but the group of maids looked more thrilled than offended.

    A smattering of timid nods and barely contained stares told him all he needed to know.

    This is insane, he thought, mind flickering back to his plan''s original intent. He''d wanted them uneasy and penitent¡ªbut it seemed that though they were uneasy, they were also very, very eager.

    A hush settled over the hall after Cassius''s wry comment about ''handling everyone'', though his tone suggested the conversation was far from over.

    In that small pause, one of the maids stepped forward who was also the head maid of the mansion, also the same one who scoffed at her master and told everyone how incapable he was, even that thought has completely been erased from her mind after what she had just seen.

    She wore thin-framed glasses and had her black hair pinned into a neat bun, giving her an air of stern propriety. Yet the soft tremor in her voice told a different story¡ªshe was clearly as nervous as the others.

    "M-Master Cassius." She began, pushing her glasses up her nose in a slightly anxious gesture. "I know this isn''t something we should be asking when you''ve already been so generous with traitors like us¡­But if we go through with this, what are we supposed to tell our¡­our husbands and parents?" Her cheeks colored immediately at the question. "I mean..." She added in a rush. "...we''re about to do something we''re not exactly supposed to do. And if word gets out¡­"

    A few of the other maids nodded vigorously, clearly having the same concern. They leaned closer, waiting to hear Cassius''s response, as though each word he spoke might absolve them of an undeniable moral predicament. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    We have men at home¡ªmen who might never forgive us, many of them thought, their hearts thumping in apprehension.

    Cassius chuckled, a sound that was both dismissive and reassuring.

    "Well, you can say that you were simply forced to do what you had to do by your young master, asI''m willing to take all the blame myself." He stated, his tone light but his words heavy with implication. "What sort of husbands would they be if they got mad at their wives for what happened here, and not at the perpetrator himself?"

    His shocking response made the maids look at him with a new kind of admiration, seeing him take the bullet for their desires, even if those desires were fueled by their own curiosity and lust.

    The head maid''s eyes went wide. She certainly hadn''t expected him to take responsibility so easily¡ªparticularly after all his efforts to scare them into submission.

    Her heart fluttered with a strange mix of gratitude and guilt. ''He''s taking the blame for us?'' She thought, recalling just how¡­enthusiastic they had been despite their show of reluctance.

    "Master¡­" She ventured hesitantly. "that''s¡­quite generous." The faint waver in her tone implied as if she were asking if it were alright.

    Cassius shrugged again, though a small, almost self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips. "It''s no grand sacrifice, believe me. Besides, if your husbands are half as grumpy as I suspect, they''ll be more than happy to beat on me rather than blame you." Despite the humor in his words, he exuded a certain confidence, as if unconcerned by the potential fallout.

    A ripple of soft, almost reverent sighs spread through the maids. They might not have spoken it aloud, but in that moment, they saw Cassius in a different light¡ªa man prepared to stand in the line of fire for them, even if the entire thing was half their idea in the first place.

    Their respect for him surged, and some felt a pang of regret that they''d dismissed him so easily before. Yes, he''d once been a wastrel who wasted his nights drinking, but perhaps there was more to him than met the eye.

    ...But in fact it wasn''t just that he was willing to shoulder the blame just because he didn''t care, but mostly because he was going to use this incident to spread his atrocities, which was the same as spreading the gospels of the Goddess of Debauchery.

    The older maid adjusted her glasses once more, cheeks still aflame. "I see¡­ Then¡­" She paused, glancing at the other maids who were looking on expectantly. "I¡­I have another question, but¡­it''s a bit inappropriate." She confessed, her voice dropping to a near-whisper.

    Cassius''s eyebrows rose. "After everything you''ve witnessed today..." He teased lightly. "...can anything really be that inappropriate?" He made a sweeping gesture, indicating the very obvious evidence of their earlier activities still lingering in the room. "Go on, speak."

    The maid pursed her lips, summoning her courage.

    "You said that¡­ we could come forward one by one, confess our sins¡­and, well, receive this ''reward.'' " She cleared her throat, glancing meaningfully at Isabelle''s resting form in the chair. Her voice nearly trembled with embarrassment as she asked. "That means everyone present, right? It''s not just¡­I mean¡­W-What I''m trying to say is that w-would you even be able to handle all of us?"

    She got the words out in a rush, cheeks glowing scarlet.

    Meanwhile, the other maids found themselves holding their breath, eyes shining with equal parts anticipation and bashfulness. Several sets of hands twisted in their aprons.

    A few exchanged looks that practically screamed, ''Yes, we''re dying to know too!''

    Cassius''s grin turned into a big, almost evil smile as he pointed at a stack of papers nearby.

    "Well, the only way you''ll find out if I can handle all of you is if you confess your sins and come forward to get the reward you deserve." He said, his voice a mix of challenge and seduction. "So, if you truly want to know how capable your young master is, I think you better get to writing and come forward to experience exactly what Isabelle went through."

    This statement sent a shiver through the room, the maids now looking forward to what was to come next, their minds racing with the possibilities, their bodies already responding to the promise of pleasure.

    The maids exchanged glances, each one silently communicating the gravity of what they were about to do, but there was no objection. And then with a nod from the head maid, they moved to the table where the stack of papers awaited.

    One by one, they began to write down their confessions, detailing their sins, their faces a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

    Cassius watched this with a wry smile, his plan having spiraled into something far beyond his initial intentions, but he was still on track to reach his end goal.

    His gaze then softened as he looked down at Isabelle, still sleeping peacefully, her beauty untainted by the chaos around her.

    With gentle care, he lifted her from the chair and carried her to a nearby sofa, laying her down with the tenderness of someone cherishing a precious artifact.

    He covered her with a silk blanket, the material whispering against her skin, and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. In her sleep, she let out a giggle, a sound that was both innocent and joyful, a stark contrast to the room''s earlier fervor.

    But his tender smile faded as he walked away, as the weight of her finding out about the punishment he had prepared for her sins against the old Cassius.

    ''She''ll probably hate me for what''s going to happen later on.'' He thought, shaking his head as if to dismiss the inevitability of it all.

    But he had to face it; it was part of the path he had chosen.

    Cassius didn''t brood too long as the smile on his face quickly returned as he strode back into the hall and found that every maid had finished writing their confessions.

    They stood in a loose semicircle before the chair he was sitting on, faces flushed and eyes lowered in shy anticipation. With a wry tilt of his head, he walked towards them and remarked, "Quite eager, aren''t we? I can''t believe you all managed to scribble essays in barely a minute." He sat back in his chair, gesturing for the papers to be handed over.

    The head maid stepped forward, presenting the bundle of confessions before retreating to her place among the others, watching intently as Cassius began to read. His eyes raced through the papers at inhuman speeds and didn''t take him long to skim through them all, his eyes scanning the pages with an amused, almost disbelieving expression.

    When he finished, he looked up at them, his smile broadening.

    "I''m surprised." He said, his tone light with mockery. "I thought for sure there would be many more sins, given how you were all hesitating and how the male servants were literally stealing from the treasury. But it turns out, 90% of you were just stealing cooking supplies for your families, and the other 10% is idle gossip about what I eat for meals and what clothes I wear daily, which you''ve been informing to the main household and other external parties."

    He shook his head, the smile never leaving his face.

    "These are offenses, yes...And they most definitely would make you lose your jobs, if found out." He continued. "But you could simply confess to the main household and likely be let off with the lightest of punishments." He teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. "So do you really want to go through with the ''punishment'' I have, instead of simply getting off easy with the other route I mentioned?" He posed the question with an air of knowing exactly what their answer would be.

    The room was silent, no maid spoke up or moved to agree with his suggestion. Their silence was loud, a clear indication of their choice.

    They had come this far, driven by a mix of curiosity, desire, and perhaps a wish to experience something extraordinary, something that wouldn''t be found in a simple confession to the household.

    Cassius gave a nod of acknowledgment, his smile now one of satisfaction.

    "Very well then." He said, his voice low and resonant. "Let''s proceed with the rewards you''ve all so eagerly signed up for."

    "...And to start it all off why don''t you reward me first by stripping down and letting me witness the glorious sight of your naked bodies, so that we can move on."

    The maids were visibly flustered by the command, their cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

    For those without partners which was only a small number since most of the maids were mature women, this was a moment of uncharted territory, a first exposure to another man''s gaze in such an intimate way.

    And for those with partners, the act felt even more scandalous, given the strict doctrines of the Holy Church that preached chastity and loyalty, even if their partners often didn''t reciprocate the respect they deserved.

    In this patriarchal society, where women without high status or elemental affinity were often overlooked, this moment felt like a rebellion against the norms that bound them.

    Their hesitation was evident, each maid grappling with the societal implications of what they were about to do.

    But as they met Cassius''s gaze, there was something in his eyes¡ªa gentleness, an understanding¡ªthat seemed to wrap them in warmth, making them feel oddly comforted and emboldened.

    With hearts steeled by this unexpected reassurance, they began to undress.

    One by one, the crisp, streched fabric of their maid outfits fell to the ground, like leaves surrendering to autumn. Each piece of clothing dropped with a soft rustle, revealing more of their skin to the cool air of the room.

    Their movements were initially shy, fingers trembling as they unbuttoned and unzipped, but as each layer was shed, a sense of liberation seemed to take hold.

    First, the blouses were peeled away, baring delicate shoulders and the enticing swell of breasts, still modestly cloaked by sheer, lacy bras that did little to hide the soft, inviting curves beneath. Each piece of fabric fell with a whisper, hinting at the lushness waiting to be fully revealed.

    The skirts dropped next, cascading down over hips that rocked ever so slightly with the motion, pooling at their feet.

    Left in just their underwear, the contrast was striking¡ªlace and satin in colors that whispered of seduction, against the austere black and white they had previously worn.

    Their bodies were now canvases of desire; some in delicate pastels that seemed to blush against their skin, others in bold, dark hues that spoke of deeper, hidden appetites.

    And then they paused there, in their underwear, a sea of nervous glances and breaths held in anticipation. The room was filled with the silent acknowledgment of what was about to happen, each maid standing in her own little world of vulnerability and defiance.

    Then, the head maid, with a deep breath that seemed to echo in the quiet room, stepped forward. Her hands moved to her bra, unclasping it with a decisiveness that spoke of her resolve.

    Her breasts, freed from their confines, were a sight of natural beauty, full and slightly swaying with each movement. She then hooked her fingers into her panties, sliding them down with a grace that belied her nervousness, revealing everything to the room.

    This act of boldness was like a signal, igniting a chain reaction.

    One by one, the maids followed, each movement a dance of seduction. The air was thick with the sound of fabric sliding against skin, punctuated by the slight gasps of excitement and trepidation as each piece of underwear was peeled away.

    Breasts of all sizes were revealed¡ªsmall and perky, full and heavy¡ªall crowned with areolas of varying widths, some like tiny rosebuds, others wide and dark, nipples hardening in the cool air, under the lascivious gaze of their master.

    Hips curved into waists, some slim and delicate, others thick and voluptuous, each line and curve telling a story of feminine beauty. As they stepped out of their last layer of modesty, thighs parted, showcasing a spectrum of butts¡ªfrom slender and firm to round and plush.

    And their hidden gardens down below...Some had kept a natural tuft of pubic hair, a dark shadow accentuating their femininity, while others were smooth and bare, the skin silken and inviting.

    Each maid, with her unique attributes, contributed to an erotic tapestry of womanhood, a celebration of the diverse beauty of women. The room was a gallery of desire, where every body part, from the curve of a breast to the arch of a back, was an ode to the sensuality and allure of the female form.

    Unfortunately, many of the maids weren''t proud of their own bodies, especially the older ones who had grown to see themselves in the same light as the head maid.

    She, with her plump figure that she didn''t particularly admire, felt a pang of self-consciousness and because of that she apologized to her master, her voice laced with a mix of embarrassment and humor.

    "Please excuse the sight, Young Master Cassius. You must have seen so many better women because of your status. We can hardly compare and must stain your eyes with such unseemly sights." She said with a wry smile, her arms moving to cover her body in a gesture of shame.

    Her words echoed the sentiments of several others, who, despite the erotic display and the acceptance of their own nudity, felt the weight of societal expectations and personal insecurities.

    Their laughter was nervous, their apologies a blend of jest and genuine humility, as they stood before him, each grappling with their own perceptions of beauty and worth in the eyes of someone they believed to be accustomed to perfection.

    They stood there, expecting Cassius to respond with a dismissive comment or perhaps a light chuckle, brushing off their self-deprecation.

    But instead, he simply stared at them, his gaze intense and heated, as if he could see through their insecurities right to the core of their being. This look, filled with an unexpected passion, made them even more flustered; none of them had ever experienced such a gaze, one that seemed to appreciate rather than judge.

    The tension in the room reached a peak, the air filled with anticipation and vulnerability. Then, with a solemn expression, Cassius broke the silence, his voice firm yet gentle.

    "Stop covering yourselves up. Show yourselves to me openly."

    His command sent a wave of fluster through the group. Their insecurities were still fresh, their bodies feeling exposed under such scrutiny, so the head maid, gathering her courage, opened her mouth to protest, perhaps to shield her fellow maids from further discomfort.

    But Cassius was quick to silence her with a simple wave of his hand, his eyes never wavering. "Do as I say." He instructed.

    Seeing that their master was so adamant and they had no other choice, they complied. Arms that had been protecting their modesty slowly fell to their sides, revealing themselves fully once again.

    A tense silence followed Cassius''s command, as if the room itself held its breath in anticipation.

    The maids could feel his gaze trailing over every inch of skin, lingering on the delicate slopes of shoulders, the gentle curves of hips, and the soft plushness of bellies they had always thought unappealing.

    Even those who possessed firmer bodies couldn''t help a flush of color staining their cheeks¡ªit was one thing to be undressed, but quite another to be so openly seen.

    Just when it seemed the tension might become overwhelming, Cassius''s stern expression shifted, the corners of his lips quirked upward, and a glimmer of warmth lit his eyes.

    "That''s more like it." He said, quietly but with unmistakable approval.

    The sudden change in his demeanor sent another ripple through the maids¡ªpart relief, part astonishment.

    They''d braced themselves for the next command, something that might test their fragile confidence further. Instead, Cassius''s voice was almost gentle, laced with what could only be described as genuine admiration.

    He then let his gaze roam over the group, pausing on the older maids who had long considered themselves past their ''prime'' and when he spoke again after doing so, his tone was calm yet carried enough weight that every ear strained to catch his words.

    "I know that many of you have served in this mansion for years. You''ve witnessed its trials and joys, and you''ve given it your best in return."

    A few of the older maids exchanged glances, uncertain where he was going with this, though their hearts pounded at the mere mention of their age and years of service.

    "You probably believe..." Cassius continued. "...that your youth has fled. That you can''t compare to the so-called younger girls who share these halls. And you say it with such...resignation."

    Several faces fell¡ªnostalgic smiles tinged with sadness. They had already accepted this narrative, told to them by society, by their husbands or families, and even by their own reflections in the mirror.

    One of them let out a wry chuckle, cheeks warming at being called out so directly.

    But Cassius didn''t pause. Instead, he looked directly into the eyes of a maid with delicate lines etched around her mouth, then another whose body had grown softer with the weight of time and childbearing and said, "But you''re only half right."

    That earned a few startled blinks. Hesitance flickered among them, as if bracing for some carefully worded dismissal.

    "The truth is..." Cassius said. "..yes, you have changed¡ªjust as a flower does each year."

    "It grows stronger roots, richer petals. And when it blooms, sometimes it carries the experience of storms weathered and sunbaths enjoyed. But that doesn''t make it any less beautiful. In fact..." He paused, letting the silence stretch, forcing each woman to really listen. "...it makes it more vibrant and alluring than ever."

    A rush of heat tinted the cheeks of those older maids, and even the younger ones felt an unexpected twist in their chests at hearing such unabashed praise.

    Cassius continued, his voice low yet resonant.

    "Some of you have lines on your faces that speak of laughter and tears. Others have curves or softness you think is unwanted. But all I see is a blend of experiences¡ªand it only makes my admiration for you grow." He swept an arm, gesturing for them to look at each other. "If only you''d let yourselves see it, too. You''re hardly ''past your prime...You''re actually in it."

    A murmur of disbelief rippled through the group, but it was accompanied by faint, hopeful smiles¡ªlike sparks of light in a room that had long been dimmed by self-doubt. No one spoke, as they were too busy grappling with the honesty in his voice and the raw sincerity in his eyes.

    The head maid, who had been the first to disrobe, felt her heart clench at his words.

    She''d grown accustomed to teasing remarks about her age and weight¡ªjests she''d waved off with feigned amusement but which had slowly chipped away at her confidence.

    But here was Cassius, claiming her body, her face, her every perceived flaw, were all part of a unique and growing beauty which made her eyes go wide.

    He looked at her directly then, and there was no guile, no pity. Only a quiet, intense admiration that made her mouth go dry.

    His next words rang in the hush.

    "Let me tell you that each one of you has something singular and precious that sets you apart...It''s time you realized that, too.

    A blush spread across her cheeks. In that moment, she found herself swallowing a knot of emotion.

    She stood straighter, letting her arms fall at her sides, unconsciously mirroring the posture of pride in his words.

    It was a seemingly small shift, but it felt monumental.

    A younger maid, perhaps no more than nineteen, also felt a revelation at his words as she peeked at an older colleague''s face.

    She realized, that she had never truly looked at her fellow maids before¡ªalways seeing them as older, more experienced, but never as women with their own soft allure.

    But now, in the midst of Cassius''s words, she found herself noticing the gentle, dignified beauty of a mature woman in a way that startled and inspired her.

    And it wasn''t just her or the head maid, as all around her, the other maids followed suit, their postures becoming less guarded, the arms that had been crossed over chests or bellies slowly falling away.

    Shoulders squared and chins lifted just a bit higher.

    Even those whose bodies had once made them feel ashamed¡ªscars, stretch marks, the softness and shapes they believed undesirable¡ªwere standing with new confidence.

    As though, for the first time, they were hearing and believing that they, too, were worthy of admiration...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Quick reminder not to hate on the maids, as they have their own reasons for acting the way they did to their master at the beginning and I''ll just say it''s because of a man who had to eat a whole lot of salt.

    Also the NSFW illustrations for this scene and the NSFW illustrations of the head maid are all available in the discord...Check them out!

 Chapter 59 - 59: Uplifting Spirits And Stealing Hearts

    A wave of excitement passed through the group like a sudden breeze, lifting their spirits as well as their confidence.

    Moments ago, they had been timidly uncovering themselves, yet now they found a rush of bold curiosity coursing through their veins.

    And then because of this excitement that they couldn''t handle, one by one, the maids began voicing the insecurities they had carried for years¡ªinsecurities that suddenly felt lighter in the presence of Cassius''s unwavering admiration.

    A maid with short, wavy hair was the first to speak up, her cheeks still flushed but her voice laced with an eagerness that surprised even herself.

    Tentatively, she cupped her breasts and lifted them to show to Cassius. "Y-Young Master..." She hesitated, glancing sidelong at her fellow maids before forging ahead. "M-My breasts...They''re...sagging more than I''d like. But are they still... appealing in your eyes?"

    Cassius offered a small smile¡ªwarm, yet undeniably mischievousand and tilted his head a little, taking a moment to appraise her without shame or hesitation.

    "Appealing?" He repeated, one brow quirking. "If by ''appealing'' you mean absolutely irresistible, then yes. Very much so."

    The maid let out a tiny, startled laugh, her face brightening with both embarrassment and delight. She let her arms fall away, no longer trying to support what she now realized didn''t need her apology.

    Nearby, another woman¡ªslender, with hair pulled into a loose bun¡ªturned around, exposing a rear she''d always considered too flat. She glanced over her shoulder, biting her lip.

    "I know...it''s not much." She stretched a hand back, almost as if to emphasize its shape. "But...is it okay?"

    Cassius''s grin widened. He rose partway from his seat, just enough to lean forward and make it clear his attention was pinned on her.

    "Okay?" He repeated with feigned disbelief. "I can promise you, if you weren''t all standing here, I''d have half a mind to test how perfectly my hands might fit around you."

    Her cheeks heated instantly, and she let out a squeak of mortified laughter. The other maids teased her gently with elbow nudges, and her heart pounded with a giddy sense of validation she''d never felt before.

    Then a quieter maid stepped forward¡ªher braids swaying over her shoulders¡ªand shyly tugged at the edge of the tuft of hair between her thighs. Her voice dropped to a near-whisper, hardly audible in the hush of the hall.

    "Don''t misunderstand Master Cassius since I usually trim it, but I''ve been too busy lately and I haven''t gotten the chance...So, it''s just¡ªit''s messy, isn''t it?" Her gaze flicked downward, as though she couldn''t bear to see Cassius''s reaction.

    Cassius answered without missing a beat, his tone gently playful. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Messy? Or perhaps...naturally inviting?" He let his gaze travel to her eyes, making sure she could see the sincerity there. "I happen to think you wear it beautifully. There''s a certain allure to seeing a woman as she truly is. Nothing to be ashamed of."

    Her breath caught in her throat, relief and thrill mingling in equal measure. A couple of the other maids murmured in agreement, some nodding as they, too, took comfort in hearing that all these tiny details, which they had feared might be embarrassing, were seen in an entirely different¡ªand far more flattering-light.

    One after another, more voices joined in.

    A handful of younger maids asked about the size of their hips¡ªwere they too wide, too narrow?

    An older maid pointed self-consciously to the silver lines across her stomach, relics of childbirth, only for Cassius to tell her that such marks were a testament to her strength and resilience.

    For every supposed flaw, Cassius replied with genuine interest and a hint of that roguish charm that had them hanging on his every word.

    The air around them almost fizzed with a new energy, their earlier reservations melting away in this candid back-and-forth.

    Laughter bubbled up here and there¡ªa release of tension, a realization that what they had once seen as faults were, in his eyes, parts of their unique allure.

    With each praise Cassius bestowed¡ªeach playful promise or cheeky quip about how they looked-the maids felt their hearts skip a beat.

    It wasn''t merely flattery for flattery''s sake; there was an undeniable honesty in his gaze, the kind of look that told them he truly believed what he was saying.

    That truth, more than the words alone, made them feel as if they glowed from the inside out.

    And then as this delightful scene unfolded, the head maid''s soft, tinkling giggle echoed through the hall as she let her eyes dance merrily over the scene.

    "Oh, I must say, Young Master." She began in a light, playful tone, her cheeks still tinged with blush. "It''s so wonderful to hear such compliments, for it truly makes me feel like a real woman again." And then all of a sudden, her smile faltered into a wistful sigh. "If only my own husband could say such things to me."

    "...Oh, how happy I would be."

    Her words, tender yet laced with a quiet longing, caused a stir of sympathetic murmurs among the other maids. They too recalled the days when a single kind word from their husbands could lift their spirits; now, those eyes rarely met theirs, and such warm affirmations were all too scarce.

    But before any melancholic mood could settle, Cassius¡ªever the rogue he was with a mischievous glint in his eyes¡ªinterjected with a dismissive scoff that cut through the tender air.

    "Hmph! Who cares about husbands who can''t see the beauty right before them?" He declared, his tone teasing and irreverent.

    And then, in an act that both shocked and amused everyone, he suddenly shifted his position.

    With a swift, almost comical motion, he reached down into his pants and, to the collective astonishment of the room, whipped out his massive, rock-hard cock.

    Swing~

    And then in an exaggerated display meant to rouse both laughter and a sense of daring defiance, he began waving it about in a playful, almost theatrical manner.

    "Listen up, all of you!" He boomed in a tone that blended mischief with bold challenge, as he swung his cock like a mighty sword. "The next time any of you find yourselves compared to some other woman¡ªor feel insignificant in any way because of your partners¡ªsimply tell them to first grow a cock like mine that even towers over their figure before they even think of speaking another word!"

    For a long, suspended moment, the hall was filled with stunned silence before erupting into a cascade of giggles, flushed laughter, and exclamations of surprise.

    The unexpected display, laced with his silliness and unbridled confidence, had a liberating effect on the maids. They found themselves both mortified and exhilarated¡ªflustered by the raw audacity of his act, yet buoyed by the joyful irreverence of it all.

    Cassius''s wild antics and cheeky words transformed the atmosphere from one of tentative vulnerability into a boisterous celebration of self-acceptance.

    Each maids insecurity¡ªonce a secret burden¡ªwas now met with the undeniable truth of his gaze and his words.

    In that singular, charged moment, the room became a space where the imperfections of age, the scars of a lifetime, and every mark of time were not liabilities but badges of beauty, celebrated with unabashed humor and a wink of rebellion.

    Cassius''s smile widened as he surveyed the transformed expressions before him¡ªa mixture of playful astonishment and newfound pride. His display had not only lifted the mood but had also empowered them to see themselves through his eyes, where every curve and line told a story of resilience, passion, and raw, unfiltered beauty.

    Cassius the sighed as he sat and leaned back into his chair with a confident, almost playful smirk, his eyes roaming over the exposed forms before him before saying,

    "Now, now my beautiful maids...Notice how you all are naked and my cock is out at the same time." He announced, his voice low and commanding. "So why are you waiting any longer? Go ahead and have a taste of your treat that you''ve been longing for so long."

    At his words, a collective shiver of excitement ran through the maids. They exchanged uncertain glances and slight, daring smiles¡ªas if silently asking one another, ''Who will be the first?''.

    Yet Cassius''s tone left no room for hesitation. "It doesn''t matter who goes first or last." He continued, his gaze warm yet daring. "As by the end of this, each and every one of you will be thoroughly pleasured, so step forward without hesitation and have a experience of your lifetime."

    Emboldened by both his words and the newfound energy in the room, the head maid stepped forward.

    With deliberate care, she approached, lowering herself into a kneeling position near the impressive length before her. She was so close now that she couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer size of his member¡ªits girth and firmness commanding her full attention.

    Noticing her intense stare, Cassius teased. "Why are you looking at it so intensely? My cock might just feel a little shy under that gaze."

    Her cheeks flared a deeper shade of crimson as she murmured. "I-t''s just...it''s so big, Young Master a-and because of that it looks rather intimidating."

    With a roguish chuckle, Cassius quipped. "Oh, my maid, you don''t have to worry about that my cock is like a dog with big teeth and sharp paws that you can''t help but be scared of at first. But trust me when I say that it''s actually a sweetheart once you get to know it."

    "..Why don''t you pet it, and you''ll understand what I''m saying."

    The head maid hesitated only a moment before reaching out. Her fingers wrapped around his impressive length as she marveled at its girth and solidity.

    The moment she grabbed onto it, her mind swirled with a rush of sensations.

    In her thoughts, his cock felt as hard as an iron pole¡ªso firm and unyielding that she marveled at how her hand could barely wrap around its full girth.

    As her fingers, initially tentative, began to explore further, she found herself slowly sliding them along the bulbous tip and then down the length of his long, pulsating shaft.

    Every subtle contour, every ridge along the sensitive skin, sent shivers up her arm, and she let her hand drift further until it rested over his balls, which she caressed with a tenderness that spoke of both awe and longing.

    In that touch, she realized what it truly meant to feel a man''s strength¡ªraw, undeniable, and utterly captivating.

    Unable to control the surge of desire that now coursed through her, she lifted her eyes to meet Cassius''s, her expression a blend of shyness and pleading.

    In a quiet, almost trembling voice, she asked. "May I continue, Young Master?" Her words, soft and tentative, hung in the charged air.

    Cassius''s gaze softened as he replied in a low, inviting tone. "Please do...Today, my cock belongs not to me, but to all of you."

    Those words stirred something deep within her. With that gentle permission, she allowed her resolve to overtake her hesitation.

    Drawing nearer, she lowered her face toward him, her eyes never leaving his, as if seeking reassurance in every glance. Then, with a careful yet eager motion, she let her tongue slip forward.

    It began with a single, exploratory lick along the underside of his shaft¡ªa delicate caress that made her heart race.

    "Lick!?~"

    And then from there, she licked from base to tip, her tongue dancing over the veins that stood out with his arousal, each lick a study in sensuality.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    The head of his cock was given extra attention, her tongue circling it, flicking over the sensitive spot just beneath, tasting the slight saltiness of his pre-cum.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    She moved down again, her tongue now lapping at the sides of his shaft, exploring every inch, her actions becoming more fervent, more adoring.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Each stroke of her tongue was like a painter''s brush, carefully detailing every part of him.

    She felt an intoxicating mix of power and submission, her tongue tracing paths she had only imagined in her wildest fantasies, now brought to life with the taste and texture of Cassius under her fervent tongue.

    Her actions were not just of physical pleasure but of a deep, primal satisfaction, her eyes occasionally flicking up to meet his, seeking approval, finding only encouragement, which fueled her further. She was lost in the moment, her body responding with its own wetness, her heart racing in the excitement of this forbidden exploration.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Cassius''s hand also moved in slow, deliberate caresses through the head maid''s dark hair, his touch both possessive and tender as her warm, eager mouth continued its artful devotion.

    Every subtle motion of her tongue and gentle suction drew out a low, appreciative hum from him, deepening the charged intimacy of the moment.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Across the room, the other maids watched with eyes alight in feverish anticipation. Sensing their silent invitation, Cassius''s lips curved into a confident, knowing smile.

    "You know...I can handle more than one tongue at a time." He murmured, his voice low and commanding as he gestured for them to approach. "So why don''t you any of you two come forward and help you head maid out, as I don''t think she can handle all of my cock herself."

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    The illustrations for the head maid are also available in the comment section...Check them out!

 Chapter 60 - 60: Not Even Half Way In...

    Without a moment''s hesitation, the two maids advanced.

    Dropping gracefully to their knees¡ªbare, unashamed, and driven by their own arousal¡ªthey positioned themselves alongside the head maid.

    And then, in a seamless, almost choreographed motion, they joined in the act of shared adoration.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Their mouths converged around the length of Cassius''s throbbing cock, each seeking to trace and explore every curve and sensitive vein with their tongues and lips.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Together, they began to share the task, their tongues meeting at the base of Cassius''s shaft, licking upwards in synchronized motion.

    Their lips brushed against each other''s occasionally, but there was no sign of reluctance; instead, they seemed to revel in the shared intimacy, their tongues dancing around his length, each exploring, tasting, and worshipping his cock in their own way.

    "Nnn!?~ Slurp!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    One maid would focus on the side, her tongue tracing the thick veins, her saliva making the path slick and inviting.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmph!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck! ?~"

    The other maid would take the other side, her tongue flicking against him, her lips forming gentle kisses along the shaft.

    Their combined efforts created a symphony of wet sounds, the room filled with the lewd, rhythmic slurping and sucking. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn!?~ Mmmph! ?~"

    The head maid, in the center, took the tip into her mouth, her head bobbing with a rhythm that matched the others'' movements, her tongue swirling around the head, occasionally dipping into the slit, tasting the essence of his arousal.

    The teamwork was erotic, their mouths and tongues working in unison, their actions a blend of hunger and reverence.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Cassius reveled in the pleasure, each maid attending to a different part of him.

    One devotedly sucked on the tip, her lips tight around him, her tongue teasing the sensitive head. Another worked on the shaft, her mouth sliding up and down, her tongue never ceasing its exploration.

    Meanwhile, the head maid, displaying both courage and greed, began to lavish attention on his balls, her tongue circling them before she attempted to take one into her mouth, her actions filled with a bold desire.

    "Mmph!?~ Ooooh!?~ Suck!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    As waves of pleasure coursed through him, Cassius smiled, his gaze shifting to two maids standing close together in the crowd, their arousal evident by the glistening wetness between their thighs. He pointed it out with a teasing grin. "Oh, look at how wet you both are. Come here; I''ll help you clean up since we can''t have you standing like you just wet yourself."

    Confused yet drawn by the command in his voice, the two maids approached, one on either side of him. They didn''t fully grasp what he meant by ''clean up'', but the promise in his tone and the current scene of pleasure was enough to compel them forward, their steps hesitant yet eager to please and perhaps find relief from their own arousal.

    Witt them standing by each of his sides, Cassius issued his next command with a voice thick with desire.

    "Lift your legs and place them on the armrest of the chair...Then push your wet vagina as close to my face as you can like you''re trying to feed me the fruits inside your tight little holes."

    The maids, already flushed with embarrassment and excitement, complied. They lifted their legs, resting them on the armrests, which forced them to spread their legs wide.

    Lift~ Spread~

    This action unveiled their pussies in all their glory¡ªone completely bare, the smooth skin accentuating the pink, swollen lips glistening with arousal, and the other adorned with a soft tuft of hair, the dark contrast highlighting the wet, eager flesh beneath.

    Cassius then positioned his hand beneath the first maid''s legs, his hands reaching around to grip her ass firmly. And then with a sudden pull, he brought her forward, her body tensing with shock as her pussy was brought directly to his face.

    He took a moment to admire the sight, the rawness of it, the way her lips parted slightly, revealing the moist, inviting interior.

    Then, with a deliberate motion that caught the maid off guard, he extended his tongue, giving one long, luxurious lick from the base of her vagina to the top, collecting all the fluid that had gathered there.

    "Ahhh!?~ Nooo!?~ Haughh!?~"

    The sensation was electric, the direct contact of his tongue against her sensitive flesh causing her to release a loud, unabashed moan, her body trembling with the sudden onslaught of pleasure.

    "Hnnn!?~ Ohh!?~ Ohhh!?~ Ohhhh!?~"

    The other girl watched, her body trembling at the sight before her, the act looking so raw and filthy yet undeniably arousing. She witnessed how, with one single, masterful motion, Cassius had cleaned the other maid''s vagina, leaving it glistening but devoid of the previous wetness.

    Her eyes also couldn''t help but notice how the maid''s nipples had hardened into firm peaks, responding to the intense pleasure.

    When Cassius''s gaze finally fell upon her, filled with both desire and unspoken invitation, her heart skipped a beat. For a suspended moment, she feared he might approach her with the same fervor.

    But instead, his low, commanding tone broke the charged silence.

    "Do you want me to clean you, too?" He asked, his voice smooth yet insistent¡ªa promise of intimate indulgence that ignited both her embarrassment and her secret longing.

    Timidly, her eyes lowered in response¡ªa single, subtle nod betraying the tempest of anticipation roiling beneath her bashfulness.

    Sensing the need to be utterly sure and to tease her a bit, Cassius added, "If you truly desire it, then spread yourself wide for me, so I clean you from the inside out."

    Though every instinct screamed caution when she heard his words, the yearning within her overpowered her shyness.

    Slowly, with hands trembling yet determined, she reached down to the delicate folds of her thighs.

    Spread~

    Gently, she parted them, revealing the soft, pink inner sanctum of her pussy¡ªa hidden, inviting garden bathed in a natural blush of arousal and vulnerability.

    The exposed, dewy petals of her inner walls shone in the dim light, each curve and contour a silent plea for the cleansing, passionate touch of her master.

    Cassius''s eyes roamed appreciatively over her revealed intimacy. And then with deliberate care, he leaned in closer, his presence both reassuring and electrifying.

    His fingers lightly brushed the sensitive skin at the edge of her inner folds, sending a cascade of shivers up her spine. Then, with a measured, sensual pace, he brought his lips close to her exposed flesh.

    Her heart pounded in her ears as she braced herself, expecting the familiar, teasing caress of his tongue traveling slowly from the base to the crown of her exposed flesh.

    But in that electrified moment, however, her anticipation turned to shock when Cassius, with an intensity that belied his usual measured pace, pressed his tongue all the way into her pink cave.

    "Ahhhh!?~"

    The unexpected intrusion sent a jolt of raw, overwhelming pleasure through her, and she instinctively clutched at his head.

    His tongue didn''t seem to mind her holding him for support as it moved with deliberate precision, expertly dragging along the sensitive inner walls of her most private depths.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Each slow, fluid sweep of his tongue elicited shudders of delight that coursed through her body, mingling surprise with an intoxicating blend of vulnerability and arousal.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    The sensation was unlike anything she had ever experienced¡ªan exquisite, almost ritualistic exploration that made her gasp and tremble.

    His tongue''s soft, wet caresses glided over every hidden contour, as if intent on meticulously cleaning and awakening every inch of her delicate, inner sanctuary.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Overcome by the intensity, she grabbed onto his head, her fingers tangling in his hair, not knowing whether to push him away or pull him closer.

    The feeling of his tongue moving inside her was too much, her legs weakening, her mind lost in the throes of pleasure that was both cleaning and corrupting her all at once.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    When he finally thought that he had finished his job, Cassius withdrew from her, a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he allowed her to lean against him for support.

    His touch lingered on her skin, a final, fleeting caress that affirmed his control and her surrender. Then, with a playful, knowing smile, he murmured as he looked at the maids sucking his suck in a fervent manner.

    "I''m going to cum...Get ready."

    At his words, the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.

    The three maids, already aflame with desire, sprang into action. Their movements were a mixture of urgency and eager competition as they vied for position at the crown of his throbbing cock.

    In their haste, they jostled gently against one another, each determined to claim the prime spot from which to capture every drop of his potent release.

    But before any one of them could fully secure their place, Cassius''s arousal reached its peak.

    In a moment of overwhelming passion, he exploded¡ªa sudden, powerful surge of jizz arcing upward like a creamy, rain-soaked fountain.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    The warm, thick cascade rained down in a lavish shower, splattering across the expectant faces, dampening soft strands of hair, and tracing glistening trails over the supple contours of their breasts.

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    And rather than recoiling, the maids welcomed the unexpected deluge with unabashed delight. Their eyes widened in collective disbelief and fervent awe as they absorbed every droplet of his magnificent load.

    They looked at each other, faces and bodies marked with the evidence of his pleasure, their own arousal and excitement noticeable in the air.

    As the maids were taking in the sight of his cum on each other''s faces, dripping from nipples, Cassius suddenly called out to them, his voice filled with renewed vigor.

    "You know that I''m still raring to go and have a true taste of one of your pussies...So I would appreciate it if someone would take their seat already and let me show you a good time."

    When they looked up to see what he was talking about, to their utter astonishment, they found out that he was holding his cock, which somehow hadn''t lost its firmness at all; it was as erect and demanding as ever.

    And when his words truly sunk in, the two maids scrambled to move, eager to claim the position. But the head maid, with her usual diligence, was quicker.

    She got up and positioned herself on his lap, her pussy rubbing coyly against the tip of his cock, her movements hesitant, the fear of his size evident in her eyes.

    She was also deeply worried, her movements tentative as she rubbed her pussy against Cassius''s tip, concerned that her hesitance might irritate him or that he would grow impatient with her for not taking him in fully.

    The size of him was intimidating, and her heart was a tumult of fear and desire.

    But instead of scolding her for her timidity, Cassius noticed her nervousness.

    With a gentleness that contradicted his commanding presence, he took her hands and placed them on his shoulders, providing her with the support she needed. He then steadied her by holding her hips, his touch firm yet reassuring.

    And just when she thought she couldn''t be more surprised by his patience, gestured her to come closer and when she leaned in, he kissed on the lips in a way that caught her completely off guard.

    "Kiss!?~"

    And just when she was on a high from the kiss that was so tender, filled with an unexpected warmth that seemed to melt away her fears, she was sent to a higher peak as Cassius eyes, bright and full of approval, searched hers as he murmured, "You''ve done so well, my darling. Not just here, but your whole life. I know you''ve given your best, even if no one else sees it."

    "...And I know I''m in no place to say this but I''m proud of the little girl who has blossomed into such a splendid woman today. I''m truly proud of you and so should you be."

    He finished with a gentle smile and another peck on her trembling lips like he was reaffirming his words with that small gesture of love, while the head maid herself was lost in some sort to dreamy state.

    Why?...Because his voice was like a balm to her years of silent service, his smile a beacon of acceptance and appreciation.

    This sudden acknowledgment, the kiss, the supportive touch, all combined to make her feel as if she were on top of the world.

    It wasn''t just the physical sensations she was dealing with; it was an emotional awakening, a validation of her worth that she hadn''t known she needed so desperately.

    Her body also responded to this emotional surge, her pussy naturally spreading and slowly enveloping his cock, a gasp escaping her lips as she was consumed by the dual sensations of physical pleasure and emotional fulfillment.

    "Hnnn!?~ Ah!?~ Mmmm!?~"

    The two maids, still kneeling, watched in astonishment as the head maid''s pussy stretched in a way they hadn''t thought possible around Cassius''s impressive girth.

    The sight of her accommodating him so fully, her body adjusting to his size, sent a mixture of awe and a strange, aching desire through them. Their own pussies throbbed in response, a mix of sympathy for the stretch and a craving to experience such fullness themselves.

    Yet, what truly captivated them was the expression on the head maid''s face.

    As she descended further down his shaft, her look of ecstasy was unmistakable. It was clear that amidst the initial pain, there was a profound enjoyment, her face flushed with pleasure, her eyes half-closed in bliss.

    And if there was any doubt left about whether the head maid was enjoying what was happening, it was obliterated when, to the shock of both maids, she began to tremble.

    She had only taken in half of Cassius''s cock, and it seemed to push her to her absolute limit.

    And then suddenly, her body seized up, and she started to squirt with a force that could only be described as torrential.

    "Squelch!?~ Drip!?~ Gloop!?~ Splat!?~"

    Her pussy juice erupted like a geyser, a relentless stream of clear, warm liquid cascading down, soaking Cassius''s crotch in a flood of her ecstasy.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    The amount was astonishing; it wasn''t just a squirt but a celebration, her release so full that it dripped off him, pooling on the floor beneath, a testament to how overwhelmed and pleasured she was.

    Her body seemed to convulse with each wave of squirt, her face contorted in a mix of shock and pure ecstasy, leaving no question to everyone watching in awe and disbelief that she was in the throes of an orgasm far beyond her control...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    What do you guys think of the 18+ scenes? Do you like that I''m taking my time with each moment or do you just want me to make the protagonist bang everyone and then move on?

 Chapter 61 - 61: Its My Duty To Serve You

    Cassius''s gaze swept over the scene below with a knowing, amused glint. His pants, still darkly stained and completely soaked from the head maid''s overwhelming release, clung to him as evidence of how gratified she felt at the moment.

    But he didn''t seem to mind that his pants felt like someone had poured hot oil on them and shifted his focus to the head maid, whose body still trembled in his embrace after having her insides so fully filled by his cock.

    With a soft chuckle and deliberate care, he adjusted her position, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible despite the intensity of their encounter.

    "Forgive me for asking this, my dear maid." He began in a low, teasing tone as he lightly brushed a stray lock of hair from her flushed face. "But are you actually still a virgin? I''m only asking because I can see that you''ve reacted quite violently to that single penetration, almost as though you''re barely holding on and it''s your first time." He noted how she looked like she was barely hanging on, her body still shuddering with aftershocks.

    The head maid, catching her breath, managed a weak chuckle as she looked up at her master.

    "Of course not, Young Master, I''m far too old for that, already having a boy of my own who''s going to start working next year." She said, her voice a mix of humor and embarrassment, secretly enjoying how he looked at her with such youthful curiosity. She then blushed and continued saying in a coy manner, "I-It''s just that...that you''re a little too big, and I''ve never gone this deep before"

    Cassius''s smirk widened at her confession. "Not even with your husband?" He probed, his tone playful yet probing.

    She shook her head, still trying to regain her composure. "Not even half as deep as I am now." She admitted, her voice a whisper of both confession and excitement.

    "A pity." Cassius responded, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "A ravishing lady like yourself deserves to have all her holes filled all the way." His words were bold, causing her to blush profusely.

    The other maids, who had been listening intently to this exchange, also felt their cheeks heat up too, the air around them charged with a mix of scandal and desire.

    The head maid, feeling a surge of both embarrassment and arousal at his words, managed a shy smile.

    "You do have a way with words, Master Cassius." She murmured, her eyes lowering, not out of shame but from the intensity of the moment. "I suppose there are some...benefits to serving under such an...attentive master."

    Cassius laughed, the sound warm and genuine.

    "And I suppose there''s much more to explore for such a diligent and beautiful maid. But let''s not keep the others waiting, shall we?"

    His eyes flicked to the other maids, who were now watching with a mix of anticipation and envy, their bodies responding to the scene before them.

    The head maid nodded shyly, her cheeks still flushed from the intensity of her experience and the boldness of her confession.

    But just as Cassius was about to initiate further, she quickly looked up at him, her eyes meeting his with a newfound determination.

    "You don''t need to move, Young Master." She said, her voice soft yet firm. "It''s my duty to serve you, and even though I haven''t been doing my part properly lately because of the ''rumours'' going around about you, I''ll surely do my service now."

    Cassius raised his eyebrows at the mention of rumors, his mind briefly wandering to wonder what tales had been spun about him in the household, that seem to have influenced the maids into mamin bad decisions.

    However, his thoughts were cut short when he felt the head maid tighten her grip around him, her arms pulling her closer so that her breasts pressed against his chest. The warmth and softness of her against him were immediate, her intention clear.

    And then with a gentle sway, she began to move up and down on his still-hard cock, her pussy slowly stretching around him, testing the limits of her capacity.

    "Hnn!?~ Ohhh!?~ Unghh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    Each movement was completely unfamiliar to her, the sensation of his massive girth stretching her, filling her, was both daunting and exhilarating. She felt every vein, every pulse of his cock inside her, the pressure against her inner walls igniting a fire of raw pleasure mixed with a sharp edge of pain.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Her mind was awash with the intensity of the moment; she had underestimated him, and now, with him buried deep inside her, she realized the rumors had done him no justice. The fullness was overwhelming, her pussy spasming around him, adapting to his size with a mix of urgency and delight.

    "Ohhh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Nnnm!"

    Looking up at Cassius, she saw the pleasure in his eyes, spurring her on. Eager to please him, to push herself to new heights of ecstasy, she quickened her pace.

    Her movements turned aggressive, her hips slamming down onto him with a force that made her breasts bounce wildly. Each thrust was a dive into deeper pleasure, his cock hitting spots that sent electric shocks through her body.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Her moans were now uninhibited, filling the room with the sound of her pleasure. The wet, rhythmic slap of their bodies meeting was erotic music to their ears. She could feel her own juices flowing, making each descent smoother, each stroke deeper.

    "Aaaah!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mmmmm!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmmm!"

    Leaning forward, she changed the angle, allowing him to penetrate even further, causing her to cry out in ecstasy. "M-Master!?~" She gasped, her voice a mix of prayer and plea, acknowledging the pleasure he was giving her, the pleasure she was taking.

    "Ohhh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Aahhh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmm!?~"

    Her movements were now a frenzy of lust, her pussy gripping him with each rise and fall, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her eyes locked with his in a silent, intense communication of desire.

    Cassius, feeling her need for more, for that connection beyond the physical, leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was as deep as his penetration.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    His tongue delved into her mouth, mimicking the rhythm of his cock inside her, creating a dual assault of pleasure.

    Her body, already struggling with the overwhelming sensation of his hard cock filling her to the brim, reacted to this new invasion with a shudder of pure ecstasy.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The kiss was not just a meeting of lips but somethin primal, his mouth dominating hers with a passion that matched the ferocity of their bodies union.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Each swirl of his tongue, each taste of her, brought her to another level of pleasure she had never known existed before. It was as if he was claiming every part of her, from her pussy to her soul, through this profound, erotic connection.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    Her moans were swallowed by his kiss, her body trembling, her pussy clenching around him in response to the dual stimulation, her mind spiralling into a vortex of sensation where pleasure was the only reality.

    With a sudden pull away from her mouth, Cassius took in a deep breath, his eyes dark with lust as he surveyed the room.

    The two naked maids by the sides of his chair, their eyes wide and their cheeks flushed, had been watching the intimate scene unfold before them with rapt attention. They had received instructions to wait, serve, and be ready when called upon, and now it was their turn.

    He beckoned with a crooked finger, his voice a low, gruff command. "Come here, you two. I believe your breasts are begging for my attention as well." The maids, feeling a rush of excitement, took a tentative step closer, their breasts heaving with anticipation.

    As they approached, their hands automatically rose to offer their mounds to him. The head maid, still riding his cock, watched with fascination and slight bitterness as her fellow servants eagerly presented themselves. Her own breasts felt neglected, her nipples hard and sensitive from the intense ride she had been on.

    And then without any hesitation, Cassius took the maid with curly brown hair and a youthful face breast into his mouth with a hunger that was palpable, his lips sealing around her nipple, sucking with a ferocity that sent a jolt of pleasure straight to her core.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmph!?~ Yes, Young Master!?~ Jsyb like that~ Slurp!?~ Ooh!?~"

    He bit down gently, then harder, the sharp sting of his teeth followed by the soothing suction of his mouth, creating a delicious push-pull of sensation that made her gasp in delight. Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, her back arching in surrender, offering more of her breast to his eager mouth.

    "Oooh!?~ Suck!?~ Just like that!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh! ?~ Suck my breasts, please!?~"

    The other maid with short, straight black hair, who seemed to be her close friend, driven by a mix of jealousy and desire, leaned in, her own breasts brushing against his cheek, the soft skin begging for attention. Her breath was shallow, desperate, as she pressed herself against him, her body trembling with anticipation.

    "Nnn!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahhh, yesss!?~ Sluurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    With a smirk, he switched to the other maid, his mouth capturing her nipple with a voracious enthusiasm, his tongue swirling around it before he drew it deeper into his mouth, sucking hard.

    "Ahh!~ Lick!?~ Mmmph!?~ Oooh! ?~"

    His free hand didn''t waste time either; it reached up to fondle the neglected breast of the first maid, his fingers pinching and rolling her still-sensitive nipple between his thumb and forefinger, sending another wave of pleasure through her.

    "Ah!?~ Ahh!?~ Ahhhh!?~"

    She moaned, her body reacting to his touch, her nipple hardening further under his skilled manipulation. Meanwhile, his mouth was relentless on the second maid, biting and sucking, alternating between gentle and rough, his actions driving both maids to the brink of ecstasy.

    "Mmmm!?~ Sip!?~ Nnnn!?~ Ahhh! ?~"

    Both of the girls who were getting tested met eyes; their shared experience created a silent bond of desire between them. They were no longer just observers; they were participants in this decadent dance of lust.

    "Ohhh!?~ Mmm, perfect!?~ Aaahh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm!?~ Unghhh!?~"

    The head maid''s rhythm also grew erratic as she watched her colleagues breasts being pleasured by her master''s skilled mouth.

    Her own need grew, her pussy clenching around his cock, desperate for release. She felt her orgasm building, a crescendo of pleasure that threatened to shatter her into a million pieces.

    "Yesss!?~ Ohhh!?~ Mmm, just like that!?~ Unghh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    Cassius, ever attuned to the needs of his playthings, reached up and grabbed her hips, holding her still as he took control of their rhythm.

    His movements grew more deliberate, more intense, as he drove his cock into her, the pleasure on his face a mirror of the ecstasy she felt. The maids by his sides watched with wide eyes, their own need felt in the air as they awaited their turn.

    "Ohhh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Aahhh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmm!?~"

    As she continued to rock her ass up and down, the head maid felt her climax approaching like a freight train, her entire body tensing as she hovered on the edge.

    Her pussy clamped down hard around him, and with a final, powerful thrust, she screamed out her release, her body convulsing with pleasure.

    "Ah!?~ Ahh!?~ I''m¡ªI''m cumming!?~ I''m cumming!?~ Ahhhh!?~ Ahhhhhh!?~"

    The sight of her head thrown back, her mouth open in a silent scream of ecstasy, was too much for the other maids to bear.

    But even though they couldn''t bear to see her cumming once again, making such a mess, they found themselves unable to tear their eyes away from the scene.

    Their gazes were locked not only on her, who looked like she was on cloud nine, but also on their master, Cassius, whose prowess had brought her to this peak of pleasure.

    His command over her body, the way he could elicit such intense reactions, held them in a thrall of fascination and desire, their own bodies responding to the raw display before them.

    As the head maid''s cries of pleasure subsided, Cassius looked up, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "Your turn." He murmured, releasing both of the maids nipples he was sucking on with a pop, his voice thick with desire.

    The two maids by the chair stepped closer, their bodies quivering with anticipation. This was the moment they had been waiting for, the moment they had hoped would come when they had been chosen to serve him.

    The head maid, her body still quivering from the intense pleasure of her orgasm, knew that she was supposed to let the others have their own fun now, but she found herself unable to move on her own.

    Her legs were weak, her mind a haze of ecstasy.

    Sensing her condition, Cassius, with a strength that belied the gentleness of his touch, grabbed her by the hips and lifted her off his still-hard cock as if she were weightless. As he did so, his member slid out of her with a wet sound, leaving her feeling both empty and fulfilled.

    One of the maids nearby quickly moved to assist, gently guiding the head maid to the ground where she sat, her body throbbing with the aftershocks of her climax.

    She leaned back, her breathing heavy, her eyes closed in the afterglow, her skin flushed with the heat of her release, which sent shivers to the rest of the maids watching, wondering if they''ll also have such a lewd expression by the end of this sultry experience...

 Chapter 62 - 62: I Can Handle Both Of You

    With the head maid settled, the two maids by Cassius''s side, filled with a playful and sisterly camaraderie, didn''t hesitate to vie for the next turn.

    Their hands reached for his cock simultaneously, each trying to claim it for herself, their laughter mingling with the soft, playful sounds of their struggle.

    "Oh, I want my turn too!" Cooed one in a teasing tone, lightly tugging at him as she laughed.

    "Not so fast¡ªMy turn is coming up next!" The other retorted, her voice rising in a soft, sultry giggle as they both tried to secure their position.

    Their movements were gentle yet determined, a friendly rivalry that was as affectionate as it was competitive.

    From a discreet corner of the room, the older maids observed the scene with a blend of bemusement and wistful nostalgia.

    One older maid sighed, a half-scold in her tone as she murmured. "Oh dear, must we always be so unruly in front of Master? We''re supposed to maintain our dignity."

    Another, though trying to sound stern, couldn''t hide the twinkle in her eyes as she added. "Indeed, there was a time when decorum mattered¡ªbut these youthful passions have a way of reminding us of our own once¡ªfiery desires."

    Just as the older maids were about to step in to restore some semblance of order, Cassius raised a hand, gesturing for them to stop. His voice was calm yet commanding as he spoke to the two playful maids. "You don''t have to fight." He said, his voice a seductive purr that sent shivers down their spines.

    "...I can handle both of you."

    Confusion flickered across their faces, unsure of his implication.

    But before they could ponder it further, Cassius acted. He swiftly picked one of the girls up by her waist, her body light in his strong grip.

    And with no warning, he positioned her above his cock and then, with a motion that was both merciless and precise, he dropped her down onto him.

    "Ahhhhh!?~ Haughh!?~"

    His cock penetrated her fully in one swift descent, stretching her wide, the sudden fullness causing her eyes to widen in shock and pleasure.

    "Hnnn!?~ S-So deep!?~ Ahh!?~ I can''t b-breath!?~ Hmm!?~"

    The sensation was overwhelming; she was unprepared for the depth, the intensity. Her body reacted instantly, her pussy clenching around him, triggering an immediate orgasm.

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She squirted, her release a powerful gush that splashed over them both, her moans filling the room as she shuddered in his lap, taken in by the sudden, intense pleasure.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Thwap!?~ Squish!?~"

    Overwhelmed by the tsunami of pleasure coursing through her, the maid blacked out, her body twitching in the aftermath of her intense orgasm.

    The sight made all the maids gasp, especially the one who had been eagerly awaiting her turn.

    Now, fear replaced her excitement; she took a step back, her mind racing with second thoughts about what she had so eagerly anticipated.

    Cassius noticed the maid stepping back, her body language screaming retreat. His voice, a mix of amusement and command, cut through the air, "Where do you think you''re going?"

    Before she could respond or even think of escaping further, Cassius moved with the speed of a predator. He grabbed her, his grip firm and unyielding, pulling her towards him.

    And with a swift motion, he threw her down onto his still-erect cock as well, impaling her in one fluid, aggressive movement.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Too deep!?~ Thwap!?~ T-Too deep!?~ Squish!?~"

    The sounds of their union were immediate and intense, echoing the raw physicality of their coupling.

    "Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Noo!?~ Ooooh!?~ Unghhh!?~ I can''t handle this!?~ Nnnmm!"

    His thrusts were punishing, each one a declaration of his dominance, filling her with such force that her initial fear quickly morphed into a whirlwind of sensations.

    "Ohhh!?~ Mmmh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Noo!?~ Ughhh!?~ Nnnmmm!?~"

    Her body, initially tense with apprehension, soon surrendered to the relentless rhythm. Cassius fucked her with a ferocity that left no room for doubt or hesitation.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Yes, yes!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Deeper!?~ Nnnmm!"

    Each thrust was deep, sending waves of pleasure through her that she couldn''t escape even if she wanted to.

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ I can''t!?~ Aaaah!?~ This to much!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnn!?~ My pussy feels so full!?~"

    Her moans, at first reluctant, soon became cries of undeniable pleasure, the sounds mingling with the erotic symphony of their bodies. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You thought you could run?" Cassius taunted, his voice a low growl against her ear, his breath hot on her skin. "You''re mine now, just like the others."

    Her body responded, the fear replaced by the undeniable thrill of being so thoroughly claimed.

    Her legs wrapped around him instinctively, her back arching to meet his thrusts, her mind overwhelmed by the intensity of the pleasure he forced upon her.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Yes, master!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Ravage me!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm! Ravage me with that monster cock of yours!?~"

    She had thought it wouldn''t be so bad, recalling how the head maid had taken it, not reacting as dramatically.

    But now, as Cassius''s rod impaled her, the electrifying sensation was beyond anything she had anticipated; she couldn''t even muster the words to express the intensity of her pleasure.

    Her last coherent thought was one of newfound respect for the head maid, who had handled it with such grace and composure. She admired the other woman''s endurance and elegance, realizing just how much of a champion the head maid had been.

    Then, as Cassius rammed into her with full force, reaching the deepest parts of her, the pleasure exploded within her.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splurt!?~ Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She squirted powerfully, her release arcing through the air as she leaned back all the way until she was hanging off the chair to land among the crowd in front of her.

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    The overwhelming ecstasy was too much, and like her predecessor, she too passed out, her body slumping forward as the last waves of her orgasm pulsed through her, leaving her in a state of blissful unconsciousness.

    Seeing this, Cassius chuckled softly, his voice echoing with a mix of amusement and satisfaction as he rose from his seat. His gaze swept over the room, taking in the slightly frightened yet curious expressions of the gathered maids.

    "Now...Who''s coming up next?"

    He asked, his tone still laced with that seductive purr that had earlier commanded the room, while his erect cock that looked like a log was hanging down as hard as they first saw it.

    The crowd hesitated for just a split second, the memory of the intense orgasms and the subsequent unconsciousness of their colleagues fresh in their minds. But then, the images of ecstasy on those maids'' faces before they blacked out seemed to stir something within them.

    A sudden shift came about in the atmosphere; fear turned to eager anticipation.

    In a rush, more then a dozen maids, all previously reticent, surged towards Cassius. Their movements were desperate, almost frenzied, as they pressed their bodies against him, their breasts pushing forward in an almost comical but undeniably enthusiastic bid for attention.

    "Please, Master Cassius, me next!" One maid pleaded, her voice high with excitement.

    "No, no, choose me!" Another interjected, her hands reaching up to caress his shoulders, her eyes wide with desire.

    "No, no, don''t choose them! They can''t handle your massive penis! Choose me instead!" Another maid said even though she doubted she could take him before passing out even before he puts his tip in.

    The room filled with a cacophony of similar pleas, each maid vying for the next moment of pleasure, their earlier reservations forgotten in the heat of the moment.

    Looking at the tantalising sight of all his beautiful maids fighting for his cock before him, Cassius''s smile widened, the corners of his mouth curling with a blend of amusement and predatory delight.

    "Haha...Seeing as so many of my maids want my service, I would be a horrible master if I were to actually reject them, wouldn''t I?" His voice was a velvet caress, resonating with confidence and a playful challenge.

    And then without waiting for an answer, he quickly reached out, grabbing one of the maids directly in front of him.

    His hands were swift and sure, turning her around with ease so that her back was pressed against his chest. Her breath hitched, a mix of surprise and anticipation escaping her lips as he seized her wrists, holding them firmly behind her back.

    The room quieted for a moment, all eyes on them, the air thick with the scent of lust and the palpable energy of the gathering.

    "Ahhhh!?~"

    Then, with no further preamble, Cassius thrust forward, his cock entering her with a force that made her gasp loudly, her body tensing then relaxing into the rhythm he imposed.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    He began to move, each thrust violent and powerful, driving into her with a pace that was both punishing and exhilarating.

    "Ohhhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnmmm!

    Her moans filled the space, echoing off the walls, each one louder than the last as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations. The sight was both erotic and commanding, Cassius''s control over her evident in every motion, every sound she made.

    "Ooooh!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnn!

    Her legs trembled, struggling to keep her upright as he pounded into her, but his grip on her wrists was all the support she needed.

    Her head lolled back onto his shoulder, eyes closed, mouth open in a silent scream of pleasure.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Around them, the other maids watched, some with envy, others with their own desires rekindling, their fears of the intensity now overshadowed by the raw display of pleasure.

    "You like that, don''t you?" Cassius whispered into her ear, his voice a low growl as he continued his rampage. "You''ve been waiting for this, haven''t you? Craving to feel me inside you."

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnn!''

    Her response was a moan, her body already trembling with the intensity of his penetration.

    "Y-Yes, Master!?~ Ahhh!?~ I wanted this for so long, t-that you don''t even know!?~" She managed to say between breaths, the words coming out in short bursts as he continued to pound into her.

    "You''re so tight around me." Cassius continued, his dirty talk fueling her arousal. "I can feel how much you want it...How much you need this."

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaahh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm!"

    Her head fell back against his shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations. "Yes, Young Master!?~ I want it!?~ Hnnn!?~ More, please!?~" She begged, her voice a mixture of desperation and ecstasy.

    "More?" Cassius chuckled, his pace increasing, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through her. "You can take more, can''t you? You''re going to take all of me, every inch, until you''re screaming my name."

    His words were like an aphrodisiac, pushing her closer to the edge with each filthy promise. "Yes, yes!?~" She cried out, her voice echoing in the room, mingling with the sounds of their bodies colliding.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    "You''re mine to use, aren''t you?" He taunted, his grip on her wrists tightening as he drove into her with relentless force. "Say it. Say you''re mine."

    "I''m yours, Master!?~" she gasped, her body now shaking uncontrollably as she approached her climax. "All yours!?~"

    "That''s right." Cassius growled, feeling her body tighten around him, signaling her impending release. "And I''m going to make you come so hard you''ll forget your own name and now only mine...Your master, the one who owns this filthy body of yours."

    His dirty talk, combined with his unyielding rhythm, pushed her over the edge.

    "Young Master!?~ Ahhhhh!?~ I-I''m cumming!?~ Ahnnnnn!?~"

    "Drip!?~ Sploosh!?~ Gloop!?~ Splurt!?~"

    She screamed his name, her orgasm hitting her with a force that left her vision blurred, her body convulsing in his arms.

    "Squish!?~ Splish!?~ Glug!?~ Plop!?~"

    Without missing a beat, Cassius let go of the now limp maid, who was gently helped by her colleagues to the side, her body still trembling in the aftermath of her intense release.

    Then, his eyes, dark with lust, scanned the crowd until they locked onto another maid whose anticipation was visible in her flushed cheeks and wide eyes, which made a evil smile form on his face like he found his next victim...

 Chapter 63 - 63: God Of Pleasure

    "Come here." He commanded, his voice allowing no argument.

    The timid looking maid stepped forward, her movements both hesitant and eager, drawn by the magnetic pull of his command. Before she could speak, Cassius grasped her, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.

    He turned her to face him, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist for support. His hands found her hips, lifting her slightly before he impaled her on his still-erect cock with a ferocity that made her eyes widen in shock and pleasure.

    "Ahhhh!?~ Young Master!?~ Haughh!?~"

    "You wanted this, didn''t you?" He hissed into her ear, his tone aggressive, almost feral. "You watched, you waited, and now you''ll take it all."

    "Mmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Yesss!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmm, perfect!?~ Unghh!?~"

    His movements were brutal, each thrust lifting her off the ground slightly only for gravity to assist in slamming her back down onto him.

    "Ohhh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Aahhh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmm!?~"

    She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders, her moans loud and uninhibited as he fucked her with a relentless intensity.

    "Yes, Master!?~" She cried out, her voice shaking with each impact. "Fuck me, use me!?~"

    "That''s right." Cassius growled, his grip on her tightening, holding her up with one hand while the other roamed over her body, squeezing her breasts, pinching her nipples, adding to her sensory overload. "You''re just a toy for my pleasure. Can you handle that?"

    "Yes, I can handle it, I want it!?~" She screamed, the pleasure¡ªpain of his dominance fueling her desire. Her body was his to control, to bend to his will, and she relished in it, her orgasm building with each harsh thrust.

    "Yesss!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Ohhh, yes, just like that!?~"

    Cassius''s pace was unyielding, his cock driving into her with a rhythm that was both punishing and divine. The room echoed with the sounds of their union, her cries, his grunts, the wet slap of flesh against flesh.

    He was not just fucking her; he was claiming her, marking her with each deep penetration.

    "Feel that?" He taunted, feeling her body start to convulse around him. "You''re going to come for me, aren''t you?"

    "Yes, yes!?~ Ahhh!?~ I''m going to cum all over you!?~" She could barely form words, her climax hitting like a tidal wave.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her body shook violently in his arms, her scream of release piercing through the air as she squirted, the intensity of her orgasm making her momentarily lose consciousness, her head lolling back.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    Cassius held her through it, his own climax close, the sight of her in such pleasure almost too much.

    But he was not done; there were more maids to satisfy, more to dominate, so he gently set her down, where she was caught by the others, and his eyes immediately sought out the next eager participant in this relentless dance of lust and power.

    And then like a man on a lustful rampage, Cassius''s hunger seemed insatiable.

    He moved through the room, each step bringing him closer to another maid, his hands grabbing whoever he could reach.

    There was no order, no waiting; he took them all, one after another, sometimes even at the same time, his actions those of a beast unleashed among his willing prey.

    He started with one, bending her over the nearest piece of furniture, her back arched, her ass presented to him. He entered her from behind, his thrusts deep and relentless, the sound of their bodies meeting echoing in the room.

    "Oooh!?~ You can''t!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmm!?~ Nooo! ?~"

    His hands held her hips in a vice-like grip, dictating the pace, leaving red marks where his fingers dug into her flesh. Her moans filled the air, her body shaking with each powerful penetration.

    But he didn''t stop there. While still buried inside one, he reached for another maid, pulling her close. With one hand still controlling the one he was fucking, he used his other to slide between the legs of the second maid, his fingers finding her slick with anticipation.

    "Mmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Yesss!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmm, perfect!?~ Unghh!?~"

    He fingered her with the same intensity he fucked the other, his digits working in and out, her wetness coating his hand as she writhed, her cries mingling with the first maid''s.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Then, without warning, he pulled out from the first, only to push the second onto her back on the floor.

    He spread her legs wide, entering her with a thrust that made her scream in pleasure. He fucked her with a ferocity that seemed to shake her to her core, her breasts bouncing with each powerful movement. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Aaaah!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mmmmm!?~ That feels so good!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmmm!"

    Meanwhile, he beckoned another maid to him, positioning her so he could reach her with his mouth.

    "Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Yes, Young Master, yes!?~ Ooooh!?~ Suck me just like that!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm! Use your tongue to relish my soaking wet pussy!?~"

    He devoured her, his tongue exploring her as he fucked the one beneath him, creating a system of pleasure.

    Cassius also didn''t just handle them one by one; he took multiple at once, his stamina and desire seemingly endless.

    Like how on his back, one maid riding him, her hips moving in a rhythm that matched his upward thrusts, her moans loud and uninhibited.

    To his side, he had another maid, her legs spread over his face as he ate her out, his tongue working magic.

    And with his free hand, he was fingering yet another, her body quivering next to him, her hands roaming over her own breasts in ecstasy.

    "Nooo!?~ Don''t!?~ Suck!?~ You naughty thing!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    In a different position, he had one maid on all fours, taking her from behind while another knelt beside them, her face close enough to lick and suck on the first maid''s breasts, adding another layer of pleasure.

    Cassius, all the while, had another maid straddling his face, her moans of pleasure muffled as she ground against his mouth, his lower face so wet with her arousal that it looked like he had heard made of her love juice.

    "Yesss!?~ Ohhh!?~ Mmm, just like that!?~ Unghh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    The room became a collection of erotic chaos, each maid experiencing him in unique, intense ways.

    He was everywhere, his touch, his mouth, his cock, all instruments of pleasure, driving them towards mind-bending orgasms.

    Some passed out from the intensity, others collapsed in exhaustion and fulfillment, but all bore the marks of his dominance, the scent of sex permeating the air, the sounds of their pleasure echoing long after the acts themselves.

    As time went on, and more and more bodies dropped to the ground, exhausted from the overwhelming intensity of their experiences, the maids perception of Cassius also transcended mere admiration.

    They began to regard him not just as a master of pleasure but as standing pillar among men. The sheer number of maids he had satisfied, dozens in total, each with an intensity and variety that seemed superhuman, left them in awe.

    Their respect for him reached its zenith as they lay there, some still twitching with the aftershocks of their orgasms, others in a state of blissful unconsciousness.

    The whispers among those who could still muster the strength to speak were not just of satisfaction but of reverence. They spoke of his stamina, his creativity, and his utter dominance over their bodies and desires.

    "He''s not just a man." One murmured, her voice a mix of exhaustion and awe. "He''s more...like a force of nature."

    "His stamina...it''s endless. He fucked us until we couldn''t even walk, until our bodies gave out, but he...he just kept going." One maid said, her voice trembling with the memory of the relentless pleasure.

    "Look at him, even now, he''s still so...so handsome. His eyes, they burn with such intensity. It''s like his desire for us never wanes." Another added, her gaze fixed on Cassius with a mix of lust and respect.

    "The way he filled me...I''ve never felt so complete, so utterly claimed. Every thrust was like he knew exactly how to touch my soul." A third whispered, her hand unconsciously moving to where she had felt him most deeply, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

    "He doesn''t just pleasure us; he commands your body, your innate lust. It''s like he''s sculpting our orgasms with his cock, his hands, his very presence." Came from another maid lying flat on the ground along with the rest of the naked maids, her tone one of absolute submission to the experience.

    "The sounds we made, the sounds he made us make...Oh my, I''ve never heard anything so embarrassing, so raw. It''s like he unlocked something inside me I didn''t know existed." Another maid confessed, her voice a mix of embarrassment and pride in the ecstasy she had experienced.

    "And his creativity...the positions, the ways he took us, one after another, sometimes all at once. It''s like he has an endless repertoire of ways to make us feel...everything." A maid who couldn''t even move her fingers said, her breath catching as she recounted the variety of their encounters.

    "The fullness...Oh gods, the fullness. It wasn''t just physical; it was like he filled us with his essence, his dominance. I felt marked by him in every way." Murmured another who still had his cum dripping out of her bruised pussy, her hand resting over her heart, feeling the echoes of his possession.

    "None could give us this." The head maid who had finally woken up agreed, her eyes still glazed with the remnants of her climax. "He''s a God of Pleasure, truly...Our God of Pleasure, the third son of the Holyfield, Cassius Vindictus Holyfield."

    The sight of so many, each having experienced the heights of pleasure under his command, was a testament to his prowess. They couldn''t help but look up to him, their respect now mixed with a kind of worship.

    And as the last of the maids who could still stand gathered around him, their eyes were not just on him but on each other, the shared experience binding them in a new light.

    They saw in each other''s eyes the same reflection of awe, the silent acknowledgment that they had all been part of something extraordinary, led by a man whose sexual mastery was beyond anything they had ever known or could imagine.

    Cassius, standing amidst the aftermath of his lustful attack, was not just their master but had become a figure of legend in their minds, a deity of desire whose name would be whispered in the halls with both fear and adoration.

    His ability to please, to command, to bring so many to such ecstasy, had elevated him in their collective consciousness, cementing his status as a God Among Men in their eyes...

 Chapter 64 - 64: In Honour Of Lady Florence

    Hours had passed since the fevered moments of passion, and now the grand banquet hall lay in quiet stillness under the soft glow of the setting sun. The space, once alive with fervent energy, had transformed into a serene haven where exhaustion mingled with deep contentment.

    Across the hall, plush sofas were scattered about like islands of comfort. On each one, the maids slept peacefully, their bodies curled under delicate blankets.

    Their faces bore the unmistakable marks of satisfaction¡ªa gentle, almost dreamlike smile that spoke of a night filled with pleasures too profound to forget. In the quiet, every slow rise and fall of their chests whispered of intimate memories and unspoken ecstasy.

    But the truth was that the maids never consciously chose the sofas, as the exhaustion had quite literally overtaken them.

    One by one, they had actually simply dropped to the floor, their energy spent from the night''s tumultuous events. The polished marble was cool against their skin as they dozed off in small clusters, breathing softly in a shared post-passion haze.

    It was Cassius who noticed them scattered about the floor and felt a tinge of sympathy, so he helped them all. One by one, with a gentleness that contrasted his earlier vigor, he lifted them¡ªlight in his arms¡ªand carried them to the nearest sofas or cushions, arranging them carefully so no one would accidentally roll off.

    He draped blankets over each, tucking them in as though they were cherished friends rather than mere servants. A few stirred, murmuring soft, contented sounds, but none fully awoke. Their bodies were simply too spent, lulled into deep rest.

    ...And, where was the third son of the Holyfield estate now?

    Well in the very center of the hall, he was seated in the grand chair he''d occupied earlier, his posture relaxed, yet still exuding that commanding presence.

    Across his lap, the head maid sat without a stitch of clothing¡ªher blanket apparently forgotten. The firelight and the last rays of sunset flickered over her skin, giving it a warm, honeyed glow.

    Her dark hair spilled down her shoulders, free of the usual restraints she employed to maintain a strict, professional image. Absent, too, were her glasses¡ªa small detail, yet it made her look unexpectedly vulnerable and undeniably captivating.

    She attempted to fold her arms across her chest at first, more out of habit than modesty, but Cassius gently brushed her hands aside.

    "You know." He mused with a low chuckle. "I always suspected you were beautiful behind those frames. But seeing you like this..." He let the words hang in the air, deliberately savoring the moment before continuing with a teasing grin. "It''s more than I imagined."

    She flushed, a subtle pink rising to her cheeks-an almost girlish reaction beneath her usually composed demeanor.

    "Oh?" She answered softly, her voice a gentle mixture of amusement and lingering fatigue. "I didn''t realize my glasses were so distracting, Master."

    With a slow, leisurely movement, Cassius brought one hand up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The head maid''s breath caught at his touch; despite everything they had shared tonight, a simple gesture of tenderness still made her heart flutter.

    "They''re not distracting." He corrected, his gaze warm. "But there''s a certain mystery to you without them. A different kind of allure. Maybe it''s just...seeing you more clearly."

    She laughed softly, leaning into him. The movement caused the blankets around them to shift, revealing more of the curve of her hips and thighs.

    Ordinarily, she might have rushed to hide herself, but the exhaustion and the intimacy of the night had banished the usual formalities. Instead, she nestled closer, resting the side of her head against his shoulder.

    "You''ve seen quite a lot of me tonight." She teased in return, trying to mask her self-consciousness.

    Still, she couldn''t help but feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her, a stark reminder of how alive and present he was¡ªand how safe she felt with him, even in her complete nudity.

    Cassius laughed quietly, his chest rumbling beneath her. "And I intend to see more." He replied with a gently mischievous glint in his eyes. "But for now, just let me enjoy the view."

    The head maid leaned gently against Cassius''s broad chest, her bare skin tingling with the reminder of their recent intimacy. Yet beneath the lingering warmth, a quiet ache stirred in her heart¡ªa mixture of gratitude, remorse, and a longing she''d never felt so keenly before.

    Though married, she had never experienced such solace with her husband. In their younger years, he had been attentive and charming, but as time wore on, his interest waned, drifting elsewhere.

    She could never pinpoint the moment he started finding any woman younger than herself more appealing, but she knew it happened nonetheless. He drifted from her bed, from her conversations, from her life.

    And that slow erosion of companionship left her with only duty, routine, and a vast emptiness she had numbed herself to for so long.

    Until tonight.

    Cassius''s warmth and the depth of his attentions-physical and otherwise¡ªhad awakened something dormant. The gentle, contented way he held her now fueled the quiet determination in her eyes as she looked up at him, her soft hair falling away from her face.

    She felt a sudden need to confess, to open herself up in a way she hadn''t dared before.

    "Young Master." She began, her voice tremulous yet sincere. "I want to apologize for what I did, for what all of us did, and...for treating you with such disrespect before. I never truly meant it."

    Cassius-half lost in the rhythm of her slow, steady breathing-raised an amused brow at her solemn tone. "Why bring that up now?" He asked, letting out a short scoff. "It''s natural you''d all feel that way toward a so-called wastrel master who spent his days drinking and fooling around, no?"

    She shook her head immediately, the vehemence of her denial making him pause.

    "No, that''s not...that''s not why things ended up the way they did." She insisted. "You have no idea how people felt¡ªwhat they said. There''s no way everyone would turn on you just because of those habits. I mean..." Her voice dropped to a murmur as she averted her gaze. "...Especially since you were Lady Florence''s son."

    In that moment, Cassius''s posture shifted. He wasn''t exactly tense, but a prickling alertness overtook him. Even though she was still on his lap, still nestled intimately against him, he radiated a focused energy.

    "My mother?" He echoed, a note of curiosity lacing his tone. "What does my mother have to do with it?"

    Realizing the gravity of what she''d blurted out, the head maid glanced away, her cheeks coloring anew. This time, it wasn''t from embarrassment at being naked in his arms, but from wrestling with something deeper¡ªa subject that had remained, for too long, a whispered secret.

    "Forgive me, Master, I...I might be overstepping." She began carefully. "But there were...rumors."

    His dark gaze grew sharper, and he gently but firmly tilted her chin so he could see her face. "I''m listening." He replied, his voice quieter now. No trace of the playful banter remained; this was different, more real. "Go on. You say the disrespect wasn''t just because I was a useless heir? Then what?"

    The head maid took a deep, steadying breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. Though her body was still pressed against Cassius''s, her mind drifted back to memories that felt both distant and fresh¡ªan emotional mixture of fondness and regret.

    "When I arrived here, I was just a girl." She began, her voice soft with remembrance. "Everyone told me I was lucky to be serving in Lady Florence''s household. And they were right. Lady Florence¡­" She paused, as if searching for the right words to encapsulate her former mistress. "She was unlike any noble I''d ever heard of. She treated her maids like sisters¡ªalways concerned for our well-being, always ready to listen."

    "We were often scolded for letting our chores fall behind because we''d get lost in conversation with her, or we''d linger too long over tea at her invitation." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius''s expression softened as he listened about his mother that he had absolutely no recollection off, but seemed like a wonderful person.

    "Even after Lady Florence trafically passed..." The head maid continued. "...you could feel her presence in the hallways, in the garden she loved so much, in the hearts of those she left behind."

    "The other older maids¡ªsome of whom have retired by now¡ªwould speak of her grace, her beauty, her warmth. It was a comfort, especially for newcomers like me. Almost like having a guiding star whose light lingered." She gave a gentle smile as she remembered those days of the past.

    She then let out a small sigh, tinged with sadness.

    "That''s why when you started to slip into your¡­darker habits, Master¡ªlocking yourself in your chambers, drinking well into the morning¡ªnobody truly despised you for it."

    "We remembered Lady Florence''s love for you, and for us. We all thought that maybe you were simply a lost soul, numb from grief or uncertain of your path. Some called you a wastrel, yes, but not out of hatred¡ªmore out of pity...We believed if you could just find a reason to climb out of that darkness, you''d be fine."

    Cassius''s flinched slightly, evidence of the guilt the previous Cassius still carried. "I was¡­a broken fool." He admitted softly, a hint of self-reproach coloring his tone.

    She offered a small, understanding nod. "Perhaps you were." She agreed gently. "But we never turned our backs on you, not truly¡ªnot while we thought you were only hurting yourself."

    Her eyes suddenly flickered with bitterness at the memory of what came next.

    "That changed a couple of years ago. You probably recall, the atmosphere in the estate shifted. People became more distant, more¡­guarded."

    Cassius nodded, recalling in his memories the subtle shift that, at the time, which the old Cassius hadn''t fully understood. "Yes. It felt like one day, everyone was just¡­colder."

    The head maid''s voice grew quieter, heavy with regret.

    "Well, at a certain point rumors started cropping up. Hideous, unsettling rumors that you had molested and even killed women, disposing of their bodies to hide the evidence. At first, most of us refused to believe it. You may have drunk away your days, but we''d never known you to be cruel."

    "B-But didn''t help..." The head maid said carefully. "...It didn''t help your case when there appeared to be some proof. Stories of missing women, alleged sightings, a few suspicious accounts that placed you in places no one expected. It felt contrived, but convincing enough that the staff couldn''t ignore it."

    She exhaled, struggling with her own recollection.

    "Your worst vices, the alcohol and self-imposed isolation, made it harder for you to defend yourself. Everyone assumed your reclusiveness hid something darker."

    Cassius stayed silent, but the gleam in his crimson eyes told that he had already figured out who was behind this.

    "We tried to rationalize it." She continued. "We told ourselves: ''Lady Florence''s son could never do such things.'' But the rumors persisted, fueled by outsiders, then echoed in hushed whispers within the estate''s walls. Eventually, even those who''d once pitied you started to have doubts. And doubt can be deadly. It spreads, it festers."

    "Before long, even the maids who once would''ve done anything for Lady Florence''s child found themselves¡­disgusted. Outraged."

    She swallowed, her throat tight with emotion.

    "Drunkenness and sloth? Some might forgive that. But rape, murder, cruelty? No one who cared about Lady Florence could accept that in her son. It felt like you had tarnished not just yourself, but her memory as well. We started looking at you with contempt¡ªsome in fear, others with a sense of betrayal."

    "And then the rebellion in the staff began in earnest. We snubbed you behind your back, neglected your simplest requests, mocked you when you weren''t listening. Some of us went further, refusing to even speak to you, or ensuring you received subpar services. It was our way of¡­punishing you."

    Her voice trailed off, subdued by the weight of recalling those events. The banquet hall was hushed, the shadows of early evening stretching across the floor. Outside, the wind stirred the trees, a soft counterpoint to the tension in the room.

    "You see now, Young Master" she whispered, looking up at him with equal parts remorse and sincerity. "It wasn''t your drinking or your brooding that led us to despise you, Master. We never truly looked down on you for that. These rumors¡ªthese claims of brutality, they were what changed everything."

    A rush of sincerity shone in her eyes as she lifted them to his. Her voice trembled with the intensity of her feelings, yet she spoke swiftly, wanting to lay everything out.

    "Of course I know now those rumors aren''t true, Master. There''s no way someone as gentle and caring as you could ever do something so monstrous."

    "...I¡­I''m sorry I lost faith in you, in Lady Florence''s son. If you wish to punish me for doubting you¡ª"

    Cassius shook his head and raised a hand to brush against her cheek, silencing her apology before it could go further. Though his touch was soft, there was a quiet authority in it.

    "There''s no need for that." H said, his tone firm but calm. "You and the others weren''t at fault. You stood by me for years, or at least you never truly despised me during my¡­darker times. I''m the one who should thank you¡ªfor not abandoning me when you had every reason to."

    A flicker of relief crossed her face, tears threatening to form at the corners of her eyes. She swallowed hard. "But¡­we still believed those lies, we¡ª"

    He cut her off with a soft chuckle that reverberated through the quiet hall.

    "Stop apologizing." He teased gently. "You did what anyone would do when faced with horrific rumors and so-called proof. If anyone''s to blame, it''s that four-eyed fool who started all those damned lies in the first place."

    The head maid''s eyes went wide at the sudden mention of a possible culprit.

    "W-Wait¡ªyou know who spread them, Young Master?" A spark of shock and hope lit her features. "Then¡­who was it? Why would anyone¡ª?"

    A dismissive wave of his hand silenced her again.

    "I''m not about to tarnish this moment by uttering that imbecile''s name." He said, his voice dropping with quiet, simmering disdain. "He''s nothing but a stain on my memory. I''ll deal with him at the appropriate time, when I need to make a statement to my father, but that''s for another time. Right now¡­"

    He trailed off, his gaze warming as it settled on her. A tender, almost playful light danced in his eyes.

    "...I''d rather focus on someone far prettier."

    Before she could muster a reply, Cassius tilted his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, then moved along the delicate curve of her temple, planting slow, lingering pecks across her cheeks.

    Each brush of his lips sent a thrill coursing through her, and she felt her heart flutter in her chest. Despite all that had happened¡ªher fears, confessions, and doubts¡ªhis nearness now enveloped her in a serene sense of belonging.

    Poke~

    As Cassius continued his trail of kisses, she felt something hard poking against her from behind.

    Her cheeks flushed with realization, her mind quickly connecting the sensation to what it must be. In a fluster, she stammered. "M-Master, how can it still be so...active after everything that''s happened?"

    Cassius smiled, his grin playful and knowing. "It''s only natural when I have such a tempting sight in front of me." He responded, his voice low and teasing.

    And then without warning, his hands moved to her plump breasts, his fingers finding her nipples underneath the blanket . He began to play with them, gently at first, then with more intent, rolling and pinching them in a way that sent shivers of both arousal and embarrassment through her.

    And just as he was about to lower his lips to claim her nipples with his warm, teasing breath, a soft rustling sound from behind broke the moment.

    His eyes darted toward the source, and he saw the familiar stir of a maid¡ªthe one he''d been eagerly waiting to wake.

    A resigned sigh escaped him as he realized that fate had other plans for the night.

    He straightened up and gently released his hold on the head maid. In one smooth, efficient motion, he scooped her up and, with careful consideration, placed her back onto the sofa.

    "I have some messy matters to tend to, right now." He murmured in a low, teasing tone, his eyes promising that their fun would resume later.

    And before she could say anything in response, he pressed a lingering, warm kiss to her lips¡ªa silent apology and promise all at once.

    Left on the sofa, the head maid''s heart raced like that of a young girl experiencing a first, forbidden thrill.

    As she watched him move away, she couldn''t help but marvel at the captivating aura that defined him¡ªtruly, she thought, he was Lady Florence''s son, a man of surprising tenderness and magnetic allure that couldn''t be matched by any other...

 Chapter 65 - 65: Your Dream...

    Isabelle stirred awake, still half-lost in the haze of post-sleep drowsiness.

    Her eyelids fluttered open, and as her surroundings came into focus, she realized she was in the banquet hall¡ªthough the once-lively room was now subdued, its torches burning lower in the late hour.

    Groggily, she blinked to clear her vision and that was when she noticed her young master, Cassius, standing right in front of her, and a small, contented smile graced her lips by reflex.

    Then, with a startle, she remembered where she was¡ªand, more importantly, how she was dressed. Or rather, how she wasn''t.

    In a single frantic motion, she looked down, discovering that the blanket draped over her offered her only the barest modesty. Her cheeks flamed, and she let out a shriek of embarrassment, yanking it tighter around her body.

    Cassius chuckled softly at the sight, crossing his arms as he surveyed her reaction. "It''s a little late to be covering up." He teased, his voice tinged with humor. "I''ve already seen everything, remember?"

    Isabelle''s mind flashed back to the events that had unfolded earlier in the night¡ªthe intimacy she had shared with her young master and the unabashed way her body had responded to him.

    That memory alone was enough to make her face burn even redder, her heart thumping a wild rhythm in her chest. Yet, embarrassment warred with something else: a lingering warmth from the closeness they had shared.

    Trying to regain her composure, she pulled the blanket around herself more securely. Then came the realization¡ªshe recalled how she had gone off-script from what Cassius had intended for that evening, letting her emotions sweep her away.

    Guilt flooded her all at once and in a quick motion, she bowed deeply, head nearly touching her knees, her hair spilling forward.

    "Y-Young Master." She stammered. "I''m so sorry. I-I messed up. I was supposed to help execute your plan to root out the traitors perfectly, but I¡­I got carried away. I lost sight of our objective because of my own impulses...Please forgive me."

    She held her breath, bracing herself for the scolding she was certain would come. After all, it had been an important plan¡ªa delicate one that required discreet coordination. And she, in her eagerness and, admittedly, her desire, had let the situation run off course.

    But instead of the harsh scolding she was expecting, she felt the gentle weight of Cassius''s palm on the top of her head.

    His touch was warm, reassuring, and when she dared to look up, she found him smiling, the expression equal parts amusement and genuine affection.

    "You did fine." He murmured, stroking her hair. "Don''t fret so much. In the end, everything worked out. We uncovered more about those who''d been¡­less than loyal and imbecile who created this mess. And¡­" He paused, a hint of playfulness creeping into his tone. "You, well, you had your fun, didn''t you?"

    She blinked, her ears turning scarlet. "I¡ª" She struggled to protest, but Cassius didn''t let her finish.

    "I mean..." He continued, letting his hand slip from her head to her cheek, lightly tracing her jawline. "I don''t see any other reason you''d become so¡­deliriously enthusiastic, unless it was enjoyable for you."

    That casual remark, paired with his low, knowing voice, made her fold inward on herself. Another bow followed, even deeper this time, as if trying to hide her flaming cheeks in the folds of the blanket.

    "It¡­I''s nothing like that." She mumbled, though her words lacked conviction. "I mean¡­it was just¡ª"

    Her young master silenced her rambling with an indulgent, understanding chuckle.

    "It''s all right, Isabelle." He said. "Honestly, I''m not angry, since you''ve helped me more than you realize and helped me uncover a lot more of what actually happened. But next time..." He added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "...let''s try to stick closer to the plan, hmm?"

    She nodded fiercely, daring to look up just enough to catch his expression. The warmth in his eyes, the gentle tilt of his lips¡ªthese were all the forgiveness she needed. Relief washed over her, replaced swiftly by another wave of flustered gratitude.

    "I promise." She managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Next time, I won''t let my¡­urges¡­get the better of me."

    Cassius lifted an eyebrow, a mischievous glint dancing there.

    "Oh? You might consider that a promise, but I''d call it an¡­opportunity to test your resolve." He winked, taking one slow step closer. The proximity made her acutely aware of how little she was wearing under that thin blanket. "Because now I know exactly how easy it is for you to, well¡­lose focus."

    She swallowed hard, her heart pounding. Words fluttered on her lips, but she found herself momentarily speechless.

    It was enough that he wasn''t upset; that, in fact, he seemed rather amused and even flattered by her lapse in professionalism. The scandalized part of her wanted to protest, to defend herself¡ªbut some traitorous part of her couldn''t help but relish his playful teasing.

    Gathering her courage, Isabelle managed a small, determined nod. "I¡­understand, Master."

    "Good." Cassius said, his tone soft yet carrying a weight that made Isabelle''s heart flutter with apprehension. But then, his eyes, which had just moments ago danced with playful warmth, now turned solemn as he continued, "I need to talk to you about something important. Quickly dress up and come outside...I''ll be waiting for you."

    Without another word, he turned and strode away, leaving behind an echo of quiet authority.

    For a long, disoriented moment, Isabelle simply stared after him, her mind still reeling from the sudden shift. Then the reality of his command pulled her from her daze. With a startled exclamation, she rose to her feet and hurriedly began searching for her dress.

    To her astonishment, arranged neatly on a nearby chair was a set of maid''s clothes¡ªimpeccably pressed and tailored. The soft fabric, carefully chosen and cut, spoke of a familiarity with her form that sent a blush racing up her cheeks.

    As she picked up the garment, a myriad of questions raced through her mind.

    ''How had her master known her size so perfectly?''

    The thought made her ears grow warm with a mixture of embarrassment and a secret thrill, for she recalled the gentle, deliberate way his hands had traced every curve of her body not long ago.

    With trembling fingers, Isabelle slipped into the dress. The fabric hugged her contours exquisitely, as if it had been designed solely for her.

    As she fastened the bodice, she couldn''t help but wonder aloud in a soft, incredulous murmur, "He must have measured me¡­ all of me." The notion made her blush even deeper, but it also filled her with an odd sense of comfort.

    It was as if Cassius cared for every detail of her, however intimate that might be.

    Once dressed, she padded softly toward the door. Along the corridor, the dim glow of lantern light revealed a surreal sight: scattered throughout the room were the rest of the maids, each lying on sofas, wrapped only in thin blankets.

    Their expressions were peaceful and contented, a silent chorus of satisfied slumber. The sight stirred a bittersweet mix of emotions within Isabelle.

    On one hand, she felt a pang of longing and regret at not having witnessed the full extent of Cassius''s prowess¡ªa secret performance of passion that had apparently left every one of them utterly spent.

    On the other, she marveled at the raw power it implied, a testament to the beastly intensity of her master''s capabilities.

    As she moved down the hall, her eyes caught sight of the head maid¡ªher mentor and the woman who had taught her so much when she first joined the household.

    The head maid lay in quiet repose on a chair, her gentle features softened by sleep.

    Isabelle offered her a small, respectful nod. The head maid responded with a knowing smile, one that conveyed silent reassurance.

    In that simple exchange, Isabelle''s heart eased a little; she was glad to know that someone she admired so dearly was safe and content, untouched by the night''s turbulent events.

    And with a final glance back at the quiet, slumbering maids of the banquet hall, Isabelle stepped out into the corridor beyond, ready to face whatever conversation¡ªor challenge¡ªher master had prepared for her outside.

    Stepping into the cool night air, Isabelle felt a gentle breeze brush against her cheeks, carrying with it the faint scent of dewy grass and distant blossoms.

    Immediately, her eyes were drawn to the silhouette of her young master. He stood just beyond the doorway, head tilted skyward, his posture serene as he gazed at the myriad stars shimmering overhead.

    Something about that scene¡ªhis almost dreamy stance against the canvas of the night¡ªmomentarily stole her breath. She found herself wanting to linger, to imprint the sight in her memory before reality beckoned.

    Still, she was a maid, and she had her duties. Gathering her resolve, Isabelle quietly approached from behind, intending to announce her arrival with a polite clearing of her throat. But before she could speak, Cassius''s voice broke the silence in a soft, reminiscent tone.

    "You know, Isabelle, when I was a child..." He began, not turning to face her. "I used to dream of touching those stars out there. It seemed like they were always watching me from so far away¡­and I was tired of only being the one gazing upward." A nostalgic smile laced his words, audible even if she couldn''t see it on his face. "I thought, wouldn''t it be grand to do the opposite? To sit on a star while gazing back at the world below?"

    Isabelle, caught off guard by his admission, couldn''t stop the giggle that tumbled from her lips. It was a joyful, light sound, prompted as much by his whimsical vision as by her relief at finding this vulnerable side of him so enchanting.

    Cassius''s eyes remained on the stars, but his tone shifted, laced with amusement. "Hmm. You find my dream silly?"

    She instantly shook her head, though he wasn''t looking at her. "No, Master." She replied gently. "I find it rather cute."

    He exhaled a small huff of laughter, and despite the darkness, she could imagine him quirking a brow at her.

    "Cute, huh?" He echoed, shaking his head as though amused at her choice of words. "Well then since your teasing me about my last dream, let''s hear something about your dreams, Isabelle."

    "...You''ve heard some of mine. It''s only fair I get to hear yours."

    Her heart skipped a beat at the question. Isabelle had never confided her aspirations to anyone in the household, except the head maid who had mentored her. Her cheeks warmed, and she hesitated, glancing at the back of his head as he continued to watch the stars.

    But, finally, she swallowed her nerves.

    It was just him, she reminded herself. He''d seen sides of her she''d never shown another soul. If she couldn''t share her dream with him, then who could she share it with?

    "I¡­Well." She began awkwardly. "It''s not as grand as sitting on a star. Actually, it''s a bit embarrassing to say out loud. But since you asked¡­" She took a breath and pressed on, her voice growing steadier with each word.

    "I wanted to open a restaurant."

    Cassius turned his head just enough for her to glimpse a raised eyebrow. "A restaurant?" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her cheeks felt hot, but she nodded, spurred on by her own resolve. "Not just any restaurant, though. I want to create a place that serves the kind of dishes only nobles normally eat¡­but to common people."

 Chapter 66 - 66: Her Punishment

    There was a momentary silence where she saw her master''s posture shift. Even from behind, she sensed his curiosity ignite.

    "And how exactly would you do that?" Cassius asked, a measured note entering his voice. "Ordinary folk can''t afford the sort of prices those fancy dishes command."

    Excitement flared in her eyes as she clasped her hands together.

    "That''s precisely the point, Young Master!" She said, her tone brightening with fervor. "I want to serve those same dishes, but at prices that regular people can manage!"

    "I''ve been working on ideas¡ªlearning how to recreate noble cuisine more affordably, using substitutions for ingredients that are just as flavorful but not so expensive...I''ve spent hours experimenting in the kitchen whenever I had free time, trying to find that balance between quality and cost."

    She paused to draw a breath, her mind drifting back to the memory that fueled this ambition.

    "You see, Master, growing up, I was like most commoners. Food was a necessity, something that just kept us alive. We ate the same simple stews and bread day after day. It became routine to the point where I never imagined food could be¡­special."

    He finally turned halfway, casting her a sidelong glance. She could see the curiosity in his eyes, the reflection of the stars dancing there. "What changed?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    A wistful smile touched her lips. "When I was ten, my father took me to the capital for my birthday. We weren''t wealthy by any means, but he''d saved up a little money and decided to give me something extraordinary. He brought me to this¡­fancy restaurant. I don''t even remember its name now, but I remember how it felt¡ªlike stepping into another world."

    "...It was the first time I tasted something beyond the dull meals we had at home."

    She laughed softly, a note of fond nostalgia coloring her tone.

    "I couldn''t even name half the dishes, but I remember the burst of flavors, the aromas, the way each bite made me realize just how amazing food could be. It was like I''d spent my life seeing the world in black and white, and suddenly, I discovered color."

    She exhaled, turning her gaze up at the same stars he''d been admiring.

    "After that, I couldn''t stop thinking about how different my life would have been if I never experienced that taste. I started cooking at home when I could, trying to emulate even a fraction of what I''d eaten. It¡­It became a dream, I guess. I wanted to share that sense of wonder with everyone, especially the folks who might never get the chance to step foot inside one of those fancy restaurants."

    From the corner of her eye, she saw Cassius shift, his posture hinting at subdued approval. "Quite a dream." He remarked softly. "Providing noble cuisine at commoner prices¡­that won''t be easy."

    She felt her cheeks tug into a humble smile.

    "I know. It''s an enormous risk. But I had faith that if I work hard enough¡ªif I master the craft and find clever ways to reduce costs¡ªit can become a reality. And I thought at that time, I''d rather try and fail than spend my life never attempting it at all."

    They stood in silence for a stretch.

    In that hush, Isabelle sensed the depth of his thoughts. She could almost feel him weighing her words, imagining her ambition, considering the obstacles.

    The wind swept by once more, carrying with it the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of the nocturnal world.

    Eventually, Cassius broke the quiet, his voice low, carrying more warmth than before. "It''s not a silly dream at all." He murmured. "It''s¡­admirable."

    The unexpected praise made her blink in surprise, and a renewed blush colored her cheeks.

    "T-Thank you, Young Master." She stammered, dipping her head. "That means a lot coming from you. Sometimes, I worried in the past that it''s too grand or too foolish. People might ask, ''Why do I care so much about feeding strangers food they''ll never afford otherwise?'' But to me, it''s more than just food. It''s¡­It''s giving people hope that maybe there are more possibilities in life than they realize."

    She realized she had spoken quite freely, but he showed no sign of annoyance. If anything, there was a certain softness in his expression, as though seeing her in a slightly different light.

    "I see..." That was all he said at first, turning his head back to the sky. The stars shone on him, outlining his features in faint silver. "You''ve got your own star you''re trying to touch, then."

    She couldn''t hide her grin, touched by how he connected their dreams. "In a way, yes."

    He gave a slight nod, and for a moment, Isabelle wondered if he might add something¡ªperhaps another wry comment or a murmured word of praise for her ambition.

    Yet no further encouragement came.

    Instead, Cassius remained poised there, his gaze trained on the glittering expanse above. His hands slipped behind his back, his shoulders tense, as though he needed that small barrier to shield himself from the weight of what he was about to say.

    A reluctant sigh fell from his lips, and when he spoke again, his voice was markedly subdued¡ªsomber in a way Isabelle had never heard before.

    "It''s a wonderful dream." He began quietly. "And part of me wants you to achieve it with all my heart. But¡­I''m afraid that won''t be happening."

    She felt her pulse falter. The wind seemed to pause around them, as if even nature held its breath.

    "Wh-Why would you say that, Master?" She asked haltingly, her voice edged with a sudden apprehension. "You''ve been supportive¡­Just now, you even said you found my dream admirable."

    He iinhaled slowly, pressing his lips together before continuing. "Why?...Because from here on out, you''re never going to have the opportunity to build a restaurant, Isabelle. Nor will you ever work in one. Even if you tried, no one would approve it¡ªno one would accept you."

    Her eyes went round in alarm. She took a step closer, confusion and a creeping dread flooding her system.

    "What¡­What do you mean by that?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don''t understand."

    He still refused to turn around. She could see his profile beneath the moonlight, the tense line of his jaw, the faint quiver in his posture that betrayed his reluctance.

    "It''s because..." He said finally, his tone cracking faintly. "...ou''ve already been revealed to the public as¡­the one who attempted to assassinate me."

    From here onwards, Cassius knew that if she heard her voice right now he wouldn''t be able to fully say what he wanted to say because of the immense amount of guilt he was feeling.

    Because of that he decided to not let Isabelle speak for a second on her own and as he looked away from her. He decided that he would ask the questions that she was probably also going to ask herself and also answer it himself in one long monologue, so that she wouldn''t have any questions or a chance to interupt.

    "Now, I know that you want ask about the promise I made to you..." He questioned himself on his own on her behalf, before she could say anything and he also quickly replied to his own statement.

    "I know." Cassius broke in softly. "I did promise you''d be absolved. I promised that because I believed you acted with¡­well, reason. And deep down, I never truly wanted you to suffer for it. That was my original intention: to free you from all consequences, to let you walk away unburdened by your past." His voice warbled, thick with regret. "But¡­something changed. It''s difficult to explain."

    "That night when the poison took effect..." He said slowly, as if measuring each word, as he imagined Isabelle''s reaction. "...someone else died. Not me, but the man you knew before¡ªthe Cassius you served¡ªhe¡­he''s gone. Truly."

    "You probably don''t understand what I''m saying right now, as your master Cassius is right in front of you and not dead like I say he is." He explained his cryptic words, knowing that she wouldn''t comprehend what he''s saying. "But just take it as it the there were two parts of me for my whole life and after the assassination, one part of me died and was forgotten forever."

    He lifted a hand in a silent plea for her to listen.

    "The old Cassius was a poor soul, Isabelle. He lived a wretched life¡ªfull of regrets and betrayals. So, to leave him without any form of retribution for his untimely demise¡­it felt wrong. It felt as though his soul would never rest if we just swept the matter under the rug. I know this sounds insane to you." He added, voice heavy with resignation. "But¡­I need to do right by him. By the original Cassius."

    "Now, you might be trying to understand how all that leads to you being¡­ publicly revealed." He said as his head lowered, eyes fixed somewhere on the ground as he seemed to wrestle with the guilt.

    "Well, that''s because I needed to punish you." He admitted at length. "Not for my sake, but for his. I knew, from investigating your background, just how precious your dream was. How you spent years scraping and saving, all for that one chance to open the restaurant of your fantasies¡ªone that would make noble dishes available to the common folk. And I realized that taking away that dream would be the only punishment severe enough to honor the injustice he suffered."

    "...I decided to target that very dream because I knew it would shatter you."

    Despite his harsh words, his tone was anything but triumphant. He sounded almost self-loathing.

    "I announced to the public that you tried to assassinate me. You know how rumors in the noble circles and beyond can spread like wildfire. They''ll never trust you now, not with something as important and delicate as running a business that caters to families or travelers."

    "...People will surely be saying, ''Why would we eat at a place owned by a maid who attempted to kill her master? Who''s to say she wouldn''t poison her customers next?''" Cassius said with a sigh like he was speaking against his will.

    "And you also might think that they won''t believe such rumors. But let me tell you that they definitely do." He continued softly. "I made sure they would.¡­But I also ensured your livelihood wouldn''t be completely destroyed." His voice turned dry and hollow. "I couldn''t bring myself to ruin you entirely. So I told them that after your attempt, you turned over a new leaf¡ªthat you went on to help me unmask and remove the real traitors from my household. Because of that, society might cast scornful looks your way, but they won''t push you out completely."

    Cassius imagined Isabelle digging her nails into her palms, eyes stinging with disbelief and hurt. She probably had no words, no way to articulate the dizzying swirl of betrayal and sorrow tangling in her chest.

    "Your job here is still yours, if you want it." Cassius went on, forcing a neutrality into his voice that couldn''t hide the tremor. "I''ve made sure no one in my estate will cast you out. You can stay as a maid, keep your life. But¡­" He paused, a rueful laugh escaping him as he shook his head. "I doubt you''d want to remain in a place where your own master broke his promise and set you up to lose the future you''ve worked for your entire life."

    A heavy, expectant silence stretched between them the moment Cassius finished speaking.

    He stood there under the pale moonlight, head still half-turned away as though he couldn''t bear to watch Isabelle''s expression. In his mind, he was prepared for the worst¡ªfor the furious shouts, the wounded shriek, or the bitter sobs.

    ...After all, he had just admitted to destroying her dream with the cold precision of a man settling a debt and there was no forgiveness for such a cruel act.

 Chapter 67 - 67: By Your Side

    Cassius drew in a slow breath, steeling himself, dreading the eruption that must come. "Go on." He muttered under his breath, low enough that she might not hear. "Shout at me, curse me, do whatever you need. I deserve it."

    But the outburst he feared never came.

    Instead, from behind him, there was only a light sound of¡­relief? He thought it might have been his imagination at first, but then, clear as day, he heard her exhale¡ªa long, audible sigh.

    "Oh, thank goodness." Isabelle said out loud, her tone so unexpectedly calm that Cassius stiffened. "I was worried it was going to be something far worse. For a moment, I feared you were banishing me from your side or something like that...But it turned out to be something as insignificant as handling my punishment...What a relief."

    Cassius''s eyes flashed wide, and in the same instant, he spun around. His gaze fell on Isabelle¡ªstill standing there, no tears, no trembling fury.

    If anything, she looked almost¡­comforted. He felt an odd twist in his stomach, a mix of shock and disbelief.

    "T-That''s¡­ all?" He managed, voice catching in his throat. "You''re not angry? You''re not sad that I broke the promise we made? You''re not¡­furious with me for b-betraying you like this?"

    "Betraying me?" Isabelle repeated the word with a faint tilt of her head, as though she hadn''t heard him correctly. Her expression remained perplexed. "When exactly did you betray me, Master?"

    Cassius''s lips parted. "When¡­W-What do you mean when?" He paused, uncertain how she could not see it. "When I declared there''d be no punishment, but then I did precisely that." He explained, the confusion knotting his brow. "Surely you remember me saying you''d be spared?"

    But to his surprise, Isabelle simply shook her head, the smallest of gentle smiles tugging at the corners of her mouth.

    "No, Master. I think that''s where you''re mistaken...You never promised to abolish my crimes altogether. You only promised to spare my life. That night, you said you''d keep me from facing certain execution so I could live. And you did exactly that." She bowed her head, recalling the moment he intervened on her behalf. "I''m beyond grateful for it, truly."

    Cassius drew back a fraction, taken aback by her matter-of-fact reply.

    "But I¡­I have effectively ripped away everything you''ve worked for." He insisted, the desperate edge in his tone betraying his unease. "You saved and scrimped for years to open a restaurant. I''ve condemned you to a public that will never trust you...Doesn''t that make your blood boil?"

    She regarded him calmly, as though she was cataloging his words and carefully considering them.

    "Yes, that restaurant dream was the most precious thing I had." She admitted softly. "I used to wake up every morning, motivated by the thought that I''d bring genuine joy to the masses through my cooking. It gave me a reason to keep going." A wistful note crept into her voice.

    "...But that was...until the moment I decided to kill you."

    "Until¡­that moment?" Cassius felt an odd jolt of both confusion and something like hope.

    She nodded, resolute.

    "You see, when I chose to assassinate you, I knew there was a very real chance I''d be caught and executed. That was the natural consequence of my decision. At that point, I''d already made peace with the idea that I''d never see my dream realized. I prioritized what I believed was a greater good¡ªpreventing other girls from meeting a tragic fate in your hands and altering the lives what could''ve potentially been a countless number of innocent lives lost." Her gaze flickered, as though recalling old convictions. "So even if I died, I would have died knowing that I saved someone that still had her entire life worth living ."

    His breath caught. He''d learned bits and pieces of her motive before, but seeing her calm resolve laid out so plainly left him momentarily speechless.

    Meanwhile, Isabelle pressed on, almost as if to reassure him. "Since I''d already resigned myself to losing my dream back then, this punishment about having no chance to open a restaurant doesn''t come as a surprise. In fact..." She added, lips curving with a subdued smile. "...it''s kinder than I expected. I''m alive, free to stay in the estate¡ªfree to go, if I ever wish. I''d call that mercy, not betrayal."

    Cassius didn''t know what to say, so he latched onto the next point.

    "But what about the¡­rumors? I told everyone you tried to kill me. That''s going to follow you no matter where you go, Isabelle. Don''t you realize that means you can''t just run off and build a new life? No one''s going to want to hire someone with such a reputation. Surely you see how that''s not¡­well, kind."

    To his continued astonishment, she let out a little laugh, albeit a subdued one.

    "Actually, Master, if you want the truth, it''s somewhat of a blessing since I was dreading the upcoming marriage with Edmund." She pursed her lips briefly. "You know how I have no interest in him at all, and I wasn''t looking forward to that future, especially after what happened. So, now that word of my assassination attempt has spread, I''m quite certain my father will rescind the arrangement out of shame. Edmund alos wouldn''t want to marry a rumored murderer. And that suits me just fine."

    Cassius felt his jaw slacken. He grasped for composure, but the conversation had taken such an unexpected turn that his carefully nurtured guilt and self-loathing were now overshadowed by the surreal sense that none of this was going as planned.

    "Oh, and something else." She added brightly, clasping her hands in front of her as though sharing a pleasant bit of gossip. "I used to get hit on constantly wherever I went, and it became quite tiresome." A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes. "Now, though, with everyone thinking I''m some deadly assassin, I doubt anyone will be brave enough to pester me. It''s like a blessing in disguise, Master!"

    She giggled, her expression so at odds with the gravity of the conversation that Cassius could only stare in disbelief.

    He blinked, momentarily forgetting his self-reproach. "Wait, you''re¡­glad that rumor is out there because it keeps suitors away?"

    Isabelle shrugged with an amused smile. "Well, it spares me the headache of rejecting unwanted advances. I never liked that sort of attention anyway, so I don''t mind one bit."

    Cassius''s composure threatened to unravel further. He had expected tears, rage¡ªanything but this breezy acceptance.

    Still, he managed to piece together a question. "But¡­this means finding work outside these walls will be nearly impossible. If, at some point, you wanted a fresh start¡ª"

    She shook her head, cutting him off with uncharacteristic boldness. "I''ve never thought about leaving your side, Master...Not once."

    Those words struck him like a sudden gust of wind. Something in his chest tightened at the revelation. "You¡­never considered leaving? Even after all this?"

    Isabelle''s cheeks warmed, a flush creeping across her face as she realized how ambitious her statement sounded.

    But she pressed on, determined not to lose momentum.

    "That''s right." She confirmed softly. "To be honest¡­from the moment I truly got to know you, I stopped thinking about going anywhere else. I want to remain by your side until¡­well, until the end of time, if you''d let me."

    She paused, as if weighing the impact of her words. A faint tremor ran through her posture¡ªan endearing sign of nerves¡ªbut she lifted her chin, deciding to follow through.

    "Maybe that sounds foolish, or naive. But you see, my purpose in life used to be cooking and spreading happiness with my dishes. Then it shifted to something darker¡ªtaking another life in hopes of protecting many more lives. And now¡­"

    For a moment, her gaze flickered upward, catching Cassius''s eyes. She steeled herself with a breath, cheeks aflame.

    "Now, my purpose has changed again, because of you. Because you''re¡­well, you''re someone I want to serve." She said, voice trembling slightly with earnestness. "Someone who fascinates me, who keeps me guessing. Someone I find worth knowing¡ªworth dedicating myself to. Someone I¡­I can''t help but want to be near at all times."

    She swallowed, forcing herself to meet his astonished stare.

    "After meeting you, realizing how you think, how you carry yourself, how you look after people even when you pretend not to¡­I felt drawn in. It''s like I''d finally found a new direction for my heart. And so, if I must define my purpose now..." Her voice dipped to a gentle hush. "...it''s to stay by your side as your maid, or servant, or whatever title best fits¡ªand make sure every single one of your needs is met."

    A glimmer of conviction shone in her eyes.

    "I¡­I don''t fully understand it, either." She admitted. "I can''t explain why I feel so strongly about this, only that I do. It makes me happy to imagine taking care of you, ensuring you have what you need¡ªmaybe even being part of your journey if you''ll let me."

    As the last of her words faded into the quiet night air, Isabelle slowly lowered her gaze, her nerves finally catching up to her. Her heart pounded so loudly that she half-expected Cassius to hear it. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Yet a sense of resolve mingled with her embarrassment. She''d come this far, said things she''d never dared voice, and though it terrified her, it also felt incredibly¡­right.

    For his part, Cassius stared at her, the tension in his posture shifting from guilt-ridden bracing to pure, unfeigned astonishment.

    He''d spent countless hours anticipating how this confrontation might play out, and not once had he imagined a scenario where Isabelle ended up offering¡ªso eagerly, so earnestly¡ªto remain with him.

    Words failed him in that moment.

    He opened his mouth, but found nothing coherent waiting on his tongue. The myriad emotions in his chest¡ªregret, relief, confusion, a faint flutter of an unnamed warmth¡ªswirled together, leaving him acutely aware of how fragile and vital this moment was.

 Chapter 68 - 68: The Fish I Reeled In Escaped

    A breeze brushed past them, stirring a few leaves and carrying the faint scent of night-blooming flowers.

    Isabelle''s eyes flicked up again, uncertain yet determined to see his reaction. In the low light, her face was haloed by the gentle glow of moon and starlight, her expression laid bare in all its sincerity.

    Realizing he had to say something, Cassius finally cleared his throat. "Isabelle¡­" He let out a breath, shaky yet resolute. "Do you¡­Do you really want to stay. Even though I''m the reason you lost the dream you nurtured for so long?"

    She bowed her head again, but her shoulders remained firm. "Yes, Young Master." She said softly. "I lost that dream the moment I raised a blade against you. The fact that I''m here now, alive and by your side at all, is already more than I dared hope for."

    "...And if you''ll allow me, I''d like to devote myself to serving you."

    Cassius inhaled, steadying the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.

    Slowly, the tension in his features melted away, replaced by a quiet, renewed confidence. He then took a step closer, letting his gaze sweep over Isabelle with an unmistakable hint of mischief in his eyes.

    "Well, Isabelle..." He murmured, voice tinged with playful warmth. "...from the way you''re talking, I''d think you wouldn''t mind if I even made you my slave. You sound so ready to give yourself over to me, after all."

    Isabelle''s ears flared a becoming shade of pink, but she didn''t shy away. Instead, she straightened her posture, raising her chin just a fraction.

    The starlight seemed to reflect in her eyes, making them shimmer with a mix of embarrassment and something deeper¡ªdevotion, longing, maybe even love.

    "If that''s what you wanted, Master." She said softly. "Then I wouldn''t object. Whether it''s as your cook, your servant, your¡­slave¡ªor even as a girl who does nothing but keep your bed warm¡ªI''d accept any role, as long as it means I can stay by your side."

    Her candor startled a faint laugh from him¡ªhalf incredulous, half admiring. He stepped forward in one smooth motion, bridging the last bit of space between them. And then, with gentle but deliberate pressure, he tilted her chin upward until her gaze locked onto his.

    In the quiet of the night, the only sounds were the soft hum of crickets and the faint rustle of leaves in the garden.

    "Is that really just devotion you''re talking about?" He asked, his voice hushed. "Because it sounds a lot more¡­enchanting than simple loyalty." A roguish spark danced in his eyes as he watched her expression.

    A tender smile curved Isabelle''s lips. She didn''t pull away, even as her face burned under his scrutiny.

    "You''re not wrong, Young Master...I probably have fallen for you, more then you could ever know." She said, her voice light but sincere and with pure love in her twinkling blue eyes.

    "But it''s only natural for me to fall in love when I have such a charming young master...And that''s your fault, you know." A teasing glint sparked in her eyes, banishing any lingering nervousness. "How dare you be so fascinating and make me fall for you?"

    Cassius''s low chuckle reverberated through the still air.

    "Ah, so it''s my fault, is it?" His tone was equally playful, but beneath it ran a gentle seriousness. He cupped her cheek, fingertips grazing her skin. "In that case, it''s only proper that I take responsibility for turning your head. And that means taking care of you as my beloved maid and lover for the rest of my life, that is if you allow me to."

    Isabelle stood on her toes, the invitation clear in her softly parted lips. "I...I''d like that." She breathed, her lashes fluttering as she closed her eyes.

    And then without wasting another second, Cassius leaned in, closing the scant distance between them.

    "Kiss!?~"

    Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss¡ªneither rushed nor hesitant, but infused with the sweetness of unspoken promises.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    Isabelle''s breath trembled at the first brush of contact, her heart pounding in a heady mix of relief and excitement. His warmth surrounded her, a comforting presence that seemed to erase the turmoil that had brought them to this moment.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    They pulled each other closer, cherishing this fragile, unexpected bond that had formed against all odds.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Kiss!?~ Peck!?~ Taste!?~"

    Eventually, they drew apart, breathless yet smiling, foreheads gently resting together.

    Isabelle opened her eyes, gazing up at Cassius as if he were the center of her entire world. In that reverent hush, their hearts pounded in unison¡ªa quiet settlement to the mysteries of fate and forgiveness.

    Cassius then brushed a strand of hair away from her face, an affectionate light in his eyes. "Funny..." He mused. "...how life works. One moment we''re at odds, the next¡­" He trailed off, letting the press of her body against his fill in the unspoken end of the sentence.

    Isabelle''s lips curved into a gentle, knowing smile.

    "Yes." She agreed, voice as soft as the night breeze. "I suppose destiny can be playful, weaving our paths together like this."

    In that moment, the night felt boundless, the future brimming with possibilities neither of them had foreseen. And though the path ahead would doubtless hold struggles and heartaches, the shared warmth between them beneath the stars was proof enough that, sometimes, the unlikeliest beginnings could blossom into something profound¡ªsomething worth cherishing for a lifetime.

    And looking at Isabelle''s ravishing face under the moonlight, Cassius couldn''t hold himself back anymore and his passion flared as he pulled Isabelle back into another fervent kiss, one that was more insistent and deep than before.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Smack!?~ Mmm!?~ Lick!?~"

    His desire surged, and before either of them could fully comprehend the intensity of the moment, his hand slipped beneath the hem of her skirt and began to caress the soft curve of her buttocks. Isabelle''s eyes fluttered open in startled surprise, and she instinctively pulled away.

    "Young Master, we can''t¡ªsomeone who might see us!" She protested breathlessly, her voice trembling between excitement and alarm.

    Cassius scoffed lightly, a teasing edge still present in his tone as he tried to reassure her. "Relax, Isabelle. I already ordered Lucious to keep everyone away from here. No one will disturb us." He declared, his voice low and confident.

    Before he could settle back into their secluded bubble, a distant, excited shout broke through the intimacy of the night.

    "Young Master, you''re finally back! Your faithful servant has been waiting for you!"

    Cassius''s head whipped around, and there, sprinting across the dew-laden courtyard with wide, concerned eyes, was Lucious.

    The young servant¡ªoblivious to the private scene that had just unfolded¡ªhad simply seen his master step out and had run over without a second thought.

    And under Cassius''s dismayed gaze, Lucious skidded to a halt in front of them, his face a picture of genuine confusion and concern.

    "Master! You''re finally out!" He exclaimed, barely catching his breath. His tone held no mischief¡ªonly earnest worry, as though he had been eagerly awaiting his master''s safe emergence from the building.

    At the sudden intrusion, Isabelle''s face turned a deep red.

    Mortified by the unexpected exposure, she abruptly pushed Cassius away and bolted from the area, her footsteps echoing in the cool night air as she fled into the darkness.

    Lucious blinked, taking in the scene with innocent perplexity. Turning his gaze from the empty space where Isabelle had just been to Cassius''s composed yet slightly flustered expression, he ventured.

    "Young Master, are you¡ªer¡ªare you alright? I saw that maid you seem so fond of running off so fast¡­Do you think she might need to use the toilet or something? I mean, sometimes when people dash off like that, they''re¡­well, you know, feeling a bit unwell down there." He glanced sideways, his tone light and teasing, though his eyes betrayed his genuine concern. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious then blinked again, tilting his head slightly as he took in his master''s exasperated expression as well.

    His eyebrows furrowed as he observed the deep crease in Cassius''s forehead, the way his jaw was set a little too tight, and how his lips were slightly parted as if he were about to scold him¡ªbut hadn''t yet found the energy to do so.

    Then, with complete sincerity, Lucious asked, "Master, are you¡­Um, going to the toilet regularly? Because you look kind of, uh¡­constipated right now."

    Cassius''s eye twitched...That was the last straw.

    Without a word, he took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and then, with lightning-fast reflexes, grabbed Lucious by the collar and yanked him forward.

    "You went too far." Cassius growled, his tone laced with deep, unspoken frustration. He then proceeded to aggressively rub Lucious''s head, his fingers digging into the young man''s thick black hair as he ruffled it with unrelenting vigor.

    "Ah¡ª! Master, w-wait¡ª!" Lucious yelped, flailing as he tried to escape his master''s grasp, but Cassius had him locked firmly in place.

    "You! You absolute, brainless, unnecessary cute mutt!" Cassius continued, his voice filled with despair. "Because of you, the fish I spent so much effort reeling in has gotten away!"

    Lucious, who was still struggling to break free from the merciless head rubbing, managed to sputter out. "Fish? What fish? Master, I didn''t see any fish! I swear I¡ªOw! Ow! You''re going to rub my scalp raw!"

    "The fish¡ª!" Cassius snarled, digging his knuckles further into Lucious''s head. "The big, beautiful, perfect fish that I had hooked! I had it right there in my hands, and now it''s gone! Gone! Because you showed up wagging your tail at the worst possible moment!"

    Lucious, still utterly clueless about what was happening, flailed harder, trying to dodge Cassius''s relentless assault. "Master, please! I don''t know what fish you''re talking about, but I promise I didn''t eat it! And¡ªand I swear I wasn''t wagging my tail! That''s false since I don''t even have a tail!"

    Cassius only growled in frustration, twisting Lucious''s head slightly so he could glare at him properly. "Lucious, you dense little fool." He gritted out. "I told you to keep everyone away. Did it not occur to you that ''everyone'' includes you?!"

    Lucious blinked rapidly, then, as realization slowly dawned upon him, his eyes widened slightly. "Ohhh." He breathed. "You meant¡­me, too?"

    "Yes!" Cassius barked, giving his head one final, aggressive ruffle before finally releasing him with a sharp shove.

    Lucious staggered back, still wincing as he rubbed his thoroughly abused scalp. "Ow¡­ I think you took out some of my hair."

    He muttered, still pouting slightly as he tried to fix his already-messy hair, not have a clue why his master was suddenly acting like a chimpanzee looking for fleas in his hairs.

 Chapter 69 - 69: Take Responsibility

    Cassius, exhaling a long, tired sigh, finally ran a hand through his own hair, forcing himself to set aside his irritation.

    "Fine, fine. Forget it." He muttered. Then, fixing Lucious with a more serious gaze, he asked, "Did you at least do everything I told you to?"

    Lucious, straightening his posture as though trying to look more professional after getting manhandled, quickly brushed off his coat, clearing his throat. "Of course, Young Master. I handled it all." He declared confidently.

    "Be specific." Cassius raised a brow.

    Lucious grinned slightly, pleased with his efficiency, and began listing things off on his fingers. "First, I fired every single male worker in the mansion who had anything to do with what happened before. Every single one of those bastards is gone. Good riddance." His eyes darkened slightly at the mention of them.

    Cassius gave a small nod of approval, but his face remained impassive. "And?"

    Lucious shifted, continuing, "Second, I tracked down the three main sources those rats were supplying information to."

    That piqued Cassius''s interest. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh? And who were they?"

    Lucious held up one finger. "First source¡ªthe main household itself."

    Cassius let out an unamused chuckle at that, shaking his head slightly. "Not much of a surprise there." He said dryly. "My shitty father is always looking for an excuse to tighten his hold over me. Of course he''d have his people sniffing around, looking for a reason to step in."

    "...The old man''s probably just waiting for the right opportunity to try and take me down."

    Lucious smirked. "That was my thought, too."

    Cassius waved a hand lazily. "Well, he can wait all he wants. That bastard can''t touch me yet...Who''s next?"

    Lucious hesitated slightly before lifting a second finger. "The Vindictus household."

    At that, Cassius''s expression shifted. His easy smirk faded into something more contemplative, his fingers tapping slowly against his arm. "My mother''s family?" He mused aloud, his tone neither surprised nor entirely indifferent. "Now that''s a little more interesting."

    Lucious nodded, eyeing him carefully. "It caught me off guard too, Master. It''s hard to say what they''re playing at just yet, but they''ve been gathering information on you for quite a while now. It seems they''re¡­interested in you."

    Cassius hummed, falling silent for a few moments, clearly deep in thought. His mother''s family¡ªthe Vindictus household¡ªhad been nothing more than a ghost in his life ever since she died. They had never openly acknowledged him, never reached out. It was as though he had ceased to exist in their eyes.

    And now, suddenly, they were taking an interest in him?

    "Curious." Cassius murmured. "I wonder if they''re planning something." His lips twitched slightly, as though entertained by the idea. "Or maybe they''re just realizing how much of a mistake it was to ignore me all these years."

    Lucious grinned at that. "That''d be their loss, Master."

    Cassius let out a low chuckle, but his mind was still turning. He made a mental note to investigate further later. But for now¡­

    "What''s the last one?" He asked, his brow raising expectantly.

    Lucious raised his third finger, looking slightly more amused. "The royal castle."

    Cassius''s brows lifted at that, genuine intrigue flashing across his features. "The royal castle?" He repeated, his voice laced with curiosity. He clicked his tongue. "Now that''s even more interesting."

    Lucious nodded. "They''ve been keeping tabs on you as well. It''s not entirely clear why yet, but it''s evident that someone within the castle walls has taken a sudden interest in your activities."

    Cassius tapped a finger against his chin, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Now, why would they be looking at me, of all people?" He wondered.

    His thoughts flickered through a few possibilities¡ªwas it simple surveillance? A strategic move? Or did someone in power see him as a threat?

    But then, just as quickly as his curiosity was piqued, Cassius waved a dismissive hand.

    "Whatever. I''ll deal with that later."

    "Huh?" Lucious blinked.

    "I''m more interested in dinner." Cassius declared flatly, stretching his arms above his head. "I''m starving."

    "Wait¡­what?" Lucious blinked again, as though processing how quickly his master had gone from contemplating deep political intrigue to something as mundane as food.

    "What? I haven''t eaten all day." Cassius shot him an unimpressed look.

    "Master, I just told you that the royal castle is monitoring you." Lucious stared at him, utterly dumbfounded.

    "And?" Cassius tilted his head, his expression completely unconcerned. "Let them watch. I''ll deal with it when I feel like it."

    Lucious ran a hand down his face. "But¡ª"

    "No buts." Cassius cut him off with a lazy grin. "Let''s go eat."

    Lucious sighed in resignation as he fell in step behind Cassius, following his master back toward the mansion. He had learnt that once Cassius set his mind on something¡ªno matter how trivial¡ªthere was little anyone could do to stop him.

    And if Cassius had decided that dinner was more important than dealing with royal affairs, then so be it.

    As they walked, Lucious adjusted his slightly ruffled coat, still rubbing his sore scalp. He barely had time to get comfortable before Cassius, now sporting an unmistakably smug grin, turned his head slightly and decided to add salt to the wound.

    "You know, Lucious..." Cassius drawled, his voice rich with amusement. "If you hadn''t barged in like an overeager pup just now, Isabelle and I would probably be¡­Well, how should I put it? A little hot and stuffy by now."

    Lucious, oblivious to what was coming, tilted his head in innocent curiosity. "Hot and stuffy?"

    Cassius let out an exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his hair.

    "Yes, Lucious. Hot. Stuffy. Very busy. And very satisfied." He threw him a sharp look, as if daring him to put the pieces together. "But because of your terrible timing, Isabelle ran off in a fluster, and now¡­" He gestured dramatically toward himself. "Now, I''m left with a fire in my pants."

    Lucious blinked, still not quite following. "Fire? In your pants? Master, do I need to call a healer? You don''t¡ª"

    Cassius groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

    "No, you idiot. I mean pent-up frustration. Passion. Desire. The kind of problem a man has after being cruelly interrupted."

    Finally, Lucious''s eyes widened in realization, and his face turned slightly red.

    "O-Oh¡­" He stammered. Then, looking properly guilty, he rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah¡­ I see¡­ well, um¡­my apologies, Master. I, uh, truly didn''t mean to¡ª"

    Cassius waved a dismissive hand, smirking. "Oh, it''s too late for apologies now. However¡­" He turned, shooting Lucious a sly look, his crimson eyes twinkling with mischief. "Since you caused the problem, I think it''s only fair that you fix it."

    "Fix¡­?" Lucious blinked again.

    Cassius''s smirk widened. "I wouldn''t mind spending the night with someone as cute as you." He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a playful purr. "How about it, Lucious? Since you scared off my lovely maid, why don''t you take responsibility and keep me company tonight?"

    He expected Lucious to recoil, to flinch back in horror, to turn red and stammer something incoherent while backing away in terror. It was meant to be a harmless tease¡ªsomething to spook him a little and make him regret ruining his master''s night.

    But to Cassius''s shock, Lucious''s entire demeanor changed.

    His eyes brightened, his face turned a shade pinker¡ªnot from embarrassment, but from excitement. His lips parted slightly as he stepped closer instead of retreating.

    "I¡­" Lucious hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with his gloves before he looked up at Cassius with genuine, unguarded sincerity. "I''d be happy to do so, Master."

    Cassius''s teasing smirk wavered. "Wait, what?"

    Lucious, encouraged by his master''s reaction, took another step forward, his eyes shining with an almost childlike eagerness. "I¡­I''d do anything for you, Young Master." He admitted, his voice dropping to a nervous whisper. Then, as if gathering the courage to say something embarrassing, he shyly averted his gaze before adding, "E-Even if it means¡­g-giving my innocence to you."

    Cassius froze.

    The entire world seemed to halt as he stared at Lucious in absolute, unfiltered horror.

    Lucious, mistaking his silence for hesitation, looked up expectantly. His wide, earnest grey eyes sparkled under the moonlight, and he tilted his head slightly. "M-Master?"

    But there was no one there.

    Because Cassius was already gone.

    Lucious blinked and turned just in time to see Cassius running at full speed away from him, sprinting toward the mansion as if his very life depended on it.

    "MASTER?!" Lucious yelped in confusion.

    "DON''T FOLLOW ME!" Cassius bellowed from the distance, his voice filled with panic.

    Lucious, suddenly snapping out of his daze, immediately started running after him. "WAIT, MASTER! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "AWAY FROM YOU!" Cassius shot back, moving at a speed that suggested he was genuinely terrified for his virtue. "I do not want a sausage party tonight!"

    Lucious, still utterly confused but determined, picked up his pace. "But Master! I meant what I said! I don''t mind at all! I''d do anything for you¡ª"

    "STOP TALKING!" Cassius yelled, nearly tripping over his own feet in his desperate escape.

    And just like that, the moonlit night that had once been filled with romantic tension had turned into a ridiculous game of tag between a panicked noble and his overly devoted butler.

    The cool night air carried their voices as Lucious, the innocent yet deadly persistent golden retriever of a servant, continued to chase after his master¡ªwhile Cassius, once so confident and in control, now ran for his life, cursing himself for ever thinking it would be fun to tease Lucious.

    ...Life, it seemed, had a wicked sense of humor.

 Chapter 70 - 70: Scandalous Rumours

    Ever since that fateful day when Cassius purged his mansion and uprooted the traitors from within, the Holyfield household¡ªonce the very embodiment of stability and power, a family whose influence rivaled that of royalty itself¡ªbegan to quake for the first time in years.

    The once-proud servants who used to walk with their heads held high now moved cautiously, their gazes averted, their steps careful as though afraid of drawing attention.

    Tension choked the air within the estate, an invisible storm looming over the grand halls that had once been filled with certainty.

    Even beyond the mansion''s walls, the commoners of Holyfield couldn''t help but murmur amongst themselves, their voices laced with curiosity and apprehension.

    What happened?

    Why does the estate feel¡­different?

    What exactly did Cassius Vindictus Holyfield do? S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    At first, the whispers were fragmented, uncertain. But soon enough, they spread like wildfire, each telling more exaggerated than the last.

    The rumors painted a damning picture¡ªone of lust, coercion, and excess.

    According to the scandal that was shaking the noble world, Cassius had gathered all the maids in his household and, abusing his power as their master, forced himself upon them, using his authority to coax them into submission.

    It was shocking. It was monstrous. It was an unforgivable stain upon the Holyfield name¡ªa name once regarded as a symbol of purity, now dragged through the mud in the worst way possible.

    And yet¡­the reality was something else entirely.

    The maids had willingly thrown themselves into his embrace. They had offered themselves up, worshipped him in ways that the rumors never mentioned. And in the end, each and every one of them had left that night with satisfaction and a sense of belonging they had never known before.

    But rumors rarely cared for the truth. And what had been a night of pleasure and devotion was twisted into something vile¡ªa scandal so heinous it sent shockwaves throughout the noble society.

    Yet, despite the chaos his name was being dragged through, Cassius himself¡­

    Was completely unbothered.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    In a secluded part of the Holyfield estate, beneath the shade of a grand willow tree, Cassius lay on the grass, his hands placed casually behind his head, his eyes shut as if he were enjoying a peaceful nap.

    The world could scream his name in scandal all it wanted¡ªhe couldn''t care less.

    Beside him, Portia Albina, his head maid, sat gracefully, holding a bunch of fresh grapes in her hand. She plucked one carefully and brought it to his lips with an amused smile, delighting in the simple act of feeding him.

    "Here, Master~" She cooed softly, clearly enjoying herself.

    Cassius lazily parted his lips, allowing her to slip the grape into his mouth. He hummed in satisfaction, his expression one of pure relaxation, as if he hadn''t a single worry in the world.

    Not far from them, Isabelle was meticulously brewing his tea, her hands steady as she carefully measured each ingredient. Beside her, Lucious¡ªhis ever-loyal butler¡ªwas slicing a fresh loaf of bread, helping Isabelle prepare sandwiches as if this were nothing more than a pleasant afternoon picnic.

    Compared to how any other noble might have reacted when caught in the middle of such a scandalous controversy, Cassius acted as if he didn''t even know it existed.

    It was almost surreal.

    Portia, watching his relaxed expression, couldn''t help but giggle. "Master." She murmured, her voice laced with amusement. "Aren''t you even a little curious about what people are saying about you?"

    Cassius let out a slow breath, tilting his head slightly as if contemplating the question. Then, without opening his eyes, he smirked. "I already know what they''re saying." He murmured lazily. "And frankly, I don''t care."

    Isabelle, who had just finished preparing the tea, glanced over. "But Master..." She said, her tone neutral but curious. "The rumors¡­They''re horrendous."

    Lucious, setting down the sliced bread, nodded in agreement. "The way they''re telling it, you sound like some depraved villain who spends his days preying on the innocent." He added, shaking his head. "It''s absurd."

    Cassius finally cracked an eye open, glancing between them. His smirk only deepened. "And?" He drawled.

    Lucious blinked. "And¡ªwell, doesn''t that bother you, Young Master?"

    Cassius let out a low chuckle. "Lucious." He said, stretching his arms above his head lazily. "What exactly do you expect me to do? March up to every noble in the kingdom and correct them? Explain in detail how everything was completely consensual? Should I personally go door to door and tell them that my maids spent the night willingly throwing themselves at me?"

    Lucious''s lips parted, but before he could say anything, Cassius turned his gaze toward Portia, who was still feeding him grapes.

    "Tell me, Portia." He asked. "Do you feel violated?"

    Portia nearly snorted at the absurdity of the question. "Of course not, Master." She purred. "I''m quite satisfied, actually."

    Cassius turned to Isabelle next, watching as she carefully poured his tea. "Isabelle." He continued, his voice teasing. "Do you feel like you were forced into anything?"

    Isabelle, cheeks dusting a faint pink at the implication, stiffened slightly before shaking her head. "¡­No." She admitted quietly. "I wasn''t forced at all and r-rather enjoyed it."

    Cassius smirked. "And there you have it." He leaned back onto the grass again, closing his eyes once more. "Let them talk. Let them cry scandal. The people who matter¡ªthe ones who were actually involved¡ªknow the truth."

    Lucious sighed, rubbing his temple. "Master, you''re impossible."

    Cassius chuckled. "I prefer untouchable."

    Isabelle and Portia both giggled at his antics, their amusement clear despite the lingering worry in their eyes.

    They trusted their master, but even they couldn''t deny that the scandal surrounding him was growing larger by the day. Whispers were turning into roars, and soon enough, even the most powerful nobles would have to take a stance.

    And yet, here he was¡ªlounging under a tree, indulging in fresh grapes, and acting as though he hadn''t a single care in the world.

    It was almost comical.

    Almost.

    But while the maids could still laugh about it, Lucious could not.

    Because he knew the truth.

    Unlike Isabelle and Portia¡ªwho only saw the rumors as an unfortunate consequence of that fateful night¡ªLucious knew exactly who had spread them.

    Not the maids.

    Not the traitorous servants who had been purged.

    Not even a noble looking to take Cassius down.

    No...It had been Cassius himself.

    At first, Lucious had expected rumors to naturally arise after what happened in the estate. The nature of noble households made it impossible to keep everything under wraps. Because of that, he had already started putting measures in place to silence any leaks before they could begin.

    With his resources and influence as Cassius''s butler, it wouldn''t have been difficult to contain the situation before it even became a whisper in noble society.

    But when he had brought the matter up to Cassius, expecting to receive approval for his discretion¡ª

    Cassius had merely smacked him lightly on the head and said, "Why are you sabotaging my plans, you idiot?"

    Lucious had been stunned.

    It was only then that Cassius revealed his intention¡ªto spread the rumors himself. And not just any rumors, but the absolute worst possible version of them. He had given explicit orders for the information to be exaggerated, for it to sound as scandalous as possible, and for it to reach the ears of every influential noble family.

    Lucious, for the first time in a long while, had tried to argue against his master''s decision.

    "Master, if this gets out of hand, it could completely ruin your reputation!" He had warned. "This isn''t something you can come back from with just a few political maneuvers. Do you really want this to be what people think of you?"

    But Cassius had only given him a mysterious smile. "It''s necessary." He had said. "...To spread the goddess''s gospel."

    Lucious still had no idea what the hell that meant.

    But that wasn''t even the worst of it. Before he could press further, Cassius had made another equally bizarre statement:

    "With this, I''ve put out a light for someone waiting in the dark. Now, I just have to wait for him to bite."

    Lucious had no clue who he was referring to, what he was waiting for, or why this entire mess was necessary. But, as always, he had no choice but to follow orders.

    And so, despite every instinct screaming at him to contain the scandal, he had done the opposite¡ªhe had fed it. He had ensured that the rumors spread far and wide, reaching the ears of nobles, merchants, and even commoners alike. The Holyfield name, once revered as a pillar of stability, was now steeped in disgrace.

    All because his master wanted it to be.

    Still, there was one thing that confused Lucious even further.

    When he had asked Cassius whether he should also spread rumors of what had happened to the male servants¡ªthe ones who had been purged from the estate¡ªhe had assumed his master would agree.

    After all, spreading that information would have been useful in shifting the narrative. It would have cast Cassius as a terrifying and merciless figure, rather than a depraved noble obsessed with bedding his maids.

    It would have reinforced the idea that this Cassius Holyfield was not the same one from before¡ªthat he was not someone to be underestimated.

    But to his surprise, Cassius had merely waved a hand and said, "How can I allow that when I''m trying to be low-key?"

    Lucious had been baffled.

    Low-key?

    His master claimed he wanted to keep a low profile, yet he was allowing rumors far worse than murder to spread without hesitation.

    The contradiction made no sense.

    And yet, Cassius had said it so casually¡ªso dismissively¡ªbefore ordering Lucious to ensure that the purging of the male servants was silenced entirely.

    Lucious didn''t understand it. He had no way of predicting what his master was thinking, or what his ultimate goal was.

    But despite his concerns, despite the unease that gnawed at his stomach, he still trusted him.

    Cassius always had a plan...Atleast Lucious thought he did.

    And so, with nothing else to do but wait for whatever came next, Lucious focused on what was in front of him.

    He quietly continued making sandwiches, slicing through the bread with precision. But every so often, as he worked, his eyes flickered toward Cassius¡ªwho was still lying on the grass with his arms behind his head, completely at peace.

    Lucious studied him carefully, waiting, wondering.

    Just what are you planning, Young Master?

 Chapter 71 - 71: Cursed To Oblivion

    Portia''s usually calm and composed expression had twisted into a frown, her brows knitting together as though she had just realized she had failed in her duties.

    While still dutifully feeding Cassius grapes, she hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice laced with quiet frustration.

    "Master, I had already instructed the maids to keep their mouths shut about that night." She muttered, pressing a grape to his lips with a little more force than necessary. "It was for your sake. I made it very clear that no one was to speak a word of it. And yet¡­someone still went against my orders."

    "...Someone ignored me and spread those lies¡ªworse lies than I ever could have imagined."

    Her voice trembled with controlled anger, and she popped another grape into his mouth a bit harder than she probably meant to.

    Cassius barely chewed before he felt a sharp voice chime in from his side.

    "Those big bad liars!" Isabelle barked, her small body practically shaking with indignation.

    She was mid-slice, preparing sandwiches, but now she was swinging the butter knife in the air with a little too much enthusiasm, as if imagining giving those maids a little stab for their betrayal.

    "I saw them, Portia!" Isabelle declared, waving the knife in an impassioned fury. "Sleeping like babies! Satisfied beyond belief! How dare they spread lies about our Master after all he did for them! If I knew who it was, I''d¡ª"

    Cassius immediately sat up, eyes narrowing in alarm. "Lucious, take away the knife."

    Lucious, who had been silently observing with tired amusement, didn''t even hesitate. He smoothly plucked the butter knife from Isabelle''s hands before she could accidentally stab someone in the eye.

    Isabelle pouted, but Cassius only let out a relieved sigh and laid back down, adjusting his posture comfortably. His lips twitched as he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "You''re far too cute to be making threats, Isabelle." He teased.

    Isabelle huffed and folded her arms, turning her nose up. "I was serious."

    Cassius only chuckled at her, then turned his attention back to Portia and gave her a lazy, reassuring smile. "It''s fine, really. I don''t mind." He said, waving a hand as if to brush the whole thing away like an insignificant speck of dust.

    "It is NOT fine!" Isabelle and Portia both snapped at the same time.

    Cassius blinked.

    Portia''s eyes flashed with rage, and she clenched the fabric of her skirt so tightly it looked like she was restraining herself from outright marching into the mansion and wringing someone''s neck.

    "Master..." She hissed. "You may not care because of your magnimity, but I do. Those ungrateful wretches should be crawling at your feet in gratitude for the mercy you showed them!"

    Isabelle furiously nodded in agreement, still pouting as she huffed.

    "Exactly! You could have thrown them out! You could have ruined them! But noooo, Master is too kind and merciful¡ªhe let them keep their jobs! And this is how they repay you? By spitting on your kindness and tarnishing your name?" She huffed again. "I hope they stub their toe really, really hard."

    Portia, still trembling in anger, scoffed. "A stubbed toe?" She echoed calmly with a cold, sadistic gaze in her eyes. "No, no, no, Isabelle, that''s not nearly enough suffering for them. I hope they get a horrible death."

    "...A slow, painful one¡ªmaybe trampled under the hooves of a maddened horse or burned alive in an oil fire. Perhaps they''ll fall into a sewer and drown in filth like the rats they are."

    "A sewer?" Isabelle wrinkled her nose, unimpressed. "I don''t know about that. I just want them to step on a really sharp pebble first thing in the morning...Preferably before breakfast."

    Cassius, who had been quietly listening with an unreadable expression, felt his lips twitch.

    Lucious, meanwhile, let out the deepest sigh of the evening.

    Because the truth was¡­none of the maids had spread a single word about what had happened.

    Not a single one.

    If anything, after that night¡ªafter witnessing the true nature of their Young Master, the son of the beloved Lady Florence¡ªthe maids had grown even more devoted to him. When they realized they weren''t going to be punished or thrown out, but instead given a second chance, their loyalty to Cassius had solidified into something unshakable.

    None of them had betrayed him.

    None of them had whispered a single word of their experience.

    Because the only person who had spread the rumors¡­was Cassius himself.

    And now here he was¡ªturning pale and looking away as Isabelle and Portia unknowingly cursed him to death for his own actions.

    Lucious, to his immense amusement, watched as his master averted his gaze, clearly sweating under their indirect scolding. It was rare to see Cassius genuinely uncomfortable, but the way he was slowly sinking back into the grass as if trying to disappear was priceless.

    Lucious had to bite back a chuckle.

    Cassius, on the other hand, had reached his limit.

    Without a word, he suddenly rolled over and plopped his head directly onto Portia''s lap.

    Portia let out a surprised gasp as her master''s weight settled against her thighs. "M-Master?!" She stammered, her face momentarily flustered as she instinctively placed her hands on his head for balance.

    Cassius ignored her shock entirely and simply gazed up at her, his head resting comfortably against the plushness of her lap.

    From his vantage point, he could see the mountainous view above him, but he wisely kept his eyes on her face instead. He knew if he stared too much he''d drag her straight to bed and never walk out until night, which would be wasteful when it was such a beautiful day.

    Instead, he let out a dramatic sigh and asked, "So I heard your husband left you after these rumors started spreading." His voice was casual, but his sharp eyes studied her reaction carefully. "Are you alright?"

    Portia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. She stared at him for a brief moment before letting out a soft, almost amused breath. A tender smile graced her lips as her fingers instinctively moved to stroke his dark hair, combing through it with a featherlight touch.

    "It''s fine, Master." She said gently. "It''s for the best, really. That marriage was never meant to last."

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Oh?" He twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers. "And what makes you say that?" He asked even though he already knew exactly what happened and was simply asking to see if his maid had any regrets with her decisions.

    Portia exhaled, her fingers continuing their soothing motions through his hair. "Because when I realized that I didn''t feel the slightest sadness when he told me he was leaving¡­I knew it meant I was already free from him." She smiled, but it was a smile laced with quiet acceptance. "I think deep down, I had been waiting for this for a long time."

    Cassius studied her face carefully, searching for any traces of lingering sorrow. But there was none.

    Only relief.

    He let the silence stretch for a moment before he asked. "What made him leave?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

    Portia''s fingers stilled for a brief moment before resuming their slow strokes.

    "After the rumors spread, I realized that if the public was going to demand a victim, it would be better to take the blame onto myself rather than let all the maids suffer. Society would never believe that nothing happened at all¡ªit would be impossible to erase the scandal completely."

    She sighed softly, almost to herself. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "So I told the maids that if they were ever questioned by their loved ones, they should just say that the rumors were exaggerated. That they were never touched." Her eyes darkened slightly. "That only one maid was involved, and that she alone took the fall."

    Cassius''s fingers stopped twirling her hair. "And that one maid¡­" He trailed off, already knowing the answer.

    Portia gave a small, bittersweet smile. "Me."

    Cassius didn''t react immediately, but a faint tension crept into his jaw.

    "The other maids protested at first." She continued, her voice carrying the memory of their outcry. "They didn''t want to push the blame onto me. They said it was cowardly. That they could handle the consequences together."

    Her smile softened at the recollection.

    "But I told them that if we all claimed innocence, people would force an answer out of us. It would be easier if only one person bore the brunt of the rumors. It was the second-best option¡­after complete erasure."

    Cassius exhaled slowly. "So you made yourself the villain in their eyes."

    Portia nodded, her expression unreadable. "It was easier that way."

    But Cassius knew better. He knew that while it may have been easier, it wasn''t fair.

    "And your husband?" His voice lowered slightly, a dangerous undertone slipping into it. "What did he do once he heard?"

    Portia let out a small, humorless chuckle. "He didn''t even ask for my side of the story." She murmured. "Didn''t ask if I was forced, didn''t ask if it was true. He simply looked at me and said, ''I''m leaving''" Her voice carried neither bitterness nor grief¡ªonly quiet acceptance. "That was it."

    Cassius sighed thinking how unstable and fragile the relationships in this world were.

    "But it doesn''t matter, Master." Portia said with a small, reassuring smile. "If anything¡­" Her cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her gaze. "Ever since he left, I feel more alive than I have in years." She looked down at Cassius, her fingers gently caressing his scalp. "I feel happier serving you than I ever did as his wife."

    Cassius opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a soft clinking sound caught his attention.

    Isabelle had arrived, carefully balancing a silver tray of tea and neatly arranged sandwiches. She knelt beside them, setting the tray down before offering a pleased smile.

    "I agree." Isabelle chimed in as she arranged the cups. "Serving our Master is the greatest thing in the world!" She looked up at Cassius, her expression calm and utterly devoted. "You really don''t have to worry about Portia, Master. She seems to be having plenty of fun with you¡­" A mischievous glint entered her eye. "Especially with all the lewd sounds I hear at night."

    Portia froze.

    Her cheeks turned an instant shade of crimson as she turned to glare at Isabelle, who was looking at her with an all-too-innocent smile.

    "I-Isabelle!" Portia hissed, her voice strangled.

    Isabelle simply stuck her tongue out playfully. "I''m just telling the truth, Portia~."

    Cassius, meanwhile, smirked lazily from his very comfortable position on Portia''s lap. "Well..." He mused. "It''s not my fault that the head maid is so dedicated to her Master''s needs."

    Portia''s blush deepened.

    Lucious, still sitting off to the side, watching this ridiculous exchange unfold, let out yet another sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

    Cassius stretched, finally rising from Portia''s lap as he reached for one of the sandwiches on the tray. He took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before humming in satisfaction.

    "Delicious." He said, his smirk widening as he glanced at Isabelle, who immediately perked up at his praise.

    "Really?!" She beamed, leaning forward slightly with eager anticipation. "I tried to make sure the seasoning was just right this time!"

    "Mhm." Cassius nodded, swallowing his bite before reaching for another. "The spread is well-balanced, not too overwhelming, just enough to complement the bread and fillings perfectly...A splendid dish indeed."

    Isabelle''s face lit up with pure joy, her cheeks turning rosy at the compliment.

    Cassius chuckled, picking up another sandwich, but before he could take another bite, Lucious suddenly cleared his throat loudly, crossing his arms and tilting his head slightly. "Ahem."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow. "What?"

    Lucious shifted, looking slightly pouty. "I also helped a little." He admitted, trying to sound casual but clearly wanting to be acknowledged.

    Cassius smirked, biting into another sandwich and giving him a half-lidded look. "Oh? So you want praise too?"

    Lucious huffed, looking to the side. "Not particularly¡­"

    Cassius snorted, chewing. "Well, good job, then. I suppose you can have a tiny bit of credit."

    Lucious puffed out his chest slightly, satisfied. "As expected of me." He said smugly.

    Cassius rolled his eyes, taking another sandwich into his hand. But just as he was about to take another bite¡ª

    THUNDEROUS GALLOPING~

    The sound of multiple horses charging through the estate grounds shook the very earth beneath them, the intensity of their approach growing louder with every second.

    Cassius''s casual demeanor didn''t change, but the others immediately snapped their heads toward the source of the noise.

    Portia stiffened, her hand instinctively moving to her hip as if searching for a weapon. Isabelle''s brows furrowed in confusion, while Lucious''s eyes darkened with calculated sharpness at the distant cloud of dust that was approaching...

 Chapter 72 - 72: Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, The Whispering Blade

    Cassius and the others waited for the cloud to come closer and then, they saw them.

    Over twenty knights¡ªhorses galloping at full speed, their hooves pounding against the ground with rhythmic precision. Their armor gleamed under the sunlight, their bodies moving in perfect unison, displaying discipline and training far beyond that of ordinary knights.

    And yet, the most striking feature? sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Not a single man among them.

    Every knight was a woman, some appearing as young as their early twenties, while others carried the air of battle-worn veterans in their early middle age. Their expressions were unreadable, hardened by experience, their eyes like sharpened steel, locked onto their target¡ªCassius.

    Despite the undeniable beauty that many of them possessed, their presence was anything but soft or delicate. These were warriors¡ªwomen who had stood on the battlefield, faced death, and lived to tell the tale. Even in their disciplined charge, there was a silent warning: they were not to be taken lightly.

    As they neared, the riders didn''t slow down, but at the last possible moment, their formation shifted. Without any spoken command, they spread out perfectly, encircling Cassius and his small gathering in a precise and coordinated maneuver.

    It was seamless¡ªa display of pure discipline that made it clear just how well-trained they were.

    They didn''t just surround them. They cut off every possible escape in a way that only veterans of battle could.

    Cassius, still holding his sandwich, slowly lowered it back onto the tray and sighed. "Well..." He muttered. "That''s certainly one way to ruin a meal."

    But while Cassius remained unfazed, the cold intensity in the knights gazes didn''t waver.

    And oddly enough, while their stares were firm, assessing, and guarded¡ªthere was also something else lurking beneath the surface.

    Pity.

    They looked at Cassius not just as a target, but as if he were a pitiful lamb being led to the slaughter.

    And yet, strangely enough, there was also fascination in some of their gazes. A quiet curiosity. As though they were studying him¡ªtrying to figure out who he truly was.

    The silence was tense.

    Then, in a hushed breath, Isabelle murmured something.

    "...The Sacred Guard."

    The name alone carried weight.

    Portia''s lips parted slightly in realization, while even Lucious¡ªwho rarely showed signs of outward surprise¡ªraised an eyebrow in acknowledgment.

    The Sacred Guard was not just any knightly order.

    They were an elite all-women brigade that operated directly under the banner of the Holyfield family, sworn to uphold the protection, safety, and welfare of the entire Holyfield territory.

    Unlike the many other knightly factions that served nobles out of obligation or politics, the Sacred Guard had built its reputation on something far greater¡ªunwavering trust from the people they protected.

    Since their formation a few years ago, they had risen to prominence at an unprecedented rate, their feats becoming the stuff of legend across the continent. They were not just guardians of the Holyfield estate, but the defenders of an entire region, a force that had reshaped the very idea of what a knight''s duty should be.

    Where other knight orders focused only on battle and war, the Sacred Guard had made it their mission to maintain true peace.

    They were not content with merely reacting to threats¡ªthey anticipated them, sniffed them out before they could ever take root.

    The moment a crime was about to occur, the Sacred Guard was already there to stop it.

    The moment an enemy force considered invading the territory, the Sacred Guard had already made preparations to crush them.

    The moment even the slightest unrest stirred within the Holyfield domain, they had already deployed the necessary resources to quell it before it even became a problem.

    They were swift, precise, and merciless against those who sought to disrupt the land.

    Because of their efforts, banditry had plummeted, thievery had become almost nonexistent, and murder rates had dropped to an all-time low.

    It was said that in the past, people would never leave their homes unarmed, always carrying some form of protection against criminals or dangers lurking in the shadows.

    But now?

    People no longer needed to.

    Thanks to the Sacred Guard''s sub-armies¡ªsmaller, highly trained units deployed across every major settlement and road within the Holyfield territory¡ªthe region had become a sanctuary of stability.

    And their efforts extended beyond just security.

    Unlike other noble-controlled knight orders¡ªwho often looked down on commoners, seeing them as nothing more than subjects¡ªthe Sacred Guard had woven themselves directly into the fabric of society.

    They did not just protect the people; they helped them.

    During harvest season, they assisted farmers in gathering crops.

    They regularly visited orphanages, offering aid, supplies, and even lessons to help educate abandoned children.

    They listened to the concerns of the people, acting as mediators in local disputes.

    They even gave a portion of their salaries to orphanages, shelters, and struggling families, proving that they were not just warriors, but servants of the people.

    Because of this, the Sacred Guard had become more than just knights¡ªthey were beloved figures, symbols of trust, safety, and justice.

    To the common folk, they were heroes in the purest sense of the word.

    And that was why they were called the Sacred Guard.

    For they were not just warriors with swords.

    They were the shield that safeguarded the people.

    Isabelle''s eyes shimmered with admiration and awe.

    As a young woman, it was hard not to be inspired by the Sacred Guard, a legion of knights who had not only proved themselves in battle but also endeared themselves to the masses through their unwavering kindness.

    ''They''re exactly the kind of knights I wanted to see growing up.'' She thought, feeling her heart swell with admiration.

    But then, her gaze flicked to the circle of mounted warriors arrayed around them. Wait¡­Confusion replaced her starry-eyed wonder.

    ''Why are they surrounding us?'' She wanted to ask, but before she could form the question, Cassius¡ªstill calmly eating his sandwich¡ªspoke up.

    "Portia, Isabelle." He said, his voice unhurried even though armed women surrounded them. "Head on back for now. It seems the one who has it out for me the most has finally taken the bait."

    At those cryptic words, Isabelle felt a prickle of unease dance along her spine. Something bad is going to happen, she thought nervously, her gaze darting between Cassius and the circle of formidable knights.

    She opened her mouth to insist on staying by his side¡ªMaster, let me help¡ªbut Portia''s gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her.

    "It''s all right." Portia murmured, her tone reassuring yet firm. "It seems like our master anticipated this, looking at how confident he is now." She nodded toward Cassius, who offered them both a lazy, confident smile in return. "We shouldn''t interrupt."

    Reluctantly, Isabelle let out a small sigh and followed Portia away from the circle, pratin that nothing happened to their master.

    The knights, as if on cue, parted to allow them passage, though their eyes never left Cassius¡ªor Lucious, who remained at his master''s side.

    Just as the two maids were leaving the perimeter, the line of knights parted again.

    Only this time, three more horses emerged, riders leaning forward in their saddles.

    Isabelle''s breath caught in her throat when she saw who sat astride those steeds.

    "Is that¡­Is that¡­?" Her voice was hushed, barely audible over the sound of the horses hooves on the grass.

    Portia nodded in reverent confirmation. "Yes." She murmured. "It''s them."

    Meanwhile, Lucious¡ªever at Cassius''s elbow¡ªwatched as the newcomers approached.

    Unlike the steady calm Cassius displayed, Lucious felt a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. His lips twitched into a strained smile. "I guess this is all part of your plan too, Master?" He asked in a tense whisper. "But, uh¡­Is your plan really robust enough to handle this particular visitor?"

    Cassius answered with a sly grin, his gaze fixed on the tall figure at the forefront. "Oh, who exactly is this person that managed to even make my fearless butler tremble in his boots?"

    Lucious swallowed, turning his eyes back to the imposing woman who led the trio. She sat astride her horse with a grace that almost seemed otherworldly.

    Her armor gleamed in the afternoon light¡ªornate yet practical, crafted to allow ease of movement rather than mere display. Though her figure was visibly feminine, especially with her bountiful chest and her bottom that could even be seen from the front because of how thick it was, there was no mistaking the power radiating from her.

    "Who else..." Lucious began, exhaling slowly. "...Other than the youngest child¡ªand most powerful heir¡ªof the Hellbane family? A prodigy who mastered wind elemental magic at the age of eighteen¡­" He shook his head, half in awe, half in nerves. "A woman whose beauty is so profound that no man in the continent can claim not to have dreamed of her."

    His voice rose a notch, as though compelled by the sheer majesty of her presence. "And, of course, the founder of the Sacred Guard itself."

    "...Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane¡ªbetter known as the Whispering Blade."

    Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane or Julie as her close comrades called her rode forward on her magnificent steed, her presence alone enough to command absolute silence from the gathered knights and spectators alike. As she approached, the air itself seemed to carry a weight, as though nature itself acknowledged her arrival.

    She was breathtaking¡ªnot just in beauty, but in the sheer majesty that surrounded her.

    Long, flowing strands of platinum blonde hair cascaded down her back, gleaming under the golden light of the sun, reminiscent of fine-spun silk.

    Her hair, despite its length, remained unruffled by the wind, as if the very air bowed to her command.

    Sharp emerald-green eyes, framed by thick lashes, pierced through the space between them, filled with wisdom and intensity¡ªthe gaze of a warrior who had seen countless battles and emerged unbroken.

    Despite the undeniable femininity of her features, there was nothing soft about her expression. She bore herself not as a noble pampered by luxury, but as a seasoned knight, her every movement precise, calculated, and honed to lethal perfection.

    She was clad in a pristine set of silver and azure armor, its intricate engravings depicting the crest of the Hellbane family¡ªa roaring lion encircled by swirling gusts of wind. Unlike the bulky plate armor of traditional knights, hers was designed with both mobility and power in mind.

    It accentuated her athletic yet perfectly well endowed physique, its fit both graceful and commanding. And at her side, strapped to her saddle, was her weapon¡ªa sleek, beautifully forged silver sword, its edges humming faintly with residual energy.

    She was the embodiment of a knight¡ªstrength, discipline, and nobility incarnate.

    But Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane was not just any knight.

    She was the youngest daughter of the Hellbane family¡ªthe family that had served as the Holyfield''s personal guard for centuries. The Hellbane bloodline was known for producing some of the greatest warriors in the kingdom, their skills unmatched in both swordplay and elemental magic.

    Julie, however, had shattered every expectation placed upon her.

    Though she was the youngest of her father''s five children, her path to dominance was unlike any before her.

    At the age of thirteen, she defeated all four of her older brothers¡ªeach of whom had been trained as future commanders¡ªsolidifying herself as the strongest heir despite being the youngest.

    By the age of sixteen, she did the impossible¡ªshe defeated her own father, Theodore Hellbane, the man regarded as one of the kingdom''s greatest swordmasters, in a formal duel. And she did it without magic, relying purely on raw skill.

    At eighteen, she did what no one had accomplished before¡ªcreated her own magic formula for wind-elemental magic, refining it to such perfection that she became a kingdom-wide prodigy.

    By twenty-four, she had mastered both sword and magic, reaching a level that was acknowledged as Grandmaster-tier¡ªa status that only a handful of warriors in the entire continent could claim.

    And finally, at twenty-six, she founded the Sacred Guard¡ªa force that would change the very concept of knighthood across the land.

    Now, at twenty-nine, she was not just a knight.

    She was a legend.

    A warrior whose very name inspired awe and reverence.

    A woman whose strength was spoken of in hushed whispers and grand songs alike.

    With her unmatched class, terrifying power, and peerless beauty, Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane had become a figure of admiration across the continent.

    To men, she was the untouchable goddess¡ªan existence so far above them that they could only dream of standing beside her.

    To women, she was everything they aspired to be¡ªa hero beyond compare, proof that greatness was not reserved for men alone.

    To the world, she was a symbol.

    A force of nature.

    A legend in the flesh.

    And now, this legend sat atop her horse, staring down at Cassius Holyfield with an unreadable expression, as if gauging the very worth of his existence...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    Pictures of Julie will be uploaded to the character illustrations page as well on discord as well...Check them out!

 Chapter 73 - 73: Skadi Silvermoon, The Silver Wolf Who Paints Herself Red

    Julie remained silent as she surveyed the man before her, her piercing emerald gaze flickering between Cassius Holyfield and Lucious. There was no emotion on her face¡ªonly quiet, calculating scrutiny.

    It was the gaze of a woman who had spent her entire life measuring the worth of warriors, assessing threats before they could become problems. And in that moment, Cassius was the subject of her cold examination.

    Then, without a word, she moved.

    With the grace of a seasoned warrior, she slid off her horse in one fluid motion, landing softly on the ground with an elegance that could only come from years of mastery over both body and magic.

    There was no wasted movement, no unnecessary flourish¡ªjust pure, effortless control.

    As soon as her boots touched the ground, two more figures followed suit, dismounting their steeds and taking their places at her sides.

    Lucious, who had barely begun to recover from the shock of Julie herself arriving, suddenly felt like the world was tilting. ''Oh, great.'' He thought, feeling lightheaded. ''Because things weren''t already bad enough¡­now these two had to show up too?''

    His gaze immediately snapped to the figure standing at Julie''s left¡ªa woman who radiated an entirely different kind of presence than the refined elegance of the Whispering Blade.

    She was primal.

    Fierce.

    Like an apex predator who had caught the scent of its prey.

    Long, wild silver hair cascaded down her back, thick and untamed, shimmering with the same luster as the moon itself. Two large wolf ears twitched atop her head, picking up the faintest of sounds, and behind her, a long fluffy silver tail flicked in agitation. Though clad in armor, her body carried the raw strength and agility of a beast on the hunt¡ªlean, powerful muscle shaped by years of combat, pursuit, and bloodshed.

    And at that moment, her silver eyes were locked onto Cassius with an intensity that sent a shiver down Lucious''s spine.

    This was Skadi Silvermoon.

    Julie''s Left Hand.

    A warrior feared not just in the Sacred Guard but throughout the kingdom itself.

    Skadi hailed from the Wolf Beastkin, a race known for their unparalleled strength, speed, and heightened senses. Among their people, only the strongest survived¡ªit was a world where power dictated respect, and weakness was not tolerated. It was a brutal, unforgiving way of life, one that forged warriors from the moment they could walk.

    And Skadi was one of the strongest of them all.

    She had no need for weapons. Her own body was her arsenal¡ªher claws, her fangs, her sheer physical prowess.

    It was said that in battle, she could tear through entire platoons using nothing but her hands, her speed so fast that most knights couldn''t even see her coming before they were already on the ground, bleeding out.

    The King''s own personal guards¡ªknights trained to be the most elite protectors of the Royal Family¡ªhad once tried to subdue her.

    They failed miserably.

    Skadi Silvermoon had humiliated them all, treating their weapons like toys and their formations like annoying little games. By the time the fight was over, not a single one of the King''s elite knights had remained standing.

    She had earned her reputation in blood, always leaving the battle with a fresh coat of blood on herself.

    And now, that very same Skadi was standing here, by Julie''s side¡ªglaring at Cassius like a predator that had just locked onto its prey.

    But if that wasn''t bad enough, there was another figure standing beside Julie.

    A petite girl, barely reaching Skadi''s shoulder, with an air of silent calculation about her. Unlike the wild ferocity of the wolf beastkin, this girl''s presence was far more subtle and quiet like she was trying to hide herself¡ªyet just as dangerous.

    Her shoulder-length pure white hair was sleek and soft, standing in contrast to the sharp amber eyes that flickered with quiet intelligence. Resting atop her head were two black cat ears, twitching ever so slightly as if listening to something no one else could hear. A fluffy white cat tail swayed lazily behind her, its slow movement a deceptive show of ease.

    But what truly stood out was her attire.

    Or rather¡ªthe lack thereof.

    Unlike Julie''s knightly armor or Skadi''s reinforced combat gear, this girl was dressed in scanty clothing that barely covered anything. A tight leather top secured across her chest, leaving her slim, toned abdomen completely exposed.

    She wore short black hot pants that clung to her petite frame, accentuating the lithe, agile body of someone who relied on speed and precision rather than brute strength.

    Draped over her shoulders was a loose, tattered robe¡ªa signature look that gave her an air of a rogue spellcaster who never quite fit in with the traditional mage aesthetic.

    Despite her small stature and seemingly relaxed posture, there was an undeniable sense of control around her.

    That was because this girl was Aisha Noctus.

    Julie''s Right Hand.

    But if anyone underestimated the girl before him because of her petite figure, they would probably be buried underneath the earth.

    Not only was she Julie''s right hand, an accomplished earth elemental mage who could make earth barriers to protect civilians and also use that same earth to swallow her enemies and bury them alive, but she was also the master tactician of the group.

    She handled logistics, distribution of resources, assignment of labor, predicting threats, and the formation of groups¡ªso much so that it wouldn''t be wrong to say that she was basically the reason that security was so impeccable in the Holyfield estate.

    Lucious braced for the worst.

    He had every right to be.

    Julie Hellbane, the Whispering Blade, had come for him personally. Flanked by Skadi Silvermoon, a walking battlefield, and Aisha Noctus, the mastermind behind the Sacred Guard''s impenetrable security, they marched towards him in perfect unison.

    It was honestly quite the sight.

    The trio moved like legends stepping onto a battlefield¡ªeach step deliberate, radiating intimidation and absolute authority. Their presence alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of the knights surrounding them.

    Lucious gripped his master''s cuff, his fingers tight with anticipation.The knights around them stood taller, their chests swelling with pride at the sight of their leaders advancing.

    Cassius, however, stood still.

    He was calm. Composed. Absolutely pretending not to feel a flicker of tension tighten in his chest.

    Because he hated to admit it¡ªbut they really did look intimidating as hell.

    Everything about them screamed power.

    Julie with her commanding grace, Skadi with her raw ferocity, and Aisha with her calculating eyes¡ªall moving toward him in a way that made it painfully clear that he was, for all intents and purposes, trapped.

    Cassius clenched his jaw.

    ''Alright. If I want to get out of this intact, I have to maintain control of the situation.''

    He straightened his posture, smoothed out his coat, and forced himself to appear completely unfazed. Because the moment he showed even a sliver of doubt in the face of these three absolute monsters, they''d eat him alive.

    And then.

    It happened.

    The impossible.

    The event that defied all logic, reason, and common sense.

    One second, Julie was walking ahead of her two most powerful subordinates, leading them forward with absolute purpose¡ª

    And the next?

    Julie was gone.

    Vanished. Completely.

    Cassius''s instincts flared.

    His vision sharpened. His muscles tensed. His mind screamed, "Damn it! She''s fast! I didn''t even see her move¡ª"

    In an instant, he shoved Lucious behind him, bracing for an attack from an angle he couldn''t even predict.

    The knights around them gasped, immediately thinking their leader had used some incredible speed technique to strike Cassius before he could react. Even Skadi and Aisha, the people who knew Julie best, were momentarily caught off guard.

    Cassius clenched his fists.

    Where is she?!

    But then¡ª

    Instead of an attack, instead of the slicing wind of a blade or the burst of magical energy he was expecting¡ª

    There was¡­A thud. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Followed by the sound of metal hitting the ground.

    And then¡ª

    A soft, very feminine grunt.

    The entire atmosphere shattered.

    Everyone turned slowly toward the noise.

    Their eyes moved downward.

    And there¡ª

    Facedown in the dirt.

    Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane.

    The youngest prodigy of the Hellbane family.

    The grandmaster of sword and magic.

    The feared leader of the Sacred Guard.

    Was currently planted face-first into the soil.

    Complete silence.

    Pure. Deafening. Disbelief.

    The knights, who had seconds ago been filled with overwhelming pride, now stood frozen, processing the sight before them.

    Skadi''s jaw slackened slightly. Aisha just¡­stared.

    Cassius¡ªwho had been bracing for his imminent doom¡ªfelt his entire thought process short-circuit.

    Lucious, peeking from behind Cassius, blinked rapidly. "...Is...Is she dead?"

    Cassius, who had not yet recovered from the sheer absurdity of what just occurred, could only mutter, "...No¡­No, I think she tripped."

    Lucious tilted his head. "...Tripped?"

    Cassius nodded slowly, his expression completely unreadable. "Tripped."

    A long, heavy silence followed.

    Only when Julie finally lifted her head from the ground did everyone truly react.

    Her once-pristine face was now covered in dirt, looking exactly like a child who had tripped in the park. But what truly sent everyone into shock was the thin trickle of blood running down from her nose, standing out starkly against her otherwise flawless complexion.

    For a second, nobody spoke. Nobody moved.

    Then¡ª

    "CAPTAIN!!!"

    The agonized howl tore through the air like a wolf that had just witnessed its alpha being struck down.

    Skadi Silvermoon, the feral, battle-hardened beast warrior, the woman feared across the battlefield for her brutality, suddenly dropped to her knees beside her fallen leader, hands clenched into fists, looking seconds away from bursting into actual tears.

    "How could this happen?!" She wailed, staring at Julie''s bleeding nose like it was a mortal wound. "Who dared to do this to you?! Who?!"

    Julie groaned, clearly more exhausted by the reaction than the fall itself.

    Skadi, however, wasn''t done.

    Her sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, desperately looking for the culprit responsible for her captain''s unforgivable downfall.

    And then¡ªshe found it.

    A small, insignificant rock sitting right in the middle of the path.

    The very thing that had tripped Julie Hellbane, the legendary Whispering Blade.

    For a moment, Skadi just stared at it. Then, her ears flattened, her tail bristled, her pupils shrank in pure, unfiltered rage.

    "YOU!" She growled, pointing a trembling finger at the tiny, completely inanimate piece of nature that was on the ground.

    Cassius, who had been watching in silence, suddenly felt a deep, primal instinctual fear rise in his chest. ''No. No, she''s not actually going to do what I think she is right¡ª?''

    But just like he had thought, Skadi launched herself at the rock like it had personally insulted her ancestors. With a furious snarl, she stomped down on it so hard the ground shook.

    "How dare you trip my captain, you treasonous filth?! You dare stand in her path?! You dare bring harm to lady Julie?!"

    She raised her foot again, stomping even harder, as if attempting to obliterate the very concept of ''rock'' from existence.

    Cassius, Lucious, and literally every single knight present just watched in pure horror as the fearsome warrior¡ªwho had ripped through armies with her bare hands¡ªwas now trying to execute a rock.

    "I''ll kill you! I''ll kill your entire family!" Skadi snapped, grinding the rock into dust. "You think you can just stand there all innocent, pretending to be part of the earth?! Not on my watch! Your entire family is gone, just watch!"

    ''She¡­She''s actually taking revenge on a rock.'' Cassius''s eyes went wide in pure disbelief.

    Julie, still lying on the ground, somehow managed to pick up on what he was thinking¡ªand immediately felt her entire soul leave her body from sheer embarrassment.

    ''Dear gods, why did Skadi have to be like this?'' Her cheeks tinted pink.

    She could feel Cassius''s judgmental gaze. She could see the way his eyes flicked from her, to Skadi, then back to her again.

    He was thinking things...Unacceptable things that made her want to bury her face into ground beneath her even more.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    Pictures of Skadi and Aisha will be uploaded to the character illustrations page as well on discord...Check them out!

 Chapter 74 - 74: Aisha Noctus, The Seer Of A Thousand Battes

    Cassius''s expression, previously one of cautious wariness, had now turned into a look of pure secondhand embarrassment.

    ''This fierce warrior who people fear across the land is actually just a dumb, overly loyal mutt.''

    And just when she thought things couldn''t get worse for their image¡ª S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha stepped forward.

    Julie, with desperate hope, prayed that her Right Hand, the voice of reason among them, had come to help her up.

    Finally. Someone sensible. Someone who¡ª

    "Skadi, you absolute brainless mutt." Aisha sighed heavily, rubbing her temples in frustration like she was fed up Skadi''s antics. "Just what do you think you''re doing?"

    Skadi paused mid-stomp, turning to face Aisha with genuine outrage. "What does it look like?! I''m executing this damn rock that dared to hurt the captain!"

    Aisha took a deep, exhausted breath. "Skadi. It''s a rock...It doesn''t have thoughts. It doesn''t have emotions. It doesn''t have a personal vendetta against the captain."

    "It tried to kill her!" Skadi bared her fangs.

    "It''s a rock. It''s not even alive to attempt murder."

    Aisha dragged her hand down her face, inhaling deeply like she was summoning every ounce of patience left in her soul.

    "Okay, fine." She muttered. "Let''s ignore the absolute stupidity of you trying to execute a rock. Let''s move on to something else..." She took a deep, slow breath before lifting her eyes to Skadi. "Explain to me¡­in detail¡­when in the hell did rocks start having families and who exactly are these family members you''re going to take revenge on?"

    Skadi immediately straightened her posture, her tail flicking upward, her wolf ears standing tall as if she had just been given the opportunity to outsmart the so-called genius of their group.

    A rare opportunity indeed.

    Cassius saw it immediately. That glint in her silver eyes. The same glint of a person who had finally found their moment of triumph.

    "You mean to tell me..." Skadi began with a smirk, voice dripping with mock pity. "...that the so-called genius strategist of the Sacred Guard, the brilliant and calculating Aisha Noctus, doesn''t know such a basic, fundamental fact about the natural world?"

    Aisha''s eyebrow twitched violently. Julie sighed deeply, already regretting letting this conversation happen.

    The knights¡ªwho up until now had been respectfully sitting on their horses¡ªbegan dismounting one by one, some rubbing their temples, others stretching as if to prepare themselves for whatever the hell was about to come out of Skadi''s mouth.

    Cassius was thoroughly entertained. Lucious, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to die.

    Skadi crossed her arms, grinning like she had just cornered her rival in a chess match. "Listen carefully, Aisha." She said smugly. "Because I''m about to educate your tiny little brain."

    Aisha looked like she was one second away from burying Skadi alive. Cassius was impressed she hadn''t done so already. Skadi, unbothered, continued.

    "I read in a book¡ªyes, Aisha, a book if you''ve ever read one¡ªthat all small pebbles were once part of bigger rocks."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes. "...Okay?"

    "And over time, they break down and split apart." Skadi explained, nodding confidently.

    Aisha stared. "Okay?"

    Skadi grinned. "Which means¡ª"

    Oh no...Cassius already sensed it.

    Julie immediately turned her head away, as if she physically couldn''t bear to witness what was about to happen. The knights¡ªalready done with the situation¡ªbegan shaking their heads.

    Skadi puffed out her chest proudly. "Those bigger rocks would be their family, right?"

    A long silence followed. A very long silence.

    Aisha slowly¡ªpainfully slowly¡ªclosed her eyes.

    Julie pressed her fingers against the ridge of her nose, unable to even look at her.

    Cassius bit the inside of his cheek so hard to stop himself from laughing.

    Lucious was just...gone. Mentally, gone.

    The knights, all of them, had completely given up.

    One even sat down on the grass. Another removed their helmet and placed it on the ground, looking up at the sky like they were reevaluating their life choices.

    They weren''t even surprised.

    They knew.

    This wasn''t new.

    This was just Skadi being Skadi.

    Finally, Aisha exhaled, long and slow, as if she were holding onto reality by a thread.

    "Y''know what? This is my fault." She muttered, rubbing her forehead aggressively. "I should''ve known better than to ask you anything that requires logic."

    Skadi smirked smugly, crossing her arms. "See? At least you''re self-aware."

    Aisha''s eye twitched violently. Julie winced internally.

    Cassius?...Cassius was having the time of his life.

    "Fine..." Aisha took another deep breath, visibly forcing herself to stay calm. "I''ll let the rock thing go. Let''s just move past it. Let''s pretend it never happened."

    Skadi beamed, her tail wagging slightly, thinking that she had won the argument.

    "But..." Aisha continued, narrowing her amber eyes. "I have one more question."

    Skadi tilted her head. "Oh?"

    She looked at her with a dead pan look on her face, "You have superb senses, don''t you?"

    Skadi puffed her chest out. "Damn right I do. My wolfkin instincts are top-notch."

    "Super sharp hearing, heightened reflexes, tracking ability so precise you can smell a battle before it even begins." Aisha listed, crossing her arms.

    "Exactly." Skadi grinned proudly, practically radiating confidence.

    Aisha''s frown deepend.

    "Then..." She said slowly. "Why exactly didn''t you catch the captain when she fell?"

    The entire area went silent. Julie stiffened visibly, eyes narrowing slightly.

    "Huh?" Skadi blinked.

    Aisha shrugged, looking mockingly casual. "You were right behind her, weren''t you? You always boast about how nothing escapes your senses. So if you were following her, then logically¡ªyou should''ve noticed that she was tripping, right?"

    Skadi froze. Her ears twitched, her tail stiffened, and for a moment, her eyes darted around like a cornered animal.

    Then, very hesitantly, she muttered. "O-Of course I noticed."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes. "Then¡ª?"

    Skadi cleared her throat, suddenly very interested in the sky. "I just¡­Uh¡­I just never expected that the movement she made was because she was falling¡ªI thought it was, you know some kind of secret attack."

    "...I mean what kind of grandmaster knight falls over a pebble."

    Cassius blinked slowly. Aisha bit her lips in disbelief, looking like she aged ten years in real time.

    And the knights¡ªwho had somehow managed to remain at least somewhat composed until now¡ªall turned their heads to stare directly at Julie.

    Julie¡ªwho had just barely managed to push herself up from the ground¡ªpaused mid-movement.

    She felt every single eye boring into her skull.

    Then, with zero hesitation, she slowly, quietly, deliberately¡ªwent back down.

    Julie Hellbane, the Whispering Blade, the fearsome war goddess, laid back down on the dirt like she had simply accepted her fate.

    Cassius had to physically turn away to stop himself from laughing. Aisha, already beyond done, sighed loudly.

    "You know, Skadi." She muttered tiredly. "I''d get it if you thought that years ago¡ªback when we first met the Captain."

    Skadi tilted her head. "Huh?"

    Aisha crossed her arms, her gaze unkind and introverted as always. "I mean, come on. When you first see her¡ªthis incredibly powerful, regal, untouchable woman¡ªyou naturally assume she''s flawless. Anyone would."

    Julie eyes widened not expecting Aisha to say such nice things about when she usually was so moody and glum like a teenager in puberty who seemed to hate everything in the world, especially her parents.

    But sadly she got her hopes high for nothing after what she said next.

    "But Skadi..." Aisha said, voice dripping with exhaustion. "We''ve known her for years now. Years...So, how do you still not know how insanely clumsy she actually is?"

    "...Like it''s literally not the first time she''s...miscalculated her footing."

    "W-What are you talking about?" Skadi blinked, while Julie had had her mouth open wide when she heard her comrade speak of her embarrassing past.

    But Aisha didn''t seem to mind that she was airing out her captains dirty laundry and said, "Remember the time she tried to jump over that puddle during the Harvest Festival and landed face-first in the pigpen?"

    "Oh...right." Skadi winced, remembering that embarrassing incident that made their captain smell like manure for an entire week.

    "Or the time she tripped over her own sword during the King''s birthday celebration and nearly took out the entire royal family?" Aisha continued, warming to her theme.

    "Ah, Aisha, you don''t have to...There are others here as well." Skadi said as she glanced at Cassius who was keenly listening. But Aisha simply didn''t care.

    "And let''s not forget the infamous ''Staircase Incident'' of the Winter Solstice Ball..." Aisha said, a a look of dread in her eyes at how lethal her captain''s clumsiness was. "...where she managed to fall up the stairs, taking out three guards and a chandelier in the process."

    Skadi covered her ears. "Stop, stop! I get it! She''s...a little clumsy!"

    "A little? Skadi, she''s a walking disaster waiting to happen. It''s a miracle she hasn''t burned down the entire estate yet." Aisha rolled her eyes like she was fed up with her clumsiness always being used as an excuse for silly mistakes.

    And then, all of a sudden, Julie could take no more.

    She let out a long, exasperated sigh and pushed herself up with a fluid motion¡ªthough she moved very carefully this time, probably terrified of adding to her growing list of clumsy mishaps. Then, in one swift motion, she grabbed Skadi by the ear with her right hand¡­and Aisha by the ear with her left.

    "Oh, come on¡ªOw!" Aisha yelped first, her amber eyes widening as she tried to wriggle free in protest. "Captain, this hurts! My ears are¡ªow¡ªreally sensitive! This is harrasment I say! Harrasment! The captain is abusing her power on her comrades!"

    Skadi, on the other hand, let out a more primal whimper, wolf ears pinned flat against her head as she tried to crane her neck away. "C-Captain¡­W-Wait¡ª"

    But there was no mercy in Julie''s expression. She wore that serious older-sister look, the one that said I''m so done with your nonsense right now. A faint flush still lingered on her cheeks¡ªno doubt from the embarrassment of hearing her long list of clumsy exploits.

    "Oh, I''m sorry...Did my two dear subordinates forget who''s in charge here? Because it sure sounded to me like you were having a grand time mocking your beloved Captain." Her voice was clipped, each syllable like a carefully measured blade as she addressed them both.

    Aisha gasped, tears forming at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to escape Julie''s iron grip. "I¡ªI wasn''t mocking you, Captain! Ow, ow¡ªI was just stating the truth! You can''t be angry at me for saying what is the truth! That''s against my right to speech!" She winced, eyes darting to Cassius¡ªwho, by the way, looked extremely amused, standing just a few paces away, arms crossed over his chest, the faintest smirk lingering on his lips.

    Julie turned her head slightly to glance at Cassius, noticing that smug flicker in his eyes¡ªand the way his shoulders shook, like he was holding in a laugh. Her cheeks burned.

    With a tense smile and a scary look in her eyes, she snapped back to Aisha, "The truth, huh? I suppose that includes every single embarrassing detail you can recall, especially in front of outsiders?"

    "Hey¡ªow¡ªstop tugging so hard!" Aisha nearly hopped on one foot, her cat tail swishing frantically in discomfort. "It''s not my fault! You know as well as I do that you can''t do normal day-to-day tasks without some sort of incident¡ªlike that time you¡ª"

    Julie''s glare intensified, and she twisted the poor cat''s ear a bit more. "We do not need to revisit that time in front of everyone."

    Julie muttered, rolling her eyes as she kept her hold on both of them. Then, her frustration morphed into a strange sort of melancholy.

    "I mean, really¡­What happened to the sweet little children I picked up all those years ago? Where did those adorable, wide-eyed little things who used to follow me around whenever I went go, hmm?"

    Aisha paused, ignoring her throbbing ear for a moment. "They disappeared the day we both realized just how clumsy our captain is and not the mighty goddess we thought you were." She harumphed, her voice turning smug like she refused to give in.

    Julie exhaled, letting out a half-laugh, half-groan, shaking her head like a disappointed mother.

    "This is what I get for raising prodigies like without some discipline. Look at you, both of you¡ªimpossible."

    Skadi, meanwhile, whined in protest, pulling at Julie''s wrist in a futile attempt to free her wolf ear.

    "Captain, you''re going to rip my ear off! I can''t fight if I''m missing one ear!"

    She then let out a whine, saying, "And Captain, I''m innocent here! I was just trying to stop Aisha from speaking to you like that!" She insisted, silver eyes darting to Aisha as if pleading for backup.

    Julie let out a long, weary sigh¡ªlike a mother who''d heard every excuse in the book. She tilted her head slightly, giving Skadi a slow, appraising look.

    "You know, Skadi..." She began, her tone half-exasperation, half-affection. "Your heart is always in the right place since your such a good puppy who always has the most purest of thoughts. But your brain¡­"

    She paused, shook her head in theatrical disbelief.

    "...Sometimes I question whether it exists at all."

    Skadi''s jaw dropped in sheer offense.

    "C-Captain!" She gasped, ears flattening. "How can you say that about me? I''m your Left Hand! One of the two assistant captains of the Holyfield Guard¡ªwould I be in this position if I didn''t have a brain?" She puffed out her chest, trying and failing to look dignified as Julie still tugged on her ear. "I demand a proper explanation!"

    Julie gave her an indulgent, almost pitying stare.

    "You got this position because you are a genius on the battlefield, Skadi." She stressed every word, making sure Skadi heard it loud and clear. "You know how to read enemy formations, exploit weaknesses, and break through entire lines like they''re nothing. But if it were for your¡­how shall we say¡­mental acuity off the battlefield, the entire Sacred Guard would have been wiped out ages ago."

    Skadi looked like someone had just taken away her favorite toy and told her Santa wasn''t real, all at once.

    "Th-That''s¡ªBut I''m¡ª" She stammered, nose twitching like a wounded pup''s. "But Captain, so many people call me ''special'' and talk about my intelligence! They say I''m different from the usual wolf beastkin, that I''m clever¡ª"

    Julie gave her a long, pitiful stare, letting her hand slip away from Skadi''s ear.

    "They''re not wrong." She said gently, looking at her like a puppy that was a little off after its mother''s had dropped it on the a floor a little too many times. "You are special, Skadi. Just in your own...unique way."

 Chapter 75 - 75: Excecution

    Aisha, arms crossed, couldn''t help but snort. "Yes, you''re very special indeed, Skadi." She teased, tail flicking in amusement as no matter how reclusive she was and hated talking to others, she loved pissing of the slow mutt in her squad, she continued saying, "But not in the sense you''re hoping for."

    Skadi whirled on her, ears pricking up with renewed energy.

    "Oh, shut it, cat!" She barked, her pride stung. "I was talking to the Captain, not you. Who asked you to butt in, anyway?" She jabbed a finger toward Aisha. "You''re always so full of yourself with that fancy magic and that scrawny cat body¡ªthinking you''re better than everyone else!"

    Aisha smirked in that maddening way she did. "Better than you? Well..." She said, drawing out the words in a haughty purr. "I don''t need to stomp rocks to prove my worth, if that''s what you''re getting at."

    "You¡ª!" Skadi snarled, taking a step forward, her tail puffing out in anger. "At least I''m not so reclusive that I have absolutely no friends in the squad and eat lunch alone! You have issues, cat!"

    "S-Shut up. I choose to eat my lunch alone." Aisha shot back, as her cheeks tinted red at being called out for being a loner. "A-And says the mutt who was about to massacre a rock''s ''extended family.''"

    Unable to handle them anymore, Julie groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

    "Aisha, Skadi¡ªenough."

    But they kept going, ignoring her as if they were two children on the playground.

    Their voices rose in an increasingly loud, heated tangle of complaints and insults: "Furball!" "Hairball!" "Stop copying me!" "Stop breathing my air!" and so on.

    Julie looked up at the heavens, arms dropping to her sides in defeat. She had finally let go of both of their ears, but somehow, she felt more strained than when she was pulling on them.

    "I can''t believe this is my left hand and my right hand." She muttered under her breath, sounding more like a reluctant parent than a revered hero. "I must have been out of my mind when I decided to keep them both by my side."

    The quarrel between the "mutt" and the "cat" only escalated: "You can''t even read properly!" "At least I don''t drool on my pillow, fuzzbrain!" "You¡ª! Take that back!" "Or what, you''ll bury me alive next?"

    Julie groaned, stepping between them once more. "Okay, both of you¡ªstop. Please. For my sanity."

    They halted, mid-insult, turning to look at her with dual expressions of a scolded dog and cat. Skadi''s ears drooped again; Aisha''s tail swished with a bit less protest.

    "If you two want to tear each other to pieces, do it on the training ground." Julie said wearily, though her eyes flickered with genuine affection beneath the frustration. "Not when we have¡­more pressing matters to attend to."

    At her words, a hush fell over the courtyard. Aisha and Skadi, mid-squabble, halted abruptly, a silent understanding passing between them.

    The knights who had been standing around¡ªsome with amused grins, others awkwardly pretending not to watch¡ªstraightened their backs and reached for the discipline that had made them so esteemed in the first place. It was as though a door to a secret garden of silliness had just been slammed shut.

    Lucious, noticing the shift in atmosphere, stepped in front of Cassius with a protective stance. There was a glint in his eyes, steeled resolve in the line of his jaw¡ªhe looked ready to defend his master against any threat, even one as imposing as the Sacred Guard.

    But Cassius raised an arm, giving Lucious a calm, almost gentle look. "No, Lucious." He said quietly. "Stand down. Don''t interfere¡ªno matter what happens."

    Lucious''s brow knitted. "But Master¡ª"

    "It''s fine." Cassius''s voice was firm, his golden eyes steady. "Trust me¡­nothing will happen."

    Lucious hesitated, but then exhaled, taking a single step back, though not without casting the knights and the two sub-captains a wary glance. He did not fully relax; the tautness in his body betrayed his readiness to jump in at the slightest provocation.

    Realising why exactly she came here, Julie let out a long, burdened sigh, as though the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders.

    Her expression was conflicted¡ªsomething about this situation clearly went against her normal principles. Hesitation flickered in her emerald eyes.

    But when her gaze swept the circle of knights, landing briefly on Aisha and Skadi, her indecision hardened into grim determination. Whatever she was about to do, she believed it was necessary to protect those under her care.

    She stepped forward, her armor clinking softly. Every pair of eyes followed her, waiting. The gentle breeze carried the sound of rustling leaves, the only movement in an otherwise motionless scene.

    And then, in a voice that commanded respect, she spoke: "I am Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane." She declared, shoulders squared. "Captain of the Sacred Guard and direct protector of the Holyfield domain."

    Aisha and Skadi, flanking her on either side, inclined their heads¡ªone short, grudging nod from Aisha, one proud, tail-flicking acknowledgment from Skadi. The rest of the knights stiffened in salute.

    Julie''s next words came crisp and resolute, as though reciting a formal rite: "I stand here today on behalf of the Holyfield family''s laws¡ªlaws that apply to every citizen of these lands, including those of noble birth to root out a offender among us."

    Her gaze locked on Cassius, who watched her with steady eyes.

    "Cassius Vindictus Holyfield." She intoned. "You are the third son of the Holyfield family and you may think that you are safe from your actions because of that. But your alleged crimes¡ªabusing your power to force yourself upon your own maids¡ªhave reached our ears."

    Lucious''s face turned pale, hearing exactly what he didn''t want to hear.

    "The Holyfield domain''s laws are strict and unyielding: anyone found guilty of such heinous acts faces the gravest of punishments." Julie continued and swallowed, forging ahead despite the guilt that flickered in her eyes. "The verdict for these crimes is execution¡ªcarried out by the designated protectors of Holyfield, in accordance with the family''s ancient rules that no one stands above justice. And so¡ª"

    In a single fluid motion, Julie reached behind her back, drawing her sword with an audible ring of steel. Its polished blade caught the sunlight, flashing brilliant sparks of white. She then pointed it at Cassius with a firm, unwavering grip.

    The knights in the circle tensed. A few parted slightly, allowing Julie a clear line of sight. Aisha''s amber eyes flicked between Cassius and her captain, arms folded, face unreadable. Skadi clenched her fists, her tail swishing, clearly discomforted by the gravity of the moment.

    Lucious shifted, face blanching, but he bit his tongue and stood fast behind Cassius, remembering his master''s command. His heart pounded against his ribcage¡ªthis was a truly dangerous dance.

    For a moment, no one spoke. Cassius gazed at Julie over the tip of her sword, an inscrutable expression in his crimson eyes. The wind whipped at the corners of their clothes, as if nature itself felt the crackling tension.

    Finally, Julie broke the silence. "Cassius Vindictus Holyfield." She repeated solemnly. "By the power vested in me as captain of the Sacred Guard, I declare you guilty for the crimes of molesting your maids which is punishable by death and hence will be bringing back your head with me to present to the lives you have ruined."

    While Lucious''s grey eyes went wide hearing such a conclusion, Cassius in fact had already anticipated this.

    While he hadn''t known who exactly would be sent after him, he had known someone would be. And it seemed that ''someone'' was Julie, flanked by her usual entourage of walking weapons.

    He was about to open his mouth, a carefully crafted response already forming in his mind, a mental calculation of how to turn this situation to his advantage...''That bastard has essentially signed his own death warrant now that everything is confirmed.'' He thought grimly and about how he was going to deal with him later and show him what true despair looked like.

    But then, just as he was about to speak, Julie did something completely unexpected. Something that made every head in the courtyard snap towards her in stunned silence...Something that even took Cassius by surprise.

    "B-But what I had just said now...That''s what''s what I was told to say..." She said, her voice suddenly devoid of its previous steel. "...and what I was told to do..." She paused, her gaze meeting Cassius''s. "But in fact...that''s not the truth."

    A collective gasp rippled through the knights. Lucious, who had been bracing for a fight, looked utterly bewildered, his mouth hanging open slightly. ''What in the world is going on?'' He thought, his mind reeling.

    Cassius, however, remained remarkably calm. He simply observed Julie, his expression unchanged, though a flicker of curiosity danced in his eyes.

    Julie''s gaze remained locked on Cassius. Her expression was now one of profound sorrow.

    "I''m already about to commit a sin." She said, her voice thick with emotion. "A sin that will haunt me for the rest of my life." She paused, taking a shaky breath. "I...I don''t want to compound that sin by lying to the man whose life I''m about to wrongly take." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And then, to the silent shock of everyone present, including Lucious, Julie lowered her sword. The clang of steel against the cobblestones echoed through the courtyard, a sound that seemed to shatter the carefully constructed tension. The blade lay there, gleaming in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the turmoil in Julie''s eyes.

    Aisha, who had been observing the scene with her usual quiet intensity, finally spoke. "Captain..." She said, her voice grim. "You don''t need to explain or feel guilty about what you''re going to do. It''s not your fault."

    "...We understand and I''ll just say that no matter how you explain it to him, he will never understand and will just hate you no matter what so it''s useless to do so and better to finish what needs to be done without any unnecessary words."

    "Understand? Understand what exactly, Aisha?" Julie looked at her, with a wry smile on her face.

    Aisha''s amber eyes were filled with a chilling coldness. "We understand that you were given an impossible order. An order that no one should ever have to bear." She paused, her gaze flickering towards Cassius. "It''s not your fault, Captain. This...This is simply his fate. The price of being born into such a family."

    Lucious frowned, confused.

    ''What does she mean ''his fate''? What does his master''s family have to do with anything?''

    Julie, however, seemed to understand. She gave Aisha a wry smile.

    "You''re right, Aisha. We were forced into this. They gave us no choice." But then her expression hardened. "But it was still my decision to carry out those orders. My decision not to defy them."

    "...And so, it''s my responsibility to bear the burden of the sin that comes with it and explain to him what led to this outcome, no matter if he understands or not." She said with a weary look in her eyes, hating how things had come to this point.

    Aisha let out a sigh, her eyes softening slightly.

    She understood the impossible position her captain was in, the terrible weight she was carrying. And then, her gaze hardened again, her eyes filled with a burning hatred as she thought of the person who was the cause of all this. ''You will pay for this.'' She vowed silently. ''You will pay dearly.''

    Julie then looked towards Cassius, her expression turning serious. "Continuing with where I left off and where it all started, saying that when the rumors of what you had allegedly done to your maids first surfaced..." She began, her voice low but firm. "...the entire Sacred Guard...Well, let''s just say they were eager to...express their displeasure."

    A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips.

    "The fact that several innocent women were wronged...It ignited a firestorm. The Sacred Guard, as you know, is comprised largely of women. Such crimes...they are taken very personally."

    She paused, her gaze sweeping across the assembled knights. A few shifted uncomfortably, their eyes briefly meeting Cassius''s before darting away. A flush of guilt crept up their necks. They had been so quick to judge, so ready to condemn.

    "There were...heated discussions." Julie continued, her smile widening slightly. "Several members actually volunteered to...escort you to the nearest cliff. No trial, no questions asked. They were ready to... administer justice...swiftly even if it ended up with their own excecution."

    The knights shuffled even more, some exchanging embarrassed glances. They had been so caught up in the fervor of the moment, so convinced of Cassius''s guilt, that they hadn''t stopped to consider all the facts. The whispers and rumors had been enough to condemn him in their eyes.

    Julie''s gaze returned to Cassius. "They didn''t care that you were a noble. They didn''t care about your family name. All they cared about was that several women had been hurt, and they were ready to...rectify the situation."

    She chuckled softly. "It was...quite the scene. I had to physically restrain a few of them. Skadi was particularly enthusiastic." She added, glancing at the wolf beastkin, who bowed down embarrassedz a sheepish grin on her face.

    "But..." Julie continued, her voice regaining its seriousness. "There was one voice of reason amidst the chaos. One person who refused to let emotion cloud their judgment. One person who insisted on knowing all the facts before taking any action."

    She turned to Aisha, her eyes filled with respect.

    "Aisha..." she said. "You were the only one who said, ''We cannot act on rumors. We must have proof. We must know the truth."

    Aisha, typically quick with a retort, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground. She didn''t preen under the praise; she knew the gravity of the situation. She knew the forces at play.

    Julie nodded towards her Right Hand. "Aisha insisted that we investigate thoroughly, that we follow protocol, that we uphold the principles of justice, even when it''s...difficult."

    She paused, her expression becoming somber.

    "She reminded us that we are the Sacred Guard, not a mob. That we are guardians of justice, not instruments of vengeance."

    "Justice is not blind, Captain." Aisha finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "It must be tempered with reason and truth."

    "...We cannot condemn a man based on whispers and hearsay or else we wouldn''t be any different to the bandits who makes decisions on a whim."

    Cassius''s gaze shifted to Aisha, a flicker of genuine respect in his eyes. He had thought that she was a rather peculiar and seemed to be someone who looked down upon everyone.

    But he had to admit, she had handled this situation with remarkable composure and sound judgment.

    Beneath all the bravado, he thought, there''s a sharp mind and a strong sense of justice.

    His eyes then drifted to Skadi, who was pointedly looking away, her tail twitching nervously. She avoided his gaze, a guilty flush creeping up her neck. It was as if she was silently pleading, ''Don''t blame Skadi! Skadi is not as smart as Aisha!''

    He chuckled inwardly. He could just imagine the scene in the Sacred Guard headquarters, with Skadi advocating for immediate...justice, while Aisha calmly argued for a more measured approach.

    ...And Julie in between all of them, trying to mediate the situation that was escalating beyond relief.

 Chapter 76 - 76: Sickening Family Affairs

    Cassius''s attention returned to Julie, who continued her explanation. "Because of Aisha''s insistence..." She said. "...we conducted a deep undercover investigation. We had to be discreet, of course. We couldn''t risk alerting anyone to our inquiries. We operated in the shadows, gathering information, piecing together the truth."

    She paused, her expression turning serious. "And what we discovered...was quite shocking."

    Julie took a deep breath. "Cassius Vindictus Holyfield...." She said, her voice ringing with sincerity. "...you have never forced yourself on any woman."

    A murmur rippled through the assembled knights. But it wasn''t a murmur of disbelief. It was a murmur of...knowing. They had been the ones conducting the investigation, after all. They had seen the evidence with their own eyes. Their curiosity was of a different kind.

    Julie continued, her voice gaining strength. "In fact..." He said, her eyes meeting Cassius''s. "The truth is almost the exact opposite. Our investigation revealed that it was your maids who...threw themselves at you."

    A stunned silence descended upon the courtyard. The knights, who already knew this information, now looked at Cassius with a mixture of awe and bewilderment. How...? What...? Their expressions seemed to ask. What kind of...charm does this man possess that his maids were willing to be disgraced by him?

    They had seen the reports, the testimonies. They knew the details. But knowing something and understanding it were two different things. They had heard from the maids themselves, and while they had gotten the truth, they were still left wondering. How had he managed to inspire such...enthusiasm? He was, after all, not exactly known for his...social graces.

    Even Aisha and Julie couldn''t help but wonder. They had both heard the whispers about Cassius''s...less than stellar reputation. He had been labeled a wastrel, a dunce, a man of questionable character. And yet...these women, these maids, had apparently been...exhilarated in their pursuit of him.

    Just what was it about him that they weren''t seeing was what they wondered, their curiosity piqued.

    Skadi, bless her heart, seemed the least concerned with this revelation. She was probably still preoccupied with the existential question of whether rocks had families, or perhaps wondering if she could train a squirrel to deliver messages.

    Cassius, for his part, was quite impressed. He had to give them credit. They had managed to conduct a thorough investigation without alerting anyone, uncovering information that even he hadn''t fully grasped.

    ''These women are far more capable than I initially gave them credit for.'' He thought. ''I underestimated them.''

    He was also rather curious as to how they had managed to extract such information from his...ardent maids without causing a scene. That was a feat in itself

    Julie coughed, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. She realized she had been dwelling on the enthusiasm of Cassius''s maids for a tad too long.

    Clearing her throat, she continued. "As I was saying...the truth is...the maids were all...eager to...serve their master." The blush deepened slightly, and she quickly moved on. "It was also revealed that they had, in fact, committed some minor transgressions behind his back. And yet, he forgave them."

    A murmur of surprise went through the knights. This new information painted a very different picture of Cassius than the one they had initially believed. He wasn''t the predatory nobleman they had imagined. He was...forgiving. Perhaps even...kind?

    "This made us realize." Julie said, her gaze sweeping across the knights. "That the rumors...they were wrong. Young Master Cassius wasn''t the man we thought he was. We were...considering dropping the case altogether."

    Her tone shifted, becoming hard, almost bitter.

    "That is, until...I received orders. Orders from someone no one in my squad, not even anyone in my family, can disobey."

    Cassius gave a small, knowing smile. He had been expecting this.

    Julie''s eyes met his. "I was ordered to use these very rumors as a basis for your...execution. For the sins you allegedly committed."

    Lucious, who had been listening intently, frowned.

    ''Who could possibly have that much power? And that much...hatred?'' He wondered. ''Cassius, as far as he knew, had never done anything to warrant such animosity, aside from being...well, a bit of a wastrel.''

    Julie continued, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of betrayal. "I initially thought...I hoped...that this person also believed the rumors. That they were acting out of a sense of...distorted justice."

    "...That they were so blinded by the alleged crimes that they were willing to ignore the truth."

    She shook her head, a look of disbelief on her face.

    "But I was wrong...Horribly wrong."

    Her voice dropped to a near whisper.

    "I discovered...that this person already knew the truth. They knew you were innocent. And yet...they were still insistent. They still demanded your execution."

    Lucious''s frown deepened. ''Who is this person?'' He thought, his mind racing. ''Who has this much influence, this much...malice?''

    He glanced at Cassius, who remained remarkably composed, his expression giving nothing away.

    ''And why? Why would they want Cassius dead, even knowing he''s innocent?'' The questions swirled in his mind, creating a knot of unease in his stomach.

    "Of course." Julie continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "No matter how powerful this person is, no matter how much influence they wield, I...I could not simply accept their command. I refused to raise my sword against an innocent man."

    "That would go against everything the Sacred Guard stands for. It would make me no different than a...a lackey, blindly following orders." She added ruefully. "I''m not saying this to excuse my actions, Young Master Cassius...I simply want you to know."

    But then she hesitated, a pitiful look creeping onto her face as she looked at Cassius.

    "But..." She began, her voice barely a whisper. "No matter how much I protested, that man, he...he wouldn''t yield. He was adamant. And then...he issued an ultimatum. He said that if I didn''t follow his orders my...my entire squad...would be accused of treason."

    "...And executed without trial."

    A collective sigh rippled through the assembled knights. They bit their lips in frustration, their faces etched with anger and helplessness.

    They had dedicated their lives to serving the Holyfield family, to upholding justice, and this was how they were repaid? With threats? With the lives of their comrades hanging in the balance?

    Lucious, his face pale, couldn''t help but wonder who was so ruthless, so devoid of compassion, that he would sacrifice an entire squad of loyal soldiers just to get to Cassius? The sheer cruelness of the order chilled him to the bone.

    Cassius, however, remained remarkably calm, his expression unchanged. It was as if he had already anticipated this revelation.

    Just then, Skadi, unable to contain herself any longer, stepped forward.

    "I-It''s not the Captain''s fault! It''s not her fault at all so don''t blame her!" She exclaimed, her voice ringing with fierce loyalty. "She...She fought him! She argued with him! She even said...She even said she was willing to...to give her own life on the very spot and even handed her sword to him to do so, rather than take the life of an innocent man!"

    The knights who hadn''t been privy to these internal struggles exchanged shocked glances. ''Captain Julie offered to sacrifice herself?!'' They thought, their respect for their captain growing even deeper.

    Aisha gritted her teeth, her hands clenching into fists. Unlike others she knew the impossible position Julie had been placed in, and the knowledge of her captain''s selfless sacrifice only made her feel more helpless, more enraged at the man pulling the strings.

    Cassius, his gaze softening, looked at Julie with admiration. She had stood her ground, she had fought for what was right, even when faced with impossible odds. She was a true leader, a true protector.

    Skadi, her voice trembling slightly, continued, "But that man...That bad man...Even though the captain was willing to go so far, he in respone simply said she might be willing to give her own life, but what about her squad? What about us? And then used us to threaten her. And that she...she couldn''t accept that." Her voice trailed off into a whimper.

    The thought of her comrades, her friends, being executed because of her captain''s defiance...It was too much to bear.

    "Skadi!" Julie snapped, her voice sharp with warning. "That''s enough! Be quiet."

    Skadi whimpered pitifully, her ears drooping, and retreated back to her position beside Aisha. The wolf beastkin, usually so boisterous and unyielding, looked utterly defeated.

    Julie sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She looked at Cassius, her emerald eyes filled with regret and a deep sadness.

    "I never wanted it to come to this." She confessed, her voice heavy with emotion. "I...I never wanted to raise my sword against an innocent man. After today...I...I will abandon my position. Leave the Sacred Guard. Go on a journey...to find some way to redeem myself for what I''m about to do."

    She closed her eyes, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek.

    "Hate me if you must, Cassius." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I deserve it. But...today...there can only be one of us left standing. It''s either you...or me...or my entire squad."

    With a heavy heart, Julie drew her sword once more. The polished steel gleamed in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the despair in her eyes. There was no way around it. This was the path she had been forced to take, the sacrifice she had to make to protect those under her command.

    Skadi bit her lip, her frustration and helplessness palpable. She wanted to fight, to protect her captain, to tear apart the man who had forced this impossible choice upon them. But she knew she couldn''t. She couldn''t disobey a direct order, not when the lives of her comrades were at stake.

    Aisha''s hands were clenched so tightly that her knuckles were white, her nails digging into her flesh. She, too, felt the burning rage, the desire for vengeance. But she, like Skadi, was bound by duty, by loyalty.

    The knights, their faces grim, shifted uneasily, the faint rattling of their armor betraying their anger and frustration. They had dedicated their lives to upholding justice, and yet, here they were, forced to stand by and watch as their captain prepared to execute an innocent man.

    The pressure in the courtyard was almost unbearable. The air crackled with unspoken emotions: anger, despair, loyalty, and a deep, gnawing sense of injustice.

    And just as tensions were reaching a breaking point, and it seemed a full-blown battle was about to erupt, Cassius smiled.

    His soft chuckle echoed through the tense silence, utterly at odds with the deadly atmosphere. His crimson eyes gleamed with something unreadable¡ªamusement? Pity? Contempt? It was impossible to tell.

    Then, he spoke.

    "The person who orchestrated all of this..." His voice was calm, almost casual.

    "...It was my beloved father, wasn''t it?"

    A ripple of shock passed through the knights like a gust of wind tearing through a field of wheat.

    The very air around them seemed to still as all eyes snapped to Cassius, then to Julie, then back to Cassius again, seeking confirmation, denial¡ªanything.

    But Julie said nothing.

    Aisha, too, remained silent.

    And their silence was all the confirmation anyone needed.

    Lucious, standing behind Cassius, visibly recoiled.

    "W-What?" His voice came out hoarse, disbelieving. "Master, that¡­that can''t be. The Duke may be many things, but to try and assassinate his own son? That''s¡ª" His words died on his lips as he turned toward Julie, as if silently pleading for her to deny it.

    She didn''t.

    Julie simply lowered her gaze, her lips pressing into a thin line, unable to meet Lucious''s bewildered expression. Aisha, who had initially been as rigid as stone, now let her sharp amber eyes lock onto Cassius with a look of keen interest.

    "¡­How?" She asked, her voice steady, but laced with something close to disbelief. "How did you figure it out?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    That single question made Lucious stumble back, the realization finally setting in. It wasn''t a lie. It wasn''t some drunken theory from his master''s once-wastrel mind.

    It was the truth.

    His own father, the patriarch of the Holyfield family, Alexander Holyfield, had put out an execution order on his son.

    Cassius, however, remained completely unfazed. If anything, he looked almost¡­pleased.

    His lips curled into a smile, sharp and knowing. "Simple." He drawled. "Who else would have the power to issue a death order on a noble son and expect it to be carried out without question? Who else would have the authority to twist the Sacred Guard into a tool for murder? And most importantly¡­" His smile widened. "Who else would be so desperate to get rid of me now, of all times, after letting me waste away for years?"

    Aisha''s eyes narrowed. "You figured all that out just from that?"

    Cassius let out a slow, knowing sigh, as if he had been expecting this moment for far longer than he cared to admit. He looked at Aisha with an almost amused expression before shrugging.

    "That was one reason." He admitted. Then, with a wry chuckle, he added. "But more importantly¡­My father has wanted me dead from the very moment I was born, so why else would I suspect anyone else when my number one enemy was living right next door."

    A heavy silence followed his words.

    Lucious visibly stiffened, his face pale. The knights around them¡ªtrained warriors who had seen their fair share of horrors¡ªshifted uneasily at the sheer coldness with which Cassius stated such a thing. Even Julie winced, unable to suppress the flicker of discomfort in her usually composed expression.

    Cassius then turned to Lucious then, patting his butler lightly on the back, his voice laced with a strange kind of amusement.

    "Relax. It''s not like it''s some grand secret. The only reason I''m still breathing is because the Vindictus family¡ªthe very same one my mother came from¡ªwouldn''t allow their heir to be slaughtered by his own father." He tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming with something sharp and knowing. "Though, of course¡­their true intentions for me remain unknown."

    Aisha, Julie, and Skadi all exchanged looks at that revelation.

    "You''re saying..." Aisha started, her voice quiet. "That the only thing keeping you alive all this time...was your mother''s family?"

    Cassius chuckled darkly. "It''s rather poetic, isn''t it? My father¡ªone of the most powerful men in the kingdom who could do anything he wanted to¡ªcouldn''t carry out the one thing he wanted to do which was to kill me."

    "He couldn''t touch me, not directly. Even he didn''t dare to go against the Vindictus household, who were just as powerful...If he had, he would have risked breaking the delicate power balance between the two families." He glanced at the knights surrounding him, watching as the weight of his words settled over them. "But make no mistake¡­My father always had his eyes set on my grave and that will never change, no matter who blocks his path and he will always find a way to end my existence."

    "...And seeing all of you gather here to bring back my head, it seems like he''s finally found how to finally accomplish his long time dream."

    A collective shudder ran through the Sacred Guard at those words.

    Julie, despite having been prepared for this, still found herself feeling an uneasy churn in her stomach. She had always known that noble affairs were ruthless, that blood ties in high society meant nothing when weighed against power.

    But to hear it spoken so plainly by the very person at the center of such a cruel scheme made it feel¡­different...More real...More sickening.

 Chapter 77 - 77: Luciouss Anguish

    Cassius smirked at Julie''s reaction. "Uncomfortable, Captain?"

    Julie''s jaw tightened, but she said nothing.

    He turned back to Lucious, who was still struggling to process everything. "The truth is, my father has been waiting for years for me to slip up. To give him an excuse¡ªa justifiable reason¡ªto eliminate me without consequence." He exhaled, a humorless chuckle escaping him. "And to think, I only found out about this because a few of my maids used to report everything I did back to the main household."

    That caught Aisha''s attention. Her sharp amber eyes narrowed. "You had spies among your staff?"

    "Oh, of course." Cassius said with a chuckle. "Not that I blame them. It was never about loyalty or betrayal¡ªit was about survival. Those maids were smart enough to align themselves with power, and if that meant selling information about the ''useless third son'' to the patriarch, then so be it." He smiled, but there was no warmth behind it. "And what exactly did the main household want to know? Simple. Every report they ever sent back contained the same question: Had I done something bad enough to justify execution?"

    Silence.

    Aisha inhaled sharply. Her mind, quick as ever, immediately pieced the rest of the puzzle together.

    "They weren''t just watching you." She murmured, a mix of realization and horror flashing across her face. "They were waiting."

    Cassius nodded. "Waiting for the moment I would finally make a mistake." His eyes gleamed with something dark and unreadable. "And then¡­those rumors came out."

    Aisha''s heart clenched. "That was the trigger." She muttered. "That was the moment they''d been waiting for."

    Julie''s grip on her sword tightened, her breath hastening at the information that was being revealed.

    Skadi, who had been listening with rapt attention, looked between Cassius and Aisha in growing unease. "Wait, hold on¡ªwhat exactly are you saying?"

    Aisha''s voice was grim. "The patriarch couldn''t just kill Cassius outright. Not without provoking the Vindictus family. Not without making it look like a personal grudge rather than a justifiable punishment." Her mind raced as she continued, her voice growing more certain. "That''s why he never tried to fabricate something himself. If he had, the Vindictus family¡ªwho specialize in working in the dark, in uncovering the truth¡ªwould have found out. And if that happened, the Duke would be exposed for trying to eliminate his own son over a personal grudge."

    Cassius smirked. "You''re catching on."

    Aisha''s stomach churned as the depth of the plan truly sank in. "So instead." She continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "He waited...He waited for you to do something¡ªanything¡ªthat could be considered unforgivable under Holyfield law. And since the Holyfields are known for their strict code of justice, he knew that if the crime was big enough¡­no one would question the verdict."

    "That''s why they always asked about your sins." Julie muttered under her breath, realization dawning on her as well.

    "Exactly." Cassius chuckled.

    A heavy, suffocating silence fell over the group.

    Skadi clenched her fists, her ears flattening against her head. "That''s¡­" She struggled to find the right words. "That''s just¡ª"

    "Cruel?" Cassius finished for her, his voice void of emotion. "Oh, undoubtedly. But that''s how just how my father hates me¡ªHates me for killing my mother upon my birth."

    Lucious swallowed thickly, finally finding his voice. "Then¡­These rumors¡­"

    "They were the perfect excuse." Aisha said darkly. "Your father must have been waiting for years for something like this. And when the rumors spread, when public opinion began to turn against you¡ªhe knew it was time to strike."

    Julie took a deep breath. "Which is why the execution order was issued."

    Cassius hummed. "See? It all makes sense now."

    Lucious clenched his fists, his voice rising in desperation.

    "No, no, it doesn''t make sense! It shouldn''t make sense! My lord, you haven''t done anything to warrant your death! The truth is right there¡ªyou''re innocent! If they just conducted a proper investigation, everything would come to light! They''d see that you''ve done nothing wrong!"

    Cassius turned to him with an amused smile, as if Lucious had just said something rather endearing.

    "Yes." He agreed, almost teasingly. "If an investigation were to happen, the truth would be uncovered. My innocence would be proven beyond a doubt."

    Lucious opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could, Cassius''s expression darkened.

    His playful smirk twisted into something far more chilling¡ªa cruel, knowing smile that sent a shiver down the spines of every knight present.

    "But that''s only if the investigation is actually completed before my execution."

    A cold silence fell over the courtyard.

    Julie stiffened. Skadi''s ears twitched in unease. Aisha''s brows furrowed, her calculating mind already trying to piece together where this was going.

    Cassius took a step forward, his tone eerily casual. "There''s a reason why I was sentenced to execution based solely on rumors. No trial. No questioning. No chance to defend myself. Just immediate death."

    The way he spoke¡ªso calmly, so assuredly¡ªmade the knights feel sick.

    Cassius chuckled darkly. "You see, my dear father isn''t a fool. If he were to allow even a day for an official investigation to begin, my innocence would inevitably come to light. It wouldn''t even take much effort. The truth is so blatantly in my favor that even a half-baked inquisition would expose the lies. And if that happened¡­well." He tilted his head slightly, mockingly. "Then he wouldn''t be able to kill me, would he?"

    Julie''s fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword.

    "The Vindictus family..." Cassius continued, eyes gleaming. "..would never allow him to execute me once the truth was out. They''d step in, demand justice for their heir, and my father would be forced to let me go¡ªhumiliated for trying to condemn an innocent man. And that''s something he can''t afford."

    He sighed, almost dramatically, before his smirk widened.

    "So instead of giving me that chance, he sent you¡ªthe Sacred Guard, his most honorable and trusted knights¡ªto silence me before the truth could even be considered. That way, by the time the Vindictus family finally did uncover the truth, I would already be rotting in the ground. And what could they do then?"

    Aisha inhaled sharply as realization struck her like a lightning bolt.

    Cassius turned his gaze to her, as if he could see her putting the pieces together. He smiled. "That''s right. They''d be outraged, of course. But would they go to war for a son they never truly cared for? Over a mere ''misunderstanding''?" His voice dropped into something almost mockingly sympathetic. "They''d be upset, certainly. They''d demand blood¡ªheads would roll. The people who spread the rumors that caused all these problems¡ªthey''d be sacrificed to appease the Vindictus household''s pride."

    A pause.

    Then Cassius smiled, slow and deliberate.

    "But the man who ordered it all? My father? Oh, no." He let out a short laugh. "He would simply call it an unfortunate mistake. A misjudgment. A tragedy, even. He''d bow his head, offer meaningless apologies, and swear that it was all done in the name of upholding justice."

    A suffocating stillness spread through the knights.

    Cassius spread his arms wide. "And that would be the end of it."

    The sheer ruthlessness of it all¡ªthe way the plan had been orchestrated so perfectly¡ªmade even the most hardened knights feel sick to their stomachs.

    Julie felt her grip on her sword waver. She had known this mission wasn''t right. But to hear it laid out so clearly¡­

    Aisha swallowed, her mind racing. If it wasn''t the Holyfield household itself or the maids that spread the rumors¡­ then who¡ª

    And then, it hit her.

    Her amber eyes snapped toward Cassius, widening in horror. "Wait. You''re saying¡­the one who spread the rumors¡­it wasn''t the patriarch?"

    Cassius let out a chuckle, his gaze glimmering with amusement.

    Lucious, however, knew. He had known all along. And right now, his hands were shaking at the terrible realization of what his master had done.

    Because he knew the answer.

    And when he turned to Cassius, the way his master''s smirk grew only confirmed his worst fear.

    Lucious''s face went pale. His throat went dry.

    It was him.

    Cassius himself had spread the rumors.

    And by the time the truth was discovered¡­

    He would already be dead.

    He had orchestrated his own execution.

    The realization sent a chill so deep through Lucious''s bones that he thought he might faint.

    Cassius, meanwhile, simply stood there, smiling.

    Lucious felt his breath grow unsteady, his entire body trembling as he took an unsteady step toward his master. His voice, usually filled with energy and mischief, was now weak, pleading.

    "W-We¡­We can still fix this." He croaked. "We can go to the Vindictus household in the capital right now and ask for justice! They wouldn''t let this slide, Master! They¡ª"

    Cassius shook his head before he could finish.

    "No, Lucious." His tone was final, resolute. "That''s not an option."

    Lucious''s stomach twisted. "Why not?! If the Vindictus family knew¡ª"

    "They won''t get the chance to know." Cassius interrupted with an eerie calmness. He sighed, stretching his arms lazily as if they were discussing the weather instead of his impending execution. "Think about it. My father has no intention of allowing me to make it that far. He''s smart¡ªtoo smart. Do you really think he''d leave a loose end like that?"

    Lucious shook his head furiously, unwilling to accept it. "No¡­No, there has to be¡ª"

    "There is no other way." Cassius continued. "If I were to flee now, the Holy Guard would be branded as traitors. My father has undoubtedly placed a deadline on them to deliver my head. If they don''t return with it by then¡ª" He gestured toward Julie and the assembled knights. "¡ªthey''ll all be hunted as criminals. Executed. Their families? Probably condemned alongside them."

    Lucious turned desperately to the knights, hoping¡ªpraying¡ªfor a sign that Cassius was wrong. That there was some way out of this mess. But the grim, downcast expressions on their faces told him otherwise.

    Julie remained silent, her emerald eyes full of a guilt so deep it threatened to crush her. Aisha, usually so sharp-tongued, stared at the ground, biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. Skadi''s tail was drooped, her ears losing all their life, her face twisted in frustration.

    Not a single knight argued against Cassius''s words.

    And that alone confirmed the truth.

    Lucious felt something break inside him. His throat tightened, his vision blurred.

    "I-It''s not fair!" He choked out, his voice cracking with raw emotion. "It''s not fair! Why¡­Why does it have to be like this?! Why must my master fight against his own family¡ªagainst his own father¡ªjust for existing?!"

    Cassius watched him, his expression unreadable.

    Lucious spun toward the knights, his body trembling with rage. "And you!" He pointed at them, his voice rising with fury. "You dare call yourselves the Sacred Guard?! You claim to uphold justice?! But what are you really doing here?! What kind of justice is this?! Killing an innocent man¡ªfor what?! To save your own skins?! To obey a corrupt order that should never have been given in the first place?!"

    No one could meet his gaze.

    The knights who once stood so proud, so tall¡ªwho once carried themselves as paragons of righteousness¡ªwere now slumped over, their heads bowed, shame thick in the air around them.

    Some bit their lips, unable to form words.

    And some¡ªsome began to tremble, the weight of their actions sinking in.

    One knight¡ªa younger woman near the back¡ªlet out a broken sob, covering her face with her hands. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Another let her weapon slip from her fingers, her shoulders shaking.

    Even the more hardened veterans, those who had faced death countless times, could not deny the truth Lucious had laid bare.

    Julie''s hands trembled around her sword. She had thought she had already come to terms with what she was about to do¡ªbut hearing Lucious say it so plainly¡­so truthfully¡­made it feel so much worse.

    Aisha, the most pragmatic of them all, clenched her jaw. She wanted to argue back, to say that they had no choice. That they were backed into a corner. But the words never left her lips.

    Because¡­what was the point?

    Lucious was right.

    They had always preached about fairness. About righteousness. About upholding the sacred duty of their order.

    And yet, here they were. Carrying out an execution they knew was unjust.

    They weren''t knights of justice.

    They weren''t the holy protectors they were supposed to be.

    They were no different from mercenaries¡ªno different from the corrupt officials they despised.

    Aisha exhaled sharply, her breath shaky. She didn''t want to admit it, but she could feel her own chest tightening with shame.

    Skadi, usually the loudest and most excitable, was utterly silent. She couldn''t even look at Lucious, couldn''t bear to. She hated this. She hated that she had been put in this position. She hated that her captain¡ªher beloved captain¡ªwas forced to choose between Cassius''s life and their own.

    But most of all¡­

    She hated that she hadn''t done anything to stop it.

 Chapter 78 - 78: ...Kill Him

    Lucious took in the sight before him, his heart pounding in his chest, his hands trembling at his sides.

    He was at his limit. He had always been strong¡ªalways able to endure anything for his master''s sake.

    But this? This injustice, this hopelessness? It was too much.

    His throat tightened, his eyes burned, and just when he felt himself about to break¡ªabout to let the tears spill¡ª

    A hand landed on his head.

    Warm. Gentle. Reassuring.

    Lucious blinked in surprise, looking up to see Cassius''s ever-present, carefree smile staring back at him. The same lazy, half-lidded expression he always wore, like he didn''t have a care in the world.

    "There''s no need to get so worked up." Cassius said, ruffling his hair playfully.

    Lucious gaped at him, his master¡ªthe man whose death was all but assured¡ªwho should''ve been filled with anger, despair, something¡ªand yet, he stood there, utterly calm.

    Cassius then exhaled, as if this entire situation was just a mild inconvenience. "You also shouldn''t be mad at them." He said casually, his tone light and unconcerned. "It''s just survival of the fittest, Lucious...That''s all this is."

    He then gestured lazily toward the Sacred Guard, who all stood stiffly, their expressions frozen in guilt and hesitation. "Think about it. If you were stuck in the middle of the ocean, clinging onto a single piece of drifting wood, and someone else tried to climb on with you¡­what would you do?"

    No one answered.

    Cassius smiled, slow and knowing. "You''d push them off, wouldn''t you? Not because you hate them. Not because you want them to die...But because there''s only room for one."

    His gaze flickered toward Julie, then Aisha, then Skadi¡ªwho all flinched beneath the weight of his words.

    "That''s all this is." Cassius continued. "You''re all just clinging onto that piece of wood, trying to survive." He turned his head slightly, looking at Julie directly now. "It''s not wrong. None of you are in the wrong for choosing your own lives over mine."

    Julie swallowed hard, her eyes trembling as she heard him speak. ''Why¡­Why is he so calm? Why is he not cursing us? Why is he acting like we''re the ones who should be pitied?''

    Aisha felt a heavy lump settle in her throat. His words made it worse. So much worse. Because he wasn''t even trying to fight back. He wasn''t pleading, nor angry. He was simply¡­accepting.

    Like he had already come to terms with his death before they even arrived.

    The knights, too, looked shaken. Some of them lowered their heads, unable to meet Cassius''s gaze.

    Even Skadi, usually so brash, had her ears against her head. She hated this. She hated that he was the one comforting them...It felt wrong.

    Lucious, however, wasn''t soothed at all. "But Master, that''s¡ª"

    But before he could say anything more, Cassius''s hand left his head.

    And then¡ª

    Cassius laughed.

    Not his usual, light chuckle.

    No.

    This was different.

    This laugh was low. Dark. Bone-chilling.

    Lucious froze.

    Everyone froze.

    The air around them shifted¡ªturned wrong.

    Cassius, still grinning, tilted his head slightly. "But tell me, Lucious¡­"

    His voice was different now. Colder.

    "¡­Why are you acting like we''ve already lost?"

    "W-What?" Lucious stiffened.

    Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head.

    "I just said it, didn''t I? Survival of the fittest. That means there''s no right or wrong here. No morality. Just simple, animalistic instinct." His voice dropped lower, more sinister. "Which means¡­just like they shouldn''t feel guilty about killing me for their survival¡­"

    He slowly lifted his head, his crimson eyes glowing eerily beneath the afternoon sun.

    "¡­Then they shouldn''t be angry when I butcher every single one of them and dye this entire field in their blood for mine."

    The moment those words left his lips, the entire battlefield shifted.

    The air turned thick¡ªstifling.

    The knights felt it instantly¡ªan invisible pressure crashing down upon them, heavy and suffocating.

    A few instinctively reached for their weapons, their bodies moving on their own¡ªbecause suddenly, Cassius felt like a predator.

    Julie''s breath caught in her throat. Her fingers twitched around her sword hilt. What¡­is this feeling?

    Cassius was still smiling...Still grinning.

    But something about him had changed.

    It wasn''t something they could explain.

    It wasn''t something visible.

    It was simply¡­Terrifying.

    Even Aisha, who had spent years analyzing people¡ªunderstanding them¡ªfound herself unable to decipher what she was looking at. Her sharp mind blanked for the first time in her life.

    ''What¡­is this man?''

    Skadi, however, felt it deep in her bones.

    Fear.

    Primal. Instinctual. Fear.

    And before she even realized it¡ªbefore she even thought¡ªher body moved.

    A single step...Backwards.

    It wasn''t conscious. It wasn''t planned.

    It was survival....And that''s what terrified her the most.

    Because she had faced countless warriors before. She had fought monsters before.

    But never¡ªnot once¡ªhad her body ever moved on its own.

    Cassius took a slow step forward.

    And the knights instinctively took a step back.

    ''They''re afraid...All of them.'' Julie''s eyes widened at the shocking sight of her knights retreating.

    Cassius finally chuckled, low and quiet. "You all came here today, fully prepared to kill me." He mused, tilting his head. "But tell me¡­"

    His smile widened.

    "¡­Are you all prepared to die while trying to do so?"

    Skadi''s breath stopped, her claws slowly coming out as she felt the overwhelming fear claw at her senses. Something about Cassius¡­something wasn''t right. He was supposed to be the victim, the helpless noble cornered like a rat.

    Yet, staring at him now, she forgot that.

    Forgot that they were supposed to execute him.

    Forgot that he was meant to be a wastrel who drank his life away.

    For the first time in her life, Skadi¡ªa seasoned warrior who had ripped men apart with her bare hands¡ªfelt something she had never expected to feel in battle.

    Hesitation.

    "Wh-What the hell are you saying?!" She barked, voice tight with forced bravado. "You''re acting like you even have a chance against us! Like we wouldn''t cut you down in one breath!"

    The knights, who had begun to falter in the face of Cassius''s suffocating aura, suddenly found something to latch onto.

    Yes. Skadi was right.

    Cassius was just a noble brat. A man who, until recently, had been nothing more than a drunkard and a fool. He had no sword, no armor, no magic.

    There was no way he could possibly be a threat to them.

    Julie, gripping her sword tightly, exhaled. ''He''s losing it.'' She thought, sympathy creeping into her gaze. ''He''s so afraid of dying that he''s creating this delusion of power in his mind.''

    She had seen this before¡ªrebels, prisoners of war, even knights facing their end. When people were about to die, their minds broke down. Some begged. Some cursed.

    ...And some, like Cassius, convinced themselves they were stronger than they actually were.

    Julie sighed, about to say something soft, reassuring, perhaps even a promise to make his death as painless as possible¡ª

    Then, it happened.

    "Captain."

    Aisha''s voice cut through the battlefield like a dagger.

    Julie barely had time to process the sheer urgency in her tone before¡ª

    "Kill him."

    Julie froze.

    The air stilled.

    The knights¡ªwho had just begun to find their confidence¡ªsuddenly looked at Aisha in confusion.

    Even Skadi faltered.

    Julie turned her head slightly, her green eyes narrowing. "Aisha¡­what are you¡ª?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But Aisha wasn''t looking at her. She was looking at Cassius.

    And her pupils were dilated¡ªnot in fear, but in pure survival instinct.

    "I said kill him."

    Julie''s breath caught.

    Aisha was never like this...Never.

    Even in the worst battles, even against the strongest foes, Aisha was always calm, calculating, always a step ahead.

    But now? Now she looked like she had already seen the outcome¡ªand it was disastrous. And before Julie could even question her, Aisha whirled toward the knights.

    "All of you¡ªGET INTO POSITION!...BRACE FOR THE WORST!"

    "WHAT?!"

    The knights stumbled at the sudden shift.

    "WHY?!"

    "What''s going on?!"

    "He''s alone, he has no weapons¡ª"

    But Aisha wasn''t listening to them. She was already moving¡ªher hands flashing in the air as she began casting magic.

    Skadi, who had been caught off guard, finally gritted her teeth and did what she always wanted to do. She drew her claws, settling into battle stance.

    Her silver eyes locked onto Cassius, this time not with mockery...With genuine wariness.

    Cassius?...He still stood there.

    Still smiling.

    Like everything that was happening was exactly what he wanted.

    Julie, heart hammering, demanded answers.

    "Aisha¡ªWhat the hell are you doing?! Why are you¡ª"

    Aisha didn''t even glance at her, her eyes stuck on Cassius like he would disappear if she took her eyes off for a single moment.

    "Trust me, captain."

    Julie stiffened because Aisha never said those words unless she was certain.

    "¡­Trust you with what?" She whispered.

    Aisha inhaled sharply.

    "The feline race may not have the same heightened battle instincts as the wolves." She said, glancing at Skadi briefly. "But we do have something else."

    Julie listened. Aisha''s amber eyes flickered, her ears twitching¡ªhyper-aware.

    "A sixth sense to detect danger."

    Julie''s gulped, as Aisha''s voice lowered. And when she spoke, it wasn''t with fear. It wasn''t with confusion.

    It was with absolute certainty.

    "Cassius Holyfield¡­" She whispered, her nails digging into her palms.

    "...Is not normal."

    The knights froze.

    Skadi stiffened.

    Julie took a step back as she was the closest to Cassius.

    "I can''t explain it." She admitted. "But my instincts¡ªthey''ve never been wrong before. They scream at me when we face an opponent that could wipe us out."

    She finally turned to look at Julie. And the fear in her normally confident eyes made Julie''s stomach turn.

    "¡­Right now, captain." Aisha said quietly.

    "Cassius reeks off that very same feeling."

    "...The feeling of a monster..."

    "...A horrifying monster in the skin of a human."

    Silence.

    A deafening, suffocating silence.

    The realization sank in.

    Julie had been thinking about it all wrong. She had assumed Cassius was merely putting on a brave face. She had assumed he was speaking nonsense out of desperation.

    But now?...Now she wasn''t so sure.

    Because if Aisha was reacting like this¡ª

    Then maybe¡­Just maybe.

    Cassius Holyfield wasn''t the one who was supposed to be afraid.

    Julie''s heart pounded in her chest. She trusted Aisha with her life.

    Aisha''s instincts were legendary, honed by years of training and experience. If Aisha was this terrified, then Julie knew, without a doubt, that they were in grave danger. This wasn''t some delusion, some desperate act of defiance. This was something else entirely. Something...unnatural.

    Taking a deep breath, Julie closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm raging within her. She thought of the knights, their lives hanging in the balance. She thought of her duty, her responsibility to protect them.

    And she thought of Aisha, her right hand, her beloved little sister who she watched growing up, the one person she knew would never steer her wrong.

    When she opened her eyes, they were filled with a steely resolve.

    The fear was still there, a cold knot in her stomach, but it was overshadowed by a grim determination.

    She unsheathed her sword, the polished steel glinting in the sunlight. Her gaze fell on Cassius, who still stood there, that unnerving smile plastered on his face.

    "I''m sorry, Young Master Cassius." She said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "I truly am. I wish...I wish it didn''t have to be this way. But I promise I''ll make it as painless as possible."

    "...And if there''s a next life...Let me be born as your slave, so I can atone for the sin I''m about to commit."

    It was a strange, almost desperate apology, born of fear and regret, but it was all she could offer.

    Without another word, Julie lunged forward, her sword arcing through the air. She aimed for a clean strike, a swift blow that would end his life quickly.

    She had to trust Aisha. She had to trust her instincts. There was no other choice. This was a life-or-death situation, and she had to act, even if her heart screamed in protest.

 Chapter 79 - 79: Where Did He Go?!

    Julie was a master of wind elemental magic.

    She had honed her skills to such perfection that she could seamlessly integrate the very essence of the wind into both her blade and her body. This mastery granted her unbelievable speed, a velocity that defied normal comprehension.

    So swift was her movement that, to most observers, she simply vanished, leaving behind only a gust of wind and the ghastly whisper of her blade cutting through the air¡ªhence her moniker, the Whispering Blade.

    Her attacks were a blur, a storm of carnage that left a trail of dismembered limbs in its wake. This incredible speed had made her one of the most formidable warriors on the continent.

    Now, seeing this very Julie lunge toward his master, Lucious cried out in alarm.

    "YOUNG MASTER!~"

    He surged forward, adrenaline coursing through his veins, desperate to protect Cassius. But before he could even take a single step, Julie had already reached her target. Her sword was swinging towards Cassius''s neck, her face set with grim determination.

    Aisha, even with her heightened feline senses, could barely track Julie''s movement.

    She saw the blur of motion, the flash of steel, and then...she was right in front of him, while Cassius himself was still standing there, that unsettling smile still fixed on his face.

    ''So fast.'' Aisha thought, a flicker of admiration, mixed with dread, crossing her features. ''Even I almost missed her.''

    And serin that her captain was going to finish off her target any second now, she let out a sigh of relief. ''It seems my instincts were wrong this time.'' She thought. ''That unsettling feeling...it must have been a false alarm.''

    She muttered a quiet, "Sorry" to Cassius under her breath, assuming the execution had gone as planned, albeit with terrifying speed. She knew what was about to happen, and while she didn''t want it to happen, she understood the necessity.

    It was a grim duty, but a duty nonetheless.

    But then, just as Julie''s blade was about to connect with Cassius''s neck, He...He¡ª

    He disappeared...

    He was simply gone...

    Julie''s sword passed through empty air, her momentum carrying her forward.

    ''Where...Where did he go?'' Her eyes widened in shock.

    Julie barely had time to register what had happened.

    One moment, her sword was cutting through the air, the force of her swing powerful enough to cleave through solid stone¡ªand the next, Cassius was gone.

    Not dodged.

    Not parried.

    Simply...gone.

    Her entire body stiffened as a chill ran down her spine. The only people who had ever managed to keep up with her speed were her father and the few grandmasters that walked the continent.

    Yet this man¡ªthis supposed "wastrel"¡ªhad just disappeared from her attack without a trace.

    And just while she was wondering if she was dreaming because of the absurdity that was happening right now, a voice, smooth and eerily amused, whispered right behind her.

    "Impressive. Truly, your speed is terrifying."

    Julie''s breath hitched.

    She could feel his breath on her neck.

    Cassius was standing behind her.

    And she hadn''t even sensed him move.

    Slowly, too slowly, she turned her head, her emerald eyes widening in shock.

    Cassius stood there casually, hands behind his back, watching her with a fascinated expression, as if he were admiring her technique.

    "With a sword that fast..." He mused. "...you could probably kill anyone painlessly. A single slash, and it''s over before they even realize it."

    His smile widened, his crimson eyes glinting with something wicked.

    "Unfortunately..." He continued, his voice soft¡ªfar too soft.

    "You''re not fast enough." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie''s pupils dilated.

    Danger!

    Before she could react¡ªbefore she could even breathe¡ªSkadi''s panicked voice rang out.

    "CAPTAIN, MOVE!"

    But it was too late.

    A force like a battering ram slammed into her stomach.

    SLAM~

    Julie''s vision blurred as a crushing impact tore through her body, the sheer force behind it ripping her feet off the ground.

    Her breath vanished from her lungs.

    Her mind went blank.

    And in the next instant¡ªher body was flying.

    She didn''t even have time to think, to process what had happened, before she crashed into a tree.

    Smash!~

    The bark splintered on impact, the sheer force cracking the wood behind her. Her entire body jerked violently, the whiplash sending shockwaves of pain through her bones.

    Blood splattered from her mouth.

    For a second, silence.

    And then¡ª

    "CAPTAIN!"

    Skadi''s agonized cry echoed through the clearing.

    The knights, who had been watching in stunned horror, froze. They had never seen their captain, their mighty Whispering Blade, sent flying like that.

    By a single attack.

    Aisha, who had been watching the battle with razor-sharp focus, felt her legs weaken.

    Her ears twitched. Even with her heightened feline senses, she had barely seen what had happened.

    Barely.

    All she had caught was a blur.

    Not Cassius moving.

    But Cassius lifting his leg.

    It had been a simple front kick.

    And it had sent Julie¡ªJulie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the Whispering Blade, the woman who could move faster than sound itself¡ª flying like a ragdoll.

    Aisha gritted her teeth.

    Her worst fears were confirmed.

    "This...This isn''t normal." She whispered under her breath as Cassius slowly turned.

    His gaze drifted from Julie¡ªwho lay slumped against the cracked tree trunk, her breathing ragged¡ªback to Skadi and Aisha.

    "One down."

    The casual boredom in his tone sent ice through their veins.

    He wasn''t mocking them.

    He wasn''t being arrogant.

    He was simply stating a fact.

    Like none of this was even worth his effort.

    Skadi''s claws extended instinctively, her beastkin instincts screaming at her.

    Her silver eyes darted to Julie¡ªher captain, her mentor, her idol¡ªwho was struggling to push herself back up.

    Blood dripped from her lips.

    Her breathing was shaky.

    And yet, Cassius stood there, completely unharmed.

    "What...What the hell is this guy¡­?" Skadi whispered, her voice trembling.

    Cassius smiled.

    "Now then...shall we continue?"

    He didn''t wait for an answer. Before anyone could react, he vanished again. One moment he was there, the next...gone.

    The knights panicked, their eyes darting around the courtyard, searching for any sign of him.

    ''Where is he? What''s happening?''

    "Ahhh!~"

    Then, a shriek pierced the air. They turned to see one of their comrades clutching her stomach, her face contorted in pain. As she fell to the ground, they saw that her plate armor looked like it had been punched through, the metal crumpled and torn as if it were made of paper.

    ''What...? How...?''

    Before they could even process what had happened, another shriek echoed through the courtyard.

    "Kyaaa!~"

    Another knight fell, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if she didn''t even know what had hit her. She crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

    Bang!~

    And then, to their horror, they saw another comrade fly through the air, as if someone had picked her up and thrown her like a rag doll. She crashed into two other knights, sending them sprawling. The impact was sickening, the sound of bone breaking chilling.

    Chaos erupted. The knights, their formations shattered, their discipline forgotten, scrambled to defend themselves, but it was like fighting an invisible enemy. Their eyes darted everywhere, trying to anticipate the next attack, but it was futile.

    They couldn''t see him. All they saw was the occasional gust of wind, a fleeting glimpse of motion, and then...another shriek, another fallen comrade.

    Shouts and cries filled the air.

    The courtyard, which had moments before been a scene of tense anticipation, was now a scene of utter pandemonium. In less than fifteen seconds, their numbers had been decimated. Less than half of the original knights remained standing, their faces etched with terror.

    They were being picked off one by one, and they couldn''t even see who was attacking them. The invisible enemy was everywhere, and nowhere. It was a nightmare made real. They were being hunted, not by a man, but by something...else.

    For the first time in her life, Aisha felt utterly lost.

    She was a strategist, a tactician. She commanded troops, orchestrated battles, planned defenses. But to do that, she needed to see the enemy. She needed to understand their movements, their patterns, their weaknesses.

    But this...this was beyond anything she had ever encountered. Cassius was a phantom, a blur of motion, striking from nowhere, disappearing just as quickly. She couldn''t give orders because she couldn''t see what was happening.

    How could she tell her knights to defend against an attack they couldn''t even perceive?

    Skadi, driven by her beastkin instincts, was also trying her best to keep track of Cassius. Like a hound dog tracking its prey, she would whirl around, her ears twitching, her nose sniffing the air, trying to pinpoint his location.

    But it was a futile effort.

    By the time she realized where he had been, he was already gone, striking somewhere else, leaving her frustrated and bewildered.

    "DAMN IT¡ª!!" She snarled. "STAND STILL AND FIGHT ME, YOU COWARD!"

    She growled in frustration, her tail lashing back and forth. She felt useless, unable to protect her comrades, unable to avenge them.

    Aisha knew she had to do something, and fast. If this continued, they would all be dead. She couldn''t let that happen. She was responsible for these knights, for their lives. She had to take control, even if she didn''t know how.

    Taking a deep breath, she braced herself, steeling her nerves. "Everyone!" She shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Gather around me! Don''t spread out! Stay together!"

    It was a simple command, a basic tactic, but it was the only thing she could think of. Safety in numbers. It was better than being picked off one by one.

    The others didn''t hesitate.

    They rushed toward her, forming a tight formation.

    Even Skadi, who hated retreating, followed the order, her tail bristling in agitation.

    Aisha gritted her teeth.

    If speed was Cassius''s weapon, then distance manipulation would be hers. A cluster formation meant fewer blind spots.

    It meant they could react together. It meant they wouldn''t be slaughtered one by one.

    And to her shock, for the first time since the fight started¡ª

    Cassius stopped moving.

    He stood still, arms folded, watching them.

    Why¡­?

    Why wasn''t he attacking?

    Why was he giving them time?

    And then¡ªrealization dawned on her.

    He''s amused.

    Cassius wasn''t taking them seriously. He was letting them strategize.

    He wants to see what I''ll do next¡­

    That realization made her furious. She had never¡ªnever¡ªfelt so small in a battle. Clutching her staff tighter, she muttered an incantation under her breath.

    This was her chance.

    He was standing still.

    Now¡ªshe had to strike.

    Aisha, seizing the opportunity, began to chant under her breath. The words were low, almost inaudible, but they resonated with power, with the ancient energy of the earth. She wove the spell quickly, her fingers moving in intricate patterns, her eyes fixed on Cassius.

    Cassius, still observing the knights with an air of detached amusement, suddenly felt something...strange.

    The ground beneath his feet...it felt...soft.

    He glanced down, and to his surprise, he saw that his legs were sinking into the soil. He tried to move, to jump, but it was too late. The earth was swallowing him whole, pulling him down, down, down.

    In seconds, he was waist-deep in the ground, his legs completely immobilized. And then, just as quickly as it had softened, the earth hardened, solidifying around him like concrete.

    Before he could even register what had happened, before he could marvel at the first instance of magic he had witnessed in this world, another surprise awaited him.

    Giant earthen hands erupted from the ground, grasping his torso, his arms, even his neck, holding him in place. Only his head remained exposed, his face a mask of shock and disbelief.

    Aisha, seeing that her spell had worked perfectly, couldn''t help but grin.

    "Now!" She shouted, her voice filled with triumph. "Attack! Finish him off while he''s trapped!"

    Her words were like a spark igniting a powder keg. The knights, their morale rekindled, their fear replaced with a surge of adrenaline, charged towards Cassius.

    Skadi, her silver eyes glowing with predatory intensity, led the charge, her beastkin speed unmatched. They all ran with a single-minded purpose, their weapons raised, their eyes fixed on Cassius''s exposed head.

    Skadi, being the fastest, reached Cassius first.

    With a snarl of fury, she leaped into the air, her sharp claws extended, aiming for his face. She would tear him apart, shred him to pieces, avenge her fallen comrades, even though she knew this was simply a batte of survival on both sides and hated that was thrust into it.

    This...monster they were forced to face that had slaughtered her friends, crippled her captain, would pay...

 Chapter 80 - 80: Take Me Instead

    Aisha, watching the knights charge towards the immobilized Cassius, felt a surge of triumph.

    ''He''s trapped!'' She thought. ''There''s no way he can escape now!''

    She was already imagining the victory celebrations, the relief on the faces of her surviving comrades, the justice that would finally be served.

    But then...Her blood ran cold.

    Cassius, instead of panicking, simply...smiled. And then, with an effortless grace that defied the situation, he moved.

    It was as if the earth around him wasn''t hardened soil, but mere sand. He flexed his muscles, and the giant earthen hands that held him crumbled, their grip broken.

    He ducked his head, narrowly avoiding Skadi''s claws as she swooped past him.

    Skadi, her attack thwarted, let out a frustrated growl.

    ''How...? How did he break free?''

    She had never seen anyone, not even the strongest beastkin warriors, escape from Aisha''s earth attack like that.

    It was...impossible.

    But before she could even process what had happened, Cassius moved again. He ripped his arms free from the remaining earthen restraints and, with lightning-fast reflexes, grabbed Skadi''s legs as she flew past him.

    Skadi, caught completely off guard, let out a yelp of surprise.

    Before she could even react, she found herself being swung through the air like a...mace. A giant, furry, extremely disgruntled mace.

    He swung her with terrifying speed, the force of each arc amplified by her considerable weight and the sheer power of his own unnatural strength.

    The knights, who had been so focused on their coordinated attack, were now caught in a chaotic, swirling storm of fur, claws, and flying limbs.

    Thwack!~

    The first swing was a brutal arc, Skadi''s body slamming into a group of three knights who were clustered together. They were sent flying like rag dolls, their armor offering no protection against the sheer kinetic force.

    One knight''s helmet flew off, revealing a face contorted in a mask of pain and surprise just before impact. They crashed into the ground several feet away, a tangled heap of twisted metal and broken bones. It was as if a giant had swatted at a cluster of bothersome flies.

    The second swing was even more devastating.

    Bang!~

    Cassius, with a casual flick of his wrist, sent Skadi hurtling towards another group of knights who were rushing towards him, their swords raised.

    They had no time to react. Skadi''s wild, terrified eyes met theirs for a split second before the impact.

    The sound was sickening¡ªa combination of crunching bone, splintering wood, and the muffled thud of flesh hitting the ground. Two knights were bowled over, their screams cut short by the brutal force of the blow. They lay still, their armor crushed, their arms twisted at unnatural angles.

    They, too, were treated like mere flies, brushed aside with contemptuous ease.

    The remaining knights, their initial enthusiasm replaced with sheer terror, tried to scatter, but it was too late.

    Cassius, his movements fluid and unpredictable, was on them before they could escape. He swung Skadi again and again, each swing a devastating blow. Knights were sent flying, crashing into trees, collapsing in heaps.

    The courtyard, which had moments before been filled with the shouts of determined warriors, was now filled with cries of pain and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground.

    The air was thick with dust, the smell of blood, and the raw terror of women facing an enemy they couldn''t comprehend. They were being treated like insects, insignificant and easily crushed.

    Aisha, watching in horror, couldn''t believe her eyes.

    Her carefully planned attack, her moment of triumph, had backfired spectacularly. She had underestimated Cassius. She had underestimated his strength, his speed, his...unnaturalness.

    And now, they were paying the price.

    With the last knight sent sprawling, Cassius discarded Skadi as if he were finished with a broken toy. He tossed her aside with a casual flick of his wrist, the battered and bruised wolf beastkin landing heavily on the ground with a pained whimper.

    The fight, as far as he was concerned, was over. He surveyed the scene of carnage, the courtyard littered with broken armor and broken bodies, his expression one of detached indifference.

    Aisha, her heart pounding in her chest, desperately wanted to check on Skadi. She knew her friend was injured, and the sight of her being tossed aside so carelessly made her blood boil. But she couldn''t afford to be distracted. She knew that Cassius was still a threat, a very real, very present danger.

    And then, his gaze shifted.

    His eyes, those unnerving blood red eyes, locked onto hers. A shiver ran down her spine. There was something in his gaze, a keenness, a predatory gleam, that made her skin crawl.

    It wasn''t just enjoyment anymore. It was...anticipation.

    Before she could even process what was happening, Cassius leaped. He exploded from the ground like a cannonball, launching himself towards Aisha with incredible speed.

    But Aisha had learned her lesson. She wouldn''t be caught off guard again. She had anticipated this, prepared for it.

    Wroom!~

    So, even as Cassius was in mid-air, a massive wall of earth erupted from the ground between them.

    It was a formidable barrier, a thick, solid fortification designed to stop any attack. Aisha had poured all her concentration, all her magical energy, into creating this shield. She was confident that it would hold. It had to.

    She braced herself, waiting for the impact. She expected to feel the earth tremble, to hear the resounding thud of Cassius colliding with the wall.

    But instead, she heard a deafening boom. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Boom!~

    Aisha''s eyes widened in horror. The earth wall, her supposedly impenetrable defense, had been...breached.

    Cassius had exploded through it. Fragments of earth and dust rained down around her. And there, amidst the debris, was Cassius, still hurtling towards her, that unnerving smile plastered on his face. He had not only broken through her wall, he had obliterated it.

    The force of his attack was terrifying. It was like facing a force of nature, an unstoppable avalanche.

    ''How...?'' She thought, her mind reeling. ''How is this even possible?''

    A wave of despair washed over Aisha.

    For the first time in her life, she felt utterly helpless, completely outmatched. She had always been the calm, collected strategist, the one who had a plan for every situation.

    But now, facing this...this monster...she was lost. All hope seemed to drain from her, leaving her with a hollow ache in her chest.

    She watched as Cassius hurtled towards her, his form growing larger with every passing second. Her mind raced, desperately searching for a solution, a way out, but there was nothing.

    She was trapped, cornered, with nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Her usual nonchalant demeanor crumbled, replaced by a raw, unfiltered terror. This was it, she realized. This was how it ended.

    But then, just as she was bracing for the inevitable, a shadow emerged from the chaos.

    A figure, moving with incredible speed, appeared behind Cassius. Aisha''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    It was...Julie!

    Julie, her body battered and bruised, her armor dented and cracked, had somehow managed to recover from the devastating blow. She had witnessed Cassius''s attack on Aisha, and she couldn''t just stand by and watch.

    Fueled by a desperate surge of adrenaline and a fierce protectiveness towards her beloved right hand, she had launched herself at Cassius, hoping to catch him off guard, to take him down before he could reach Aisha.

    ''Captain!'' She thought, her spirits soaring. ''Y-You came back!'' Aisha''s heart leaped with a flicker of hope.

    Maybe...just maybe...they could still turn this around.

    But fate, it seemed, was not on their side.

    Cassius, with his unnatural senses, detected Julie''s approach. He turned his head, his eyes widening in slight surprise, and then, with a speed that defied comprehension, he reacted.

    He reached out, his hand clamping around Julie''s neck, cutting off her attack before it could even begin. He then, with a casual brutality that made Aisha''s stomach churn, slammed Julie to the ground right in front of her.

    Bang!~

    Aisha gasped, her hope turning to ashes in her mouth. She watched in disbelief as Julie landed with a sickening thud, her body bouncing slightly before coming to a rest. On the ground, Julie groaned, her face contorted in pain, her eyes fluttering weakly.

    Cassius, having effortlessly neutralized Julie, spared her a fleeting glance¡ªa look that held a mixture of disdain and boredom. He had no further interest in her. She was no longer a threat, merely a casualty in his path.

    And he then turned his attention to Aisha, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. There was a different look in his eyes now, a hunger, a desire for something more than just...elimination.

    Aisha, sensing this shift, felt a primal fear grip her heart. She wanted to run, to flee, to escape this terrifying presence, but her legs wouldn''t respond. They were rooted to the spot, frozen by a fear so profound that it paralyzed her.

    She watched, helpless, as Cassius took a step towards her. He extended his hand, his fingers outstretched, as if he were about to wrap them around her throat and...squeeze.

    Aisha trembled, her body shaking uncontrollably. She closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable, the final, crushing blow.

    Then¡ª

    It stopped.

    Just inches from her skin.

    Aisha barely managed to register what had happened before she noticed why.

    Julie...Her captain.

    She had thrown her arms around Cassius''s leg in a desperate attempt to hold him back. Her entire body trembled, but she held on with all the strength she had left.

    Her face was pale, her breath labored, but her emerald eyes burned with raw determination.

    "Please¡­" Julie gasped, her voice weak, filled with pleading.

    Cassius finally looked down at her.

    "Let her go." Julie begged. "Please. She''s still young...S-She has so much ahead of her. She like precious my little sister. She...She doesn''t deserve to die."

    Her words hit Aisha like a hammer.

    Tears welled up in her amber eyes, threatening to spill over. Her entire life, she had always fought, always survived, always prided herself on being untouchable.

    But right now¡ª

    She was completely powerless.

    And her captain¡ªthe woman she had idolized for years¡ªwas begging for her life.

    Julie''s fingers tightened around Cassius''s leg, her grip weak but unwavering.

    "I know...What we did was unforgivable." She whispered, her voice cracking. "We wrongfully went against you. We followed orders we knew were wrong. But we...we had no choice. We were backed into a corner."

    A single tear slipped down her dirt-streaked cheek.

    "So please¡­" She whispered again. "If you must take a life...then take mine. Let Aisha go."

    Then¡ªweakly, trembling, she reached for her sword.

    With shaking hands, she offered it to him.

    A silent exchange.

    Her life¡ªfor Aisha''s.

    Aisha choked on a sob, her entire body overwhelmed with emotion. She wanted to scream, to tell her captain to stop, to fight back, to do anything but throw away her life for her sake.

    But she couldn''t.

    Because the truth was¡ªshe had never felt more helpless than she did in this moment.

    The air was thick with tension. Julie''s trembling hands still clutched the sword she had offered, her head bowed, waiting for the inevitable.

    Aisha, frozen in place, could only watch as her captain¡ªher leader, her sister¡ªprepared to throw her life away for her.

    But then¡ª

    Another voice cut through the silence.

    "DON''T TOUCH THEM! TAKE MY LIFE INSTEAD!"

    The raw determination in the voice startled everyone.

    Cassius''s crimson eyes flickered to the side.

    Everyone turned.

    And there¡ªdragging herself across the battlefield on her hands and knees, her body battered and broken, was Skadi.

    Her silver hair was matted with dirt, blood trickling from her temple, her armor dented from the brutal battle. Yet, despite the pain, despite the agony¡ªshe kept moving.

    She refused to stop.

    She refused to let this end the way it was going.

    "Skadi!" Aisha gasped, her voice breaking.

    Skadi''s breathing was ragged, her arms trembling, but she didn''t stop. With sheer willpower alone, she pushed forward until she reached Cassius''s other leg.

    And then¡ª

    She grabbed onto him.

    Just like Julie.

    Her silver eyes burned with the same desperation, the same raw emotion.

    "Don''t you dare touch them!" She growled through gritted teeth, her voice heavy with pain. "They did nothing wrong. They don''t deserve this!"

    Cassius arched an eyebrow, watching her with mild interest. He remained silent, letting her speak.

    Skadi gritted her teeth, her voice rising.

    "Aisha...Aisha is the reason we even investigated you in the first place! She was the first one to question the orders. And Captain¡ªCaptain never wanted to go through with it! From the very start, she fought against those orders, against everything that led to this moment!"

    Her breathing was shallow, but her grip tightened on his leg.

    "But Skadi?"

    She let out a bitter laugh.

    "Skadi was the one who wanted you dead the most. S-Skadi was the one who believed the rumors. Skadi was the one who wanted you gone!" Her voice cracked, the weight of her own sins crushing her. "So if anyone deserves to die today...It''s me."

    Then¡ª

    With unwavering resolve, she pressed her neck against the blade of the sword.

    She offered her life.

    Her hands shook, but she didn''t move away.

    "Kill me instead." Her voice was steady, even as her body trembled. "Please. Let them go...I-I deserve this more than anyone."

    Aisha felt something inside her break.

    Her throat tightened, her vision blurred with tears.

    This was Skadi.

    The same loud-mouthed, hot-headed, infuriating woman she had bickered with every single day.

    The same warrior who never backed down, never showed weakness, never gave in to fear.

    And now¡ª

    She was throwing everything away for her.

    Seeing both her captain and her comrade offering themselves up for her sake, something inside Aisha snapped.

    The fear that had paralyzed her moments before was replaced by a surge of courage, a fierce determination to protect the ones she loved....

 Chapter 81 - 81: Im A Pacifist

    "D-Don''t touch them!" Aisha cried out, her voice ringing with newfound strength. "Finish me off instead!"

    She lunged forward, grabbing Cassius''s hand, the same hand that had been moments away from her throat. She placed it on her own neck, her fingers wrapping around his, holding his hand firmly in place.

    Her gaze met his, her amber eyes filled with a desperate resolve. "Kill me." She said, her voice steady despite the tears streaming down her face. "I''m the one you want."

    Julie immediately shook her head, her voice firm despite her trembling body.

    "Noo!" She snapped, pushing forward. Her verdant eyes burned with desperation as she thrust herself between Cassius and Aisha, her own neck lowering onto the blade.

    "I am the captain of this squad!" She declared. "The responsibility is mine! If anyone should die here today, it should be me!"

    Her words sent a shockwave through the battlefield.

    Skadi''s eyes widened in horror.

    "Bullshit!" She barked out. "The squad needs you, captain! You''re the backbone of the Sacred Guard! If you die, the entire thing crumbles! You''re too important!"

    And then¡ªbefore anyone could react¡ªSkadi pushed forward as well. She shoved Julie slightly aside, placing her own neck against the blade.

    Her silver ears twitched, her eyes locked onto Cassius with pure resolve.

    "It should be me!" She growled. "I''m the dumb idiot here! I was the one who wanted you dead in the first place! I was the fool who believed the rumors without a second thought! If someone has to die¡ªthen it should be me!"

    Aisha gasped, her hands clenching into fists. Her entire body trembled.

    "No, no, no!" She cried, shaking her head violently. "I¡ªI can''t let you two die!" Tears streamed down her face as her body shook with emotion.

    "Y-You''re my family!" She sobbed, her voice breaking. "You two are all I have left! If you both die...I¡ªI don''t even know what I''ll do! I don''t know how to live!"

    Her words pierced the hearts of her comrades.

    Julie, blinking back tears, turned to look at Aisha with an expression of pure sadness. Skadi, usually so brash and confident, felt her throat tighten as she realized just how much Aisha loved them.

    Aisha¡ªwho always pretended to be indifferent, who always distanced herself¡ªhad just poured her soul out.

    She was terrified of losing them.

    Julie''s lips quivered. Skadi bit the inside of her cheek, fighting the sting in her eyes.

    For a brief moment, all three of them simply looked at each other, their hearts aching with the love and bond they shared.

    But just as Julie opened her mouth to argue again¡ª

    A cold, mocking voice shattered the moment.

    "Now, now, now¡­"

    The temperature seemed to drop. A cold shiver ran down all three of their spines.

    Slowly, hesitantly, they turned their eyes toward him.

    Cassius Holyfield.

    Smiling.

    Not a kind smile. Not a reassuring smile.

    A smile that promised nothing but despair.

    His crimson eyes gleamed with playfulness¡ªlike a predator playing with his prey.

    "Why are you all acting like I would actually let any of you sacrifice yourselves for the others?"

    His voice was smooth, low¡ªfilled with something dark.The moment he spoke, all three of them trembled.

    "What made you think you even have a choice?" He continued, tilting his head slightly.

    The way he said it¡ªso casual, so cruel¡ªmade their blood run cold.

    "Since you''re all so eager to die¡­"

    Cassius''s smile widened.

    "...Why don''t I just help you out?"

    Their hearts pounded violently.

    Julie felt her breath hitch.

    Aisha''s legs felt weak.

    Skadi''s instincts screamed at her to run.

    But their bodies¡ªfrozen in terror¡ªrefused to move.

    Cassius chuckled, his tone almost mockingly gentle.

    "I mean, I could just stomp both of yours heads into the dirt right now and make a beautiful splatter of red and white¡­"

    His gaze flickered down at Julie and Skadi¡ªboth still clutching his legs in desperation.

    "And as for you¡­" His eyes landed directly on Aisha.

    Aisha''s breath caught in her throat. Cassius slowly raised his free hand¡ªflexing his fingers like he was testing their movement.

    "Why don''t I just rip your throat out?" He mused, casually lifting his hand toward her neck.

    His fingers lingered in the air for just a moment¡ªright before her throat.

    Aisha gasped¡ªher entire body locking up in sheer terror. It was like she could already feel it.

    The cold touch of death.

    Cassius''s smile deepened.

    "Wouldn''t that be fair?"

    The moment the words left his mouth¡ª

    All three of them realized something.

    This wasn''t just hopeless.

    This was worse than anything they had ever imagined.

    For the first time since this battle began¡ª

    They understood.

    Cassius Holyfield wasn''t human.

    He was a monster.

    And there was absolutely nothing they could do to stop him.

    But, just as the three women teetered on the brink of utter despair, convinced that they were about to lose each other, that their sacrifices had been in vain, Cassius spoke again, uttering something that absolutely bamboozled them.

    "And that..." He said, his voice losing its chilling edge. "...is exactly what I would say if I were a bloodthirsty maniac, consumed by vengeance, eager to punish you all for ganging up on me and trying to...relocate my head."

    The three women stared at him, their eyes wide with confusion. The menacing look, the cruel smile, the aura of pure evil.

    It was gone. Just like that. And just was replaced by...a wry smile to their utter shock?

    Cassius then chuckled softly, the sound surprisingly gentle. He looked at them, his crimson eyes now filled with something akin to playfulness?

    "Fortunately for you..." He said. "I''m a very understanding person. A pacifist, even. I can see the bigger picture." He paused, his smile widening. "And I have absolutely no intention of taking anyone''s life. I never did."

    Julie, who had been moments away from offering up her life, twitched.

    Skadi, who had practically shoved her own neck onto his sword, felt like she had just been pranked.

    Aisha, however¡ª

    Aisha''s entire body trembled with rage. Her amber eyes blazed with fury as she snapped her gaze up at him.

    "Pacifist?" She spat, her teeth grinding in frustration.

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, looking genuinely curious at her outburst.

    "You¡­" Aisha''s fists shook. "You could''ve just killed us outright. You could''ve said you were going to take our lives, and we would''ve accepted it."

    Her voice wavered.

    "We deserved it. You totally deserve to take our lives and we wouldn''t have complained."

    Julie lowered her head, as Skadi''s jaw tightened.

    Aisha''s chest rose and fell rapidly. And then¡ªshe took a sharp step forward, her glare fierce.

    "But don''t you dare..." She hissed through gritted teeth. "...call yourself a pacifist after what you just did."

    Her voice was thick with rage and disbelief.

    "Not after you slaughtered so many of our comrades."

    Julie''s heart clenched. It was her responsibility as a leader to protect them...But she had failed.

    Skadi''s ears rose, guilt clawing at her insides.

    Cassius, however, remained calm.

    Unbothered...Unapologetic.

    Instead, he merely gazed at them with a peculiar softness.

    "Killed them?" He echoed.

    Aisha''s rage burned hotter.

    Julie braced herself.

    Skadi''s claws twitched.

    And then¡ª

    Cassius sighed.

    "You really should check your fallen comrades before you jump to conclusions."

    That made them pause, looking at each other with a confused look on their faces.

    Cassius then folded his arms, his expression unreadable. "Go on, then." He gestured behind them, where their fallen knights lay scattered across the battlefield. "See for yourselves if I''m a hypocrite like you said or not."

    Something about the way he said it sent a chill down their spines.

    Aisha hesitated.

    Julie exchanged a look with Skadi, a silent question passing between them.

    Then, swallowing her nerves, Julie turned to one of her knights¡ªthe first one Cassius had struck down. She looked cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest and saw that even though she was was lying on the ground, his body twisted at an unnatural angle, she was...wiggling.

    Her armor was dented, her face contorted in pain, but she was alive. She was groaning softly, her eyes fluttering open and closed.

    Julie''s breath caught in her throat. She immediately scanned her body, checking for injuries and found that she was badly hurt, no doubt about it, but she was alive.

    She turned to another fallen knight, and then another. And to her astonishment, they were all alive!

    Yes, they were suffering, their bodies broken, their faces pale and drawn. But they were breathing. They were moving. They were alive.

    Skadi, whose tail had puffed up in shock, whirled around as her sharp ears picked up the sounds of groans, muttered curses, and ragged breathing.

    And then it hit her.

    "You guys¡ª!" She gasped, her silver eyes shimmering with disbelief. "You guys are still alive?!"

    A beat of silence.

    Then, one by one, the fallen knights responded.

    "Still kickin''...somehow." One woman grunted, clutching her broken ribs.

    "Ugh, hurts like a bitch, but yeah...not dead." Another groaned.

    "Pretty sure my spine''s in the wrong place, but I haven''t kicked the bucket yet."

    "Damn, I really thought I was gonna see the afterlife for a second¡­"

    "Shit...I can still hear Skadi yelling, so I guess I''m alive."

    Skadi''s ears twitched violently at that last comment, but she was too relieved to get mad.

    Aisha swallowed hard, feeling something warm and tight build in her chest.

    Julie, meanwhile, was completely speechless.

    She had watched Cassius move.

    She had seen his speed, his strength, his sheer brutality.

    She had thought¡ªno, she had been certain¡ªthat they were all dead.

    But they weren''t.

    Cassius had crippled them. He had utterly dismantled them.

    And yet, he hadn''t taken a single life.

    Julie''s fingers clenched into the fabric of her gloves. This...This doesn''t make sense.

    If he wanted revenge, he could have slaughtered them all. If he wanted to send a message, he could have wiped them from existence.

    But instead¡ªhe had spared them.

    Severely injured, but spared.

    "Why?" Julie muttered under her breath, her brow furrowed in confusion. She couldn''t understand his motives. His actions were completely at odds with his earlier pronouncements.

    She looked at Cassius, her eyes searching his face for any clue, any hint of explanation. "You said...You said this was a game of survival." She said, her voice laced with disbelief. "You said there was no right or wrong. You said you were going to slaughter us all so that you could survive."

    She paused, her voice rising in frustration. "Why? Why spare us now? Why show mercy when you were so ready to kill us before?"

    Cassius simply smiled, a small, enigmatic smile that offered no answers. "Oh that, I was simply...joking." He said to their shock, his voice light, almost playful.

    Aisha, Julie, and Skadi stared at him, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and exasperation. Joking? He had been joking? He had put them through all that terror, all that pain, just for a joke?

    "I wanted to see how you would react." Cassius continued, his smile widening slightly. "To see how far you would go to protect each other."

    He then looked at them, his expression turning serious. "I also wanted to show you...that you never stood a chance against me in the first place and there was absolutely no chance of fulfilling your mission."

    He paused, letting his words sink in. "I mean, it''s not like you would have just believed me if I had simply told you that." He added, a hint of wry amusement in his voice.

    The three women looked down, their faces etched with a dawning understanding.

    He was right. They wouldn''t have believed him.

    They were so caught up in their duty, their loyalty, their desire to protect each other, that they had blinded themselves to the reality of the situation. They had underestimated him. They had vastly overestimated their own abilities.

    "Yes, there are broken bones." Cassius said, his voice softening slightly. "Yes, there are flesh wounds, ligament tears, and a whole lot of pain." He gestured towards the injured knights scattered across the courtyard. "But it''s better than...wiping you all out, wouldn''t you agree?" His smile returned, this time a genuine, almost gentle smile.

    Almost all of them unconciously nodded their head as they''d much rather spend the rest of the month on a bed, then spend the rest of their existence in a coffin.

    Skadi, despite the pain radiating through her body, couldn''t help but voice the question that was lingering in her mind. "B-But...What about revenge?" She asked, her voice small and hesitant. "Don''t you...Don''t you want to do something back to us? For ambushing you like cowards?"

    She hung her head, ashamed of her own actions, her previous bloodlust replaced by a gnawing guilt.

    Cassius, instead of answering, simply bent down and patted Skadi''s head. She was still lying at his feet, along with Julie, who was too weak to move. The unexpected gesture caught Skadi off guard and she didn''t know what to feel since his touch was so gentle.

    "Oh, my adorable little puppy." Cassius said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "What you said makes sense. Anyone else, faced with such a...bold attempt on their life, would be furious, regardless of the circumstances."

    He paused, his expression turning thoughtful.

    "But..." He continued, his voice taking on a strange, almost omnipotent quality. "That only applies to normal people. When it comes to someone like me, someone who is...confident in their ability to preserve their own life, no matter the threat...Well, you start to see your enemies differently."

    He looked at them, his eyes filled with a strange intensity.

    "You become less interested in their actions..." He explained. "...and more interested in their intentions. Why did they do what they did? What motivated them?"

    He smiled, a genuine smile this time, devoid of any malice.

    "And in your case..." He said, his gaze sweeping over the three women. "Your intentions...were quite noble, in their own way. You weren''t trying to kill me out of hatred or malice. You were trying to protect your comrades. You were willing to sacrifice yourselves to save them."

    He paused, letting his words sink in. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "And that..." He concluded. "...is something I can respect. So, I''ve decided to let you go."

    The three women stared at him, their mouths agape. They were speechless. He was...letting them go? Just like that? After everything they had done, after everything they had put him through? It was...unbelievable.

    But Julie on the other hand had a question gnawing at her mind when she heard his reasoning.

    Her voice was quieter now, almost unwilling to disturb the unsettling calm that had settled over them. "What if¡­" She exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself. "W-What if we had tried to kill you without hesitation? Without guilt? If we had struck you down without remorse, would you still have spared us?"

    Cassius''s smile didn''t fade. If anything, it grew sharper¡ªcruel, cold, and enthralled all at once. He tilted his head slightly, as if considering the thought, then exhaled a soft chuckle.

    "Oh, then?" He mused, his voice carrying a mockery of warmth.

    "...Then I would probably skin all of you alive and hang you up somewhere to make an example..."

    "...Especially the furry ones since they would make rugs with how fluffy they looked and maybe some other appliances as well."

    The words were spoken so casually, so lightly, that they sent an immediate chill down the knights spines.

    A silence fell over the courtyard.

    Aisha swallowed hard at the thought of being made into a ornament. Julie stiffened at the thought of being put on display. While Skadi''s tail shook again, standing on end like a terrified cat when she imagined the sight of her tail being used as a duster.

    Even the injured knights, who had been groaning moments ago, now felt a fresh kind of pain¡ªone that had nothing to do with their wounds and everything to do with sheer, unfiltered fear.

    ''Praise the gods...'' Julie thought. ''Praise the gods we stayed true to our principles...Or else.'' She didn''t even want to think of that horrifying nightmare.

 Chapter 82 - 82: Eternal Vow

    Aisha, however, just like the other two had another question which made Cassius feel like he was a lecturer at university. One she couldn''t keep in any longer.

    "Y-You¡­Do you possibly hate me?" She asked hesitantly, her voice quieter than before. Her fingers clenched around her sleeve, the memory of Cassius''s hand moving towards her throat still vivid. "Back then...when you were reaching your hand out to me. You looked like you really wanted to kill me."

    Cassius blinked for a second, then burst into laughter when he realised what she was talking about.

    "Of course not." He said, as if the idea was absurd. "Why would want to wring your throat out just for the sake of it? I''m not someone who enjoys that sort of play."

    "...I actually was just trying to touch your ears."

    Aisha reeled.

    "¡­What?"

    Cassius grinned, his expression utterly unrepentant. "I mean, it was the first time I''ve seen someone from the feline race and they looked so fluffy, that I simply couldn''t resist."

    Aisha gawked at him, her ears twitching involuntarily. That was not the answer she had been expecting.

    And then¡ª

    "Lucius." Cassius called out, still grinning. "Don''t you think her ears are really cute?"

    Lucius did not respond.

    He stood there in the distance, motionless, his eyes fixed blankly on the sky, looking as though he had just witnessed the unraveling of the universe itself. His mouth was slightly open, yet no words came out. It was as if his mind had simply refused to process any more absurdity.

    Cassius sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "Ah...my poor butler''s down for the count." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha, still bristling from Cassius''s ridiculous comment about her ears, barely spared Lucius a glance before scoffing. "Honestly, I kind of feel the same way."

    Cassius tilted his head, watching Lucius for a moment. Then, deciding that waiting for him to recover naturally would take far too long, so he went over to him and lifted a hand and¡ªsmack!¡ªdelivered a sharp slap across Lucius''s cheek.

    The butler jolted upright as if he had been electrocuted, his eyes now wide and alert.

    "M-Master?!" He sputtered, one hand clutching his face. "What in the world was that for?!"

    Cassius smirked, crossing his arms. "Welcome back. You went off to another plane of existence there for a moment."

    Lucius blinked rapidly, still visibly shaken. He looked around, taking in the scene, then exhaled heavily as the weight of reality settled onto his shoulders again.

    "Master...I feel like I just survived an exorcism."

    Cassius chuckled. "Don''t be so dramatic."

    Lucius gave him a flat look. "Dramatic? You almost died, then proceeded to beat an entire squad of elite knights half to death, and now you''re debating the cuteness of cat ears."

    Cassius shrugged. "You''re still standing, aren''t you?"

    And seeing Cassius and Lucious joking around made Aisha realise that they weren''t in that life or death battlefield and had finally escape.

    Because of this she suddenly let out a long sigh. And then, to everyone''s surprise, she plopped onto the ground, stretching her legs out in front of her.

    "¡­Oh gods, it''s over." She murmured out of realisation, tilting her head back and staring up at the sky. "We''re actually alive."

    Julie turned her head sharply toward her, still tense from everything that had transpired, but Aisha only let out another deep sigh, this time laced with sheer relief.

    Skadi, finally snapping out of the daze of near-death adrenaline, perked up and let out a bark of laughter.

    "Holy shit¡ªwe''re free! We actually got out of this alive!" Her tail wagged wildly as she turned toward Julie and Aisha, her silver eyes practically glowing with excitement. "We didn''t have to kill anyone! And we''re not dead either!"

    Julie, still on her knees, exhaled shakily. ''We actually survived this...I-It feels surreal.''

    Aisha, now slightly calmer, looked up at Cassius, who was still standing over them with that unreadable smirk. She studied him for a moment, then sighed again, this time with a bit of amusement.

    "Y''know." She mused, resting her arms on her knees. "I guess all it took to ruin that bastard''s plan was someone way too overpowered for any of us to handle."

    Cassius arched a brow, but before he could respond, Aisha smirked and said, "Oh, and a god complex that makes him think he''s above everyone else...That part is pretty important too."

    There was a beat of silence. Then Cassius''s gaze slowly turned toward her, his smirk sharpening into something...almost predatory.

    Aisha immediately went stiff.

    "¡­I mean." She coughed, her ears twitching in alarm. "Y-You''re a very benevolent god, of course."

    Cassius''s smirk widened. Aisha panicked.

    Without another word, she crawled¡ªliterally crawled¡ªbetween Julie and Skadi, using them as human (and beastkin) shields.

    Julie, despite her exhaustion, blinked in bewilderment. "Aisha...What are you doing?"

    "I''m seeking asylum." Aisha muttered, peeking out cautiously from behind Skadi''s shoulder.

    Skadi, still on her high from surviving certain doom, let out another laugh. "Pfft, scaredy-cat."

    Aisha glared at her. "Don''t you start."

    Julie was about to smile at the usual sight that warmed her heart, that is until her eyes turned gloomy once again when she remembered that things weren''t truly over yet. She exhaled slowly, pressing a gloved hand to her forehead as if warding off an oncoming headache.

    A wry smile then tugged at her lips, though her emerald eyes reflected nothing but exhaustion and reluctant acceptance.

    "Don''t get too excited since it''s...It''s not over yet." She muttered.

    Skadi, still caught up in the rush of survival, tilted her head. "Huh?"

    Aisha, peeking out from behind Julie and Skadi, narrowed her eyes. "W-What do you mean it''s not over? We made it, didn''t we? We''re alive. Cassius is alive. That bastard''s plan is ruined. What else could possibly¡ª"

    Julie cut her off with a weary chuckle.

    "Young Master Cassius was merciful enough to spare us, even though he had every right to take our lives after what we did." She turned her gaze to Cassius, her expression a mixture of guilt and gratitude. "But our failure doesn''t mean we''re safe."

    That wiped the triumphant looks off both Aisha''s and Skadi''s faces.

    Julie let out a slow breath, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "My orders were absolute. Kill Cassius, return with his head, and if we failed¡­"

    Silence settled over them, heavy and suffocating.

    Aisha''s ears peeked up. Skadi''s tail stilled.

    Even the injured knights who had been celebrating their survival suddenly stiffened as realization dawned upon them.

    Julie''s voice was calm, but the underlying tension was unmistakable. "The Holyfield patriarch...Cassius''s father...will never forgive this failure."

    Cassius, who had been idly watching the conversation unfold, quirked a brow at that. Instead of looking the least bit concerned, he seemed rather...entertained.

    "Well..." He mused, adjusting his sleeves before lowering himself onto the ground like everyone else. "That sounds interesting. Do go on."

    Lucius, still standing, looked at his master like he had lost his mind. "Master, I hardly think this is something to be entertained by!"

    Cassius shot him a cheeky smile. "Well, I already knew dear old father wouldn''t take this lightly. I just want to see how bad it''s going to be."

    Julie ran a hand through her bangs, looking at Cassius with a complicated expression before sighing. "Bad doesn''t even begin to describe it."

    Aisha swallowed hard. "How bad?"

    Julie looked away, her biting her lips slightly before she finally answered.

    "If we return empty-handed, we will all be marked as...traitors."

    Aisha sucked in a sharp breath. Skadi''s ears shot up in alarm. The rest of the knights, who had been clinging to the hope that they could return to their normal lives, let out a collective murmur of panic.

    "Traitors?" Skadi echoed, her voice wavering. "But...But we were just following orders!"

    "Doesn''t matter." Julie said grimly. "We failed. That alone is enough."

    Aisha gritted her teeth, her tail flicking violently. "So what? We go back and get executed for incompetence? That''s insane!"

    "Of course it is." Julie said, her voice laced with bitter amusement. "But it''s reality. The Holyfield patriarch doesn''t tolerate failure, and this...this was the worst failure imaginable."

    One of the knights, still clutching her injured arm, muttered anxiously. "Isn''t there anything we can do? Captain, if we explain¡ª"

    Julie shook her head. "You think reasoning with him will work? You think telling him, ''Oh, sorry, sir, your son turned out to be a walking nightmare, so we couldn''t kill him,'' is going to earn us any mercy?"

    Silence. The truth was brutal.

    They had been sent to do the impossible.

    And now, they had no home to return to.

    Skadi''s ears drooped. "Then what do we do?" She whispered.

    Aisha''s tail flicked anxiously, her amber eyes burning with defiance. "No." She said, shaking her head firmly. "That doesn''t make sense."

    Skadi and Julie turned to her, watching as she clenched her fists, her claws slightly digging into her palms.

    "The patriarch wouldn''t just execute all of us." Aisha continued, her voice laced with frustration. "We were assigned an impossible task! We were sent to kill him¡ª" She gestured toward Cassius, who sat watching their conversation unfold with quiet amusement. "¡ªa man who completely outclasses us in every way! How could he expect us to succeed?!"

    Her tail lashed from side to side as she went on. "I mean, as long as Cassius demonstrates his overwhelming power¡ªif he proves to the patriarch that he''s not someone who can be eliminated so easily¡ªthen¡­"

    But then, mid-sentence, her voice faltered.

    Realization hit her like a slap to the face.

    What was she saying?

    Cassius and his father...they already had a long-standing blood feud. This wasn''t just a misunderstanding or a political dispute¡ªit was a deep, irreparable hatred.

    There was no scenario where Cassius would willingly go before his father to showcase his strength. That would be akin to presenting himself as an active threat, forcing the patriarch to escalate things further.

    And even if, by some miracle, Cassius were willing to step in for them¡ªwhy would he?

    They had just tried to kill him.

    They had dragged him into an execution attempt, outnumbered and outmatched, all because of an order they blindly followed.

    Why in the hell would he put himself in danger for them?

    Aisha swallowed, her ears dropping slightly.

    As a last, desperate measure, she cast a sideways glance at Cassius, as if silently pleading for an answer, for some shred of mercy. She knew it was shameless. She hated that she was doing this, but she was backed into a corner.

    But Cassius only gazed back at her with a neutral expression.

    Unreadable. Unmoved. He didn''t say a word.

    He wasn''t going to make this decision for them. He was simply watching. Waiting.

    Aisha felt her stomach twist in frustration.

    And before she could swallow her pride and outright ask him, Julie suddenly let out a quiet chuckle.

    "Don''t bother." Julie murmured, shaking her head.

    Aisha turned to her, confusion flashing across her face.

    Julie smiled¡ªthough it was a weary, almost resigned expression. "Even if Cassius did speak for our sake...we''re sadly already doomed."

    Skadi''s ears twitched violently, her silver eyes filled with uncertainty. "What do you mean?"

    Julie exhaled softly before finally admitting. "Because I took an eternal vow with the patriarch."

    Silence.

    Aisha''s breath caught in her throat.

    Skadi''s entire body tensed.

    The knights who had been listening to the conversation stiffened, their expressions morphing into horror.

    Cassius, however, merely raised an eyebrow. He then tilted his head and glanced at Lucious. "An eternal vow, huh?" He mused. "That''s a term I haven''t heard before. Lucious, what exactly is it?"

    Lucious, still pale from everything that had unfolded, opened his mouth to answer¡ªbut before he could get a word out, Julie spoke up instead.

    "It''s a sacred vow." She explained, her voice eerily calm despite the gravity of her words. "A promise, a contract¡ªwhatever you want to call it¡ªthat cannot be broken, no matter what."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow. "Cannot be broken?"

    Julie nodded. "It is an unbreakable bond formed between two parties, sanctioned by a high-ranking member of the church. Using the binding power of God himself, the vow links the lives of those involved to the very words they swear upon."

    She took a deep breath, then added grimly, "And should either party fail to uphold their end of the vow...their life is immediately forfeited."

    A heavy silence followed her words.

    Cassius absorbed the information with an unreadable expression. "Huh." He muttered, tapping his chin. "That''s quite the spell."

    "It''s not just any spell." Julie continued, shaking her head. "It''s an exceptionally powerful and rare ritual. The church can only perform it a handful of times each year, and it''s usually reserved for the most critical of agreements¡ªtreaties between nations, pacts between rulers...and, well, situations where absolute trust and obedience are required."

    She let out a bitter chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "And in my case...because of how much the patriarch despises you, Young Master, and how desperately he wanted to ensure that you would die today without any risk of failure¡ªhe made that vow with me."

    Cassius''s gaze sharpened. "Oh?"

    Julie nodded, her expression darkening. "The vow was simple. If you are not dead by the end of the day, I die. And not just me."

    She let the words hang in the air, the weight of them suffocating.

    Then, her lips curled into a humorless smirk. "To guarantee that no one in my squad would hesitate, to make sure no one would even consider abandoning the mission, he added another clause."

    She swallowed, then continued, her voice hollow.

    "If I fail, he will personally make it his mission to hunt down every last one of my subordinates. No matter where they run. No matter how far they flee. He will wipe them all out."

    A cold chill swept through the knights. Some of them physically recoiled, others clenched their fists in horror. Even Aisha, who had long since known the cruelty of nobles, felt a sickening wave of nausea at how utterly ruthless the patriarch was.

    Skadi looked like she wanted to throw up.

    Cassius, however, only let out a slow exhale. "That is quite the predicament."

    Julie let out a short, bitter laugh. "You can say that again." She shook her head. "He thought this vow would be his insurance. That no matter what happened, no one would dare defy him. That with our lives on the line, we would cut you down no matter what."

    Her hands clenched into fists as a rueful smile appeared on her face, "But he never would have expected it to backfire like this."

    "...Now, no matter what we do¡ªwhether we kill you or not¡ªwe are doomed."

 Chapter 83 - 83: The Duties Of A Leader

    The weight of her words crushed the remaining bits of hope lingering in the air.

    The knights who had once taken pride in their cause now stared at the ground in silent horror, the reality of their situation pressing down on them like an unmovable weight.

    Skadi''s ears flattened completely, her body trembling as she looked toward Aisha. Aisha, who had been so vocal before, now stood frozen, her amber eyes staring into nothingness.

    Julie, the fearless leader they all admired, had sealed her own fate the moment she agreed to the vow.

    And all of them¡­

    Every single one of them¡­

    Were going to die because of it.

    Aisha''s voice was weak, almost trembling as she turned toward Julie.

    "Why¡­? Why did you accept such a thing?" She asked, her eyes filled with disbelief and betrayal. "You should have fought back¡ªyou should have argued against it! This is beyond cruel, Captain!"

    Her tail shook as her voice wavered. "And why didn''t you tell us? We''re your knights! Your squad! We would''ve fought for you! We would''ve demanded justice! How could they treat us like we had no trust, no worth?!"

    Julie''s expression faltered, something shifting in her gaze¡ªsomething unreadable. The weight of Aisha''s words pressed against her like chains, but instead of responding immediately, she hesitated.

    A long silence followed.

    Then, Julie exhaled and closed her eyes, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly. "It doesn''t matter if I told you or not since even if the patriarch hadn''t demanded the Eternal Vow¡­" Her voice was barely above a whisper. "¡­I would have taken it myself."

    The world seemed to stop.

    Aisha''s breath hitched. Skadi visibly recoiled, her ears shooting straight up, her tail freezing mid-movement. Even the knights who had been listening paled at her words.

    Skadi, usually so brash and loud, could only stammer. "W-What? Captain, what are you saying?" Her silver eyes darted across Julie''s face as if trying to find some trace of deception. "That doesn''t make sense! Why¡ªWhy would you do that?!"

    Julie''s fingers curled into her gloves, her jaw tightening. "I...I can''t say."

    Aisha''s tail flicked in confusion. "You can''t say? Why captain?! Why?!...No matter the reason, we know you''d do it with the best of our intentions mind, so why can''t you tell us." The sheer desperation in her voice made even the injured knights flinch.

    Julie still remained silent.

    Skadi looked at her with wide, disbelieving eyes, her hands tightening into fists. "Captain¡­" Her voice trembled, pleading. "Please...tell us why."

    But Julie only turned her face away, lips pressing into a thin line. Whatever the reason was, she had no intention of revealing it.

    And before Aisha could shout again, before Skadi could demand answers, another voice cut through the heavy tension.

    "¡­Ah."

    Cassius suddenly let out a quiet chuckle.

    Aisha and Skadi turned, startled by his sudden interjection.

    Sitting cross-legged on the ground with his arms resting casually over his knees, Cassius tilted his head slightly, an amused yet knowing glint in his crimson eyes.

    "So that''s how it is." He murmured, as if talking to himself. "It finally makes sense."

    Lucious, who had also sat down beside him in silent exhaustion, blinked at his master''s cryptic remark. "Master...What makes sense?"

    Cassius hummed, stretching his arms. "I finally figured something out¡ªsomething that had been bugging me for a while now."

    Julie''s gaze snapped toward him, wary. Aisha and Skadi looked confused but also curious.

    Cassius then turned his eyes to Lucious, a smug look on his face. "I finally understand how exactly the Holyfield household planned to appease the Vindictus household after executing me."

    Lucious frowned. "But, Master...didn''t you already say that earlier? That they would offer the heads of the ones who spread the rumors or the maids involved?"

    Cassius let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. "I did say that, but that was just an example. A mere possibility I threw out. In reality¡­" His smirk deepened. "¡­there was no way the Vindictus household would be satisfied with the heads of a few mere peasants."

    At this, the entire group froze.

    Aisha''s breath stopped as she realized something, while Julie''s expression darkened.

    And Cassius?...He just kept smiling.

    Cassius leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with quiet playfulness as he spoke.

    "There was no way the prideful Vindictus family would accept such a meager compensation." He said, his voice almost lazy, as if he were simply stating an obvious fact. "They wouldn''t just let this go after their supposed heir was executed. No, the Holyfield household would need to do much more to appease their wrath, to ensure this doesn''t escalate into war."

    He let his words linger, watching as realization slowly began to dawn on the knights around him.

    "And that something¡­" He dragged the words out, reveling in the tension, before finally saying. "...is probably the lives of everyone involved in this mission to kill me."

    A sharp intake of breath echoed from Skadi.

    Cassius turned his gaze to the knights, watching their expressions twist with dread. "Every single one of you. From the common knights all the way up to your leader. You''d all be executed to appease the Vindictus family''s anger¡ªno matter how cruel, no matter how unjust. Even though you were forced into this mission, even though you had no choice."

    "That''s¡ª!" Skadi started, her fur rising in anger. Her claws twitched, her mouth opening to snarl at the sheer absurdity of it.

    But before she could lash out, Aisha swiftly raised a hand in front of her, cutting her off. Skadi turned to her, confused, but Aisha''s amber eyes remained locked onto Julie.

    Julie, who had been silent this whole time.

    Julie, who had not refuted a single word Cassius had said.

    Aisha''s heart clenched painfully. She already knew where this was going.

    Cassius noticed the shift in the atmosphere, the way Aisha''s ears drooped in silent anguish, the way Julie kept her head slightly lowered as if bracing herself. And he smiled.

    "As cruel as it may be..." Cassius continued, stretching his arms lazily. "This is how noble politics work." His tone remained casual, unaffected, as if he had long since accepted this twisted reality. "Blood must pay for blood. It doesn''t matter why you did it, or whether you had a choice...What matters is that the Holyfield household needs a grand, dramatic display of justice to maintain their dignity."

    The knights gritted their teeth. Some clenched their fists so tightly that their gloves creaked under the pressure.

    Lucious, who had been silently absorbing all of this, frowned deeply. "But, Master." He interjected, his voice firm. "That doesn''t make sense. The Eternal Vow that Captain Julie made would prevent that from happening. It ensures that everyone would be let off after completing the task. That was the whole point of it, wasn''t it? A fair deal?"

    The knights, still shaken, quickly latched onto Lucious''s words, nodding in agreement.

    Cassius, however, simply smiled. A slow, knowing smile.

    And then he turned his gaze back to Julie, locking eyes with her. The way she stiffened ever so slightly, the way her lips pressed together in the faintest hint of tension¡ªit was all the confirmation he needed.

    "Ah..." He said, his tone laced with joy like he were unraveling a birthday present. "Now that''s where the real twist comes in."

    The knights tensed. Cassius tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving Julie''s.

    "You see, your beautiful and intelligent Captain Julie..." He mused. "...probably already anticipated something like this from the very beginning."

    The silence that followed was suffocating.

    Cassius continued, his voice smooth, unwavering. "She knew that even if she completed the mission, the Holyfield household could still decide to execute her entire squad anyway for the sake of giving face to the Vindictus household. And if that happened¡ªwell, there would be nothing she could do to stop it."

    Julie''s fingers curled into the fabric of her gloves, but she still said nothing. Cassius''s smile widened.

    "So¡­" He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his palm. "She made a counteroffer or more of a demand or maybe even threat of retaliation to the patriarch of the Holyfield household, didn''t she?" Aisha''s swallowed hard knowing where this was leading to.

    Cassius''s voice softened, almost mockingly gentle.

    "Instead of having everyone in her squad be sacrificed...she proposed that only she, one of the only two grandmasters in the Holyfield family, a highly valuable member be executed in their place."

    A sharp gasp echoed from the knights.

    "That way..." Cassius continued, his tone eerily casual. "She could ensure that none of you would be hunted down like animals once this was all over. You''d all be safe...at the cost of her own life."

    His words hit like a hammer, sending waves of shock and despair through the knights.

    Julie remained silent.

    She had no rebuttal.

    She didn''t even try to deny it.

    Because Cassius was right. She had already accepted her death....From the very beginning. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Tears welled up in the eyes of every knight present, their chests tightening with the overwhelming weight of Julie''s sacrifice.

    It wasn''t fair. It wasn''t right. And yet, their captain¡ªthe woman who had led them through battle after battle, who had fought beside them, bled with them, protected them¡ªhad accepted it without hesitation. From the very beginning.

    Skadi, her silver ears trembling against her head, shook her head violently. "No...No, no, no!" Her voice cracked as she stumbled toward Julie, grabbing onto her arm with trembling hands. "How could you do this, Captain? How could you make such a decision without telling us?!"

    Aisha, usually so composed, looked absolutely flustered at what had been revealed. "It''s not fair!" She choked, her amber eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You can''t just sacrifice yourself for us like this! We should have had a say!"

    But Julie, ever composed, simply smiled.

    A warm, loving smile that only made their hearts ache more.

    She reached out and gently placed a hand on their heads, stroking Aisha''s soft ears and ruffling Skadi''s wild silver hair. "Well, that''s simply because..." She murmured. "...my life is nothing compared to the lives of my squad."

    A fresh wave of tears cascaded down Skadi''s face, and Aisha sucked in a shaky breath, her body trembling.

    "It''s my duty as your captain to protect you all." Julie continued, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "I would much rather die a thousand times over than watch a single one of you be sacrificed for this cursed mission."

    A sob tore its way from Skadi''s throat, and she pressed her forehead against Julie''s shoulder, gripping onto her like a lifeline. "Damn it¡­" She whispered, her voice raw with emotion. "Damn it, Captain¡­"

    Aisha squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head furiously. "You don''t get to make that choice alone!" She said through gritted teeth. "You don''t get to decide that your life is worth less than ours!"

    Julie let out a quiet, rueful chuckle. "And yet...I did."

    But the she exhaled deeply, her usually steady gaze clouded with exhaustion and sorrow.

    "But it seems fate has decided to be crueler than I ever imagined." She murmured, casting her eyes toward the sky. "Not only was I always meant to die, but now...you all are, too."

    She turned her gaze back to her knights, her expression filled with grief.

    "I''m sorry." She whispered, the weight of those words pressing down on her like a mountain. "I failed you. As your captain, as your leader¡ªI failed."

    The silence that followed was deafening. The knights¡ªher knights¡ªstared at her, their faces twisted with anguish. Tears welled in Skadi''s silver eyes, but she furiously wiped them away, as if refusing to let them fall.

    "Stop it." Skadi choked out, her voice shaking with suppressed emotion. "Don''t you dare say that, captain."

    Julie blinked.

    "Skadi doesn''t blame you." Skadi continued, her hands balling into fists. Skadi would never blame you. You did what you thought was right. You did what any good captain would do¡ªyou protected your squad."

    She took a trembling breath. "And if we have to die, then so be it." She declared, her silver tail bristling with determination. "But we''ll die as knights of the Sacred Guard. Your knights."

    Julie''s lips parted, but no words came out. Before she could protest, Aisha moved forward, her amber eyes burning with a mix of anger and admiration.

    "She''s right." Aisha said, her voice steadier than Skadi''s but just as fierce. "You carried this burden alone, all for our sake. But you don''t have to anymore." Her gaze softened. "We will follow you anywhere, Captain. Even to the end."

    The other knights, still wounded, still aching, still barely standing, murmured in agreement. One by one, they straightened their backs, wiped their tears, and nodded with unwavering conviction which made even Lucious who was a bystander to all of this feel a sense of pride and comaderie flow through him at the moment like he too wanted to die along them.

    ...But of course even if he wanted to do so, he couldn''t since his life was dedicated to serving his young master and a dead butler wouldn''t exactly be the most useful for him.

 Chapter 84 - 84: Taking Liberties

    Julie felt something in her chest tighten¡ªsomething painful, something unbearable, something that made her want to both cry and laugh at the same time.

    But then¡ª

    "If anyone deserves to die." One knight muttered. "It''s that damn Patriarch."

    That one sentence ignited something in the group.

    "The bastard sent us on a suicide mission for his own damn son."

    "He knew we''d fail from the start. He wanted us to."

    "He made Julie take that Eternal Vow just to guarantee our deaths."

    "And what do we get for years of loyal service? Executed! Just because some power-hungry old man wants to be rid of his own blood!"

    The rage in the air was obvious. The knights, still battered and bruised, were furious. Their anger surged, spreading like wildfire.

    Julie opened her mouth, perhaps to calm them down, but Skadi wasn''t finished. She let out a growl, her canines flashing in frustration. "That filthy, snake-hearted, rotten, decrepit excuse of a man¡ªif I had just one second alone with him, I''d rip his throat out with my teeth!"

    "You''d rip out his throat? I''d gut him." Another knight hissed.

    "I''d burn down his entire damn estate and salt the ground."

    "Drown him in a pit of his own lies."

    "I''d love to see him strapped to a wooden post and whipped like a common criminal."

    "Throw him into a nest of starved vultures and see how long he lasts."

    Julie watched in quiet amazement as her squad¡ªonce disciplined, noble, and duty-bound¡ªhad descended into full-blown, unfiltered hatred for the man they had once sworn loyalty to.

    The same knights who had once proudly carried out the Holyfield household''s will were now throwing every imaginable insult at the very patriarch they had served without question.

    And then, as the absurdity of the situation dawned on her, she laughed.

    "Hahaha!~"

    A soft chuckle at first, but it grew¡ªbubbling up from deep within her chest, shaking her shoulders as she let out a full-bodied, genuine laugh. A laugh of disbelief, of irony, of sheer madness at the situation they found themselves in.

    The moment Skadi heard her captain''s laugh, she also let out a loud, almost howling laugh, clutching her stomach as she rolled onto her back.

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    And then¡ªone by one¡ªthe others joined in.

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    "Hahahahaha!~"

    Battered. Broken. Bleeding.

    And yet, they laughed.

    Not because the situation had improved. Not because they had found a miraculous escape.

    But because, in that moment, they had accepted their fates.

    Aisha, her eyes wet with unshed tears, smiled as she wiped them away with the back of her hand. "You know." She mused, shaking her head. "I guess there really isn''t any point in worrying anymore."

    Julie looked over at her, amusement still lingering in her eyes. "Oh?"

    Aisha exhaled, a slow, weary breath. "We can''t run, can''t hide. Even if we tried, our families would be implicated, and they''d most definitely be executed in one way or another."

    Her amber eyes flickered with a strange mixture of peace and defiance. "So if we''re going to die...we might as well do it with pride."

    The other knights quieted, listening to her words with rapt attention.

    "No matter how painful or humiliating it may be." Aisha continued, standing tall despite her injuries. "We should face our end as one¡ªwith our heads held high and our backs straight. We should meet death with a smile on our faces, just to show that bastard of a Patriarch that we haven''t succumbed to his schemes."

    She placed a hand over her chest, right where her heart was beating strong and steady. "We''ve done nothing wrong. We have never stained the name of the Sacred Guard. And we will never allow him to take that from us."

    A proud, almost reckless smile spread across her lips. "So, if we''re going to die...let''s make sure we do it our way."

    For a brief, profound moment, there was silence.

    And then¡ª

    A roar of cheers erupted from the battered knights.

    Even those who could barely sit up lifted their arms and banged their fists against their chests in agreement.

    Skadi threw her head back and let out a loud, wild war cry, her silver tail whipping around with pride. "That''s right! We''re not going to die like cowards! We''ll die as knights of the Sacred Guard, standing tall!"

    The others followed, pounding their fists against the dirt, the armor, anything they could, creating a thunderous, rhythmic beat that shook the air with their sheer determination.

    Julie watched all of this, her heart aching with both pride and sorrow.

    Her knights.

    Her soldiers.

    Her family.

    They had accepted their end¡ªnot with fear, not with despair¡ªbut with courage. Her chest swelled with emotion as she swept her gaze over them.

    If she had to die, then she would gladly die among these people. These warriors.

    Yes, her time on this earth was limited.

    But she would leave it with no regrets.

    ...Or so she thought¡ªuntil a lazy, infuriatingly casual voice cut through their triumphant moment like a blade.

    "Ah...And here I was, thinking of saving you all from this plight, letting you all go back to your homes safety..." Cassius mused, tilting his head slightly as he leaned back, resting an elbow on his knee. His crimson eyes gleamed with amusement as he took in the sight before him. "...giving back the freedom you so deserve¡­"

    He sighed, dramatically, shaking his head.

    "...But seeing as everyone here is so eager for their deaths, perhaps I should just let you be."

    Silence.

    Absolute.

    Total.

    Silence.

    Every single knight froze mid-celebration.

    Skadi, who had just been about to let out another war cry, clamped her mouth shut so fast she nearly bit her tongue.

    Aisha, who had been pumping her fist in the air, suddenly dropped it.

    Julie, who had just found peace with her fate, turned her head slowly¡ªvery, very slowly¡ªto stare at Cassius.

    And then, as one¡ª

    Every single one of them snapped their heads toward him.

    Cassius simply smiled.

    That same infuriatingly calm, knowing smile.

    Like he had already figured everything out.

    Like he already had a plan.

    And then¡ªutter chaos.

    Skadi practically pounced toward him, her silver tail wagging violently as she clutched the front of his shirt. "Wait, wait, wait¡ªWHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

    Aisha, abandoning all pride, grabbed his other sleeve. "You¡ªyou have a plan?!" Her voice cracked. "You can save us?!"

    Even Julie, who had just accepted her noble death, was now staring at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

    The rest of the knights, despite their injuries, dragged or even rolled themselves toward him like starving beggars reaching for salvation.

    Cassius sighed dramatically again. "I don''t know¡­" He drawled. "You did all seem very enthusiastic about dying just now¡­"

    "No, no, no, NO¡ªWE''RE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC ANYMORE!" Skadi practically yelled.

    "THAT WAS BEFORE WE KNEW THERE WAS AN OPTION B!" Aisha cried, shaking his arm.

    "Option B sounds very good, actually." Julie muttered, her dignified composure starting to crack.

    The courtyard, which had moments ago been filled with brave declarations of noble deaths and honorable sacrifices, was now in utter disarray.

    "I don''t want to die!" One knight cried out, her voice cracking with desperation. "What I said before was me spouting nonsense! I still want to live!"

    "Me too!" Another wailed. "I haven''t even found a husband yet!"

    "Damn it, I take it back! Forget about the noble death crap¡ªI want to live!"

    "I''ll do anything! Anything to stay in the Holy Guard!"

    One after another, the knights who had just been prepared to throw their lives away now clung to the idea of survival like drowning sailors grasping for driftwood. Their voices overlapped in chaotic desperation, all previous bravado completely gone.

    Lucious, standing off to the side, could only stare in disbelief at the sheer turnaround of events. His entire worldview had been shattered so many times today that he wasn''t even sure what was real anymore.

    He then turned toward his master, his expression torn between awe and exasperation. "Young Master..." He said slowly, as if making sure he wasn''t hallucinating. "Are you seriously saying that you can save them¡ªand yourself¡ªfrom this mess?"

    At that, the chaotic clamor suddenly ceased.

    All eyes snapped toward Cassius.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi all stared at him with equal parts hope and desperation, their hearts hammering in their chests.

    Cassius, sitting as comfortably as if he were lounging in a garden, simply tilted his head and smiled.

    "Lucious..." He said, tapping a finger against his chin. "If someone had told you that the ''useless'' young master of the Holyfield household would absolutely thrash the Holy Guard today, would you have believed them?"

    Lucious blinked. "What¡ª? No! Of course not! Even I your loyal butler would tell you to go back to sleep since your still dreaming."

    "Exactly." Cassius said smoothly. "Because it was supposed to be impossible."

    He then swept his gaze over the wide-eyed knights, his eyes gleaming with absolute confidence. "But I did it. I did the impossible."

    No one spoke back as no one could argue with that...Because he had done it.

    With overwhelming strength and terrifying ease, he had taken down one of the most formidable knight brigades on the continent. Julie, despite herself, felt her heart race at the sheer weight of his words.

    Cassius then leaned forward, his voice deceptively soft. "So tell me...if I could do the impossible once¡­" His smile widened. "Why wouldn''t I be able to do it again?"

    A heavy silence followed. The knights, battered and broken, looked into his eyes. And for the first time since the battle started, they saw it.

    Absolute certainty.

    Not arrogance. Not foolish pride.

    But certainty.

    And in that moment, hope¡ªfragile, but real¡ªbegan to take root in their hearts.

    Julie clenched her fists, her mind racing. If there was even the slightest chance that he could do what he claimed, then¡ª

    But before she could speak, Cassius suddenly sighed.

    "Of course." He mused, his voice taking on a more sinister edge. "I could help you all...but¡­"

    A shadow fell over his face, and for the first time, an unmistakable danger lurked in his gaze.

    "You all did try to kill me."

    A shudder ran through the knights.

    Julie stiffened.

    Aisha gulped.

    Skadi''s ears twitched nervously.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile turning almost playful¡ªbut the kind of playful that sent a chill down their spines.

    "It would be a bit unreasonable of me..." He continued, his voice as smooth as silk. "...to save the very people who tried to end my life...for free."

    He let the words sink in. The knights collectively gulped. Julie braced herself. Aisha''s tail fluffed up in anxiety. Skadi¡ªdespite being the most physically powerful¡ªfelt a strange sense of dread curling in her stomach.

    Cassius leaned forward, his crimson eyes gleaming like he just found some fun toys to play with.

    "So..." He said, his tone deceptively light. "If you all truly want me to save you."

    His smile turned sharp.

    "I''ll be needing a few...heavy demands in return."

    Julie inhaled sharply, her mind already bracing for whatever outrageous demand Cassius was about to make.

    "¡­What do you want?" She asked hesitantly, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging within her.

    Cassius tilted his head, smiling in that infuriatingly carefree way, as if he weren''t holding their entire fates in his hands. "Simple." He mused, flicking an invisible speck of dust off his sleeve.

    "...I want absolute control over the entire Sacred Guard."

    The air grew thick with stunned silence.

    Julie''s breath hitched.

    Aisha''s ears twitched in shock.

    Skadi blinked, her tail freezing mid-sway.

    The other knights¡ªthough battered and beaten¡ªgasped as if he''d just suggested something blasphemous.

    "¡­What?" Julie finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Cassius leaned back, stretching his arms. "You heard me, Captain." He said, his tone almost bored. "I want full authority over your legion. A complete transfer of power¡ªone that strips my dear father of any control over you and places it solely in my hands."

    Julie clenched her fists.

    Her position as Captain was one thing, but the Sacred Guard¡­? They weren''t just hers. They were a symbol. They were the protectors of the Holyfield estate, trusted by its people. Cassius wasn''t just asking for her submission¡ªhe was asking for the complete dismantling of their current order.

    Julie opened her mouth to protest, to argue, to say something, but then Cassius''s eyes gleamed with something even more sinister.

    "Ah, but that''s not all." He added, his voice taking on an amused edge.

    Julie''s stomach churned. "¡­There''s more?"

    Cassius chuckled darkly, his gaze sweeping over the battle-worn knights before finally landing back on her. "Of course. I am my father''s son, after all. We may be enemies, but I can''t deny that I did inherit a bit of his¡­" He paused, letting his words settle, before flashing them a rather sinister smile. "¡­wickedness."

    Aisha, who had barely begun to digest his first demand, stiffened.

    Julie, usually composed, felt a strange sense of dread crawl up her spine.

    Even Skadi, who had no clue where this was going, instinctively tensed.

    Cassius exhaled dramatically. "You see..." He continued. "While my father enjoys collecting power and scheming from the shadows, my own tastes lean in a...different direction."

    His eyes flickered with an unmistakable mischief.

    "You see, I have a rather strong preference for pretty women."

    Julie''s brain short-circuited. Aisha froze. The remaining knights, already emotionally exhausted, squeaked. Even Skadi, who had been slow on the uptake, finally began to realize where this was going.

    Cassius''s smirk widened as he let his words hang in the air before dropping the final bomb.

    "And what do you know? The Sacred Guard is entirely composed of beautiful women."

    Julie''s face burned.

    Aisha choked.

    Skadi tilted her head in confusion.

    The other knights were torn between horror and flustered panic.

    Cassius tapped his chin playfully. "I suppose if I''m going to take in an entire squad of lovely knights, I might as well take some...You know...liberties with them every now and then." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The moment those words left his mouth, Julie and Aisha exploded at the same time.

    "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Julie shouted, her entire face going red.

    "Y-YOU PERVERTED BASTARD!" Aisha hissed, her ears trembling like they couldn''t believe how shameless he was.

    Cassius burst into laughter at their reactions, clearly enjoying himself far too much.

    Meanwhile, Skadi, still confused, turned to Aisha. "Wait, what does he mean by ''taking liberties'' I don''t think I have anything called liberty on me?"

    Aisha paled.

    Julie slapped a hand over Skadi''s mouth. "You don''t need to know!" She shrieked.

 Chapter 85 - 85: The Day I Met Your Father

    Julie''s face was still burning, and Aisha looked about two seconds away from exploding when Cassius, still grinning, waved a hand dismissively.

    "Oh, don''t look at me like that." He said lazily. "Of course, I''m not saying I''d force myself on anyone. I''m not that sort of person." His eyes flickered with something unreadable as he leaned back slightly. "You should already know that much, considering how much you''ve probably investigated me from before ."

    Julie blinked and Aisha stiffened since what he was saying was actually true.

    They had received reports on him. His every move, his lifestyle, his habits¡ªit had all been monitored under the guise of finding out if he was like what the rumours said he was. And while Cassius had certainly been reckless, indulgent, and self-destructive in many ways, one thing had never been recorded in any of those reports.

    He had never forced himself on a woman.

    Not once.

    For all his supposed ''wickedness'', Cassius had never laid a finger on anyone against their will. If anything, he charmed his way into their good graces.

    He had a way with women that was so insidious, so effortless, that even those who once loathed him would eventually find themselves drawn in.

    Julie swallowed hard as she thought about his true self, thinking that what he said was true. While Aisha averted her gaze since no matter how she knew that he wasn''t that sort of person, the way he looker at her, especially her fluffy ears scared her.

    Cassius smirked, clearly seeing the shift in their expressions. "See? I told you I wasn''t a monster. If anything, I''m quite fair to my women."

    That statement sent another wave of discomfort through the group.

    Skadi, still somewhat lost in the conversation, turned to Julie with a frown. "So...he''s not actually evil?"

    Julie rubbed her temples. "No, Skadi, he''s still evil. He''s just not¡­" She trailed off, struggling to find the right word.

    "¡­That kind of evil." Aisha finished dryly, ears twitching in frustration.

    "Exactly." Cassius grinned. He then leaned back, his grin sharpening into something undeniably wicked. "Of course..." He dragged. "While I wouldn''t force myself on anyone...you should know by now that I have a certain way with women."

    His eyes glinted as he let the words sink in to which Julie narrowed her eyes.

    "A way¡­?" Skadi tilted her head wanting to know what he was talking about.

    Cassius chuckled. "Mmm...Let''s just say that I''m so...charismatic that you shouldn''t be surprised if some of you end up throwing yourselves at me eventually."

    The silence that followed was instantaneous. It was as if time itself had frozen.

    For a split second, every knight present had the same exact thought¡ªAbsolutely not.

    Julie felt her lips part, ready to unleash a sharp rebuttal.

    Aisha prepared to hiss.

    The knights collectively grit their teeth, hands tightening around their weapons in an unconscious, defensive reaction.

    But then¡ª

    A terrible realization struck them all at once.

    The maids. The ones back at the estate. The very same maids who had once despised Cassius.

    Who had sneered at him, whispered about him behind his back, mocked his failures.

    And now?

    Now, those same maids adored him.

    Served him with reverence.

    Fawned over him.

    Using their own spies they knew how they giggled whenever he walked by, how they blushed when he so much as looked in their direction, how some even fought for the chance to bring him tea or stand closer to him.

    Julie''s stomach dropped, Aisha''s ears drooped, while Skadi, still confused, looked around. "Huh? What''s with those faces?"

    No one answered her.

    Because in that moment¡ª

    They all realized something truly horrifying.

    If the maids¡ªthe very people who had once hated Cassius¡ªcould end up adoring him.

    Then what about them?

    Julie refused to acknowledge the thought.

    Aisha clenched her fists, her expression grim.

    The other knights shivered.

    Cassius, watching their reactions with absolute amusement, let out a low, knowing chuckle. "Oh?" He mused. "What''s with those looks? You''re not scared, are you?"

    "Please don''t flatter yourself, Young Master." Julie scowled, her cheeks slightly red.

    "Hmph! Like hell I''d ever fall for your tricks." Aisha huffed, arms crossing over her chest as she glared at him.

    Cassius chuckled, his eyes gleaming like he saw a easy bet.

    "Oh? Is that so?" He tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "Then why not just agree to my terms? If you''re all so confident that you won''t fall under my spell, there shouldn''t be a problem, right?"

    Aisha and Julie both stiffened. The other knights exchanged wary glances.

    Cassius let out a low laugh, shaking his head. "But really, it''s not like you have much of a choice anyway."

    He leaned back, his hands playing with the grass underneath, his posture deceptively relaxed.

    "I mean, let''s weigh your options, shall we?" He lifted a finger. "One: You swear your allegiance to me¡ªa fair young master, who wouldn''t interfere with how you run things, wouldn''t order you around like dogs, and would only visit every now and then¡­" He chuckled. "Perhaps to pull a few pranks, but nothing too terrible."

    Then, he lifted another finger. "Or two¡­ you refuse, and you die."

    The entire field fell deathly silent.

    Cassius''s words hung in the air, heavy and inescapable. Their situation had never been clearer. There was no other way out.

    Julie sat straight, her mind racing, her heart pounding in her chest.

    She had served the Holyfield family loyally for years. She had sacrificed everything¡ªher blood, her sweat, her tears¡ªfor the family she thought she was protecting.

    And yet, this was the thanks she got?

    Betrayal...An execution order.

    From the very man she had sworn to serve.

    The knights around her were wavering, shifting from foot to foot, uncertainty weighing down on them like an iron chain.

    And then, just as their hesitation reached its peak¡ª

    Cassius''s smirk faded as his expression turned solemn. He spoke, his voice quiet but firm.

    "I understand what you''re feeling right now...After being betrayed by the very family you served for years, it''s only natural that you would hesitate."

    Julie inhaled sharply. The knights bit their lips.

    Cassius continued, his gaze piercing through them. "But let me tell you that even though the same blood that runs through his veins runs through mine¡­" He exhaled softly, shaking his head even those he didn''t actually share blood with them. "...I am not my father."

    His voice, usually laced with teasing and amusement, was serious now. Dead serious.

    "I am not the same bastard who sent you all to your deaths without a second thought."

    Skadi''s breath hastened with determination, as Aisha''s eyes glowed.

    Cassius met their gazes, one by one. "I am my own person." He declared. "And if you choose to follow me, I will never take away your dignity. I will never force you to go against your principles the way my father did."

    The knights stirred.

    Cassius took a step forward. "I promise you, not only will your freedom remain intact, but you will not regret this decision." His crimson eyes burned with conviction. "A decade from now, when you look back at this moment, you will be glad you chose to stand by my side."

    Julie''s heart pounded as she thought about that bright future.

    Even the most hardened knights, the ones who had been trained to remain unshaken in the face of battle, were beginning to shift, their eyes filled with something they hadn''t felt in a long time.

    Hope.

    Cassius let the moment settle.

    And then¡ª

    His final words sealed it.

    "Most of all¡­" His voice softened, but there was an unshakable strength in it. "I will never betray you."

    A quiet gasp escaped one of the knights.

    Cassius''s expression did not waver.

    "Even if the entire kingdom turns against you." He swore. "Even if the entire continent brands you as criminals¡­even if the entire world demands your heads¡ª"

    His voice rang out, firm and unyielding.

    "I will never abandon you."

    Julie''s eyes widened.

    Aisha''s breath came in unevenly.

    Skadi stared, completely frozen.

    Cassius took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over all of them. "No matter what happens." He vowed. "I will carry you back to the light."

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Julie felt her throat tighten.

    The knights around her looked at one another.

    And in that moment, they knew.

    They believed. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Because Cassius Holyfield wasn''t making an empty promise.

    He was giving them a new purpose.

    A new reason to fight.

    Even Aisha, who had been the most wary of Cassius from the beginning, found herself unable to deny the solemn truth in his gaze. There was no deception in those crimson eyes¡ªno empty promises. He wasn''t trying to manipulate them. He wasn''t just telling them what they wanted to hear.

    He meant it.

    And because he meant it, Aisha¡ªfor the first time since this entire nightmare started¡ªallowed herself to believe.

    The realization seemed to settle upon everyone at the same time. One by one, the knights who had been hesitating, who had been drowning in uncertainty, finally turned their gazes toward their captain.

    Julie could feel the weight of their silent stares.

    They were waiting for her to make the final decision.

    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. Her emerald eyes flickered toward Aisha, silently seeking counsel from her most trusted right hand.

    Aisha''s ears twitched at the unspoken question. Then, slowly, a confident smile spread across her lips. "The decision is yours, Captain." She said firmly. "No matter where it leads¡ªwhether to heaven or hell¡ªwe''ll follow you."

    Her voice rang with conviction, and in an instant, the rest of the knights nodded, their expressions resolute.

    Julie exhaled softly, her heart swelling at the sight of her loyal subordinates¡ªher family¡ªtrusting her so completely.

    A warm smile curved her lips.

    Then, finally, she turned to face Cassius.

    For a moment, she simply looked at him, studying the young man who had, in a single day, shattered her understanding of strength, honor, and fate itself.

    Her gaze was searching¡ªwondering.

    What kind of path will you lead us down, Cassius Holyfield?

    Would he lead them to glory?

    Or would he drag them into the very depths of hell?

    Julie didn''t know.

    And yet, as she thought about everything that had happened today¡ªthe betrayal of the Holyfield household, the truth of Cassius''s situation, the future that now stood before them¡ªher doubts began to fade.

    She closed her eyes for a brief moment, allowing herself to make peace with her decision.

    Then, when she opened them again, they were shining with a newfound brightness, as though she could see the future waiting for her.

    A future she was willing to bet everything on.

    Extending her hand out toward him, she met Cassius''s gaze and asked, a teasing smile playing at her lips, "So? Young Master Cassius, you''re not going to make us regret this ten years down the line, are you?"

    Cassius chuckled, pushing his hand forward without hesitation. He clasped her hand in his, gripping it firmly.

    His eyes gleamed with absolute confidence. "Regret?" He repeated, tilting his head slightly. "In ten years time, everyone here will remember this day as the moment the Sacred Guard reached new heights and prospered for eternity."

    His gaze swept over the knights who had just pledged themselves to him. Their battered and bruised bodies no longer mattered¡ªwhat mattered was the fire in their eyes, the hope burning within them.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened. Then, his gaze flicked back toward Julie, Aisha, and Skadi, who were still sitting before him.

    Leaning in ever so slightly, he lowered his voice and murmured to their absolute shock, "And, of course, it''ll also be the day the three of you tell your future children that this was the day you met their father."

    For a brief moment, there was only silence.

    Then¡ª

    Julie choked.

    Aisha jerked violently.

    Skadi froze.

    And before any of them could react, Cassius swiftly turned away and clapped his hands together, addressing the rest of the knights as if nothing had happened.

    "Now then! Why''s everyone so silent? Didn''t you all just get a second lease on life? Shouldn''t you be celebrating?"

    His voice snapped everyone out of their daze.

    One knight hesitantly spoke, "Wait¡­ does that mean we won''t die anymore?"

    "Of course!" Cassius declared. "You all have your lives, your freedom, and best of all, a new master. Shouldn''t you be thanking me?"

    At first, there was a stunned pause.

    And then¡ª

    A wave of cheers erupted through the squad.

    Battered, bruised, and barely sitting on the ground, the knights roared in excitement, some collapsing onto their backs in sheer relief, others hugging the nearest person beside them. They laughed, they cried, they celebrated.

    "Drinks!" Someone shouted. "We need drinks!"

    "Damn right!" Another voice chimed in. "We''re gonna drink our hearts out tonight!"

    Amidst all the chaos, Julie coughed violently, her cheeks burning as she tried to process what Cassius had just said to her.

    Aisha, meanwhile, had yanked the hood of her robe over her head, her entire face scarlet as she glared daggers at Cassius, who was enjoying himself far too much.

    Skadi, on the other hand, was completely lost.

    Her tail twitched, ears flicking as she turned toward the other two, eyes wide with panic.

    "Wait¡ª" She gasped. "Am I gonna be a mother?!"

    Julie and Aisha''s heads snapped toward her.

    Skadi was now looking genuinely distressed, as if the idea had only just hit her. "Am I gonna have a bunch of puppies?!" She wailed, gripping her own head. "But I still like fighting! I don''t wanna raise puppies yet! What do I do?!"

    Julie buried her face in her hands.

    Aisha groaned in absolute exhaustion.

    And then, with no hesitation, Aisha reached over and slapped Skadi over the head.

    "No one is telling you to be a mother, you dumb mutt!" She snapped. "Be quiet!"

    Cassius, watching the scene unfold with a wide grin, let out a long, satisfied sigh.

    Hehe...This was going to be rather interesting.

 Chapter 86 - 86: Army Of Maids

    While getting way too excited in their celebrations, some of the knights attempted to stand up and dance¡ªonly for several of them to immediately regret it.

    The moment they put weight on their broken limbs, a chorus of agonized screams erupted.

    "AAARGH¡ª! SHIT, MY LEG!"

    "DAMN!¡ªWHY DID I THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?!"

    "I FORGOT MY RIBS WERE SHATTERED!"

    "MOTHER OF GODS¡ªIT HURTS!"

    One knight, who had attempted a triumphant fist-pump, instantly collapsed back to the ground with a pained groan. Another, who had barely gotten to their feet, wobbled for half a second before crumpling back down, clutching their sides like they were dying.

    The joyous celebration immediately turned into a symphony of agonized groans to which Aisha and Skadi both snapped their heads toward Cassius, their expressions flat like they were blaming him for their suffering.

    Cassius simply shrugged, completely unbothered. "They were the ones who came to kill me first."

    Aisha twitched violently. "You¡ª" She sucked in a breath, fists shaking in frustration. She wanted to argue. She really did. But...damn it, he was right.

    Cassius was the victim here. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The only reason any of them were alive was because he allowed them to be.

    Aisha bit her lip, suppressing the urge to scream.

    And before she could explode like a balloon, Julie quickly waved her hand in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

    "Alright, alright, let''s move on from that. What''s done is done. If anything, we should be thanking the Young Master for not going all out and obliterating us."

    There was a brief silence.

    Then¡ª

    Skadi, whose battle-hungry nature would never let such a comment slide, snapped toward Julie with wide, excited eyes. "Wait¡ªWhat?! Did you just say that he hadn''t truly gone all out when he fought with us?!"

    "Yes, Skadi...He was." Julie sighed already knowing how the battle crazed pup was going to react.

    "B-By how much, Captain?! How much?!" Skadi gasped, her tail brimming with excitement.

    Julie cast a wary glance at Cassius before nodding. "I can''t say exactly how much¡­" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "But from the way he kicked me at the start of the fight¡­" Her emerald eyes darkened slightly as she remembered the sheer force of that single strike. "Im pretty sure, he could have blown me to pieces with just that one attack if he wanted to."

    The weight of those words settled over everyone like a thunderclap. Skadi''s ears twitched as her excitement skyrocketed.

    "Blown you to pieces?!" She echoed in awe. "How the hell is he that strong?!"

    Even Aisha, despite herself, felt her feline instincts scream in alarm. Her fur stood on end.

    And before she even realized what she was doing, she had crawled behind Julie, peeking out cautiously like a wary house cat assessing a very large predator.

    Her expression was defiant¡ªlike she was silently saying, I''m not scared of you!¡ªbut her entire body language betrayed her obvious unease.

    Cassius chuckled, thoroughly entertained by their antics.

    Skadi, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. Her silver tail flicked rapidly behind her, her eyes gleaming as she immediately turned to Cassius with unfiltered enthusiasm.

    "Young Master!" She barked, crawling closer. "How the hell did you get this strong?!"

    Cassius merely smiled, tilting his head slightly. "Oh? Curious, are we?"

    "Damn right, I am!" Skadi grinned. "You''re crazy strong! But more importantly¡ª" She smacked a fist against her open palm. "Can you hit me at full force? I wanna see if I can take it!"

    There was a long pause.

    Then¡ª

    "ARE YOU INSANE?!" Julie yanked Skadi back by the collar before she could take another step.

    Skadi yelped, arms flailing. "Hey, hey, what was that for, Captain?!"

    "What do you mean, ''what was that for''?!" Julie snapped, still holding onto her scruff like an exasperated parent. "You just asked to be hit¡ªby someone who could have blown your head off with one attack! Have you lost your mind?!"

    "No, but I do have a stronger body than you, Captain!" Skadi said proudly, puffing out her chest. "You might be faster, but I''m way tougher so I can probably take it!"

    Julie sighed, rubbing her temple. "Skadi, no matter how tough you are, you''d probably be reduced to a fine mist if he hit you seriously."

    "I can take it!" Skadi insisted, tail still wagging.

    Julie exhaled deeply, then turned her sharp gaze to Cassius. "Am I wrong?" She asked, watching him carefully. "If you hit her at full strength, what would happen?"

    Immediately after she asked that question, Julie scrutinized his face, searching for even the slightest hint of an answer.

    As a grandmaster herself, she had sparred with many of the strongest warriors on the continent. She understood power, could feel it when she was up against it.

    And Cassius...he was something else entirely.

    The way he had moved, the way he had toyed with them¡ªit was beyond anything she had ever encountered.

    Yet, to her growing frustration, Cassius remained utterly unreadable.

    Instead of answering, he simply smiled. That damn vague smile.

    ''Is he just messing with me? Or is he really that powerful?'' Julie''s brows furrowed.

    Before she could push him further, Lucious¡ªwho had been silently watching the exchange with growing amusement¡ªcleared his throat. He crossed his arms and gave a proud nod, speaking on his master''s behalf.

    "Of course, she wouldn''t stand a chance." He declared confidently. He then continued to taunt her by saying, "If my master really hit her at full strength, she''d probably fly all the way to the moon so you better stay away."

    Lucious smirked, waiting for Skadi to get offended, maybe argue back.

    Instead¡ª

    Skadi''s ears perked up, her tail wagging in excitement. "The moon?" She repeated, her eyes shimmering. "I can go to the moon?!"

    Lucious blinked. "Wait, what?"

    "That sounds amazing!" Skadi grinned widely, turning back to Cassius. "Come on, Young Master! Give me a good punch! I''ll spend a day there and then come back the next day!"

    "Y-You''re not supposed to want that..." Lucious visibly recoiled.

    "Skadi, for the love of¡ª" Julie facepalmed.

    "What?" Skadi looked between them, confused. "What did I do? Skadi said nothing wrong."

    Aisha, who had been rubbing her face throughout the entire exchange, sighed heavily and muttered. "She was definitely dropped on her head as a baby¡­"

    Lucious, still staring at Skadi like she was a completely foreign species, nodded slowly. "That...actually makes a lot of sense."

    Meanwhile, Skadi pouted, crossing her arms as she looked at them. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" she asked again, ears twitching. "What''s wrong with wanting to go to the moon?"

    Cassius hummed, stretching his arms above his head.

    "There''s nothing wrong with going to the moon, Skadi." He said casually, as if the topic was still up for debate. "But more importantly, before you got to the moon for vacation we need to get everyone to the infirmary so they can get stitched up." He scanned the battlefield, his gaze lingering on the groaning, battered knights. "Even though it was a matter of survival." hh mused. "I can''t say I''m exactly proud to see my own knights in such a condition. I don''t want them lying around like this¡ªlet''s get them treated."

    Aisha, who had just finished adjusting her cloak, peeked out from behind Julie and smirked.

    "Oh? And how exactly are you planning to do that?" She asked, raising a skeptical brow. "You beat them up so badly that they can''t even move, let alone get up on their horses."

    Cassius was about to respond when¡ª

    "Young Master!!"

    A sharp, hurried voice cut through the conversation like a blade. Everyone''s heads snapped toward the source.

    Julie and Aisha instinctively reached for their weapons. Skadi''s ears twitched violently.

    And Cassius?

    Cassius simply tilted his head, utterly unbothered since he recognised the voice that was calling out to him.

    Charging toward them, with urgency in her stride and fire in her eyes, was Isabelle¡ªher long blonde hair flowing behind her as she sprinted with a mix of panic and determination. Just a few paces behind, struggling to keep up, was Portia.

    But that wasn''t all.

    A horde of maids followed in their wake.

    Julie''s mouth fell open slightly. "What in the world¡­?"

    Aisha blinked in surprise before a slow, amused grin spread across her lips. "Oh?" She drawled, turning to Cassius with a teasing glint in her amber eyes. "Are these your reinforcements, Young Master?"

    Cassius smirked. "Don''t laugh too soon." He remarked smoothly. "You should be more concerned. With the state you''re in, those maids are more than enough to take all of you down with their pans and brooms."

    Aisha immediately shut her mouth. She did not want to get thrashed with a mop by a maid.

    The moment the horde of concerned maids arrived and took in the battlefield before them¡ªbattered knights sprawled across the ground, their young master sitting leisurely among them¡ªan immediate transformation took place.

    Like an army preparing for battle, the maids swarmed around Cassius, forming a protective circle around him as if he were some fragile prince in need of safeguarding. Their expressions hardened, their gazes sharp as they stared daggers at the injured knights, practically radiating hostility.

    It was shocking.

    Julie blinked.

    Skadi tilted her head, confused.

    Aisha''s brows furrowed.

    Since when did the Holy Guard get glared at like the enemy?

    Wherever they went, people always cast them looks of admiration, gratitude¡ªeven reverence. Yet these maids were staring at them like they were criminals who had just committed the worst sin imaginable.

    And then, while most of the maids held their defensive formation, another wave of maids rushed directly toward Cassius, their expressions shifting from battle-ready soldiers to overbearing caretakers in an instant.

    "Young Master!" Isabelle cried out first, nearly throwing herself onto him.

    "Are you alright?! You''re not hurt, are you?" Portia gasped, kneeling beside him in a panic.

    "Do you need water? A warm towel? A fresh change of clothes?" Another maid asked, already pulling out a handkerchief to wipe at his non-existent sweat.

    "Did those barbarians lay a hand on you?! Should we teach them a lesson?!" One particularly feisty maid growled, rolling up her sleeves as if she was about to throw hands with the Holy Guard.

    The knights¡ªstunned beyond belief¡ªcould only watch as Cassius was coddled like a baby that had just taken a light tumble.

    Julie let out a slow, rueful smile at the sight. "The reports weren''t wrong¡­" She murmured under her breath. "He really is popular with his maids."

    Aisha, on the other hand, wasn''t smiling.

    She was staring, eyes wide with visible disbelief. "This isn''t just admiration..." She muttered. "This is¡ªthis is actual worship! He''s like some kind of deity to them!" Her ears twitched violently as she tried to wrap her head around it. "What the hell kind of mind control did he put on them?!"

    Skadi, who had been innocently watching the scene, suddenly perked up. "Ooooh!" She turned to one of the maids standing near her and asked, completely genuinely. "Why do you guys like your master so much? Don''t commoners usually hate those stinky nobles?"

    The maid¡ªa sharp-eyed woman with her arms crossed¡ªhesitated for a brief second, her instincts warning her that this wolf-girl was technically the enemy. But after a moment, she scoffed and tossed her head.

    "Hah! Like you''d understand." She said, looking down at Skadi like she had just asked the most idiotic question in the world. "Our young master can''t be compared to those disgusting, greedy nobles. He''s better in every way."

    Skadi''s ears twitched, and her tail wagged slightly. "Better how?"

    The maid, now fully in rant mode, straightened her back proudly and began listing reasons with absolute conviction.

    "Not only is he charismatic, refined, inteligent, talented and so many other amazing things. But he actually cares about us!" She declared. "When we look upset, he asks if we''ve had a bad day. When we''re tired, he lets us rest. When we feel ignored by the world, he talks to us like we matter." Her eyes glimmered with pure admiration. "Unlike those pigs in the noble courts, he doesn''t treat us like disposable objects. He''s just like his mother¡ª"

    She paused suddenly, realizing she had said too much.

    But the knights had already heard it.

    The moment his mother was mentioned, a wave of realization swept through them¡ªespecially Julie.

    She knew about Lady Florence.

    Everyone in the Holyfield estate did.

    Florence Vindictus Holyfield wasn''t just another noblewoman¡ªshe was a legend among the commoners.

    A woman so kind, so generous, so devoted to the people under her care, that she was widely considered a saint. Unlike the typical aristocrats who saw their servants as nothing more than tools, Florence treated her people like family.

    She didn''t just give to charity¡ªshe visited the poor herself. She didn''t just make policies¡ªshe listened to the voices of the weak. She didn''t just rule¡ªshe protected.

    And because of that, she was loved.

    By everyone.

    But among the knights present, it was Julie who knew her best.

    After all, the Hellbane family¡ªJulie''s lineage¡ªworked directly under the Holyfield family. They had served the estate for generations, acting as its sword and shield.

    And Julie had met Lady Florence once before.

    Only once. But that one encounter had left a deep impression on her.

    She still remembered it vividly¡ªthe way Florence carried herself with an effortless grace, the way her eyes radiated warmth even when speaking to a child like her, the way she smiled like she truly saw every person for who they were, not just their status.

    It was that moment that had shaped Julie''s ideals.

    That moment that made her think¡ª

    "This is the kind of woman I want to grow up to be."

    So now, seeing Cassius surrounded by his devoted maids, hearing the admiration in their voices, it all made sense.

    The reports had always painted Cassius as an unruly noble, a disgraceful young master with no redeeming qualities.

    But if he had inherited even a fraction of Lady Florence''s heart¡ª

    Then of course the maids would worship him.

    Of course they would adore him.

    Of course they would follow him anywhere.

    But sadly, while Julie was having such wholesome thoughts, her reverence for Lady Florence growing, it was all shattered in an instant.

    Ruined...All because of one maid.

    One very devoted maid¡ªwho, completely unaware of the weight of the conversation, absentmindedly muttered aloud in a dreamy voice:

    "And also...Because Master is such a good lover¡­~"

    Silence.

    A deadly silence.

    And to make matters worse¡ª

    She wasn''t finished.

    Like she had momentarily forgotten where she was, she continued in a soft, dazed murmur, her eyes hazy with fond memories:

    "He just knows exactly what to say to make a lady happy¡­"

    "Especially in bed¡­Oh, he''s so energetic in bed and can never seem to stop~"

    The maid, realizing what had just escaped her lips, suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth, her entire body going rigid like a criminal who had just been caught red-handed.

    But¡ªit was too late...The damage had already been done.

 Chapter 87 - 87: Only Between People You Love

    Now, after the maid revealed her master''s secrets, everyone within earshot understood exactly what was going on back at the Holyfield mansion.

    Aisha muttered ''Pervert'' multiple times under her breath, her face contorting in disgust and a fluster.

    Julie coughed, trying to hide her embarrassment.

    Skadi on the other hand, entirely innocent to the implications, blinked in confusion before perking up, ears twitching with curiosity.

    "Eh?" She turned to the maid. "What do you mean? Does his bed have some kind of magic power that makes people happy?" She nodded to herself, as if completely serious. "If it is that sounds sounds so amazing! I want to visit that place too and be happy as well, since Skadi loves being happy as well!"

    Aisha slapped a hand over her own face. Julie violently coughed into her fist.

    Meanwhile, Cassius, who had been enduring the excessive coddling from his maids for far too long, finally let out a sigh and stood up, brushing himself off.

    "Alright, alright." He muttered, stretching his arms above his head. "I''m more than fine, so stop fussing over me already." He glanced around at the worried faces surrounding him and let out a small chuckle. "Seriously, you''re all acting like I was just nailed to a cross."

    Portia, standing beside Isabelle, crossed her arms and huffed. "It''s not much different from that!" She shot back, glaring at him like a mother scolding a reckless child. "Do you even know what kind of panic you caused back at the mansion?"

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

    Portia flicked her hair back and exhaled. "After you left with Lucius, Isabelle and I were worried something might happen. Then, we overheard from one of the guards that the Holy Guard had come to arrest you based on those ridiculous rumors floating around."

    "When I heard what happened, I was worried, of course, but I was still trying to piece things together. But Isabelle?" She shook her head with a wry smile. "The moment she heard that the Holy Guard had gone to arrest you over those ridiculous rumors, she panicked. Didn''t even hesitate. She immediately started calling for every maid in the mansion, running through the halls like a madwoman, yelling for them to gather."

    She crossed her arms, glancing at Isabelle with an amused smirk.

    "Before I could even process what was happening, she already had half the mansion mobilized like an army, ready to storm the streets. By the time I caught up, there were maids everywhere, some grabbing kitchen knives, others carrying broomsticks like they were about to go to war."

    Portia exhaled, shaking her head. "Honestly, I think if I hadn''t stepped in to calm her down a bit, she might''ve tried to break into the Holy Guard''s barracks herself to get you back."

    Cassius raised an eyebrow, then turned his gaze toward Isabelle, who was now fidgeting slightly, her composure breaking under his amused scrutiny.

    "You were really that worried about me, huh?" Cassius mused, a slow, teasing smile tugging at his lips.

    Isabelle flushed, shifting slightly in place. "O-Of course I was, Young Master." She admitted, her voice quieter than usual. "I...I don''t know what I would if something happened to you."

    Cassius''s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Such a devoted maid who''s willing to go to such extents to save her master deserves a reward, doesn''t she?" He murmured as he reached out, pulling Isabelle just a little closer.

    And before she could react, he leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear in a series of soft, deliberate kisses.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    Isabelle melted into the onslaught of kisses, her entire body tingling as warmth spread from where his lips brushed against her ear. A shiver ran down her spine, and she bit her lip, suppressing the small, pleased sound threatening to escape her throat.

    But then¡ªrealization struck her like a bolt of lightning.

    They were being watched.

    By everyone.

    Her eyes flew open, and her face turned an even deeper shade of red when she noticed the way the knights were staring at her. Their expressions ranged from wide-eyed disbelief to sheer, stunned awe, as if they had just witnessed a sacred ritual they weren''t supposed to see.

    She stiffened. "Y-Young Master." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone is staring. You can''t just do things like this so openly¡­"

    Cassius only grinned, completely unbothered. "It doesn''t matter if the King and Queen themselves were watching, Isabelle." He declared, his voice carrying over the courtyard. "Nothing will stop me from showing my appreciation to my lovely maids."

    The moment he said those words, the watching knights collectively lost their minds.

    ''Is this guy insane?!'', was the unspoken thought they all shared.

    As if that wasn''t already bad enough, Cassius turned back to the gathered maids, flashing them a playful, wicked smile.

    "In fact..." He continued. "Any maid who wants a kiss for their hard work today can come forward. I''ll be happy to oblige."

    There was a heavy silence.

    The knights braced themselves, expecting at least some restraint from the maids. After all, they were women of society, raised to be graceful, elegant, and demure. Surely, none of them would actually step forward for such a shameless request.

    Right?

    Right?

    Wrong.

    To everyone''s absolute horror, the moment Cassius finished speaking, the maids practically perked up like excited kittens who had just been promised a feast. A ripple of excitement passed through them, and before anyone could fully process what was happening¡ª

    A line began forming.

    A proper, well-organized, single-file line.

    The knights were shook.

    "Whoaaa...They actually formed a line like when someone is giving out free food." Skadi gawked, her silver ears twitching rapidly in shock.

    Aisha shook her head in disbelief, muttering, "Mind control...It has to be some kind of mind control¡­"

    Julie, meanwhile, simply crossed her arms, watching the bizarre spectacle unfold with an unreadable expression. Though there was an unmistakable twitch in her lips, like she was barely holding back a sigh.

    The maids, now practically giddy, stood in line, each wearing a different expression¡ªsome shy, some bold, some openly eager.

    One by one, they stepped forward.

    Cassius, ever the gentleman, greeted each one with an easy, knowing smile. "...And where would you like your kiss?" He mused.

    The first maid¡ªyoung, blonde, and utterly flustered¡ªfidgeted before hesitantly pointing at her forehead.

    Cassius chuckled. "A classic choice."

    He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her forehead.

    The maid let out a small, satisfied hum before retreating, her face an adorable shade of pink.

    The next maid stepped up, her hands clasped in front of her. "U-Um¡­" She shyly tapped her cheek.

    Cassius complied without hesitation, brushing his lips gently against her cheek. The way her shoulders visibly shivered did not go unnoticed by the watching knights.

    And then came the bold ones.

    A red-haired maid stepped forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "My lips, Young Master." She purred, tilting her chin up slightly.

    A chorus of gasps erupted from the knights.

    Cassius merely smirked. "As you wish."

    Without missing a beat, he cupped her chin, tilting her face up further before placing a slow, deliberate kiss on her lips. The maid practically melted in response, letting out a quiet, dreamy sigh before stepping away with the most satisfied expression known to mankind.

    By this point, the knights were ready to keel over.

    They wanted to say something in response to the sight they were witnessing but all they could do was watch in anticipation as maid after maid eagerly took their turn, each receiving a kiss in their requested spot¡ªforeheads, cheeks, hands, lips.

    Some even asked for kisses behind their ears or along their wrists, claiming that it was their "weak spot."

    The knights stood frozen, their eyes locked onto the surreal scene unfolding before them. It was one thing to hear rumors of Cassius''s reputation with women¡ªit was another to witness it firsthand.

    They had expected the maids to show devotion, yes, but this level of eagerness? This overwhelming, almost reverent response to his affection?

    It was enough to leave them in stunned silence.

    A younger knight, barely past her first year in the Holy Guard, fidgeted before leaning toward one of her seniors, whispering hesitantly. "Umm, excuse me for my inexperience...But is...Is a kiss supposed to look so...exciting?"

    The older knight blinked at the question, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

    "I¡ªI don''t really know." She admitted, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "I mean, my husband kisses me, but...it''s never looked anything like that." Her gaze drifted back to Cassius, who at that moment was brushing his lips tenderly against a maid''s wrist, causing the poor woman to tremble slightly, her face burning with delight. The older knight swallowed. "Honestly...when I see him do it, even I can''t help but feel a bit...intrigued."

    Another knight, a seasoned warrior with a scar running down her cheek, exhaled and nodded. "It''s the way he looks at them." She murmured, eyes still locked on the scene. "Like he''s savoring every moment. Even a veteran like me feels a little¡­" She trailed off, shaking her head as if trying to dispel an embarrassing thought.

    A hushed murmur rippled through the knights as they exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

    "The rumors about his ability to charm women...they''re true, aren''t they?"

    "He''s dangerous¡­"

    "Isn''t it just kissing? Then why does it look so...intimate and passionate?"

    Meanwhile, Skadi, having been watching this entire exchange with wide, curious eyes, tilted her head.

    "Why do they all look so happy after getting licked on the face?" She asked innocently. "I hated when my mom did that when I was a puppy. She used to pin me down and lick my face all over to clean me up! Is that what''s happening now?"

    Aisha''s cheeks burned as she desperately tried to keep her composure. "He''s not licking them, Skadi!" She snapped, her voice cracking just slightly. "He''s kissing them! That''s how humans show their affection for one another!"

    Aisha then crossed her arms tightly, glaring at the ground as if it had personally wronged her.

    The truth was, as much as she wanted to scold Cassius for his shamelessness, there was something about the way he touched the maids, the way he looked at them, that made even her heart skip a beat.

    She hated it. She didn''t want to accept it. And yet, the warmth in her chest was undeniable.

    Skadi let out a soft "Ohhh" in understanding, her silver tail flicking thoughtfully. She glanced between Cassius, the giggling maids, and Aisha before suddenly perking up. "Then...does that mean I should also join the line and get a kiss too?"

    Aisha whipped her head around so fast it was a miracle she didn''t give herself whiplash.

    "Absolutely not!"

    Skadi blinked, ears twitching.

    "Why not? You just said kisses are how humans show affection!"

    "Yes, but¡ª!" Aisha exhaled sharply, trying to regain control of the situation before this dumb mutt did something even dumber. "K-Kisses should only be between people who love each other! You can''t just do it casually!"

    "...You hear me? Only between loved one you trust with all your heart or else it would be inappropriate!"

    Aisha innocently announced what she believed, which made Julie smile her eyes at how child-like her thoughts were when she acted like a grown up all the time.

    At this, Skadi fell silent, staring at Aisha intently, her silver eyes unblinking.

    "What?" Aisha frowned, not knowing why she was observing her face with such intensity like she was some sort of doggy treat.

    But before she could even process what was happening and ask her what''s going on, Skadi suddenly leaned in and to her shock pressed a quick, soft kiss to Aisha''s cheek.

    "Kiss!?~"

    Aisha froze.

    Every single thought in her brain short-circuited.

    Her amber eyes widened in sheer disbelief, and then, all at once, her entire face turned crimson.

    "W-What the hell are you doing, dumb mutt?!" She shrieked, stumbling back, her hands flying to her cheek as if to erase what had just happened.

    Skadi, meanwhile, merely tilted her head, looking completely unbothered. "You said kisses should only be between people who love each other, didn''t you?" She said matter-of-factly, tail wagging slightly. "So, that why I gave you a kiss as well since even though we might fight all the time and bark at each other, I still love you, Aisha! Like a sister!"

    Aisha''s breath hitched when she heard Skadi''s sweet and honest declaration, while Skadi''s ears twitched when she saw that Aisha wasn''t looking as happy as she thought she would like the maids that had just been kissed by Cassius. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Did you not like that, Aisha? Did Skadi do something wrong?"She asked, her voice softer now, her silver eyes suddenly filled with uncertainty and then continued asking with a pityful whiper, "Do you...not love me back?"

    Aisha opened her mouth to yell at her again, to scold her for being so damn embarrassing in front of everyone¡ªbut the words never came. Because no matter how much she wanted to deny it, she couldn''t.

    She did love Skadi.

    They had fought together, laughed together, survived through the most difficult ordeals together. They had also always been at each other''s throats, always bickering like cats and dogs who wouldn''t back down no matter what, but at the end of the day, there was no one Aisha trusted more at her back in battle.

    She swallowed thickly, gaze flickering away, her ears twitching with embarrassment.

    "...Of course I-I love you too." She finally muttered, barely above a whisper after gathering all the courage in her heart. "Y-You''re my family too, idiot."

    "Really?!" Skadi''s face lit up with joy.

    And before Aisha could escape, Skadi lunged, wrapping her arms tightly around her and rubbing her face all over her like an overly affectionate wolf pup.

    "I knew it! I knew it! Aisha loves me too! Just like Skadi loves Aisha!"

    Aisha groaned, struggling at first, but eventually, she let out a resigned sigh, allowing Skadi to smother her.

    Despite her protests, a small, genuine smile tugged at the corners of her lips as a familiar warmth bloomed in her chest...

 Chapter 88 - 88: A Positive Change

    Laughter rippled through the knights, soft and unguarded, as they watched Aisha struggle against Skadi''s suffocating affection. The warmth of the moment, the raw sincerity, made something in their battle-hardened hearts soften.

    And then, one of the older knights, a woman with a mischievous glint in her eyes, let out a low hum. "You know..." She mused, tapping her chin as she looked around at the others. "Since we''re all sisters-in-arms, comrades who trust each other with our lives...shouldn''t we also show our love for one another like Skadi did?"

    A moment of silence.

    Then¡ªchaos.

    The younger knights instantly blushed, looking between one another in flustered confusion. A few sputtered, a few instinctively recoiled, and others hesitated, eyes darting between their seniors as if unsure whether they were being teased or if this was a serious proposal.

    One particularly bold young knight, her cheeks still tinged pink, hesitated for only a moment before offering her cheek to her senior, chin tilted up in mock bravery. "Well...If we''re doing this, I might as well get it over with!" She declared, squeezing her eyes shut.

    Her senior grinned. "Good girl." Without missing a beat, she leaned in and pressed a friendly, dramatic kiss to her cheek.

    The younger knight squeaked.

    The entire squad erupted into laughter.

    With that, it became a free-for-all.

    One knight¡ªgrinning ear to ear¡ªtook her junior''s hand and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles like she was some kind of noble lady, winking up at her playfully. The younger knight turned beet red and dramatically fanned herself.

    "Oh, my~! Such a charming lady, my heart can''t take it~!"

    Another knight puckered her lips and dramatically blew a kiss in her junior''s direction. The younger knight, without hesitation, reached out, snatched the air like she was catching something precious, and pressed her closed fist against her chest with a satisfied smirk.

    "Captured it. My heart belongs to you now."

    Roars of laughter rang out across the battlefield, the playful energy washing away the exhaustion and pain that had weighed so heavily upon them.

    Even those still too wounded to move properly were grinning, enjoying the lightheartedness of it all. Some of them even found creative ways to participate¡ªone older knight who couldn''t even get up looking towards to the new recruits and pointing at her cheeks to which they too giggled and gave her two cheeks a kiss at the same time.

    A perfectly executed double attack.

    Even the maids, who had been standing around watching in amusement, couldn''t help but smile since it was rare¡ªso rare¡ªto see knights, these strong, disciplined warriors who devoted their lives to protecting others, let their guard down like this.

    To be carefree. To laugh. To act like the young women they were, instead of soldiers ready to lay down their lives at a moment''s notice.

    Julie also watched the scene unfold before her, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

    She hadn''t expected this¡ªhadn''t even thought it possible¡ªbut here they were.

    Just hours ago, her knights had been prepared to die, their spirits heavy with the weight of betrayal and impending doom. And now...they were laughing, teasing each other, strengthening the bonds between them in a way she hadn''t even needed to orchestrate.

    It also hadn''t been long since a few fresh recruits had joined her private legion, and she had been contemplating how best to integrate them since several of them were from noble families and she didn''t know how they''d mix in with the veterans who worked their way to the top. And in a squad like hers, trust was paramount¡ªfamiliarity, camaraderie, and the ability to rely on one another without hesitation were what made them strong.

    So, to strengthen that bond, she had wondered how to bridge that gap, how to make sure everyone felt like they belonged.

    But now, as she watched the younger knights playfully swatting at their seniors, shy recruits being pulled into friendly teasing, and hardened warriors giggling like girls at a festival, she realized she didn''t need to do a thing.

    Cassius had done it for her.

    With a single action¡ªone seemingly meaningless moment of shameless teasing¡ªhe had shifted the atmosphere entirely. He had shattered the barriers between them, made them open up, made them live.

    ''What kind of man is he?'' She thought, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. ''I still can''t figure him out...but maybe...maybe that isn''t a bad thing.''

    Was handing the squad over to him truly the right decision?

    At first, she had been uncertain. Terrified, even.

    But looking at them now¡­

    Looking at him, casually smirking as his maids fawned over him, his knights coming together more seamlessly than she had ever seen before¡­

    Perhaps...this wasn''t such a bad decision after all. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    While Julie was contemplating over the future of her squad, the last maid in line¡ªPortia, the ever-composed and strict head maid¡ªstepped forward with calm confidence, her gaze steady as she approached Cassius which caught Julie off gaurd.

    It wasn''t only Julie who was surprised as, her knights, who had been watching the playful display with varying levels of amusement, tensed in surprise.

    Why?...Well, because Portia seemed like someone who known for her discipline, for her firm authority she would worldover the younger maids, ensuring order in Cassius''s household, judging by the composed and sharp look in her gaze.

    That''s why they were suprised to see such a strict looking maid also seemingly craving her master''s attention which completely went against her image.

    Cassius, noticing Portia approach, tilted his head with intrigue. A slow, playful smile curved his lips as he reached out, gently playing with the edge of her ear between his fingers.

    "Portia..." He called, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Why did you stand at the very last of the line? Were you really so hesitant? I would have thought you''d be one of the first to claim your prize."

    Portia''s lips curled into a soft smile, one laced with tenderness. "Of course that''s not true, Young Master." She replied smoothly. "I actually wanted to fight with the others to be first in line."

    A few gasps rippled through the knights, while Julie raised her brow in surprise.

    Cassius chuckled, his fingers still idly stroking along the curve of her ear. "Oh? Then why didn''t you?"

    Portia sighed with exaggerated patience, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Because..." She explained. "With my age and my status as the head maid, it was only natural for me to let the younger girls go first and await my turn."

    "Ever so dutiful, aren''t you? Always looking after others." Cassius laughed at that, shaking his head. He then cupped her cheek gently, tilting her face up so she was looking directly into his eyes. "Well then, my ever-hardworking head maid...Tell me, where would you like your reward?"

    The room was utterly silent as Portia hesitated for only a fraction of a second before¡ªshyly, almost timidly¡ªpointing at her lips.

    The reaction was instantaneous.

    The knights, who had been watching idly before, leaned in.

    Even the maids, who had been giggling and chatting amongst themselves, quieted.

    It was one thing for Cassius to lavish affection on the younger maids. That was expected. Normal. Of course, a nobleman would be interested in youthful beauties, full of charm and energy.

    But Portia¡­

    Portia was different.

    Portia was older.

    Portia had lived far longer than Cassius.

    For a noble, the standard was clear¡ªyoung, untouched women were desired, and once a woman passed a certain age, she was considered to have outlived her desirability. They were mothers, caretakers, mentors¡ªnot lovers.

    Yet, here was Cassius, gazing at Portia not with politeness, not with mere affection, but with a burning intensity.

    As if she were the most desirable woman in the world.

    Some of the older knights exchanged glances, something shifting in their eyes. A new perspective. A newfound respect.

    Cassius was unlike any nobleman they had encountered. He wasn''t shackled by conventional ideals of beauty or worth. He didn''t discard women past their youth¡ªhe saw them, cherished them.

    Even Julie, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the room, felt her brow furrow in surprise. This was...odd.

    Unheard of, really. She''d grown up watching the nobles, men who were predictable in their tastes¡ªalways chasing after the youngest, freshest faces, the girls who giggled and blushed at their every word. So it was rather strange to see someone like Cassius who seemed to appreciate beauty no matter the age.

    Julie had always thought her father was an anomaly, a rare soul who looked at her mother-gray creeping into her hair, lines etched around her eyes and still saw the woman he''d fallen for decades ago. His love for her had never dimmed, not with age, not with time.

    Julie had cherished that about him, held it close as proof that some men could see beyond the shallow standards of nobility.

    But Cassius? Cassius was something else entirely.

    Here he was, a nobleman in his prime, gazing at Portia¡ªa woman who must''ve been decades his senior¡ªwith a fire in his eyes that defied every rule Julie had ever known.

    It wasn''t just affection or kindness; it was hunger, raw and unapologetic. And Portia, with her quiet dignity of someone who''d seen more seasons than most in the room combined, seemed to bloom under that gaze.

    Julie''s mind wandered despite herself. If Cassius could look at Portia like that, a woman so much older than him, could he...would he...?

    She imagined herself years from now, her own youth faded, her face softened by time.

    Would a man like Cassius still see her as a woman, not just a shadow of what she''d been? Would he look at her the way her father still looked at her mother?

    The thought sent a strange flutter through her chest, a mix of curiosity and something she couldn''t quite name.

    But then she caught herself¡ªhow ridiculous! She was spinning fantasies out of nothing, letting her imagination run wild over a man she barely knew. She shook her head, ready to dismiss the absurdity of it all.

    But before she could fully shake off the thought, the room seemed to freeze. Everyone¡ªknights, maids, even Julie herself¡ªwent still as Cassius''s voice cut through the air, playful and teasing, shattering the tension like a pebble tossed into a still pond.

    "Portia, my dear." He said, his lips curling into a mischievous smile as he leaned closer to her. "I just realized something. Didn''t I already pull you into my arms this morning when you came to wake me?"

    "...Didn''t I already kiss you all over that lovely face of yours until you were squirming and scolding me to get out of bed?"

    Portia''s eyes widened, a flush creeping up her neck and spreading across her cheeks like wildfire. She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out¡ªjust a faint, flustered sound that only made Cassius''s grin widen.

    The maids gasped, hands flying to their mouths as they exchanged wide-eyed glances. The knights, too, shifted in their seats, some coughing awkwardly, others leaning forward as if they''d misheard. Portia, the solemn, unflappable Portia, ambushed by this young nobleman in the early hours of the morning? The image was almost too much to process.

    "Y-Young Master!" Portia finally managed, her voice a mix of indignation and embarrassment. "You can''t just say that in front of everyone! A high noble such as yourself should have some level of shame."

    "Shame?" Cassius laughed, a rich, warm sound that filled the room. "Why should I be ashamed of adoring you? I thought you''d scold me more if I didn''t admit it."

    "...Besides, they all deserve to know how lucky I am to have you waking me up every day. Those little frowns you give me when I''m slow to rise they''re worth more than gold."

    The blush on Portia''s face deepened, and she swatted at his arm, though there was no real force behind it.

    But made all the female knights throats go even more dry and their eyes widen to the size of saucers was what Cassius did next.

    His voice dipped low, that carried just enough weight to silence the crowd. "And like I said earlier it''d be a waste to taste those sweet lips of yours again so soon." He said, his gaze glinting with mischief. "So, I think it''s better if I taste some other intimate place that hasn''t been tainted yet."

    Before anyone could fully process his words, his hands moved¡ªswift, bold, and utterly shameless¡ªcupping Portia''s plump breasts with a gentle but deliberate squeeze.

    Grope~

    A hush fell over the gathered knights as they watched this absurd sight of a noble brazenly groping his maid, while the maid herself didn''t seem to mind and was simply blushing at having her udders caressed.

    Not a single one of them dared to make a sound and simply watched the scene with enamored looks on their faces like they were watching a spicy drama between a young noble and a older maid, who was old enough to be his mother unfold...

 Chapter 89 - 89: Public Display Of Affection

    Some of them, even the most battle-hardened warriors, found themselves unconsciously leaning in, as if watching some forbidden scene unfold before them.

    A few bit their lips, others exchanged wide-eyed glances, while some simply gulped, unable to tear their eyes away at the sight of Cassius groping his maids breast so brazenly, waiting to see if he was really going to carry out what he said he would do

    Even Skadi and Aisha, who were playing around with one another, found themselves watching in anticipation.

    That was, of course, until Julie¡ªher face slightly tinged with pink¡ªsnapped out of her daze and immediately clamped her hands over their eyes. "This¡ªThis isn''t something you two should be watching!" She scolded, her voice wavering slightly with embarrassment.

    "Wha¡ª?!" Aisha tried to pry her hands off, but Julie refused to budge. "Come on, Captain! Just one peek!" She said, as she had never witnessed such a intimate scene before and had only read about it in certain books that she had secretly read.

    Skadi, merely tilted her head. "Why not? What''s wrong with it? He''s simply going to kiss her somewhere else right? Isn''t that his way of showing his affection?"

    Julie didn''t answer, instead pressing her hands down even harder, trying to shield them from the display of shamelessness before them.

    Meanwhile, Lucious¡ªwho had been quietly observing¡ªrealized where things were heading and swiftly turned around on instinct, a light flush dusting his cheeks.

    "T-This is improper, Young Master!" He barked, his voice laced with panic. Then, noticing the entranced knights still staring at the scene with open curiosity, he spun around to face them. "All of you, turn around this instant! Have you no shame?!"

    The knights barely registered his words.

    Some merely nodded absentmindedly, others outright ignored him, their eyes locked on the young master and his ever-growing display of affectionate boldness.

    Cassius, of course, found the entire thing utterly entertaining. He chuckled, the sound rich and deep, before turning his gaze back to Lucious.

    "Oh? But why should they turn around?" He teased. "I don''t mind them watching." His smirk widened. "Actually, it would be a shame if they missed such a moment."

    Lucious gasped, clenching his jaw. "Master, that''s hardly the point¡ª!"

    "And besides¡­" Cassius continued, eyes gleaming with mischief. "You''re the only one who needs to turn around."

    Lucious blinked. "What?"

    Cassius let out a lighthearted sigh, as if explaining something to a particularly slow student. "You still haven''t accepted that you''re actually a girl, have you?" He said, his tone teasing yet firm.

    The moment the words left his lips, a ripple of hushed gasps and snickers erupted from the gathered knights. Lucious stiffened. His hands curled into fists at his sides as he bit his lip in visible frustration.

    Cassius merely gave him a knowing look.

    The tension hung in the air for a moment¡ªbefore Skadi, still covering her eyes but peeking through Julie''s fingers, whispered loudly. "¡­Wait, that butler is a girl? I mean he does look like one, but I thought he was a man." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Lucious groaned. "I am not¡ª"

    But Cassius waved a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, keep telling yourself that." Then, with a smirk, he added. "In the meantime, do as I say and turn around. No peeping."

    Lucious looked like he was going to explode.

    But Cassius had already turned his attention back to Portia, who was watching him with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, her breath unsteady.

    And the knights, despite the absurdity of the conversation, found themselves once again leaning forward, eager to see what would happen next.

    With a slow, deliberate movement, Cassius reached out and gently pulled down the neckline of Portia''s dress along with her innerwear, revealing the soft curve of her chest

    Her single breast that had popped out of her bra was full and high, the nipple a delicate rosebud peak. The skin was smooth and warm, catching the light with a soft, pearlescent sheen. A faint blush deepened across her chest, mirroring the flush in her cheeks. The sight, both intimate and alluring, held the courtyard captive.

    Cassius, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of tenderness and mischief, leaned in and pressed his lips against the exposed skin. He kissed her flesh, then gently sucked, his lips lingering as if trying to leave a mark.

    "Kiss!?~ Suck!?~ Mmmm!?~"

    A soft moan escaped Portia''s lips, her body trembling with a mixture of anticipation and pleasure.

    When Cassius moved his lips away, a faint blue mark was visible on her skin. The knights shuffled around, while Aisha gasped, her eyes wide with shock and a hint of something else.

    Even Julie, despite her attempts to look away, couldn''t help but be momentarily captivated by the intimate scene. A strange warmth spread through her, a sensation she quickly tried to suppress.

    Cassius then shifted his attention, his lips tracing a path towards Portia''s nipple. With a gentle tug, he took the hardened peak between his teeth, eliciting a soft cry from Portia. The knights, their faces flushed, their breaths shallow, were completely captivated by the intimate display.

    A few of the younger knights had to look away, their faces burning, while the older knights seemed to watch with a sort of intrigued curiosity. The maids, who were more used to Cassius''s antics, watched with knowing smiles.

    Cassius then lingered, his lips tracing delicate patterns across Portia''s areola, before finally lifting his head. His eyes, alight with playful warmth, met hers. "Was that sufficient, my dear maid." He murmured, his voice a low, teasing rumble. "Or would you like a bit more of my...affection?"

    Portia, her breath still catching in her throat, was momentarily adrift in a sea of sensation. The warmth of his lips, the gentle tugging, the contrast of his heated touch against the cool air¡ªit was an intoxicating blend.

    A surprising maternal instinct stirred within her, a desire to cradle him close, to offer him the comfort of her embrace. She almost instinctively reached to offer her other breast, a silent invitation.

    But then, the weight of their audience crashed back into her awareness. The sea of wide eyes, the hushed whispers, the sheer spectacle of it all -it was mortifying.

    So with trembling hands, she quickly adjusted her dress, concealing the exposed skin which immediately prompted a collective sigh of disappointment, a low, almost mournful sound, rippled through the gathered knights and maids since they wanted to see more.

    But just as the crowd resigned themselves to the end of the show, Portia leaned in close to Cassius, her voice barely a whisper against his ear. "Not here, Young Master." She murmured, her cheeks still flushed a delicate pink. "But...perhaps tonight. In private."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, a knowing glint sparking in his eyes. He chuckled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down the spines of the watching knights.

    Their imaginations ran wild, conjuring images of of secret encounters and whispered promises he potentially had with his head maid. They exchanged excited glances, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anticipation and vicarious thrill.

    What secrets would unfold behind closed doors? What intimate moments awaited them in the darkness of the night?

    Even Aisha, her cheeks still flushed from the earlier display, felt a strange, unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest.

    She found her gaze drawn to the lingering blue mark on Portia''s skin that could still be seen on her cast cleavage, and a curious thought flickered through her mind: What would it feel like?

    But that fleeting reverie was abruptly shattered when she for some reason felt Skadi''s unwavering gaze fixed on her own chest.

    A blush, hot and sudden, crept up Aisha''s neck. She instinctively crossed her arms, trying to shield herself from Skadi''s blatant curiosity. "What are you staring at, you dumb mutt?" She hissed, her voice a low growl. "You''re looking at me like some kind of ancient pervert!"

    Skadi, completely oblivious to Aisha''s discomfort, tilted her head, her silver eyes wide and innocent. "But the young master kissed his maid on her chest." She stated, her voice utterly devoid of any hidden meaning. "He said it was to show affection. I was just wondering...should I also¡ª"

    Before Skadi could finish her sentence, Aisha snapped. "Don''t even think about it!" She gave Skadi a sharp whack on the head, her face burning. "Are you completely insane?!"

    Skadi, unfazed by the blow, pounced on Aisha, her tail wagging enthusiastically. "But why not?" She whined, her voice filled with childlike curiosity. "I''m curious! I want to try it too! Just a little taste?" She playfully nipped at Aisha''s arm, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

    "Get off me, you idiot!" Aisha yelled, shoving Skadi away. A flurry of limbs and muffled protests followed as the two of them wrestled on the ground, a familiar scene of playful chaos that had become a staple of their interactions.

    The knights, who had been momentarily lost in their own thoughts and fantasies, were jolted back to reality by the commotion. They shook their heads, wry smiles playing on their lips.

    The sight of Aisha and Skadi wrestling like puppies and kittens was a welcome distraction, a reminder of the normalcy that existed even amidst the extraordinary.

    "They never change." One of the older knights chuckled, shaking her head fondly.

    "Thank goodness for that." Another replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. "They keep us grounded."

    The playful scene brought a sense of lightness to the atmosphere, washing away the lingering tension from the earlier intimate display. The knights, their faces softening, watched the two women wrestle with a sense of quiet amusement.

    They hoped, with a shared, unspoken sentiment, that Skadi and Aisha would retain their innocent, playful nature forever, a constant reminder of the simple joys in life.

    Cassius also exhaled slowly, letting his gaze drift toward the horizon. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long golden streaks across the sky.

    The rich amber hues melted into deep purples and blues, a sight that should have brought tranquility, but instead, he found himself smirking at the absurdity of the day''s events.

    "Alright, I think we''ve had enough fun for now." He said, stretching his arms with a satisfied sigh. Then, his tone turned matter-of-fact he said, "We need to get all the knights back to the mansion and treat their injuries."

    Lucious, who had finally composed himself after Cassius''s earlier antics, straightened at the command. "Shall I have the maids bring out medical supplies here first, my lord?"

    Cassius shook his head. "No need, that will take too much time. Just tell the maids to assist them back to the mansion. There should be more than enough of them here to carry even the most injured ones back."

    At his words, Isabelle furrowed her brows in concern, stepping forward. "But...should we really be doing that?" She asked hesitantly, glancing at the battered knights. "They were the enemy just a moment ago. What if¡ª?"

    Her voice trailed off as her eyes scanned the warriors, many of whom were now leaning on their weapons for support or slumped against each other, barely standing. They were bruised, bloodied, and utterly defeated.

    Isabelle hesitated, then frowned deeper. "Actually...how did they even get this injured? Just what did they go through that they look like they just survived a raging storm?" She muttered in disbelief.

    Cassius chuckled at her reaction. "You don''t have to worry about that, Isabelle and the them being my enemies is old news." He turned to her with a smirk, his voice light yet carrying an undeniable finality. "They''re not the enemy anymore. They''re my personal legion now."

    The words struck like a thunderclap.

    Portia and Isabelle both stiffened, eyes widening in unison. "W-What?" Portia stammered.

    A visible ripple of shock passed through the maids. Some exchanged confused glances, others instinctively straightened their postures, as if trying to process whether they had misheard.

    Cassius''s smirk didn''t waver. "You heard me." He said smoothly. "They''re mine now."

    "But¡ª" Isabelle opened her mouth to demand an explanation, but Cassius waved a hand dismissively.

    "You can ask questions later." He said, his voice taking on a more authoritative edge. "For now, focus on taking care of them. I''d rather not have a fatality on the first day I take over."

    The maids, still processing what had just been declared, hesitated for a few more seconds. Then, almost in unison, they let out sighs¡ªhalf-exasperated, half-resigned.

    "Just what kind of mess has the young master gotten himself into this time¡­"One of them muttered under her breath.

    But regardless of their doubts, the maids obeyed. They moved swiftly, pairing up to assist the wounded knights. Those who could still walk on their own were supported by a single maid, while those too injured to stand were carried by two or three.

    Despite the awkwardness, an odd sense of camaraderie began to bloom between the two groups. The once-hostile knights, who had entered the estate with every intention of executing Cassius, now found themselves being carefully tended to by the very people they had planned to punish.

    Some of the knights exchanged hesitant glances with the maids, unsure whether to express gratitude or maintain their pride. Others, too exhausted to overthink the situation, simply accepted the help in silence.

    As Cassius watched his new ''legion'' being escorted back to the mansion, his smirk widened.

    "Well..." He murmured to himself. "This turned out better than expected."

    He stood, watching as the last of the maids and knights disappeared into the distance. Even Lucious, who had been tasked with gathering the horses, had finally left, leading the steeds toward the stables with an air of weary efficiency.

    Satisfied that everything had been handled, Cassius was also about to turn and make his way back to the mansion himself¡ªwhen something caught his eye.

    Three figures still remained on the ground.

    Julie. Aisha. Skadi.

    They looked like three orphaned children sitting in a cardboard box waiting for someone to take them in, which made Cassius smile and wonder if he should adopt all three of them and take them back home...

 Chapter 90 - 90: I Can Smell Your Humiliation!

    Unlike their subordinates, who had all been assisted or carried away, the top dogs of the Sacred Guard were still sprawled on the ground, looking for all the world like abandoned strays.

    Skadi, in particular, had the expression of a dog left out in the rain, her ears drooping as she rested her chin on the grass. Aisha was stiff, her arms crossed tightly, but her fingers were twitching in a way that suggested she was barely holding onto her dignity. And Julie, merely smiled as if she''d expected this outcome.

    Cassius tilted his head, lips curving into a knowing smirk. "Well, well. Now why exactly have the three of you been left behind like forgotten baggage?"

    Julie, still sitting gracefully despite her injuries, met his gaze. "There weren''t enough maids to go around." She admitted easily. "So I told them to prioritize helping the rest of the knights instead."

    Cassius raised a brow, clearly entertained. "And that''s why you''ve been completely abandoned like this?"

    Aisha''s eye twitched, and she looked away sharply, her pride visibly dented. Skadi let out a low, exaggerated whine, her tail flicking in agitation.

    Cassius exhaled, crossing his arms as he studied them. "So...What happens if I just leave you three here?" His smirk widened. "Since you all still can''t get up¡ªyou two because of your injuries, and Aisha because she wasted all her strength running on pure adrenaline¡ªare you just going to set up camp here for the night?" His voice was laced with amusement.

    Aisha let out a sharp ''harumph'', as if dismissing the very idea. "Tch. You don''t need to worry about that." She raised her chin, forcing her usual smugness into her tone. "As hard-boiled knights, we can crawl back if we have to."

    But despite her bravado, there was an unmistakable grimace on her face at the mere thought of it.

    Cassius''s smirk deepened. "Crawl back? What an elegant sight that would be. The great Aisha Noctus, the cold and calculating genius of the Sacred Guard, reduced to dragging herself across the dirt like a wounded animal."

    Aisha''s face burned. "Sh-Shut up! I wouldn''t actually crawl! I''m just saying if it came to it, I¡ª"

    Before she could finish, a new voice chimed in.

    "Who said anything about crawling?" Skadi, who had remained oddly quiet up until now, suddenly rolled onto her back and stretched out her arms. "We don''t need to crawl. We can just roll all the way back!"

    With that declaration, she did exactly that¡ªthrowing herself sideways and rolling across the ground like a log.

    Cassius stared in dismay at the sight of the rolling dog. Aisha, in contrast, smacked her forehead in disbelief. "Oh, for the love of¡ªSkadi, you absolute moron."

    But Skadi, true to her wild nature, continued rolling, completely unbothered by Aisha''s complaints.

    "See? Easy!" She called out between spins, grinning like she had just uncovered the ultimate solution to their problem.

    "Well, that''s certainly one way to make an entrance when you finally get back." Cassius smiled.

    Aisha rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn''t fall out of her head. "She looks like a damn potato."

    But just as Skadi was about to reach the other side of the clearing, her momentum suddenly slowed. The grin on her face wavered.

    Then, all at once, she stopped.

    "...Ugh."

    The color drained from her face as she placed a hand on her stomach, her ears twitching in discomfort.

    "Ughhh¡­" she groaned again, this time with unmistakable nausea creeping into her voice. Very, very slowly, she rolled herself back toward Julie, stopping just beside her captain.

    Aisha gave her a long, unimpressed look. "...And now?"

    Skadi turned pale, her silver tail limp against the grass. "Skadi doesn''t feel so good."

    Aisha crossed her arms, not even trying to hide her satisfaction. "Gee, I wonder why? Maybe because you just rolled around like an idiot for no reason?"

    Skadi let out a weak whine, pressing her forehead against Julie''s lap. "Captain, I don''t feel good...Help me." She mumbled pathetically.

    Julie, who had been quietly watching the entire thing unfold with an air of long-suffering patience, finally let out a gentle chuckle. "I can see that, Skadi." She said, shaking her head.

    With a quiet smile, she reached down and placed her hand on Skadi''s head, gently stroking her soft silver hair.

    The effect was immediate. Skadi let out a pleased sigh, her tail twitching slightly as she melted into Julie''s touch. Like an overgrown puppy, she instinctively nuzzled closer, clearly comforted by the warmth of her captain''s lap.

    Cassius quirked a brow. "Just like that, she''s cured?"

    Julie chuckled. "She just needs a little reassurance." She said, her tone almost motherly. "She''s a simple creature at heart."

    Aisha scoffed. "More like an oversized mutt who gets sick from rolling around like a dumbass."

    Skadi, too content under Julie''s gentle petting to care, simply murmured. "Hush, cat. Let me have this."

    Julie then let out a soft sigh, her fingers still moving through Skadi''s thick silver hair as she glanced up at Cassius. "You should go on ahead." She said with her usual calm composure. "We''ll be right behind you after we rest up a little."

    Cassius tilted his head, a slow smirk creeping across his face.

    "Oh? Is that so?" His eyes gleamed with something almost playful. "You do know that I''m the one who beat you all up, so I should know exactly how battered and bruised you are right now." His smirk widened. "And I also how it probably hurts like a bitch to even think about getting up."

    Julie''s smile faltered for just a second before she quickly looked away, as if the trees in the distance had suddenly become very interesting. Because the truth was¡­he was absolutely right.

    Her body ached all over, and her legs were trembling at the mere thought of standing. Every muscle screamed in protest, and though she would never admit it, the idea of trying to get up right now felt as impossible as lifting a boulder. She could already imagine the embarrassing sight¡ªher knees wobbling, her stance unsteady.

    But she was a grandmaster, damn it. She couldn''t just admit to her opponent, of all people, that she was struggling.

    So she put on her most graceful smile and lifted her chin. "It''s not that bad." She said smoothly. "I can manage."

    She thought that she handled the matter smoothly without losing her dignity. But then¡ªSkadi, who was still enjoying Julie''s head pats, blinked up at her with pure confusion.

    "Huh? What are you talking about, Captain?" She asked, tilting her head. "Even I''m aching all over, and I have the strongest body here."

    "...How in the world are you suffering any less with that normal body of yours?"

    The words were spoken with nothing but innocent curiosity, but they landed like a critical hit.

    Julie froze.

    The slow, rhythmic strokes she had been giving Skadi''s head suddenly became¡­rougher. More forceful. No longer the gentle, soothing motions of an older sister doting on her excitable pup¡ªbut the irritated scrubbing of someone using a little too much energy.

    Skadi immediately noticed the shift. She flinched slightly. "Ow, ow¡ªwait a second." She muttered, glancing up. "Captain, why does it feel like you''re trying to rub my fur off my scalp?"

    She turned to look at Julie, only to find her wearing a slightly agitated, slightly embarrassed expression¡ªher brows furrowed, her lips pressed together, her green eyes flicking sideways like she had just realized she had been betrayed by her own dumb puppy.

    Skadi, in true Skadi fashion, blinked, completely missing the obvious signs of irritation. "Wait...are you mad?" She asked cluelessly.

    Julie''s smile twitched. "No, Skadi. Why would I be mad?" She said in an overly sweet tone, her fingers still very much rubbing her wolf ears¡ªjust not in the gentle way they had been earlier.

    Skadi''s tail twitched, and she suddenly looked nervous. "Uhh, no reason? You just seem kinda¡­" She winced at another particularly firm rub. "¡­aggressive all of a sudden."

    Cassius, watching the scene unfold, barely held back his laughter. Ah, yes. The poor captain¡ªalways forced to deal with a subordinate who had no idea when to shut up.

    Aisha, meanwhile, crossed her arms and smirked, clearly enjoying watching someone else suffer for once. "Serves you right, mutt." She muttered, shaking her head.

    Skadi, still resting in Julie''s lap, suddenly sat up straight in offence, her wolf ears twitching with irritation as she turned to Aisha with a toothy grin, not willing to take any abuse from her as well, knowing that she had dirt on her which she could use against her.

    "Ohhh, you shouldn''t be saying anything, cat." She drawled, her tail flicking behind her like an amused predator.

    Aisha raised a brow, arms still crossed. "Oh? And why''s that, mutt?"

    Skadi wasted no time. She dramatically hopped out of Julie''s lap, landing on the ground with surprising energy for someone who had just been whining about body aches. She stretched her arms out wide, as if she were about to deliver some grand revelation, then grinned the most childish, taunting grin imaginable.

    "At least the reason we''re on the ground is because we got injured!" She declared, puffing out her chest like she had won a debate. Then, she pointed directly at Aisha, her grin widening. "But you? You''re still on the ground just because you got so scared your legs gave out!"

    Aisha stiffened instantly.

    "And they''re still not working!" Skadi added with exaggerated glee. "You''re still sitting there like a helpless kitten cause your knees just gave up on life after seeing Master Cassius in action!"

    Cassius''s brows lifted slightly in interest, while Julie, still seated on the grass, felt another headache coming.

    Aisha, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Watch it, mutt."

    But Skadi was just getting started.

    She leaned in closer, her silver eyes glinting mischievously. "And you know what''s worse, Aisha?" She sing-songed, drawing out the words like she was about to deliver the most damning piece of gossip.

    Aisha''s instincts screamed at her to shut Skadi up immediately, but before she could, Skadi dropped the bomb.

    "You even peed your pants a little from the fear!!"

    Silence.

    Dead silence.

    Aisha''s entire body went rigid.

    Then, in an instant, her face turned bright red. "Y-You¡ª!" She sputtered, hands flying up as if trying to physically push away Skadi''s words from existence.

    Cassius blinked, then turned his gaze toward her with mild intrigue. Julie, still seated, also looked at Aisha, her composed expression now tinged with curiosity and dismay like she wasn''t expecting her right hand man out of all people to pee herself.

    Aisha''s eye twitched as she immediately tried to shut it down. "Lies!" She snapped, her voice an octave higher than usual. "You''re making things up, mutt!"

    But Skadi only grinned wider. "Am I though?" She taunted, her tail wagging lazily.

    Aisha turned to Cassius and Julie, as if pleading for them not to believe this nonsense. But to her absolute horror, both of them simply looked at her. Studying. Observing.

    Cassius, of course, had his usual smirk¡ªone that suggested he was thoroughly enjoying the show¡ªbut Julie? Julie was watching her with something far worse.

    Scientific curiosity.

    Like she was actually considering whether Skadi''s ridiculous claim might have some merit.

    Aisha''s face burned. "D-Don''t look at me like that!!" She blurted, pointing at both of them. "I didn''t!! I swear I didn''t!!"

    Cassius hummed, leaning slightly closer, his smirk deepening. "I don''t know, Aisha." He mused. "You''re being awfully defensive."

    Julie tilted her head, her green eyes calm but unreadable. "It''s true that fear can cause certain...involuntary reactions in the body." She said in a calm manner, though the intrigue in her voice to know if her little sister really did humiliate herself in such a manner was unmistakable.

    Aisha''s soul left her body. "Not you too, Captain!!" She practically wailed.

    But Skadi wasn''t done yet.

    She folded her arms and nodded confidently. "Don''t lie to me, Aisha. I know you peed yourself a little." She announced, grinning like a detective revealing the final clue of a mystery.

    Aisha let out a frustrated groan. "How?! What ridiculous nonsense are you about to say now?!"

    Skadi beamed.

    "Because..." She began proudly. "When I was younger, I used to wet the bed all the time!"

    Cassius actually choked on his own breath. Julie''s flinched, wondering if she heard right.

    Aisha recoiled. "What the hell does that have to do with anything?!"

    But Skadi continued, undeterred.

    "And because of that, I got really used to the smell of my own pee!" She declared like it was some kind of grand achievement. "So now, I can recognize it really well!"

    Aisha looked like she was going to die. "Skadi. Stop. Talking." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But Skadi didn''t stop talking and continued telling her findings.

    "And to my shock, I smelled that odour just a little coming from you earlier!" She said, pointing directly at Aisha like she was making a dramatic courtroom accusation.

    "...Which means even if it was only a few tiny drops, you definitely peed yourself, Aisha! You most definitely did!"

    She beamed, as if she had just presented irrefutable evidence in a court of law.

    Cassius, hearing Skadi''s blunt declaration, tilted his head back, gazing up at the sky. He was doing his best to suppress a full-blown laugh. The thought of the normally arrogant Aisha, peeing her pants mid-battle was almost too much to bear.

    Julie, on the other hand, looked stunned. Her calm demeanor faltered, and her eyes widened slightly, hearing that Aisha actually did what she was accused of when she simply thought Skadi was joking earlier. She couldn''t believe what she was hearing.

    One of her top knights, a woman known for her icy composure in battle, had apparently succumbed to fear in such a¡­undignified manner.

    She imagined the repercussions if this news were to spread. ''How would I ever hold my head high as a captain?'' She thought, a faint tremor running through her.

    Aisha''s face, meanwhile, had reached a shade of crimson that could rival the ripest tomato. Her eyes were wide with mortification, and her lips trembled as she tried to form a coherent response.

    The embarrassing secret she had desperately tried to conceal had been exposed, and she felt a wave of shame washing over her...

 Chapter 91 - 91: Youre The Best, Master!

    Aisha''s face turned a deeper shade of red, her eyes wide with mortification. "You...You...!" She stammered, her voice trembling. "You absolute¡ª" She gritted her teeth so hard it was a wonder they didn''t crack.

    "Haha...Don''t blame Skadi for the accidents you made, Aisha or else¡ª"

    But before Skadi could finish taunting her, something shifted beneath her feet.

    After hearing a deep, low rumble she glanced down just in time to see the earth itself move beneath her.

    Then¡ªshe was gone.

    With zero warning, the ground suddenly swallowed her up, pulling her down until only her head was sticking out like a trapped mole.

    Skadi let out a yelp, eyes darting wildly. "H-Hey!!" She yelped. "What the¡ª?!"

    But before she could finish, she saw Aisha crawling towards her face flushed and tears welling up in her eyes and then without any hesitation whatsoever, she began hammering her head with her tiny fists in a rage.

    "H-How could you say something like that, you damn dog?!" She yelled, her voice choked with mortification. "Do you have no shame?! And how dare you go around smelling people''s pee, you damn pervert!"

    She continued to clobber Skadi, her blows becoming increasingly frantic, a mixture of anger and genuine embarrassment fueling her actions. The rhythmic thwacks echoed through the clearing, a stark contrast to the earlier tense atmosphere.

    "Ow! Hey! Stop it!" Skadi yelped, her voice muffled by the earth surrounding her. "I was just telling the truth!"

    "The truth?!" Aisha shrieked, her voice reaching a fever pitch. "There is no truth! You''re making it up! And even if it were true, you don''t just go around announcing it to everyone!"

    "But why not?" Skadi asked, her voice muffled but still indignant. "It''s just pee! Everyone pees!"

    "Not in their pants!" Aisha retorted, her blows becoming more forceful. "Especially not in front of someone who just humiliated our entire squad!"

    "But he''s out new master! He''s not an outsider anymore!" Skadi protested, her voice wavering. "And it was only a little, so it doesn''t even count as peeing your pants!"

    "That''s not the point, you bed wetting mutt!" Aisha yelled, her face now a mask of pure, unadulterated mortification.

    Cassius let out a low chuckle, watching the entire exchange unfold with pure amusement. He leaned slightly toward Julie, smirking as he gestured lazily toward her two subordinates¡ªone half-buried in the ground and the other still flushed red with humiliation.

    "You''ve really got an amazing left and right hand, Captain." He mused, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. "One that pees her pants out of fear..." Aisha immediately shot him a glare of death. "...and another who''s peed herself so much that she can now detect when others do it."

    "Truly a splendid team." He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with mock admiration.

    Julie, kept her expression calm, though there was the slightest twitch in her smile. She refused to let her pride be dented, so instead, she exhaled lightly and gave a small, diplomatic smile.

    "Well, young prodigies always come with their own quirks." She said smoothly, her voice carrying a tone of forced patience. "It''s only natural."

    Cassius''s smirk widened. "Ah, yes. Just like how a prodigy like yourself always trips over pebbles."

    Julie''s cheeks turned slightly red as she slowly turned her gaze toward Cassius. "That was a one-time thing." She said, her tone controlled but defensive. "It won''t happen again."

    Cassius quirked a brow, clearly not buying it. "Won''t happen again?" He repeated. "How confident."

    Julie straightened her posture, fully intent on restoring her dignity. "Of course." She said smoothly, tucking a strand of platinum blonde hair behind her ear. "A single mistake does not define a warrior of my caliber."

    For a moment, it almost seemed like she had successfully shut down the topic.

    Almost.

    Until¡ª

    Skadi''s betrayal arrived.

    From her grave, Skadi''s voice rang out like a divine proclamation of truth.

    "Yeah, there''s no way that''s true." She said, her tone disturbingly casual. "Captain''s clumsiness is so notorious that everyone in the legion decided that the day she doesn''t screw up a simple task because of her clumsiness is the day the end of the world is coming, so there''s no way she''s going to follow through with what she said."

    The world froze.

    Cassius sucked in a sharp breath, pressing a fist against his lips, as if holding back a full-blown laugh. Aisha, who had been enjoying Julie''s struggle just seconds ago, immediately stiffened.

    Julie?

    Julie slowly¡ªvery slowly¡ªturned her head toward Aisha.

    "Aisha." She called in a voice that sent shivers down the spine of everyone present.

    Aisha gulped. "...Yes, Captain?"

    Julie smiled. A cold, merciless smile.

    "In the name of maintaining discipline within the Sacred Guard." She said lightly. "Please continue to clobber Skadi."

    Skadi''s ears shot up in panic.

    "Wait¡ªWait, Captain¡ª!!" She yelped, thrashing in her dirt prison. "Don''t just order me to be beaten because I spoke the truth!!"

    But her pleas fell on deaf ears.

    "Oh-ho-ho, with pleasure, Captain." Aisha cracked her knuckles, her earlier embarrassment completely wiped away, her expression glowing with righteous vengeance.

    "Alright, mutt." She said with a smirk. "You had your fun, now it''s my turn."

    Skadi, still half-buried, flinched. "W-Wait, let''s talk about this¡ª"

    But before Aisha could unleash divine retribution, a voice interrupted.

    "That''s enough."

    The command was calm but carried absolute weight.

    In the next instant, before anyone could even react, Cassius bent down and thrust his hands into the soil.

    Julie''s eyes widened in shock. That was Aisha''s hardened earth. Normally, removing someone would require undoing the spell or forcefully breaking through it with brute strength.

    And Cassius did just that with zero visible effort.

    His fingers pushed through the compacted earth like it was nothing more than soft sand. The solid ground cracked and split apart, crumbling beneath his hands as if its very existence bent to his will.

    Julie barely concealed the way her breath hitched. She knew Cassius was strong, but the way he casually broke Aisha''s magic¡ªsomething that usually took direct countermeasures¡ªwas another reminder of just how absurdly powerful he was.

    Even Aisha, who had prepared to beat Skadi senseless, froze for a moment, her instincts kicking in.

    Cassius, entirely unbothered by their reactions, slid his arms further under the earth until his hands found their target.

    Skadi, still confused about what was happening, let out a small yelp as she suddenly felt his hands securely grip under her arms.

    Then, effortlessly, he lifted her straight out of the ground like she weighed nothing.

    It was ridiculously easy.

    As if he were picking up a puppy which, considering the way he held her, was exactly what she looked like.

    Skadi blinked in surprise, her wide silver eyes staring up at Cassius as he held her firmly in his arms. Her belly was facing upward, completely exposed, her tail flicking in confusion. Her wolf ears twitched as she looked at him innocently.

    Cassius, without an ounce of shame, smiled down at her.

    "There we go." He said smoothly. "No one is allowed to bully my adorable little puppy anymore."

    Skadi''s ears perked up immediately.

    Her tail wagged harder, and she gave Cassius the most blatantly joyful expression of the night.

    "A-Are you siding with Skadi?!" She asked, her voice almost shiny with excitement. "Are you actually trying to help me out, Master ?!"

    Cassius, still holding her comfortably against his chest, tilted his head slightly and coddled his tone as if soothing a small child.

    "Of course." He said, his voice rich with mock sympathy. "They were being unnecessarily mean to you, weren''t they, Skadi? They acted like such big bullies, right?"

    Skadi''s ears flattened dramatically. She whimpered, as if to fully sell her victim role.

    "Mmm..." She nodded, her expression pitiful as she clutched onto Cassius''s sleeve for extra effect. "Y-Yes, Master ...They were bullying me just because I was being honest!"

    Aisha opened her mouth to protest, but Skadi was too fast.

    She turned her big, innocent eyes up at Cassius, her voice tragically mournful. "Is there really no place left in the world for honest people like me?"

    Cassius sighed theatrically, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, there isn''t."

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, already seeing where this was going. "Young Master ¡ª"

    But he wasn''t done.

    He gently adjusted Skadi''s position, still holding her with ease, and let out a soft chuckle. "That being said, I truly appreciate your honesty."

    Skadi''s ears perked again. "You do?!"

    Cassius nodded. "Yes. And because of that, I''ll make you a deal."

    Her tail wagged furiously. "A deal?!"

    Cassius grinned. "Anytime they bully you for simply being honest, you can just come complain to me." His eyes gleamed mischievously. "And I''ll make sure to tell them off."

    Aisha jerked forward in outrage. "Excuse me?!"

    But Skadi had already stopped listening.

    Her silver eyes sparkled. "Really?" She gasped, clinging onto his sleeve like an excited child. "You''d do that for Skadi?!"

    Cassius smiled down at her. "Of course. After all, I''m your new master now, aren''t I?" His smirk grew wider. "Taking care of my pitiful little puppy is part of my duties."

    The stars in Skadi''s eyes multiplied.

    "Master ¡­!!" She practically trembled with emotion, looking up at him like he had just saved her entire world.

    "You! Stop feeding into her delusions!" Aisha, beyond exasperated, groaned.

    "This is going to be a problem." Julie, rubbing her temples, sighed deeply.

    Skadi, on the other hand, had already made up her mind.

    "You''re the best master ever!!" She beamed, rubbing her cheek against Cassius''s sleeve affectionately.

    Cassius chuckled. "Glad you think so."

    Seeing this obnoxious sight of her two mortal enemies that she had made up in her mind cuddling with one another, Aisha physically recoiled. "Stop wagging your tail! You''re a knight, not a pet! Have some dignity!"

    But Skadi paid her no mind. She had already found her new safe haven.

    Cassius, still holding Skadi effortlessly in his arms, then cast a thoughtful glance toward the path leading back to the mansion. He exhaled softly before looking up at the eager wolf girl.

    "Skadi..." He called, tilting his head slightly. "Since I have to carry the other two as well, would you mind sitting on my shoulders?...It''ll make things easier if someone''s on top."

    He didn''t even get to finish the thought before Skadi launched herself onto him like an overenthusiastic pup climbing a tree.

    "I get to ride master?!" She gasped, her eyes shining with pure, unfiltered joy.

    Cassius barely had time to brace himself before she scaled him with the agility of a beastkin born to climb. Julie and Aisha also watched, completely dumbfounded, as Skadi scrambled onto Cassius''s shoulders with the speed of someone climbing for their life.

    And once she was securely perched atop his broad shoulders, she spread her arms wide, her tail wagging wildly.

    "Hah!" She cried, throwing her head back in awe. "Look at me! I''m so tall right now!!"

    She laughed triumphantly, looking down at everything with wide, sparkling eyes.

    "This is incredible! This must be what it feels like to be a king!" She said, dramatically extending a hand over the horizon. "No¡ªa god! This is my domain now!"

    Cassius chuckled. "Feeling powerful, are we?"

    Skadi grinned. "Master, this is the best! I can see everything from up here!" Then, with zero mercy, she suddenly pointed downward¡ªspecifically at Aisha.

    "Aisha, you were already puny and short, but now¡ª" She let out a mocking gasp. "¡ªyou look like a tiny ant!"

    Aisha''s brows twitched violently.

    Her fingers curled into fists.

    Her teeth gritted.

    "Skadi." She growled. "I am going to throw you off that high horse if you don''t shut up in the next five seconds."

    Skadi giggled mischievously, kicking her legs lightly, absolutely delighted by the reaction.

    Julie, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes at Cassius, her earlier amusement replaced by wary suspicion. "Wait a moment." She said, voice sharp with caution. "What do you mean by ''carrying the other two''?"

    Cassius turned to her with a smirk that made her stomach sink.

    He didn''t answer her directly.

    Instead, with zero hesitation, he suddenly bent down and¡ªbefore Aisha could even react¡ªscooped her up.

    Princess style.

    Effortlessly.

    Aisha, who had just been sitting on the ground mere seconds ago, found herself cradled in Cassius''s arms like some delicate noble maiden which made her eyes widened in shock, her face flushing an even deeper shade of crimson.

    "Well, since none of you seem capable of walking." Cassius said, his voice smooth and teasing. "I thought I would be a good master and carry you all back myself."

    Julie''s surprise was evident, her normally composed expression momentarily faltering. But Aisha''s reaction was far more explosive.

    "You! L-Let me go!" She shrieked, her voice a mixture of rage and embarrassment. She flailed her arms, attempting to scratch Cassius''s face like an angry cat. "I don''t need your help! I can go back by myself!"

    Skadi, from her perch on Cassius''s shoulders, chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. "Yeah! Let her go! She might make you stink of pee too!"

    Aisha''s face contorted in a mixture of fury and mortification. "Skadi! Shut up!" She yelled, her voice echoing through the clearing. She then turned her attention back to Cassius, her struggles intensifying. "Put me down this instant before I scratch your face off!"

    Cassius, however, remained unmoved by Aisha''s protests. He simply adjusted his grip, ensuring she was securely held in his arms.

    "Now, now." He said, his voice laced with playfulness as he admired how light and frail she felt in his arms. "Where''s the gratitude? I''m merely trying to be a gentleman."

    Aisha, her face burning, continued to struggle, her attempts to escape becoming increasingly frantic. "Gentleman?!" She spat, her voice laced with incredulity. "This is an actual kidnapping! Put me down this instant or else I''ll have you arrested in the name of the Holy Guard!"

    Skadi, perched atop Cassius''s shoulders, giggled. "She looks like a squirming fish!" She exclaimed, her tail wagging excitedly. "A very angry, very stinky fish!"

    Aisha''s eyes narrowed, a primal urge to silence Skadi rising within her. She was ready to pounce, to pull the silver-haired menace down to the ground and settle this once and for all.

    But just as she was about to launch herself, a sudden movement caught her attention.

    To her utter shock, Cassius bent down towards her face, his eyes gleaming with an almost mischievous light as he slowly moved towards her face. The sudden proximity sent a jolt of panic through Aisha.

    She froze, her breath catching in her throat. In her awkward, princess-carried position, she was completely vulnerable, unable to react.

    ''Is he...Is he going to kiss me? Is this what he meant by taking liberties with his knights from time to time? Is he really going to go through with what he said, even when the captain is watching?'' She thought, her mind reeling.

    The idea of her first kiss being stolen by this infuriatingly charming but irritating man sent a wave of conflicting emotions through her, especially knowing that Skadi, who was happily watching from above would never let her forget about it and would probably spread it to everyone in the squad.

    That was probably a fate worse then death and the only way she would be able to live with it is if she took the head of the man who forcibly stole her lips, even though she had no idea how she was going to take down the behemoth of a powerhouse who was slowly inching towards her trembling, pink lips¡­

    sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 92 - 92: Princess Carry 2x

    But then, to Aisha''s immense surprise, Cassius didn''t go for her lips.

    Instead, he lowered his head to her neck, where she could feel is breath tickling her and took a deep, exaggerated sniff and the moment he did, Aisha''s eyes widened, her face flushing crimson.

    "Hmm." Cassius murmured, pulling back and looking at her with a casual air. "You really don''t stink at all. In fact, you smell quite nice."

    "...Like a bundle full of jasmines."

    Cassius''s words slowly sank in¡ªone by one, each word burrowing into her mind like a dagger.

    Her scent...Jasmines.

    He just¡ª

    Her entire face exploded into red.

    Julie, watching all of this raised an eyebrow at Aisha''s exaggerated reaction. Skadi, however, was not satisfied.

    "Master!" She whined, leaning down from his shoulders to pout at him. "You were supposed to say she smells like a stinky fish! You''re ruining the fun!"

    Cassius chuckled. Still holding Aisha securely, he then turned his gaze directly into hers and even through her humiliation, Aisha found herself locked in place.

    There was something too intense about the way he was looking at her¡ªlike he was enjoying her reaction far too much.

    Then, with a slow smirk, he spoke again.

    "Well, even if she did smell like rotting fish or even a decomposing corpse in fact." He said some morbid words while looking at her with a enchanting gaze. "I wouldn''t mind if it meant I could carry such a cute girl in my arms."

    "...Especially since there aren''t many girls who are both impeccably smart and pretty at the same time like Aisha here, so I consider even being able to have such a close look at her as a blessing that was bestowed upon me."

    "."

    ".."

    "..."

    "...w-what?"

    Aisha froze, her mind struggling to process the sudden onslaught of compliments and intimacy. The unexpected sniff, the casual declaration of her pleasant scent, and then the blatant compliment about her cuteness¡ªit was all too much.

    For a moment, she was completely speechless, her mind a blank slate.

    Then, the realization of what he had said hit her like a tidal wave. Her entire face turned a shade of red that could rival a ripe tomato. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breath hastened. She was completely flustered, unable to form a coherent thought or response.

    "I...I...Y-You..." She stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

    She looked away, her eyes darting nervously around, trying to find an escape from the intensity of his gaze. But there was none. She was trapped, held captive by his words and his proximity.

    "My, my, Aisha." Cassius chuckled softly, his voice laced with amusement. "Are you blushing?"

    Before Aisha could even open her mouth to say something back even if it was a word or two at Cassius''s teasing remark, Skadi struck first.

    "Ohhh, she''s definitely blushing!" Skadi declared dramatically from her perch on Cassius''s shoulders, her silver tail wagging with pure mischief. "She looks like a tomato! No¡ªa whole basket of tomatoes!"

    Aisha twitched violently. "I¡ª!"

    "And you know what''s funny?" Skadi continued, cutting her off entirely, her voice taking on an exaggeratedly mocking tone. "She was just telling me the other day when we were going through your reports about how she could never be like those silly maids who fall for you so easily. How she''s ''not weak like them'' and ''would never be swayed by a few sweet words.''"

    "Oh?" Cassius tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with interest.

    Skadi grinned wide, clearly enjoying herself. "But look at her now! She''s starting to act the exact same way!"

    Aisha''s face went from red to an alarming shade of crimson. "I¡ªI did not¡ª!"

    She wanted to protest. Desperately. She wanted to say that Skadi was making things up, exaggerating, twisting her words!

    But every single time she tried to look up¡ª

    Cassius was there.

    Looking at her.

    Not with his usual smirk or his usual teasing gaze, but with something that made her completely forget how to form words. His crimson eyes were warm, filled with something impossibly soft, like he was holding onto something precious.

    Like she was some kind of treasure.

    Aisha''s heart raced.

    What...What was with that look?!

    Why was he holding her like this?! Why was he looking at her like that?!

    Her heartbeat was too loud in her ears.

    She couldn''t think.

    She needed to escape.

    And with no other option, she abruptly turned over and stuffed her face into his chest, hiding from both of them who were looking at her flustered figure from above.

    Skadi immediately burst into laughter when she saw this embarassing sight of retreat.

    "Oh my gods!" She cackled, pointing at Aisha as she kicked her legs in amusement. "She went into hiding!"

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Like a hermit crab?"

    "Exactly!" Skadi snickered, nodding furiously. "She does this all the time! Acts all big and mighty, but the moment she gets flustered or overwhelmed, she hides behind me or Captain!"

    Cassius hummed in amusement, his arms shifting slightly as he held Aisha a little closer.

    "That''s fine." He murmured, his voice softer now, his tone carrying nothing but warmth as he caressed her face. "I don''t mind at all." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha stiffened as she suddenly felt his hand on her cheek. His touch was gentle, his thumb caressing her flushed skin, slow and soothing, as if trying to calm her down which made her suck in a sharp breath as body shivered.

    Cassius chuckled at her reaction.

    "I think it''s rather cute..." He mused, his voice dropping slightly. "...that she thinks all her problems will disappear as long as she just...doesn''t look at them."

    "...Almost like a little baby who thinks her parents disappear the moment they cover their face when they play peekaboo."

    Aisha buried herself deeper into his chest when she heard his words and Cassius could feel her reaction¡ªhow she curled even closer, how her fingers gripped onto his shirt, how her body radiated heat from embarrassment.

    And it only made him smile more.

    "Ahh! She''s burying herself even more!" Skadi, completely entertained, gasped in horror.

    Cassius chuckled, still gently stroking her cheek. "Well..." He murmured, his voice undeniably fond. "It''s only natural, isn''t it? There''s no way she would show how flustered she is at the moment with that pride of hers at the moment."

    His hand slid up, fingertips brushing over the base of her cat ears, making them twitch even more which made Aisha let out the tiniest, softest little whimper.

    "So cute..." Cassius smirked.

    Aisha wanted to disappear.

    Cassius then exhaled lightly, his smirk never faltering as he glanced down at Aisha, who was still trembling slightly in his hold, stubbornly hiding her face in his chest as if that would somehow erase the entire situation. His arms were firm around her, keeping her secure despite how much she wanted to vanish into thin air.

    "Well..." He murmured, as he looked down at Aisha and then Skadi who was leaning on top of him. "It looks like I''ve finally got two on board, even if one of you is still quite reluctant. Now..."

    He tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming as he glanced toward Julie.

    "Now..." He said, adjusting Aisha slightly in his arms. "There''s only one more person I need to add before we can finally head back home."

    Julie, who had been in slight awe this entire time watching Aisha¡ªthe same Aisha who never let anyone outside of her and Skadi see her vulnerable, hide in her embrace so blatantly¡ªsuddenly snapped back to reality when she saw the look that screamed you''re next.

    Her fingers twitched slightly, but she quickly forced herself to maintain her composure. She cleared her throat, coughing elegantly to regain her usual regal stance.

    "That won''t be necessary, Young Master." She said smoothly, straightening her posture. "You''re already carrying two people. I doubt adding a third would be¡ª"

    "Not a problem at all." Cassius interrupted, his smirk widening slightly.

    Julie faltered for just a split second before regaining herself. "Regardless..." She continued, ignoring the way her heartbeat skipped slightly at his confident words. "You may depart ahead of me. I''ll follow once I regain my strength."

    Cassius sighed in mock disappointment, shaking his head slightly. "You really are stubborn, aren''t you, Captain?" He asked, then added casually. "Also, you can just call me by my name instead of Young Master. It feels a bit strange hearing that from you."

    Julie blinked.

    "¡­I see." She said carefully, her voice still calm, though there was a flicker of hesitation behind her emerald gaze.

    "Now then..." Cassius continued, stretching his arms slightly with ease, making Aisha grumble something incoherent into his chest. "Since you don''t seem to believe me, how about a little demonstration?"

    "A demonstration?" Julie narrowed her eyes slightly.

    "Skadi..." Cassius called up to the energetic wolf girl perched on his shoulders. "Could you possibly stand up on top of me and balance yourself on my head like you''re circus performer."

    Julie''s entire body went rigid.

    Absolutely not, she thought.

    "That''s¡ª" She started, intending to stop this madness immediately, because sitting on a noble''s shoulders was already too much, but¡ª

    She was too late.

    The moment she opened her mouth, Skadi had already moved. With zero hesitation, the wolf girl leaped up onto one leg, perching herself directly atop Cassius''s head like he was a balance beam.

    Julie stared in sheer disbelief.

    "I''m even taller now!" Skadi cheered, arms outstretched as if she were standing atop the highest peak in the kingdom. "Master, you''re amazing! You barely even moved when I jumped up!"

    Cassius chuckled, entirely unbothered by the fact that there was now a full-grown beastkin balancing on his head.

    "See?" He said casually, glancing at Julie, who still looked like she was processing what just happened. "Carrying all of you won''t be an issue."

    Julie pressed her fingers against her temple, exhaling through her nose...This man was insane.

    "Come on, Captain!" Skadi grinned down at her, her silver tail wagging excitedly as she pointed at her. "Just get on already! You can even sit on his shoulders if you want! Skadi will give up her beloved seat for you."

    Julie''s expression darkened.

    "I will not sit on his shoulders." She said in a voice that carried the undeniable authority of a high-ranking knight.

    Skadi tilted her head. "Why not? It''s really comfy."

    Julie''s eye twitched. Cassius, meanwhile, was smirking.

    "Julie..." He drawled, shifting his hold on Aisha, who had gone completely limp in defeat, still refusing to remove her face from his chest. "Are you sure you''re not just hesitating because you think it''ll be embarrassing?"

    "That is not the issue." Julie shot him a sharp look.

    "Then there''s no problem getting on, is there?"

    Julie inhaled deeply, her fingers curling slightly in frustration.But before she could argue further, Skadi leaned down, her silver ears twitching in excitement.

    "Don''t worry, Captain!" She grinned. "Even if you do fall because of your clumsiness, Master will catch you!...Isn''t that right, Master?"

    "That''s right." Cassius grinned. "No matter how awkwardly she falls, I''ll never let her hit the ground."

    "...And honestly I think me carrying her back is safer then her walking and tripping over a stick this time."

    Hearing the accusations from her own master and her left hand man, Julie, for the first time, felt the distinct urge to throw both of them into the dirt.

    Skadi, still balancing effortlessly on top of Cassius''s head, then grew impatient and grinned down at her captain with an expression that was far too pleased with itself.

    "Master, you''re wasting your time." She said, wagging her tail lazily. "Captain''s not gonna accept, no matter what you say."

    Julie narrowed her eyes slightly, already sensing danger. "Skadi¡ª"

    "It''s because of all that formality and pride nonsense." Skadi continued, completely ignoring Julie''s sharp gaze. "She''ll just keep refusing ''cause she thinks it''s her duty to protect you, not the other way around."

    Julie''s lips parted, but before she could get a word in, Skadi leaned forward, flashing a mischievous grin.

    "So, Master, you should just do the same thing you did with Aisha!" She declared boldly, ignoring the way Julie''s entire body stiffened in alarm.

    Cassius''s eyes gleamed dangerously. Julie''s heart dropped.

    "Skadi..." She said sharply, shaking her head furiously, trying to stop what was about to happen.

    But Skadi''s tail wagged even harder.

    "Come on, Master, it''s not like she can run away or anything."

    Hearing Skadi''s suggestion, he looked at Julie, who was now visibly flustered, and a slow, playful smirk spread across his face.

    Julie, realizing what he was about to do, quickly turned around and attempted to crawl away, her movements awkward and slow due to her injuries.

    "Oh, no you don''t." Cassius chuckled, his voice laced with playful determination. "We wouldn''t want you to miss out on the fun, now would we?"

    And before she could even gain any distance, she suddenly felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist.

    A gasp escaped her lips as she was lifted off the ground, her body weightless in Cassius''s hold and then to her utter shock, she felt herself being thrown into the air and she was flying.

    Throw~

    Skadi howled with laughter.

    "Whoooaaa, she''s really flying¡ª!!"

    Aisha, who had just started recovering from her earlier humiliation, snapped her head up in disbelief as she saw her captain soaring through the air like a tossed doll.

    And then¡ª

    With almost inhuman precision, Julie landed perfectly into Cassius''s arms.

    Right beside Aisha in the exact same position like two sardines in a can.

    A second princess carry.

    And for the briefest moment, absolute silence fell over the group.

    Cassius, holding both of them effortlessly, simply smirked while looking up at Skadi who was showing him a thumbs up like she was telling a job well done

    Aisha, also in his hold, turned her head slowly toward her captain, initially being surprised by her sudden appearance and then looked at her as it she was asking, ''Not you as well, Captain''.

    Julie, meanwhile, was completely frozen.

    She blinked once. Then twice. Then a third time.

    Her mind was blank...She had not been prepared for this.

    This wasn''t supposed to happen.

    She was supposed to retain her dignity.

    She was supposed to walk back herself.

    And yet¡ª

    Here she was.

    Carried.

    Like a princess.

    Cassius chuckled lightly, adjusting his hold on them with ridiculous ease. "Well, well." He said, his eyes twinkling. "I have to say, Captain, you make a rather elegant addition to my collection."

 Chapter 93 - 93: Death By Thighs

    Julie''s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink when she realised that was being held like a helpless girl.

    "Cassius!" She suddenly exclaimed as she looked up at him, her voice a mixture of surprise and exasperation. "This is...This is highly inappropriate!"

    "Inappropriate?" Cassius chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "Nonsense. It''s merely efficient. Besides." He added, his eyes twinkling. "I wouldn''t want you to feel left out when I''m already carrying your left and right hand men?"

    Aisha, still hiding her face in Cassius''s chest, let out a muffled groan. "Just...Just make it stop." She mumbled, her voice barely audible.

    Skadi, on the other hand, perched atop Cassius''s head, giggled. "Look, Captain! You''re a princess too now!" She exclaimed, her tail wagging excitedly. "We''re all princesses now!"

    Julie''s lips parted, a sharp protest already forming on her tongue. Her entire body burned with the sheer embarrassment of being carried like this¡ªin front of Skadi, in front of Aisha, in front of Cassius.

    It wasn''t just about dignity¡ªit was about control. And she refused to be treated like some helpless maiden when she was supposed to be the leader of the Sacred Guard.

    No, she had to get down.

    With a determined glare, she shifted slightly in Cassius''s arms, her muscles tensing as she prepared to force herself out of his hold¡ª

    But before she could even move, Cassius sighed dramatically, already predicting exactly what she was about to do.

    "Julie..." He said in a low tone, his eyes gleaming. "If you get off the train, I''m dropping the other two as well and leaving them here."

    Julie stilled immediately as her sharp green eyes snapped up to meet his, her expression darkening with suspicion.

    "You wouldn''t." She said, her voice low and dangerously even.

    Cassius''s smirk widened slightly, but his eyes held an undeniable edge.

    "Wouldn''t I?" He murmured. "If I''m already carrying three, what''s the point of only carrying two? If you refuse to play along, then I might as well put all of you down." His grip around them remained firm, unyielding, as he continued with a casual shrug.

    "Unless, of course." He mused, raising a brow. "You''d rather see your two adorable sisters abandoned out here in the cold night, with no one to help them back?"

    Julie''s brows twitched slightly. That threatening glint in his eyes was unmistakable¡ªplayful, yes, but still very real.

    Aisha, still curled against him, let out a low groan. "Don''t...Don''t drag me into this¡­I was forced into this." She mumbled weakly, her tail twitching slightly.

    Skadi, meanwhile, was still happily perched on his head, kicking her legs playfully without a care in the world.

    Julie exhaled sharply through her nose. Then, slowly, she narrowed her eyes at Cassius, watching him carefully, her voice measured.

    "Are you threatening me with my own comrades?"

    Cassius tilted his head slightly, then flashed her a wolfish grin.

    "Most definitely."

    Julie''s jaw tightened, her fingers curling slightly where they rested against his chest.

    "I have to say." He continued, his voice calm but entirely unapologetic. "I doubt you think very highly of me right now, especially given my, shall we say...shameless behavior." His eyes gleamed in the dimming light as he studied her expression, unreadable yet certain in his next words. "But honestly? I don''t really care."

    "...As long as my all beloved knights get home safely, which most definitely includes you as well, you can think whatever you want of me."

    Julie stiffened slightly. For the first time since being captured in his grasp, she felt her initial resistance waver.

    She had expected Cassius to be arrogant, self-serving, someone who treated them as if they were his possessions to be played with and tossed around. And while there was certainly some truth to that, the way he spoke¡ªthe unwavering sincerity in his tone¡ª

    It made her hesitate.

    There was no deception in his words, no hidden malice. Just a straightforward desire to see them home and safe.

    It was strange...Infuriating.

    And yet¡­She sighed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment before reluctantly leaning her weight fully into his arms.

    "Fine..." She murmured, her voice soft but firm. "Just for tonight. Just the sake of these two."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, but his gaze softened slightly.

    "That''s all I ask." He said in a gentle tone like he was in relief that she finally accepted. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Then, just as Julie thought they had reached an understanding¡ª

    Cassius grinned shamelessly.

    "Oh, and don''t worry." He added casually. "I won''t threaten you next time."

    Julie raised a brow slightly, nodding. "Good¡ª"

    "Because as your master." Cassius continued with a smug smirk. "I can simply order you to do what I want."

    Julie''s entire body stiffened again.

    Aisha snorted.

    Skadi, watching from above, burst into laughter.

    "Master, you''re so evil!" She giggled, kicking her feet in delight.

    Julie, still in Cassius''s arms, let out a long, exasperated sigh, pressing her fingers against her temple.

    She had walked straight into that one.

    Cassius, pleased beyond words, merely continued walking, holding them securely as if they weighed nothing at all.

    For a while, Julie simply let herself think.

    Her mind drifted back to Skadi, who had always possessed a peculiar sense about people.

    No matter how charming or deceptive someone might be, Skadi could always see through them¡ªfeel their real intentions, no matter how deeply they were hidden.

    And yet, here she was.

    Joyfully playing on top of Cassius''s head without a care in the world.

    So, even if he was twisted¡­

    Even if he was arrogant¡­

    Perhaps...he wasn''t a bad person after all.

    And after a while, as the gentle rhythm of Cassius''s steps began to lull her into an unexpected sense of tranquility, Julie found herself adjusting to the rather peculiar experience of being carried.

    It was strange at first, but Cassius¡ªthough undeniably shameless in words¡ªwas surprisingly respectful in action.

    His hands rested exactly where they should, his grip firm yet gentle, as if he were handling something precious rather than burdensome. He wasn''t acting like some hooligan who took advantage of the situation¡ªhe was carrying her properly, carefully, even gentlemanly.

    She exhaled softly, allowing herself to relax just a little¡ªuntil she suddenly felt it.

    A gaze. A deep, unwavering gaze.

    She turned her head slightly, and that was when she saw it.

    Aisha.

    Her usually sharp, calculating amber eyes were locked onto her, but there was no mischief in them, no embarrassment from earlier, no usual exasperation toward Skadi. Instead, she looked almost¡­

    Lost...Like she was stuck in the memories of the past.

    Julie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then, she realized something else.

    She was close. Very close to Aisha.

    So much so that she could feel the warmth from Aisha''s tiny little frame, the way her body heat gently radiated into her own. She could hear the faintest rhythm of her heartbeat¡ªsoft, quieter than usual, almost fragile.

    And because of this, Julie''s older sister instincts immediately kicked in. With a concerned softness, she reached out slightly, her voice gentle yet firm.

    "Aisha." She murmured, her green eyes searching hers carefully. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    Hearing her captain call out to her, Aisha blinked, startled, suddenly realizing she had been staring for too long. And before she could retreat, Julie spoke again, her voice filled with quiet concern.

    "Are you uncomfortable? Is this not a good position?" She asked, shifting slightly, prepared to move if necessary. "Should I¡ª"

    But before she could finish, Aisha quickly shook her head, snapping out of her daze, her eyes widening slightly before she quickly averted her gaze. "N-No, Captain." She stammered, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "I''m not uncomfortable at all. In fact." She added, her voice barely a whisper. "It''s...rather nice and feels cozy."

    Cassius, hearing Aisha''s soft admission, gave her a knowing glance, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Aisha, however, pointedly ignored him, focusing her attention on fiddling with the edges of her uniform.

    "It''s just¡­" she murmured, casting a nervous glance toward Julie, her fingers curling slightly.

    Julie tilted her head slightly, waiting patiently.

    "It''s just that¡­" Aisha repeated, this time even softer, almost hesitant.

    "...It''s been a long time since I''ve seen your face up close like this."

    Julie''s expression softened immediately, while Aisha''s eyes flickered slightly as she looked down, almost as if trying to gather her words.

    "I was just thinking." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That ever since the last time I''ve seen you so close to me you''ve truly...grown more beautiful since then."

    Julie felt a warm gentleness settle into her chest when she heard her little sister''s sincere, heartfelt words that she would normally admit because of shy she was when it came to touchy matters.

    And for a moment, Julie said nothing. Then, ever so slowly, a fond, motherly smile spread across her face.

    She reached out, gently brushing a few strands of Aisha''s hair aside, her touch as tender as a soft breeze.

    "Thank you, Aisha." She murmured, her voice filled with warmth. "That means a lot coming from your little mouth, that never seems to ever want to say anything nice about your older sister."

    Aisha''s face grew warm, her ears flicking ever so slightly, but before she could react further, Julie tilted her head slightly, her eyes glinting with quiet tenderness.

    "But..." She continued, her tone playfully gentle. "It isn''t just me who''s changed, but you too have grown so much prettier from when you were just a little kitten, you know."

    Aisha''s entire face turned pink.

    She opened her mouth, then closed it again.

    Then opened it once more, only to let out a tiny, flustered sound before snapping her head away entirely.

    Julie, watching her reaction, chuckled softly. And then because she was curious about Aisha''s earlier comment, tried to recall the last time they had been this close.

    "I can''t quite remember the last time we were this...intimate." she mused aloud, her brow furrowed in thought. "When was the last time we were this close?"

    But before either of them could delve further into their memories, Skadi chimed in from her perch atop Cassius''s head. "It was when we were little!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with childlike enthusiasm. "We used to sleep in the same bed, all three of us!"

    Julie let out a soft hum, thinking back on Skadi''s words. "Yes¡­" she murmured, a small, nostalgic smile forming on her lips. "I remember now. When you two were still little, you used to come to my room all the time in the night."

    She glanced at Aisha, who was still looking anywhere but at her, but Julie could see the faintest blush dusting her cheeks.

    "And Aisha, even though you were fully capable of reading through official papers at that age because of how smart you were." Julie continued, as she looked at the little kitten next to her with a teasing gaze. "You would still come to me at night, wanting me to read you a bedtime story."

    Aisha sputtered immediately. "T-That was a long time ago! It was just because¡ªbecause I couldn''t understand some difficult words that''s all!...N-Not because I really liked hearing your voice when I went to sleep." She blurted out, her ears twitching violently.

    Julie, watching her reaction, chuckled softly. "And of course." She continued, her gaze shifting upwards towards Skadi. "Skadi, who was never far from Aisha''s side, would follow you, insisting on which story we should read...You two would argue for what seemed like hours, until you both finally fell asleep from exhaustion without me even having to read you two your stories."

    Skadi immediately perked up, a playful "harumph" escaping her lips.

    "No, Captain! You got it all wrong!...Skadi wasn''t following her because I wanted to." She declared, her voice filled with mock indignation.

    "Skadi only did so since someone had to protect her! She was so frail and someone had to look after her, so Skadi took the responsibility upon herself since no one else could bother about a weakling cat like her."

    Aisha immedietly scoffed when she heard this, her voice muffled against Cassius''s chest.

    "Those are lies!" She retorted. "It was you who was following me around like a puppy wherever I went, all because you wanted to. And it was you who would start whimpering like a dog in the rain whenever I left you behind!"

    "...It was so bad that everyone around us thought you were my pet dog at one point."

    "Who''s a dog?!" Skadi exclaimed, her voice rising in playful anger.

    She then suddenly leaned down, grabbing Aisha''s cheeks and playfully started pulling on them. Aisha, in retaliation, pinched Skadi''s back, a small skirmish erupting between them.

    Julie let out a long sigh, watching them bicker like children.

    "Truly." She muttered to herself, shaking her head. "Nothing has changed."

    But then, she blinked..Something felt off.

    Wait...Skadi was supposed to be on top of Cassius''s head.

    So then¡­

    How was she bending all the way down to fight with Aisha?

    Julie''s brows furrowed as she tilted her head back to look. And the moment she did¡ª

    Her eyes widened in shock.

    Because Skadi¡­

    Skadi was hanging upside down.

    Her legs were wrapped tightly around Cassius''s head, her thighs gripping his face, as she dangled off of him like a monkey, using him as an anchor to fight with Aisha.

    Julie stared. Her brain paused and she let out a shout in fright

    "Skadi!" Julie''s voice rose in a pitch of exasperation, laced with a hint of panic. "Get down from there! Y-You''re going to suffocate him if hang off him like that!"

    But Skadi, lost in her playful frenzy, paid no heed. She simply let out a series of cheerful barks, her tail wagging enthusiastically.

    "But he likes it, Captain!" She chirped, her voice echoing through the clearing. "He even mumbled about how soft my thighs were and how it felt like he was being hugged by a cloud!"

    And to Julie''s utter disbelief, Cassius, his voice muffled and distorted by Skadi''s thighs, confirmed her statement.

    "Mmmph...It''s...fine." He mumbled, his words barely intelligible. Then, with an astonishing clarity that defied his current predicament, he added, "Actually...I rather like being...squeezed by her plump thighs...It''s quite nice and wouldn''t mind staying like this for a little longer."

    "...No, actually a lot longer. In fact I wouldn''t mind spending the rest of my life with her thighs wrapped around me like this."

    Julie''s eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly at the preposterous words she was hearing.

    "Cassius!" She exclaimed, her voice a mixture of exasperation and incredulity that a esteemed noble like him was saying out such deranged desires. "T-That''s...That''s highly inappropriate! And frankly, a bit disturbing!"

    Skadi, oblivious to Julie''s escalating distress, let out another cheerful bark, her eyes sparkling with innocent glee. "See? I told you! He likes it, Captain."

    Seeing her left hand man also going with his depraved desires, Julie closed her eyes as she tried to compose herself. "This is...This is beyond ridiculous." She muttered under her breath.

    And then lifted her gaze, her eyes sharp with exasperation, and pointed at the upside-down wolf girl still wrapped around Cassius''s face.

    "Skadi, get down this instant!" She commanded with a stern look on her face, unable to allow what was happening before her any longer. "And Cassius, please...have some sense of decorum! You''re supposed to be a elegant noble and a example of regality to your subjects!"

    "...Not a pervert who enjoys being squeezed by a wolf girls thighs, like you are now."

    Skadi, still hanging on like a monkey, pouted slightly, but she knew better than to push Julie''s buttons any further. The last time she did, she got a spanking, and she had no intention of repeating that experience.

    So, with one last act of defiance, she stuck her tongue out at Aisha before finally sitting properly on Cassius''s shoulders.

    But as the hyperactive pup she was, she couldn''t simply sit still. Her silver tail flicked back and forth, and after a moment, she peered down at Cassius, her eyes shining with excitement.

    "Master!" She chirped. "Go faster!"

    Cassius raised a brow, glancing up at her. "Faster?"

    "Yeah!" Skadi nodded enthusiastically, her tail wagging. "As fast as you were moving when you were fighting us!"

    Julie, still recovering from the earlier madness, immediately furrowed her brows at Skadi''s demand.

    "Skadi, don''t bother him." She started, her voice carrying the unmistakable weight of authority. "Carrying three people should already be too much for him and¡ª"

    But before she could even finish her sentence, a powerful gust of wind suddenly hit her face.

    Whoosh~

    Her breath caught in her throat as she felt herself moving at a impossible pace and her emerald eyes widened when she saw the garden around her turn into a blur.

    And to her utter shock, the world itself was rushing past her at an unbelievable speed.

    Julie''s mind stuttered for a second before she finally processed what was happening.

    Cassius¡ª

    He was running.

    And not just running¡ªhe was running so fast and so smoothly like he was gliding through a sheet of ice at the speed of a arrow launched from a fully tanuted bow.

    And despite holding two people in his arms and another on his shoulders, he moved with ridiculous ease, as if they weighed absolutely nothing which made Julie feel her stomach flip slightly, not from fear, but from astonishment at the speed he was moving in.

    She was called the ''Whispering Blade'' by everyone since she was so fast that no one could see her in combat and could only hear her sword slicing through the wind.

    But even she had to admit that she could never touch the speeds Cassius was reaching now and she couldn''t help but be in awe and wonder just exactly how he attained such monstrous speed, that no human should ever attain...

 Chapter 94 - 94: An Idol To All Women

    Julie looked forward as her platinum hair whipped behind her from the sheer force of their movement. Above her, Skadi spread her arms wide, her silver locks also fluttering wildly in the wind.

    "WOOHOOOO!!" Skadi howled, throwing her head back, completely ecstatic. "It''s like I''m riding a dragon!"

    Julie, despite herself, found her own lips twitching at Skadi''s pure joy. But then her gaze shifted, and her stomach dropped at the sight.

    Aisha, unlike Skadi, who was soaking in the thrill, and unlike herself, who was merely awestruck, looked pale, and she looked absolutely terrified.

    Julie''s sharp eyes immediately picked up on the way Aisha''s fingers gripped Cassius''s sleeve tightly, the slight tremble in her shoulders, and the way her breath was hesitant like she was walking on a tightrope.

    Her poor strategist.

    Unlike Skadi, who was an adrenaline junkie, and unlike herself, who was used to high-speed movement, Aisha had never experienced something like this. And from the way she looked, she wasn''t handling it well at all.

    Julie''s heart leaped into her throat.

    If this kept up, Aisha was going to¡ª

    "Cassius, stop!"

    She was about to yell it.

    She was just about to tell him to stop before this turned into a horrible mess. But before she could even say a word, he stopped by himself in an abrupt and effortless manner even though he was moving so fast.

    One second, they were moving at a speed beyond belief. The next¡ªabsolute stillness.

    And while Julie was wondering why he had stopped all of a sudden and Aisha was letting out a shaky breath, looking like she was regaining her senses, Skadi suddenly jumped off his head.

    "We''re here!" She announced cheerfully, stretching her arms out. "That was so awesome! I can''t believe I actually moved so fast that it felt like I was flying!"

    Julie blinked at her statement, and then she quickly turned her head, her eyes scanning her surroundings, and sure enough¡ª

    Cassius''s mansion stood right before them...They were mere walking distance from the entrance.

    Julie''s stomach tightened as this was supposed to be a fifteen-minute walk, but somehow Cassius had turned it into a ten-second sprint.

    She swallowed hard, the realisation of his ridiculous speed that made it even difficult to know where he was when he was on the move settling in.

    Cassius, feeling her tense slightly, glanced down at her with a knowing smirk.

    "Surprised?" He mused, tilting his head slightly as he thought that even though she was a hardened warrior, her body was still incredibly soft.

    Julie inhaled, trying to keep her composure.

    "¡­A little." She admitted it.

    "Just a little?" Cassius chuckled. "I must not be trying hard enough."

    Julie, still a bit rattled, simply gave him a look.

    Meanwhile, Skadi bounced eagerly, her tail wagging as she grinned up at Cassius.

    "Master, that was so cool!" She said excitedly. "I wanna ride you again!"

    Aisha, still recovering from her near-motion sickness, immediately snapped her head toward Skadi.

    "Phrase that differently."

    Cassius, however, simply smirked. "Anytime you want, Skadi." He replied to Skadi''s joy of having such a fun master, unlike her old master, who was just a stinky old man. "I''m always happy to give you a ride."

    Cassius then shifted his gaze down to Julie, who was still securely cradled in his arms, as a teasing glint appeared in his crimson eyes.

    "You know..." He said, as he looked at Julie, who looked even more beautiful with Aisha right next to her, like a pair of roses. "I was thinking of dropping you off nearby, just to spare you the humiliation of your squad seeing their esteemed captain being carried like this."

    Julie''s brows twitched.

    "But of course..." Cassius continued as he cradled both of them like they were babies. "If you''re fine with them seeing you like this, I wouldn''t mind carrying you all the way in."

    The moment those words left his mouth, Julie moved with fluid precision, immediately shifting her weight and slipping out of his hold as if she had never been there in the first place.

    Aisha, still dizzy from the breakneck speed they had travelled, barely had time to react before Julie reached for her, supporting her as she carefully set her down.

    Julie then adjusted her stance, brushing down her uniform with practiced elegance, ensuring there was no lingering sign of how she had just been carried like a princess.

    Skadi, finally noticing how pale Aisha looked, tilted her head. "Hey, Aisha." She said after a moment, her silver ears twitching slightly. "Why do you look so weary? Are you actually going to puke?"

    Aisha, who had just regained a fraction of her composure, gritted her teeth.

    "S-Shut up." She muttered, stepping closer to Skadi and clutching onto her for support since her knees felt weak. "I''m already feeling sick; the last thing I need is a dog barking in my ears."

    Skadi huffed, flicking her tail dramatically.

    "Let me tell you that if you dare puke on my fluffy tail..." She warned, narrowing her eyes. "...I won''t hesitate to bite you and sink my fangs into you. I just combed it recently!"

    But despite her words, she still held onto Aisha tightly, making sure she wouldn''t actually collapse. Julie, watching the interaction unfold, allowed a small smile to form on her lips.

    Some things never changed.

    But then, she turned back to Cassius since he was too silent and was surprised to find him already walking away.

    "Where are you going?" Julie''s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.

    Cassius, noticing her gaze, glanced back over his shoulder, his expression calm yet unreadable.

    "Me? Well, I have to make some preparations." He replied. "You know, to save you all from the plight you''re in now." His eyes flickered with something indiscernible. "So I''ll leave you here for the time being and handle things on my end."

    Julie immediately tensed. Her entire legion''s survival depended on this man. How could she possibly just let him walk off alone?

    Without thinking, she stepped forward, her voice carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.

    "Wait." She called, her emerald eyes sharp. "If this involves our fate, I should¡ª"

    Cassius turned back fully, his gaze locking onto hers with absolute certainty.

    "There''s no need." He said simply, his tone even but firm. "I can handle it all by myself."

    Julie stilled.

    "And you should relax for now. I''m pretty sure you''ve already exhausted yourself both mentally and physically after everything that''s happened today." He added, his smirk softening slightly, but his eyes held unwavering conviction.

    Julie wanted to argue.

    She wanted to say that wasn''t possible. That she couldn''t just sit back while her entire legion''s fate rested in his hands.

    But then¡ª

    She saw his expression.

    That unshakeable assurance.

    A look that spoke of certainty, of a man who never wavered once he had decided something.

    Seeing this, Julie inhaled deeply, forcing herself to pause. And after a long, tense moment, she let out a slow breath.

    "¡­Alright." She said finally, her voice calm but measured. "I''ll trust you and stay here."

    Cassius''s smirk widened, but this time, there was a hint of warmth beneath it.

    "Good." He said with a kind gaze, like he was grateful that she was willing to trust him with her squad''s lives, and added, "I''ve also prepared a little party for all of you, so I hope all of you have a good time, even though it''s not as grand as the banquet you would''ve attended in the past."

    And then immediately after, he vanished without saying another word.

    Julie''s breath stopped, her eyes widening just a fraction. Even though she had already seen it before, his ability to disappear instantly was still something she couldn''t get used to.

    She then let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. And just as she was wondering what exactly Cassius meant by ''a little party''.

    A cheerful voice suddenly called out to her.

    "Captain Julie!"

    Julie''s ears perked, and she turned her head sharply toward the sound, and from the direction of the mansion, she spotted a figure sprinting toward them.

    As the figure approached, Julie finally got a clearer look¡ªand immediately recognised her.

    It was Isabelle.

    Cassius''s dedicated personal maid.

    She was running toward them in a hurry, her neatly tied blonde hair bouncing with each stride, her uniform pristine despite her rush. She was also holding what seemed to be small glass vials that were full of a golden liquid that seemed to be glowing.

    Julie''s brows furrowed slightly as she observed her. She knew quite a bit about Isabelle from the reports she had gathered on Cassius over the years.

    By all accounts, Isabelle was probably his most beloved and loyal maid.

    But at the same time¡ªshe was also the very same maid who had once tried to assassinate her own master.

    That was something Julie had found particularly intriguing in her reports.

    According to intelligence from the Holyfield household, Isabelle had attempted to kill Cassius because of the dark rumours surrounding him¡ªrumours that painted him as a monster, a villain, a man who preyed upon innocent girls.

    And yet, in a bizarre turn of events, the same woman who had tried to end his life had somehow become his most loyal follower.

    Julie''s mind briefly wandered.

    Had Cassius truly been so charming that he managed to convert his own assassin into his most devoted servant?

    It was a strange, almost unbelievable story.

    But regardless of what had transpired between them, Julie held a good impression of Isabelle.

    Because despite her initial actions, Isabelle had tried to sacrifice herself to save the girls she believed were in danger¡ªgirls she had thought were Cassius''s future victims.

    She had acted on her beliefs, willing to lay down her own life to protect the innocent.

    And beyond that, Isabelle''s record was flawless.

    A dedicated, strong, and sincere person with no history of wrongdoing. She had even participated in several charitable drives organised by the Holy Guard, working to provide aid for those in need.

    Julie respected that.

    So as soon as Isabelle reached them, still slightly out of breath from running, Julie took it upon herself to greet her properly.

    "Isabelle." She said coolly, nodding at her.

    The maid stopped abruptly, her posture impeccable, the small glass bottles in her hands clinking softly together.

    Julie continued with her usual composed elegance. "I''m Captain Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the leader of the Holy Guard. It''s a pleasure to meet you."

    There was a brief pause, and then Julie tilted her head slightly, her gaze calm but inquisitive. "I assume you''re the maid Cassius sent to assist us?"

    She waited for a response.

    And yet¡ª

    Nothing came.

    Isabelle didn''t say a word. Instead, she simply stared at her in a daze.

    Julie felt the shift in the air immediately as she witnessed the maid''s pretty blue eyes locked onto her face.

    It wasn''t out of shock. Nor was it out of fear. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    No, this was something else entirely.

    It was the kind of silent, awestruck gaze that people only gave when they were seeing something unbelievable before their eyes.

    Something legendary.

    Julie blinked. "Isabelle?" She called again, her voice softer but still firm.

    Still, no response. The maid continued to stand there, staring at her as if she were some untouchable divine figure.

    Julie''s brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering across her otherwise composed features.

    "Is something wrong?"

    And finally, the sound of her voice seemed to jolt Isabelle back to reality. Her head jerked up, her hands tightening around the bottles as if suddenly remembering they existed.

    Then, she frantically shook her head, her entire face turning a deep, burning red.

    "N-No! Not at all!" She blurted it out, her words almost tripping over themselves.

    Julie raised a brow as Isabelle sucked in a deep breath, trying to regain her composure, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her entirely.

    "I just¡­" She hesitated, then let out a tiny, overwhelmed sigh. "I just never imagined I''d be meeting you in person."

    Julie''s lips curved slightly in amusement. "You''ve heard of me?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.

    Isabelle''s eyes immediately brightened, her previous nervousness replaced with pure enthusiasm.

    "Of course I have!" She exclaimed, stepping forward slightly, her voice carrying undeniable excitement.

    "There isn''t a single girl out there who doesn''t know the name of the beautiful and powerful Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the founder and leader of the people''s knights the Sacred Guard!"

    Julie''s eyes widened slightly at her own introduction.

    That was...a rather bold statement.

    And before she could interject, Isabelle continued, her voice now overflowing with admiration as if she were looking at her idol.

    "You are the pride of all female warriors!" She declared, practically radiating admiration.

    Julie blinked again.

    Aisha, standing nearby, let out a quiet snicker even though she was exhausted.

    "The strongest woman in the Holy Guard! A commander feared by your enemies, but beloved by your people! A knight whose grace and strength surpass even the highest nobles!"

    Julie, for the first time in a very long while, felt herself caught slightly off guard.

    It wasn''t that she wasn''t used to praise. But this was...something else.

    "You''re an idol to little girls everywhere!" Isabelle continued passionately, her eyes shining.

    "A warrior who proved that women can stand at the top! Who fought her way through a world of men and never backed down! Your very existence is an inspiration!"

    Julie''s cheeks grew just the slightest shade warmer as she cleared her throat softly, a rare moment of flustered surprise flashing through her expression.

    "That''s...quite a lot of praise." She murmured, her composed demeanor briefly wavering.

    Isabelle immediately shook her head. "It''s all true!" she insisted, eyes gleaming.

    "You are everything a commoner girl like me aspires to be! Strong, independent, intelligent, and¡ª" She suddenly clasped her hands against her chest, her voice overflowing with passion¡ª

    "Beautiful beyond words!"

    Julie felt her cheeks warm slightly at Isabelle''s exaggerated praise, though she kept her composure as best she could.

    Compliments weren''t uncommon for her, but this level of pure, unfiltered admiration was enough to make even someone like her a little self-conscious.

    Her gaze then flickered to Isabelle, who was practically glowing as she spoke, her expression so genuine that it was impossible to dismiss her words as mere flattery.

    ''She really is just as peculiar as her master.'' Julie thought, repressing a sigh.

    However, before she could find a way to redirect the conversation, another voice¡ªone far less delicate¡ªcut through the moment.

    "Wait, wait, wait." Skadi said, grinning mischievously as her tail wagged. "This is the assassin maid, right?"

    "...The one who actually tried to kill her own master and got exposed in the process?"

    Julie''s smile instantly faded. Her sharp green eyes snapped toward Skadi, a flicker of disapproval flashing through them.

    "Skadi." She said in a low, warning tone, but Skadi merely tilted her head, completely unbothered.

    "What? It''s true, isn''t it?" She shrugged. "I mean, it''s kinda ironic, don''t you think? An assassin turned to a loyal maid who''s still allowed to cook for her master, even though she used poison to try and put him down?"

    "...And to think that she''s also a fan of yours as well. How hilarious." Skadi chuckled without a care in the world.

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, wondering if all the people of the Fenrir race were like this or if it was only Skadi who spoke her mind without a care in the world...

 Chapter 95 - 95: Angels Tears

    Just as Julie was about to pull Skadi''s fluffy ears and give her a heavy scolding for speaking without any tact or consideration for the other party. But to her surprise Isabelle spoke first.

    "That''s right." She said smoothly, looking as if she was wasn''t offended at all by the statement.

    Julie''s gaze snapped back toward her, watching closely. But Isabelle simply smiled.

    "I did attempt to take my master''s life and I''m most definitely a treacherous maid who turned against her master" She admitted openly, as if she were stating a simple fact with a slightly somber look on her face.

    Aisha let out a tired sigh, clearly expecting this conversation to derail. Julie also stiffened slightly, prepared to intervene¡ªBut then, to her surprise, Isabelle turned toward Skadi with a completely different kind of energy.

    "But..." Isabelle continued, her eyes lighting up slightly. "I''ve already moved past that under the mercy of my young master and honestly, I know this is really bad of me to say."

    "...But I actually preffered how things went, as it was only through that unfortunate event did I get to have a chance to be so close to my young master."

    While Aisha and Julie were stunned by her bold statement and how determined her eyes looked when she uttered those words, Isabelle to Skadi''s surprise took a step closer towards her, her expression filled with conviction.

    "But more importantly, Miss Skadi I do have to say that not only am I a fan of your captain like you said, just like any other girl in the world is."

    "...But I''m also a massive fan of you, as well."

    Skadi blinked when she heard the fews words that she never expected to hear.

    "¡­Me? As in, your a fan of Skadi?" She asked, sounding genuinely caught off guard, as her ears twitched and her tail paused mid-wag.

    To this, Isabelle nodded firmly, clasping her hands together.

    "Yes!" She said, genuine admiration in her voice.

    "Why wouldn''t I be your fan when you are the epitome of raw strength in the Holy Guard."

    "The loyal bloodhound who only leaves the battlefield after decimating her enemies."

    "...You''re simply to cool to ignore!"

    She declared out loud like she was trying to spread her greatness to the whole world as her hands tightened slightly, her voice filled with passion.

    Julie barely had time to process what was happening before she witnessed something truly rare.

    Skadii¡ªthe fearless, rowdy, battle-hungry Skadi¡ªactually froze.

    For a solid second, she just stood there, her mouth slightly open, as if her brain was still processing the words.

    Then¡ª

    A wide, ecstatic grin suddenly spread across her face.

    "You...I like you. I like you a lot!" Skadi declared proudly, her tail wagging furiously.

    And then without a second thought, she lunged forward and vigorously ruffled Isabelle''s hair, completely ruining the maid''s once-neat appearance.

    "Good girl." Skadi grinned, still ruffling Isabelle''s head. "Keep up the praise whenever you see me and big sis here will surely give you the honour of listening to my heroic tales and the dangers I faced to reach my current position one day!" Skadi said like, treating Isabelle like a kid who was meeting her idol when Isabelle was much older then her.

    Aisha, who had been hanging off Skadi for support, let out a small, dry chuckle when she saw this strange sight.

    "Wow..." She said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "So there really are people out there who admire a dumb dog like you?"

    Skadi''s ears perked up, and she immediately snapped her head down at Aisha, baring her teeth in mock offense.

    "You wanna say that again, kitten?" She growled playfully, her tail flicking.

    Aisha merely rolled her eyes, clearly too exhausted to engage in their usual back-and-forth.

    Meanwhile, Isabelle, who had been absorbing the interaction, suddenly realized something.

    Her eyes flickered toward Aisha, and an expression of recognition and excitement dawned on her face.

    "Oh!" Isabelle straightened slightly, her hands clutching her bottles tightly as she turned toward her next target. "You''re Aisha Nocturne!"

    Aisha blinked tiredly, then let out a slow exhale, already sensing what was about to happen.

    Isabelle''s lips parted, clearly about to launch into yet another speech filled with praise and admiration.

    But before she could even get a word out¡ª

    Aisha suddenly raised a hand.

    A silent stop.

    A firm, tired gesture, as if she were warding off a storm before it started.

    "Don''t." She muttered.

    Isabelle tilted her head slightly. "Huh?"

    Aisha let out a quiet sigh, her fingers lightly gripping Skadi''s sleeve for extra support as she leaned back into her.

    "My head''s already aching from the way your master brought me here." She mumbled tiredly, clearly still recovering from the breakneck speed Cassius had used to transport them.

    "So, as much as I want to hear your ten thousand word essay about how great I am, I would prefer silence for now." She said as her amber eyes fluttered shut briefly, and she exhaled in deep exhaustion.

    There was a brief silence.

    Then, Isabelle''s eyes suddenly widened, as if she had just remembered something important when she saw the condition Aisha was in.

    "Ah!" She gasped, her posture snapping upright. "How could I forget about something so important?!!"

    Julie and Skadi both then curiously watched as she quickly reached down toward the bottles she had been holding tightly this whole time.

    "This!" Isabelle said, lifting the bottles up. "This is from Master Cassius!"

    Julie''s sharp emarald eyes immediately focused on the shimmering golden liquid inside the glass containers.

    Isabelle handed each of them a bottle, making sure they all had one before stepping back.

    "Drink up." She instructed firmly like she was giving medicine to children. "Young Master told me to deliver these to you immediately and make sure all of you drank everything in the vial without leaving a drop."

    The three women stared at the shimmering golden liquid swirling within the delicate glass bottles, their reflections flickering against the polished surface like ghostly mirages.

    Julie, ever the cautious one, turned the vial between her fingers, watching the way the liquid clung to the glass. The consistency was strange¡ªthicker than water, but lighter than oil¡ªand it gave off a faint, almost unnatural glow.

    Aisha, still looking half-dead, merely eyed the potion with suspicion, as if she were debating whether it was worth the effort to lift it.

    Skadi, on the other hand, was the first to move.

    With zero hesitation, she popped off the cork and sniffed the contents without a care in the world.

    Julie and Aisha immediately tensed, half expecting her to drop dead on the spot just in case it was a poison. But instead, Skadi''s ears twitched, and after a beat, she let out a hum of approval.

    "Hmm..." She muttered, tilting the bottle slightly. "Smells kinda...sweet?"

    Julie narrowed her eyes. "Sweet?"

    Skadi nodded. "Like honey and spices. Not bad, actually."

    Aisha, still hanging onto her for balance, grumbled. "If you start foaming at the mouth, I''m not saving you."

    Skadi grinned. "Oh? So you''d just let me die?"

    "If it means peace and quiet." Aisha sighed, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "...Then yes."

    Julie ignored their bickering, her sharp gaze shifting toward Isabelle.

    "And what, exactly, is in this?" She asked, twirling the bottle lightly between her fingers.

    Isabelle straightened her posture, her loyal, well-trained expression slipping back into place.

    "Young Master said it''s a recovery tonic." She explained eagerly. "It will soothe your exhaustion, mend minor injuries, and restore your stamina."

    Isabelle, still clutching the tray where the now-empty potion bottles once rested, continued speaking, her voice carrying a hint of awe.

    "I don''t know where Master got it from." She admitted, her gaze flickering between the three of them. "But I do know that it''s rather amazing."

    She hesitated for a moment, then, as if recalling something, she perked up.

    "One time, there was an accident in the kitchen." She said. "A maid accidentally spilled boiling water all over her hand¡ªcompletely burned it."

    Skadi, who had been casually licking a drop of leftover potion from her thumb, winced sharply.

    "Oof." She muttered, her ears flicking back. "That must''ve hurt like hell."

    "It did." Isabelle confirmed, nodding. "She couldn''t even move her fingers."

    Aisha, half-interested, half-drowsy, furrowed her brows. "So what happened?" She asked.

    Isabelle''s expression softened slightly.

    "Master heard about it." She said simply. "And the moment he did, he sent over this potion."

    A brief silence fell over the group. Julie and Aisha both narrowed their eyes slightly, listening carefully now.

    Isabelle continued, oblivious to their growing suspicion. "When she drank it." She said. "the burns¡ªthey disappeared. Instantly."

    Julie and Aisha''s heads snapped up and both their sharp gazes locked onto Isabelle.

    For a long, still moment, neither of them spoke.

    Then, slowly, Julie''s brow twitched. Aisha, still leaning heavily on Skadi, turned her head slightly toward Julie, her voice low with doubt.

    "Captain."

    Julie exhaled softly.

    "¡­Yeah?"

    "There''s no way." Aisha muttered. "Right?"

    Julie let out a small, almost amused chuckle.

    "There''s no way." She agreed.

    But despite how confident she sounded, neither of them could shake off the sudden, nagging suspicion curling in their chests.

    Because there was only one specific potion they knew of¡ªonly one¡ªthat could heal injuries instantly. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But that was impossible.

    Absolutely impossible.

    There was no way Cassius had that.

    Right?

    And yet¡ª

    Neither of them could stop thinking about it.

    Skadi, meanwhile, watched them go eerily silent, her tail flicking curiously.

    Then, with zero hesitation, as if they couldn''t handle their curiosity anymore and wanted to know if what they were thinking was true or not, Aisha and Julie both uncorked their bottles at the same time.

    And in perfect synchronization, they tilted their heads back and downed the entire thing in a single go.

    Gulp~ Gulp~

    Seeing them drink, Skadi¡ªwho had been about to lick the rim of her bottle¡ªperked up.

    "Oh! We''re drinking now?" She said brightly and then grinned, lifting her own bottle in the air.

    "Cheers!" She declared, before promptly guzzling it down like she was chugging a celebratory drink.

    The moment the golden liquid touched their tongues, the warmth spread.

    Julie, usually composed, trembled slightly, while Aisha, who had been ready to brush it off, stiffened completely.

    Skadi, meanwhile licking her lips, muttered. "Huh. This actually tastes pretty nice. I wouldn''t mind having another one¡ª"

    And then¡ª

    Julie''s eyes snapped wide.

    Aisha''s head jerked up, a visible tremor running through her body.

    And at the exact same time, they both shouted¡ª

    "Angel''s Tears?!"

    "Angel''s Tears?!"

    Skadi, caught mid-sentence, blinked.

    "¡­What? Who''s tear? Who crying out here?"

    Julie''s breath came sharply, her fingers gripping her coat.

    "No way...This can''t possibly be true." She muttered, her voice just above a whisper.

    Aisha stared down at Julie''s hands, watching the blue bruises that were there before fade, while her own soreness vanished, the weariness and sickness dissolving into nothing.

    While Julie''s ribs¡ªwhich had been aching nonstop from Cassius''s first kick¡ªfelt perfectly fine.

    Skadi, finally noticing their shock but not noticing how her own body was healing on its own, frowned. "Okay, okay. What''s Angel''s Tears? And why do you both look like you just saw a ghost?"

    Julie''s emerald eyes gleamed sharply as she looked at Skadi. "Angel''s Tears." She said, each word measured. "It''s an incredibly rare healing potion made by the Church."

    Aisha nodded in agreement, her expression still one of disbelief.

    "It''s said to be created through a grand prayer ritual." Aisha added, her voice strained. "It takes so much time and manpower that not a single bottle of it is ever sold to the public."

    Julie exhaled sharply, shaking her head in sheer astonishment. "The Church only uses it in cases of absolute emergencies." She murmured. "Like if the king himself was fatally injured."

    Aisha, still gripping Skadi for balance, narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. "And somehow." She said slowly. "Cassius just...had some?"

    A heavy silence settled over them as they thought of the impossible situation they were in almost of they had just found a dragon egg in a basket full of chicken eggs.

    "How in the world did Cassius get his hands on something like this?" Julie exhaled.

    Aisha, still processing the overwhelming reality of what they had just consumed, let out a low breath, her eyes flickering with unease.

    "You know, Captain..." She began, her voice wary. "Just a week ago, the grand cathedral in the Holyfield estate was broken into by an intruder. It turned out to be a big issue around that part and since the local investigation didn''t bear any fruit to who did it, even we were scheduled to a investigation soon."

    Julie''s gaze sharpened instantly.

    Aisha continued, her tone dripping with realization.

    "The High Priest reported that certain items were stolen."

    She let the words hang for a moment before turning her tired, knowing stare toward Julie.

    Then, with a wry smile, she sighed.

    "It seems..." She murmured, her voice laced with irony. "...like we the leader of the force that''s as the face of justice just indulged in something that''s highly illegal and stolen."

    Julie rubbed her forehead, a deep sense of exasperation washing over her. "Unbelievable." She muttered, shaking her head. "I can''t believe I just drank the very potion I was supposed to be investigating and finding out who stole it."

    A sigh left her lips as she muttered under her breath. "And here I thought Cassius criminalizing us would at least take longer than the first day of him being our master."

    But Skadi, who had been listening idly, merely scoffed. "Who cares if it''s from the Church?" She said bluntly, folding her arms. "I support Master either way."

    Her silver eyes gleamed with something sharp.

    "In fact, I think it''s great." She added. "Those bastards from the Church act like they''re so high and mighty all the time. They deserve to be robbed."

    Aisha, despite her usual wariness, let out a low chuckle at that.

    "You know what?" She said, amusement laced in her voice. "For once, I actually agree with you."

    Julie arched a brow. Aisha smirked slightly, leaning back on Skadi again.

    "They pretend they exist to help the common masses." She scoffed. "But in the end, all they do is cater to the upper class. It''s the same old story, isn''t it?"

    "All that talk of charity and divine love, but who gets the holy benifits and the whispered blessings? The wealthy donors, of course...The rest of us? We''re left to scrape by, praying for crumbs while they feast. They preach about helping the poor, but their actions speak louder: they''re building gilded halls, not orphanages or free kitchens that are actually needed in this age."

    Julie sighed as she heard her chiefs tant about the church and she wasn''t exactly against the sentiment since being a noble herself, she knew just how dirty the inner working of the church was.

    But politically, this was...complicated.

    Still, before she could speak, Isabelle, who had been listening quietly, hesitantly lifted her hand. Her expression was a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity.

    "This potion¡­" She murmured, eyes flickering toward the empty bottles. "Is it...really that rare?"

    Aisha let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Rare?" She repeated. "Isabelle, the main Church only produces fifty of these a year."

    Isabelle froze.

    "Fifty." Aisha reiterated, holding up a single finger for emphasis. "And they distribute them among the various branches."

    Julie watched as Isabelle''s eyes slowly widened in realization, the maid muttering under her breath, almost in awe.

    "That means¡­"

    Her voice dropped slightly, like she was speaking more to herself than anyone else.

    "...Young Master must have hit the jackpot then."

    Julie''s stomach twisted slightly.

    Something about that phrasing made her uneasy.

    She hesitated for a moment before finally asking.

    "What do you mean by that?"

    Isabelle, however, didn''t answer right away. Instead, she simply reached down, her hands moving toward the small pouch that was strapped to her waist.

    And in one smooth motion, she pulled something out and handed it to them.

    Julie, Skadi, and Aisha all glanced down at their hands.

    The moment they saw what it was¡ª

    Their expressions stiffened.

    Another bottle of Angel''s Tears.

    Aisha''s fingers tightened around the glass.

    Skadi''s tail froze mid-wag.

    Julie, for the first time in a long while, felt a true chill run down her spine.

    Slowly, her emerald gaze lifted, locking onto Isabelle.

    The maid, smiling innocently, simply tilted her head.

    "Master told me to give these to you after you finished your first ones."

    She explained sweetly as if she had just given them a some treats she had made in the kitchen, instead of elixers that nobles would literally fight to death over.

 Chapter 96 - 96: A Lively Bunch

    Julie stared at the bottle in her hand, her expression unreadable. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening.

    When she first realized that Cassius had Angel''s Tears, she had thought¡ªnaively¡ªthat perhaps he had been gracious enough to part with a few of the only bottles he had left.

    But now?

    Now, it was clear¡ª

    He had more than she ever imagined.

    She was already regretting drinking the first bottle, and now she was holding another one like it was just some cheap remedy handed out in bulk.

    Julie wasn''t alone in her disbelief.

    Aisha, who had been quietly processing, let out a slow, shaky breath, her delicate fingers tightening around the delicate glass.

    "No way." Aisha muttered, turning the bottle over as if she expected the answer to be hidden somewhere in the liquid itself. "I can''t believe I''m holding this again."

    Even Skadi, normally unbothered by details, had stopped wagging her tail.

    But before any of them could say anything¡ª

    Isabelle, noticing the hesitation in their expressions, spoke up again.

    "Young Master knew you would hesitate to accept his gifts." She said gently, her tone soft, almost reassuring.

    Her next words, however, hit like a thunderclap.

    "So you don''t have to worry." Isabelle continued with a bright, innocent smile. "As these aren''t the last of his supply and he has plenty to spare."

    The air stilled, as Aisha snapped her head up, her eyes wide.

    "¡­Plenty to spare?" She repeated, her voice slow, as if she were making sure she had heard correctly.

    Julie, meanwhile, felt something twist uncomfortably in her chest.

    Plenty.

    Plenty.

    A potion so rare that not even royalty could obtain it without serious cause, and Cassius had it in such large numbers that he was treating it like¡ª

    Like it was nothing.

    Aisha, still trying to grasp the sheer insanity of it, let out a strained chuckle. "Just how many does he have?" She demanded, her voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and exasperation.

    Isabelle tilted her head thoughtfully, then, as if recalling something, clasped her hands together.

    "Oh! Master said that if any of the maids urgently need it¡ªif they or their family members suffer from horrible wounds¡ªthey can approach him and receive their potion reserved for them."

    There was a moment of utter silence and then Aisha let out a long, slow breath, pressing a hand to her forehead.

    "I¡­" She trailed off, her voice weak. "I need a moment."

    Julie, however, was less amused. She slowly turned toward Isabelle, her green eyes gleaming with disbelief.

    "Are you telling me..." She said carefully, her voice controlled. "...that Angel''s Tears is included in the employee benefits package for all the maids working under him?"

    Isabelle nodded cheerfully. "Yes!"

    Aisha threw her arms in the air.

    "Which place..." She asked dramatically. "Which place actually gives their employees a potion that even the king himself only rarely sees as a workplace benefit?"

    Skadi, who had been silent until now, finally snapped out of her shock.

    "Hold on, hold on, hold on¡ª" She waved her hands wildly, shaking her head. "You''re telling me that if I get stabbed in the gut tomorrow, I can just walk up to any of the maids and say, ''Hey, patch me up,'' and they''ll just hand me one of these?"

    Isabelle nodded again.

    Julie could feel a headache forming.

    But Isabelle wasn''t finished.

    "Actually..." She added. "All the knights who were wounded just now were given that very potion as well."

    Julie felt her entire body tense. Aisha, midway through rubbing her temples, suddenly froze.

    Julie then turned her head toward Isabelle, her eyes narrowing. "¡­All of them?"

    Isabelle nodded, completely unfazed.

    "Yes." She confirmed. "Master didn''t want anyone suffering, so every knight who was injured received a full dose."

    Julie and Aisha stared at each other. Their minds were racing, trying to calculate the implications of what they had just heard.

    Julie was the first to speak.."If he gave it to all the knights¡­" She murmured. "...and he''s reserved it for all the maids who need it¡­"

    Aisha''s face darkened.

    "¡­That means he has to have over fifty bottles."

    A suffocating silence followed. Julie''s expression turned grim.

    "Each regional church..." She murmured, her fingers tightening around the bottle. "...is only allocated five Angel''s Tears at a time."

    Aisha swallowed thickly.

    "That means¡­"

    The realization hit.

    Cassius didn''t just steal from the local church.

    He must have also hit the churches in the surrounding regions as well.

    And either¡ª

    A. They had already noticed but were keeping it quiet to save face.

    Or B.

    They hadn''t even realized their precious potions was gone yet.

    Aisha''s eyes burned with sheer disbelief. "Are you telling me." She said, her voice rising slightly. "that Cassius didn''t just rob one church?"

    She let out a strained, almost hysterical laugh.

    "He robbed them all?!"

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly.

    "¡­It certainly looks that way."

    Isabelle, watching their reactions, simply tilted her head.

    "Master really is amazing, isn''t he?" She said brightly, not exactly understanding the implications of her master''s actions but was still proud of what her master did, as she too was someone who wasn''t fond of the way the church operates.

    Aisha clutched her forehead, looking one step away from either collapsing or screaming.

    Julie¡­Well, she was wondering if she the master she had decided to serve was a high noble or actually a bandit who spent his free time looting churches.

    Isabelle, seemingly oblivious to the way Julie and Aisha were teetering on the edge of mental collapse, continued to cheerfully add more fuel to the fire.

    "Oh, and actually." She said with a bright, innocent expression. "Master originally wanted to give each of the knights a personal potion¡ªjust in case of an emergency."

    The words hit Aisha like a hammer. She staggered slightly, the weight of that statement too much for her already exhausted body to handle.

    Skadi, noticing her falter, instinctively let Aisha lean on her, holding her up like an older sister keeping a tipsy sibling from falling over.

    Julie, on the other hand, felt the sudden, overwhelming urge to sit down.

    ''There''s...even more?!''

    "Sadly..." Isabelle continued, completely unbothered by their visible distress. "Since these potions are quite sensitive, Master decided they couldn''t be publicly distributed."

    Julie rolled her eyes.

    Of course...Of course, they couldn''t.

    There was no way anyone could just start handing out Angel''s Tears like they were rations. It would send shockwaves through the entire kingdom.

    "So instead." Isabelle went on, her voice still so sweet. "He''s decided to hand over a stock of them to the captain of the squad."

    Julie froze, as her emerald eyes lifted slowly, already fearing what was coming next.

    Isabelle smiled.

    "And that''s you, Captain Julie."

    A heavy, almost deafening silence filled the space.

    Julie didn''t move.

    Didn''t blink.

    Didn''t breathe.

    The realization crashed down on her like a landslide.

    Cassius wasn''t just giving them a few potions.

    He was giving her an entire supply¡ªand entrusting her with the responsibility of distributing them as she saw fit.

    Which meant¡­The fate of these life-saving potions was now her burden.

    Aisha, who had semi-recovered from her shock, shot Julie a look of pure sympathy.

    "¡­You okay there, Captain?"

    Julie let out a long, exhausted sigh.

    "I''m thinking..." She muttered as she looked down at the patch of grass beneath her feet. "...of lying down and pretending this isn''t happening."

    Aisha patted her shoulder. "Same."

    But Isabelle wasn''t done yet.

    "Oh!" She suddenly exclaimed, as if remembering something important.

    Julie, still processing her new fate, barely lifted her head. "¡­What now?"

    Isabelle clasped her hands together, her gentle expression unchanging. "Young Master also said." She continued sweetly. "Just in case you refuse to accept his gift¡ªeither because of the implications or because of how it was obtained¡ªthen he''ll just...dispose of them all."

    Julie who was already expecting another shocking statement, felt her soul leave her body.

    Aisha''s tail immediately stood like a pole, while her drowsiness vanished instantly.

    Even Skafi felt something wrong with what she just said.

    Isabelle, however, continued saying, "He said that unless you want your knights to one day suffer horrible injuries and be helpless when they could all have access to a life saving potion, you''d better obediently accept what he''s giving you."

    "That...That absolute bastard." Aisha''s mouth fell open slightly.

    Julie let out a long, slow breath, closing her eyes.

    Cassius had boxed her in completely.

    She had originally been thinking of rejecting the potions because taking such a huge gift from her new master felt like an unsettling power shift.

    But now?

    Now, if she refused, it wouldn''t just be her pride at stake.

    Her knights¡ªher family¡ªwould be the ones to suffer.

    And Cassius knew it.

    Julie clenched her jaw, her mind reluctantly surrendering. There was no backing out now.

    But¡­

    Even as she felt trapped, a part of her also felt...Relieved.

    Because the truth was, she and her comrades lived in a world where death was always a breath away. Having something like this¡ªsomething that could turn a fatal wound into nothing¡ªwas a luxury she never thought they''d have.

    A gift she could never repay.

    For a moment, just a brief one, she silently thanked Cassius in her mind. But before the weight of the decision could fully settle, Skadi suddenly stepped forward.

    Julie, blinking in surprise, turned to her, half expecting her usual careless input¡ªbut something in Skadi''s posture was steadier this time.

    Skadi looked straight at Isabelle, her silver eyes calm, unwavering. "Don''t worry." She said, her voice carrying an unusual seriousness beneath her casual tone. "Even if the Captain refuses, I''ll take responsibility and go pick up the gifts from Master myself."

    Julie raised a brow, caught slightly off guard. She had expected Skadi to joke, maybe brush the topic aside¡ªnot to outright declare that she would personally make sure the potions got to them.

    For a moment, Julie felt a faint sense of relief.

    It was clear Skadi was thinking about the safety of the squad¡ªafter all, despite her recklessness, she was always loyal to her comrades.

    But just as Julie was about to thank her for being level-headed for once¡ª

    Skadi hesitated.

    Her ears twitched slightly.

    And then¡ª

    With the most reluctant expression, she muttered under her breath:

    "¡­Also, the potion tastes really good."

    Julie froze..Aisha, who had been half-listening, immediately snapped her head up.

    "What?" She said, her voice dangerously flat.

    Skadi fidgeted slightly. "I mean¡­" She avoided their piercing gazes, rubbing the back of her neck. "It was...sweet? And smooth? And it felt really nice going down, wasn''t it?"

    Aisha stared at her, pure disbelief in her amber.eyes. Julie, meanwhile, was pressing a hand to her forehead, as if she had just developed a migraine.

    Skadi, still fidgeting, sighed. "Look, all I''m saying is¡ªthere''s no way I''m letting such delicious treats go to waste."

    Aisha''s jaw dropped.

    "Delicious treats?"

    Skadi nodded. "Yeah! I mean, it''s not like normal medicine¡ªit actually tastes¡ª"

    But before she could finish, Aisha lunged.

    Her hands latched onto Skadi''s fluffy tail, yanking it sharply.

    Skadi yelped. "HEY!"

    Aisha, her face filled with pure exasperation, growled through clenched teeth:

    "If you dare treat those potions like they''re shots at the bar, I swear to god, I will pluck every single hair off this tail."

    Skadi, horrified, immediately shielded her tail, stepping back.

    "You wouldn''t!" She gasped.

    Aisha''s eyes gleamed darkly.

    "Try me."

    Julie let out a slow, measured breath, her fingers twitching slightly in restrained frustration as she watched Skadi and Aisha''s absurd bickering unfold.

    She could already feel it happening¡ªSkadi would escalate the taunting, Aisha would snap, and before they knew it, the two of them would be wrestling on the ground like a pair of unruly children.

    And in front of Isabelle, no less. That was the real problem.

    The maid had been nothing but polite and helpful, and here they were¡ªacting like complete fools. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''I refuse to let this be how she sees us and ruin her image of us.''

    So before the argument could turn physical, Julie moved swiftly, grabbing both Skadi and Aisha by the backs of their collars, yanking them apart with ease.

    Aisha let out a muffled yelp, while Skadi¡ªwho had just been about to retaliate¡ªsuddenly found herself being held back like a misbehaving pup.

    Julie, still gripping them, turned to Isabelle with a forced, composed smile.

    "Apologies." She said, her voice cool and even, despite the two grown warriors squirming in her grasp. "My subordinates...get excited easily."

    Isabelle simply tilted her head, completely unfazed.

    "Oh, no, I don''t mind at all." She said cheerfully. "You three seem very...lively."

    Julie''s smile twitched slightly.

    Lively...That was one way to put it.

    Wanting to move on quickly, Julie exhaled and loosened her grip slightly, though she still kept a firm hold on both of them.

    "Anyway." She said, choosing her words carefully. "I''ll be sure to pick up the potions later."

    Her smile remained steady, professional.

    "And I''ll personally thank Master Cassius when the time comes."

    She could feel Aisha and Skadi''s confused stares, but ignored them. Isabelle, on the other hand, beamed.

    "Young Master will be pleased to hear that." She said warmly.

    Julie nodded, relieved that the conversation was now moving in a better direction. But just as she was about to say something else, she caught movement from the corner of her eye.

    Her sharp emerald gaze flickered toward the well-lit courtyard in the distance¡ªwhere a noticeable commotion was taking place.

    The sounds of cheerful laughter, muffled voices, and even the faint melody of music reached her ears.

    Her brows furrowed slightly.

    "What''s going on over there?" She asked.

    Isabelle, noticing what she was referring to, brightened immediately.

    "Oh!" she clasped her hands together. "That''s the party Master arranged for you all."

    Julie blinked. Aisha and Skadi stiffened slightly, sharing a quick glance before looking back at Isabelle.

    Julie, trying to make sense of this information, frowned. "¡­Party?" She repeated, slowly.

    Isabelle nodded, cheerfully.

    "Yes! Master wanted to do something special to celebrate you all taking him in as your new master."

    Julie stared at her. "Taking him in?"

    Isabelle, still smiling as if this were the most normal thing in the world, continued happily.

    "It''s just a little something to help you relax after all the hardships you went through today."

    Julie inhaled deeply, as she looked at the loud commotion happening not far away and the familiar voices coming from there.

    "He didn''t have to do that." She muttered, shaking her head.

    "Master insists." Isabelle replied sweetly.

    Julie had a strange feeling about whatever "party" Cassius had arranged, but before she could even protest further, Isabelle gestured toward the courtyard.

    "Your knights have already started." She said. "Please, follow me."

    For a moment, Julie, Aisha, and Skadi looked at each other. Each of them knew that accepting anything from Cassius came with strings attached.

    But at the same time¡­

    It had been a long day.

    A very, very long day.

    Julie sighed.

    Aisha rolled her eyes

    Skadi grinned.

    And all three of them¡ªreluctantly but curiously¡ªfollowed Isabelle toward the courtyard, a little excited to see what this party was about...

 Chapter 97 - 97: A Strange Party

    As they walked closer to the courtyard, the first thing that hit them was the sound.

    A soft, unfamiliar tune drifted through the air, unlike anything they had ever heard before.

    It was...strange. But not in an unpleasant way.

    It was soothing, yet carried a rhythm that made them subconsciously want to sway their bodies. It had a kind of slow, smooth charm, as if it were meant to draw people in, captivate them.

    Julie, for the first time in a long while, found herself...intrigued.

    It was one thing if Aisha and Skadi hadn''t heard of this music¡ªafter all, neither of them had much interest in the arts, nor did they come from prestigious backgrounds.

    They were warriors, not nobles...Extravagant live music performances weren''t something they had ever been exposed to.

    But Julie was different. She had grown up in high society.

    She had been taught about every type of music that existed. She had attended countless banquets, sat through orchestras, and listened to grand compositions performed by some of the best musicians in the kingdom.

    And yet¡ª

    This?...This was completely new.

    A slight furrow formed in Julie''s brow.

    "If you don''t mind me asking, Isabelle? What...kind of music is this?" She murmured aloud, her voice carrying genuine curiosity. "I don''t think I''ve ever heard of it before."

    Hearing Julie speak, Isabelle immediately straightened, her usual cheerful expression brightening. "Do you like it, Captain?" She asked eagerly.

    Julie hesitated for only a second before nodding.

    "Yes." She admitted. "It''s...rather addictive to listen to."

    Aisha, who had been half-focused on the tune, nodded along.

    "It''s nice on the ears." She said, her eyes gleaming with mild surprise. "Has a good vibe to it."

    Skadi, ever the more energetic one, spun around on her heel, her silver hair twirling with her.

    "I can''t help but want to dance!" She grinned, her tail wagging enthusiastically.

    Seeing their growing interest, Isabelle giggled softly.

    "I''m glad you like it...It''s called jazz." She said warmly. "And it''s only natural that you haven''t heard it before."

    Julie raised a brow. "Why''s that?"

    Isabelle''s smile widened.

    "Because it was created by my young master."

    Julie and Aisha both froze.

    For a moment, neither of them reacted.

    And then¡ª

    "¡­Wait, what?" Aisha said, blinking in disbelief.

    Even Julie, who had trained herself to never be easily shaken, found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

    Cassius¡ªCassius Holyfield¡ªcomposed this?

    Skadi, meanwhile, had zero hesitation.

    "Whoa!" She exclaimed out loud, her silver eyes wide in pure awe. "So Master isn''t just strong¡ªhe''s super talented too! As expected of my master!"

    Aisha, still reeling, crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Isabelle. "Hold on." She said slowly, tone laced with suspicion.

    "Are you telling me." She continued, her voice growing more incredulous by the second. "That the same Cassius Holyfield¡ªthe one who was called the wastrel of the Holyfield household¡ªcreated this piece?"

    Isabelle, without an ounce of hesitation, nodded proudly. "Of course." She said. "Master is not the man he once used to be. He''s changed for the better in so many ways that you can''t even imagine."

    Aisha let out a low scoff, shaking her head in disbelief. "Okay, fine." She muttered. "So how did this even happen? What¡ªdid he just wake up one day and decide to become a composer?"

    Isabelle, clearly enjoying their reactions, let out a small giggle. "Actually..." She said. "A few days ago, while Master was eating dinner, he got bored of hearing the same slow orchestra pieces playing in the background."

    Julie''s head tilted slightly.

    "And?"

    Isabelle''s smile deepened.

    "No matter how many times they changed the songs, he wasn''t satisfied." She explained.

    "So instead." She continued, voice full of admiration. "He decided to create something himself that would perfectly satisfy his needs."

    Julie immediately closed her eyes and exhaled deeply.

    "So you''re telling me..." She said in exasperation as she listened to beatiful tune that was blessing her ears. "...that he made an entirely new genre of music because he didn''t like the music he listened to while eating?"

    Isabelle nodded.

    "Yes!" She chirped.

    Julie rubbed her forehead.

    This man is completely insane.

    "Master always says." Isabelle went on, mimicking his tone. "''Eating is one of the great joys of life, and the perfect atmosphere is necessary to accentuate the dish.''"

    Julie didn''t even know how to respond to that.

    Aisha, however, simply let out a laugh of disbelief.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me." She muttered.

    But Isabelle wasn''t finished yet.

    She clasped her hands together and continued. "So one evening, while waiting for his food, he grabbed some sheet paper, scribbled down some musical notes that I couldn''t understand, and handed them over to the maids in charge of the orchestra."

    Aisha, clearly not expecting this level of absurdity, scoffed. "And they actually played it?"

    Isabelle shook her head.

    "They wanted to." She corrected. "In fact, when they read through the sheets, they were fascinated¡ªthey said it was revolutionary."

    Julie''s brow furrowed slightly.

    "But¡­?" She prompted.

    "But..." Isabelle echoed, her expression turning slightly amused. "They also said that the instruments they had probably wouldn''t be able to produce the right sound to play the song."

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi all stared at her.

    Skadi was the first to speak.

    "So...what happened?"

    Isabelle''s smile returned.

    "That''s why." she said cheerfully. "Master decided to take it a step further¡ªand actually created a new set of instruments from scratch."

    Hearing this, Julie felt her breath stop, Aisha''s eye twitched, while Skadi''s tail slowly wagged in pure amazement.

    "¡­He did what?!" Julie finally asked, her voice sounding slightly strangled.

    Isabelle''s eyes sparkled with pride.

    "Master invented new instruments." She repeated happily.

    Isabelle didn''t say anything else. Instead, with a small, knowing smile, she lifted her hand and pointed toward the courtyard.

    "There." She said simply, her voice brimming with pride. "Those are the instruments that Master created himself."

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi followed her gesture, their gazes shifting forward towards the party that they had finally arrived.

    The outdoor courtyard where the parth was taking place was brightly illuminated, the golden glow of Aether-powered lanterns casting a warm, almost dreamlike atmosphere over the space.

    Even though the sun had long set, the party was very much alive. And the moment they took in the full scene before them, they realized¡ª

    There was so much happening that they couldn''t even keep track of everything.

    Julie''s sharp green eyes flickered across the expansive courtyard, taking in every detail.

    Her first thought?

    This ridiculous.

    Her second thought?

    What kind of strange party was this?

    The first thing that caught their attention was their comrades.

    The very same knights who had been badly injured just hours ago¡ªwho had been groaning in pain, clinging to life¡ª

    Were now happily seated at fancy tables, drinking tea and eating snacks like they hadn''t been on the brink of death earlier.

    Julie narrowed her eyes. "Are they really the same people we just dragged off the battlefield?" She muttered. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha, still trying to process, clicked her tongue. "Angel''s Tears, huh?" She sighed. "Damn thing really is miraculous."

    Skadi, meanwhile, was distracted by something else. "Hey, hey." She pointed excitedly. "What''s that?"

    Julie and Aisha turned their heads and immediately froze. There, in the middle of the courtyard, was something they had never seen before.

    A net was set up, standing high between two groups of knights.

    On either side, two teams had formed, each player standing at the ready.

    And in the air¡ª

    A bouncy-looking ball was being smacked back and forth across the net.

    "¡­What in the world?" Julie''s brows furrowed as she watched this bizzare that seemed to be some kind of sport.

    Aisha, who had seen many things in her life, stared blankly. "What are they even doing?"

    "Having fun, obviously!" Skadi grinned, watching one of the knights jump high into the air, spiking the ball over the net with a loud smack.

    The crowd cheered, and one of the players pumped their fists in triumph. Julie, still completely thrown off, turned to Isabelle.

    "¡­What is that game?"

    Isabelle smiled.

    "Master calls it volleyball."

    Aisha, still watching in sheer confusion, let out a scoff.

    "He just made up a sport?"

    "Apparently." Julie muttered.

    Before they could question it further, another sight caught their attention.

    On one side of the courtyard¡ª

    There was a small orchestra playing.

    And right there, in the center of it all, were the instruments that Isabelle had pointed to earlier and Julie''s eyes went wide as they were unlike anything she had ever seen.

    Sleek, unfamiliar shapes.

    Some with metallic strings, others with strange curved tubes, and even one that seemed to be producing sound through a series of keys being pressed through it''s tubular structure.

    It was...fascinating.

    She had seen thousands of instruments before¡ªharps, violins, pianos, flutes.

    But these?

    These were completely new.

    Aisha, who had less musical knowledge than Julie, simply frowned.

    "¡­Why do they look so weird?"

    "Who knows?...We''ll probably have to ask the person who made them that question." Julie shook her head slowly as she wondered just how her master knew and created so many bizzare things.

    And then, next her eyes flickered to something else.

    A group of knights¡ªher own knights¡ª

    Dancing.

    And not in the stiff, formal ballroom way.

    They were moving to the rhythm, swaying their bodies smoothly to the slow, hypnotic tune of Cassius''s music. Some were laughing, others were simply enjoying themselves, letting their bodies flow freely to the unfamiliar beat.

    It was unlike any noble gathering Julie had ever attended.

    It was¡­Relaxed...Free...

    And something they had never experienced before.

    And the moment Julie, Aisha, and Skadi stepped fully into the courtyard, their presence did not go unnoticed.

    It started with one voice¡ªa loud, boisterous cheer from the knights gathered at the long tables.

    And then, in an instant, it spread like wildfire.

    "Oi, look who finally decided to show up!"

    "Took you long enough, Captain!"

    "Aye, chiefs! We were wondering if you two ran away from the party!"

    A wave of laughter followed, along with the clinking of mugs as the knights raised their drinks in welcome.

    Julie barely had a moment to process before a group of particularly enthusiastic knights rushed forward, grinning from ear to ear.

    "Captain, come sit with us!" One of them exclaimed, already motioning toward an empty seat at their table.

    "We''ve been waiting for you!" Another added, cheerfully sloshing his drink around.

    Aisha blinked, looking around at the knights who were, just hours ago, on the verge of death.

    "¡­Are you guys seriously this lively?" She muttered.

    "Of course!" One of them laughed, raising her mug. "What, you thought we''d be moping around after getting our asses kicked?"

    "We almost died." Aisha pointed out flatly.

    "Exactly!" The knight shot back with a grin. "All the more reason to drink and celebrate!"

    Aisha let out a small scoff, but there was an amused glint in her eyes like she found it rather funny to see the very knights that were on their death beds an hour ago, partying with no care in the world.

    Skadi, meanwhile, drawn by the excitement and heeding their words to join the fun, rushed towards the game they were playing that looked so interesting in her eyes. By the time she reached the edge of the makeshift court, her eyes were practically glued to the ball as it soared across the net.

    She then turned to the nearest knight, a tall, strong-looking woman, and pointed at the game.

    "Oi, oi, what kinda game is this?" Skadi asked, her ears perking up, unable to tear her eyes away from the match. "It looks really fun!"

    The female knight chuckled, adjusting her grip on her own drink before answering.

    "It''s called volleyball." She explained, her voice carrying an amused lilt. "It''s a new game created by Young Master Cassius."

    Skadi''s silver eyes widened. "Master made this too?!" She gawked. "He just keeps getting cooler, huh?"

    The knight laughed, shaking her head. "Apparently, he didn''t want his maids to be stuck inside all the time." She explained. "So he came up with this game to help them get fresh air and exercise."

    Hearing that, Skadi grinned. "Hah! Now that''s what I like to hear!" She exclaimed. "No wonder it looks so fun!"

    Her tail wagged even faster, her body already itching to join in.."Hey, let me play!" She declared, stepping onto the court.

    One of the knights, a muscular woman with a confident smirk, tossed her the ball. "You wanna serve?" She asked, demonstrating how it''s done.

    Skadi, brimming with excitement, nodded eagerly.

    "Yeah, yeah, just gimme that!" She said, already bouncing on her feet.

    The knight grinned, handing over the ball.

    "Alright, just toss it up and hit it over the net."

    Skadi, not really paying attention to the finer details, immediately threw the ball high into the air.

    And then she leaped so high that she looked like she was flying. And then with the full force of her raw strength¡ª

    She smacked it.

    Hard.

    The ball rocketed forward like a meteor, whistling through the air at a speed no volleyball should ever reach.

    It shot across the net, hurtling straight toward¡ª

    A poor, unsuspecting knight''s face on the other side and before she could even react to the ball that was coming towards her at full speed¡ª

    THWACK~

    A deafening silence fell over the entire courtyard.

    Julie, watching from the sidelines, immediately froze, seeing her own chief attempt murder on one of her own.

    Aisha, holding her drink, blinked once, wondering if her head was still in place after getting hit so hard.

    Skadi''s tail stopped wagging, as she too felt that she hit the ball a little too hard.

    The entire crowd also stared in stunned horror as the knight who had been hit directly in the face stumbled back, nose bleeding, but still somehow standing.

    Then, just when they thought she was about to kneel over after the burst of adrenaline that was allowing her to stay up, she shouted.

    "I''M FINE!" The knight suddenly shouted at the top of her voice, raising a fist.

    There was a brief pause and then, despite the blood running down her nose, she pointed at the ball still bouncing in the air.

    "BALL''S STILL IN PLAY! KEEP GOING!"

    The shock broke instantly.

    "SHE''S RIGHT! PLAY ON!"

    The game resumed immediately, as if nothing had happened.

    Julie covered her face, inhaling deeply.

    "Of course, they''re still playing."

    Aisha snorted, shaking her head.

    "That''s what you get for letting a dog play, Captain."

    Skadi, meanwhile, had been scolded by her teammates to hold back next time.

    "Okay, okay, I got it!" She whined.

    And from then on, she toned it down¡ªthough she still played with her full enthusiasm.

    The match continued, this time without any accidental fatalities, and Skadi quickly got the hang of the game.

    She was naturally athletic, and the moment she realized that jumping high and slamming the ball down was an option, she was hooked.

    "I LOVE THIS GAME!" She howled, jumping and spiking the ball so aggressively that the knight on the other side had to dive to save it.

    The players cheered and laughed, enjoying the intensity that Skadi brought to the game, while at the same time placing bets to see who would get slammed by Skadi''s serve next.

    Julie, watching from afar, sighed in relief. "At least she''s having fun without breaking more bones."

    Aisha, leaning against a nearby table, smirked. "It''s an appropriate game for a dog like her." She muttered.

    Julie gave her a side-eye glance to which Aisha just shrugged.

    "She''s jumping around, chasing a ball, smacking it with all her strength." She took a sip from her drink before smirking.

    "Tell me that''s not exactly what a big dog would love doing."

    Julie exhaled, shaking her head.

    She wasn''t about to say it out loud, but Aisha had a point.

    It truly was the perfect game for a oversized puppy like her...

 Chapter 98 - 98: He Stole Them All

    Aisha, after watching Skadi leap around like an puppy, finally lost interest in the volleyball match. Her gaze, instead, wandered across the rest of the courtyard, taking in the various activities scattered throughout the area.

    One part of the knights were dancing to the music, moving their bodies in a way that¡ªeven against her will¡ªmade her own tail sway slightly to the infectious rhythm.

    ''Damn that music.'' She thought irritably, flicking her tail to stop it from moving.

    But what really caught her attention¡ªwhat made her pause entirely was what the rest of the knights were doing.

    Unlike the ones who were playing volleyball or dancing, these knights were seated at round tables, completely focused on something. They were all leaning forward, engaged in various different setups, each one looking completely unique.

    Some of the tables had intricate, beautifully drawn boards, while others were simple squares.

    Some had small, carved pieces, while others seemed to be using cards¡ªbut not the usual ones she had seen before.

    It wasn''t just one type of game¡ªthere were many.

    But whatever they were playing, the knights were invested.

    They were laughing, cheering, groaning in frustration, some even rubbing their chins like they were deep in thought.

    Aisha''s tail twitched.

    Unlike volleyball, which didn''t interest her much, this most definitely did and for some reason, she couldn''t help but feel drawn to it.

    Without a word, when her curiosity finally won out, she turned and started walking toward one of the tables.

    Julie, noticing her sudden movement, raised a brow. "You''re interested?" She asked.

    Aisha, without looking back, simply muttered. "Maybe."

    Isabelle, who had been standing beside them, smiled slightly and decided to follow as well. The three of them approached one of the tables, where a group of knights was laughing and slamming pieces down on the board.

    Aisha stepped closer, her sharp gaze analyzing the pieces.

    "Oi." She said, crossing her arms. "What exactly are you guys playing?"

    The knights, who had been happily absorbed in their game, suddenly stiffened. One of them¡ªa younger girl with short brown hair¡ªturned her head and froze as her eyes widened slightly upon seeing Aisha standing right there and then widened even more when she realized Julie was standing right behind her.

    "O-Oh. Uh. Chief!" She stammered, clearly caught off guard.

    The other knights at the table also turned to look¡ª

    And panic quickly spread among them.

    "C-Captain?!"

    "Y-You''re here?!"

    Aisha, not in the mood for their theatrics, simply raised a brow.

    "Yeah?" She said, unimpressed. "What, am I not allowed to be here?"

    "Ah, No! It''s not like that!" The new recruit who was slightly scared of Aisha because of her unapproachable premise panicked when she saw her superior staring at her. And then in a fluster she ended up blurting out her true thoughts.

    "It''s just that for a second I thought that I a child had snuck into the party and only after I properly looked did I realise it was you."

    The air froze and every knight at the table suddenly tensed. The moment the words left the girls mouth, every single person at the table had realized her horrible mistake.

    Aisha''s eyes darkened immediately while Julie sighed when she heard the new girl call out one of Aisha''s reverse scales.

    The other knights at the table also quickly shook their heads, frantically making hand gestures behind their comrade''s back.

    ''No. No, you fool. Apologize. Take it back. Take it back before it''s too late!''

    But the short-haired knight, realizing far too late what she had just said, stiffened in pure horror as she had totally forgotten that Aisha hated being called small or tiny because of her dainty figure.

    She braced herself for the scolding¡ªmaybe even a smack to the head.

    But¡ª

    Aisha simply let out a long sigh like she couldn''t be bothered.

    "Yeah, yeah." She muttered, rolling her eyes. "I''m still waiting for that explanation."

    The short-haired knight blinked.

    Wait.

    No shouting? No threatening? No intimidating aura of death looming over her?

    Had she just...been spared?

    A few of the seniour knights exchanged glances, their shoulders relaxing slightly while already knowing that Aisha wouldn''t react harshly.

    Why? Because as intimidating as Aisha was with her presence and calculating gaze like she was predicting every single move of their which made it slightly difficult to relax in her, she was actually quite easy going in the sense that she stayed in her own lane and couldn''t he bothered about others. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    That is unless Skadi was involved where she completely switches up and acts in the exact opposite manner, reacting to every single provocation from them squad''s guardian dog.

    The girl, also sensing she had just miraculously survived, immediately cleared her throat and hurriedly moved on.

    "R-Right! Uh¡ªso!" She quickly pointed at the board in front of her.

    "This is called a board game."

    Aisha, who had never heard that term before, raised a brow. "Board game?" She repeated, her tone mildly skeptical.

    Julie, standing beside her, also frowned slightly. The term wasn''t familiar to her either.

    The short-haired knight, still feeling the weight of Aisha''s sharp gaze, cleared her throat hurriedly before diving into her explanation.

    "Y-Yes, a board game!" She confirmed, nodding quickly. "It''s, uh...a game played on a board."

    Aisha looked at her like she was looking at a idiot while Julie who had noticed the poor knight''s nervousness, quickly stepped in and said with with a kind smile on her face, "I think Aisha is looking for a more detailed explanation about what these boards game are and not the most simple version like you said."

    The knight swallowed hard, then quickly straightened herself, determined to redeem herself. "Right! So¡ªboard games can be different types, depending on their purpose and goal." She started, her voice steadier now.

    She gestured toward the table they were standing at, where an intricate grid-like map was laid out, complete with small wooden pieces shaped like soldiers and banners.

    "There are strategy-based games¡ªgames like this one, where you have to think carefully about your next move. These usually simulate war tactics, kingdom expansion, or military conquests. The goal is often to capture enemy territories, defeat opposing forces, or manage resources wisely."

    Julie nodded slightly, taking in the setup before her.

    Now this was something she could understand.

    Aisha, arms still crossed, tapped her fingers against her elbow, quietly processing the information.

    The knight then gestured toward another table, where a group of knights was rolling dice, their faces a mix of excitement and frustration.

    "Then, there are chance-based games, where the outcome is determined by luck¡ªlike rolling dice or drawing random cards. Some are just about betting and hoping to win big, while others mix luck with some strategy, giving players a chance to manipulate their fate."

    She then pointed toward another table, where knights were intensely moving wooden tiles, forming elaborate shapes.

    "There are puzzle-based games, too¡ªwhere you have to solve patterns, create sequences, or fit pieces together in a specific way. These aren''t about luck, but about pure skill and logic."

    Finally, she gestured toward a group that was playing with uniquely illustrated cards, flipping them over and reacting to their effects.

    "And then there are story-driven games, where players take on roles, follow different scenarios, and make decisions that change the outcome of the game. Some are about adventure, mystery, or even politics." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She exhaled, having covered everything to the best of her ability.

    Julie, who had been listening intently, narrowed her eyes slightly.

    "So you''re saying all of these different types of board games have already been on the market? If it is so how come I have never heard of them before, especially since such games would be a craze among nobles who always search for ways to entertain themselves." She asked, wondering if possibly she has missed out on this new fad.

    And instead of giving a straight reply the knight hesitated¡ªthen, with a somewhat sheepish smile, she rubbed the back of her neck. "Ah, well¡­" She started, glancing at them nervously.

    And then, with one final push of courage, she revealed¡ª

    "Actually...all of these were made by Young Master Cassius."

    Clatter.

    The wooden game piece that Aisha had been absentmindedly holding slipped from her fingers, landing on the board with a soft thud. Her eyes then snapped to the knight, narrowing sharply. "Even this was made by him?" She asked, her voice flat but undeniably sharp.

    The knight''s breath stopped slightly under Aisha''s scrutinizing glare. She immediately nodded¡ªfrantically, almost, like she had said something she wasn''t supposed to say.

    Aisha tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering.

    There was something unconsciously intimidating about the way she stared, as if she was displeased about hearing Cassius''s name again.

    The knight, looking visibly nervous, shifted in her seat, wondering if she had somehow made a mistake.

    That was until Isabelle, noticing the shift in atmosphere, stepped forward. Her soft, yet confident voice cut through the air, breaking the momentary tension.

    "Indeed." Isabelle confirmed smoothly, her tone steady as she smiled knowingly. "All of these games were created by my Young Master."

    Aisha''s eyelids twitched slightly, her fingers tightening around the wooden game piece she had picked up earlier. Isabelle, seeing their mixed expressions, continued with a pleased smile, her voice carrying that usual fondness whenever she spoke of her master.

    "You see, one day, Young Master started talking about how...well, ''this world'' was rather lacking when it comes to entertainment." She said, tilting her head slightly as if recalling his confusing words. "He said that aside from drinking, dueling, and gossiping, there wasn''t much else that actually engaged people''s minds. And, naturally¡ª"

    She chuckled.

    "¡ªhe got bored."

    Julie sighed, rubbing her temple.

    "Of course, he did."

    Aisha, who had been tapping her fingers idly against the wooden piece she was holding, let out a sharp scoff.

    "And let me guess." She said, her tone flat with mild irritation. "Instead of finding something else to do like a normal person, he decided he''d just make his own games?"

    "That''s exactly what happened." Isabelle replied cheerfully.

    ''This man''s mind is truly overflowing with nonsense.'' Julie chuckled dryly, shaking her head.

    But even so, she couldn''t deny that it was effective nonsense because here they were, watching as his ideas brought genuine joy to an entire legion of knights.

    Aisha, on the other hand, had a different reaction. Her fingers tightened around the wooden piece as a deep frown settled on her face.

    "Where exactly..." She muttered, narrowing her eyes. "...is he getting these ideas from?"

    Isabelle raised an eyebrow.

    "You think he''s stealing them from someone else?"

    Aisha didn''t answer immediately.

    She didn''t like Cassius. Not one bit.

    But this wasn''t just about disliking him¡ªthis was something else.

    Music no one had heard before.

    Sports no one had played before.

    Games no one had even thought of before.

    And yet¡ªhe was making them all at once, like they had just popped into his head fully formed.

    It was too unnatural.

    Too suspicious.

    An answer that made no sense.

    Too suspicious.

    Aisha was sure that Isabelle was about to vehemently deny any allegations against her master. After all, no loyal maid would ever let someone accuse her master of stealing ideas¡ªespecially not with how devoted Isabelle seemed to be.

    But then¡ª

    Isabelle did something completely unexpected.

    She nodded her head.

    "You''re right." She said, completely serious.

    "My master is most definitely stealing these ideas."

    Aisha froze mid-thought, her mind stalling. Even Julie¡ªwho had heard a lot of unexpected things tonight¡ªlooked genuinely taken aback.

    "...Huh?" Julie blinked, tilting her head slightly.

    Aisha, who had been ready for a heated argument, was now staring at Isabelle with pure disbelief.

    "What?" She demanded. "You''re actually admitting it?"

    Isabelle simply let out a small sigh and gave them a wry smile. "Or at least¡­" She muttered, as she looked just as confused as both of them. "That''s what my master says."

    Julie''s brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean by that?" She asked, her tone now edged with confusion.

    Isabelle let out a soft chuckle, but there was an undercurrent of uncertainty in her voice¡ªlike she herself wasn''t sure what to believe.

    "I asked him once." She admitted. "After he introduced the music, then the sport, and then the games, I started getting curious. I mean...how does someone come up with so many completely new things in such a short time?"

    Julie nodded slightly, fully understanding that sentiment. Aisha, arms crossed, still looked like she was waiting for an answer that made sense.

    "So..." Isabelle continued. "I went to him directly and asked him."

    "And what did he say?" Julie asked.

    Isabelle sighed again, as if she still couldn''t quite believe it herself. "He smiled at me and said..." She paused for a moment, lowering her voice slightly¡ªperfectly mimicking Cassius''s lazy, amused tone.

    " ''Oh, I didn''t come up with any of it. I stole it all.'' "

    Silence.

    Aisha stared.

    Julie blinked.

    Isabelle shook her head, looking like she was getting a headache just from remembering it.

    "And then..." She continued, exhaling deeply. "He started saying a bunch of bizarre names, strange names that I''ve never really heard of anyone having no matter the race in the continent."

    Aisha''s ears perked slightly, her tail flicking once. "Names?" She asked.

    "Names of what?" Julie added, intrigued.

    "Names of the original creators of all these things." Isabelle explained. "The music, the sports, the board games¡ªhe listed multiple names and said that they were the true inventors of everything he had introduced."

    For a moment¡ªjust a brief moment¡ªJulie found herself considering the possibility. After all, it wasn''t impossible that Cassius had simply...got it from the actual inventors or found these ideas somewhere.

    Maybe a hidden collection of works?

    Maybe secret documents locked away in the Holyfield archives?

    And before she could think about it any further, Aisha suddenly grinned, eyes flashing.

    "I knew it!" she declared, voice triumphant.

    She turned to Julie, looking like she had just won a battle.

    "There was no way that dunce of a master actually thought of all this himself! He must have found it somewhere!"

    Julie rolled her eyes at how petty her little sister was acting.

    "You''re really too happy about this, Aisha." She muttered.

    Aisha ignored her, still basking in her moment of victory.

    But then¡ª

    Isabelle popped her balloon.

    "Well, that''s also...not what happened either, Miss Aisha." She added lightly.

    Aisha immediately froze, her victorious expression shattering.

    "What...What do you mean?" She asked slowly as her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

    Isabelle let out another deep sigh¡ªthis time, she looked genuinely troubled. "Well, the thing is after we heard the names." She admitted. "Portia and I got curious."

    She fiddled with the hem of her apron, clearly recalling the strange memory.

    "Master spoke about them so confidently, as if they were real people¡ªso we wondered who exactly these people were?"

    Julie, realizing where this was going, stiffened slightly. "You...looked them up?"

    "Of course." Isabelle said, nodding.

    "Portia and I searched the kingdom''s registry and every historical record we could access using the Holyfield household''s resources¡ªif these people were truly great inventors, they should have been famous by now, right?"

    Aisha and Julie both leaned in slightly, waiting for the answer. But then Isabelle said something that sent a cold shiver down their spines.

    "But to our surprise." She said, her voice quieter now. "Not only did we find out that these people don''t exist...but the names of the creations Young Master claimed to have ''stolen'' had never even been recorded in history."

    Aisha and Julie both froze. For a few seconds, there was nothing but the distant sounds of music, laughter, and the clatter of dice on wooden tables.

    Aisha''s fingers tensed slightly.

    Julie''s expression darkened.

    Neither of them spoke immediately.

    Because they both knew¡ª

    That shouldn''t have been possible.

    If these things had truly existed before, then they should have been documented somewhere. Even the most obscure inventions, even the most forgotten ideas, left some kind of trace.

    But there was nothing.

    No records. No historical references.

    No signs that these ideas had ever belonged to someone else before Cassius.

    And yet¡ªhe had insisted they weren''t his.

    Julie''s mind whirled, the sheer strangeness of the situation settling in. Aisha, meanwhile, was staring at Isabelle, still processing what she just heard.

    But Isabelle, instead of looking troubled, simply smiled.

    "You understand what I''m getting at, don''t you?" She said lightly, crossing her arms.

    Julie narrowed her eyes slightly. "You''re saying¡­" She began slowly. "...that he just...doesn''t want to accept these works as his own?"

    Isabelle nodded.

    "Exactly."

    Aisha blinked.

    "Wait, wait, wait¡ªhold on a second." She held up a hand, looking incredulous. "You''re telling me he just...what? Throws all the credit onto imaginary people because he doesn''t want to be recognized for it?"

    "That''s what it seems like." Isabelle replied, her tone almost amused.

    Aisha stared in disbelief at the absurd reasoning, while Julie''s brows knitted together, her mind turning over the implications.

    "But why?" She asked, her voice edged with genuine confusion.

    She glanced around at the knights enthusiastically playing Cassius''s games, their laughter and conversation filling the courtyard.

    People always craved new forms of entertainment.

    If Cassius had introduced something truly unique, it wouldn''t take long for his name to spread like wildfire through the kingdom.

    More than that, if he patented these ideas and turned them into a business, he could secure a comfortable future for himself without relying on the Holyfield household that despised him, regardless of whatever reputation he had before.

    These games weren''t just casual diversions. They were a goldmine. With how quickly the knights had taken to them, it was clear they held immense potential.

    Tournaments. Competitions. Exports.

    If managed properly, he could reshape the entire kingdom''s entertainment industry.

    He could even establish his own business empire.

    Julie''s green eyes darkened slightly as she mulled over the possibilities. For someone as strategic as Cassius, this should have been obvious.

    And yet¡ª

    "He refuses to claim any of it as his?" Julie asked, genuinely baffled.

    "Mm." Isabelle gave a wry smile. "I told him the same thing, actually."

    Julie''s gaze sharpened. "And?"

    Isabelle let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. "He just scoffed at me, saying that there''s no way I''d do something that stupid." She said, her voice dipping into a perfect impression of Cassius''s lazy drawl.

    Julie tilted her head slightly. "Why?"

    "I don''t exactly understand this but..." Isabelle continued, watching their reactions carefully. "...He said that if he made his name famous with these games, then he''d be seen as someone useful to society and someone who could be considered as a decent person and then said..."

    "...That''s the last thing he wanted right now."

    Aisha shook her head in confusion and frustration at the man who was speaking in riddles, while Julie couldn''t make sense of what was said no matter how she thought about it.

    "...What?"

    Isabelle gave them both a knowing smile.

    "You''re confused too, aren''t you?"

    Julie exhaled through her nose, crossing her arms.

    "More than confused." She muttered.

    Aisha''s tail flicked in agitation. "That makes zero sense." She said flatly. "Why wouldn''t he want to be known for this?"

    "I have no idea." Isabelle admitted, shaking her head. "But what I do know is that he''s doing it deliberately."

    Julie''s mind raced.

    Cassius wasn''t a fool.

    In fact, from what she had observed, he was likely one of the most intelligent men she had ever encountered which meant that this wasn''t a mistake.

    It wasn''t laziness, and it wasn''t an oversight. He had made a conscious decision to stay in the shadows, despite holding the key to immense influence.

    Aisha clicked her tongue. "Ugh...Just what the hell is this guy thinking?"

    Julie exhaled slowly, her mind troubled. She had seen many nobles before, and she had seen ambition take countless forms.

    Some sought wealth.

    Some sought status.

    Some sought power.

    But Cassius?

    He was deliberately rejecting all of it.

    Why?

    Julie''s emarald eyes narrowed.

    What exactly is Cassius Vindictus Holyfield''s goal?

 Chapter 99 - 99: Curiosity That Outweighs Hate

    Julie couldn''t shake the thought from her mind. The more she unraveled about him, the more the mystery deepened.

    And yet, while she was grappling with curiosity, Aisha was grappling with something else entirely.

    Pure, burning frustration.

    She hated this. She hated him.

    Not because of his attitude, not because of his arrogance, not even because of the way he always seemed so damn amused whenever he was speaking.

    She hated him because he treated these ideas¡ªideas that could revolutionize entertainment, business, and even culture¡ªlike they were nothing.

    Like they were trivial.

    Like they were some disposable thoughts that he simply threw away.

    To her, this wasn''t humility. This wasn''t him wanting to stay in the shadows.

    This was arrogance.

    It was him saying. "This isn''t even worth my time."

    It was him saying. "I can make something like this in a day if I wanted to."

    Like he was some kind of god, effortlessly tossing out groundbreaking innovations the way others would scribble down pointless notes.

    Aisha''s fingers curled into fists.

    Her ears twitched with irritation.

    She considered herself intelligent. Extremely intelligent.

    And yet¡ªeven she knew she could never create this many inventions so easily. She could never design so many different games, music, and sports in such a short span of time.

    So what did that make him?

    Someone better?

    Someone who could do it without even trying?

    The thought made Aisha who for some reason considered him as her arch nemesis grit her teeth.

    Julie, noticing the way Aisha''s frustration was building up, decided to step in. "Aisha..." She said gently, her tone measured. "Why don''t we take a closer look at these games? They look rather interesting don''t they?"

    Aisha huffed, still glaring at the board in front of her.

    Julie then turned to Isabelle. "Would you mind explaining them?"

    Isabelle, having already noticed Aisha''s mood, immediately stepped forward. "Of course." She said lightly, before shifting to Aisha''s side.

    She followed Aisha''s gaze, quickly pinpointing the game she was currently staring daggers at. "This one here..." Isabelle said, gesturing to the board. "...is called Backgammon, Miss Aisha."

    Aisha raised a brow, the name alone irritating her further. "And what exactly is it?" She muttered wanting to find some way to nitpick the game.

    Isabelle smiled and began explaining the rules.

    She went over how the black and white pieces were flipped, how each move strategically affected the board, and how, despite its simple design, the game itself was incredibly complex once played at a higher level.

    Aisha listened in silence, her eyes fixed on the board.

    Her frustration was still there...But something else had crept in.

    A strange, undeniable curiosity that pushed aside her desire to hate on the game and rather want to learn more about because of how simple and complex it was the same time.

    Isabelle, noticing the slight shift in her expression, smoothly continued. She gestured toward another board game, one that had fewer pieces but a distinct, recognizable pattern.

    "This one here..." She said, tapping the board lightly. "...is called Checkers."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes, watching as Isabelle pulled out a neatly bound notebook and placed it in her hands.

    "This has all the rules inside." Isabelle said, her tone patient yet encouraging. "It''s pretty easy to understand once you go through it."

    Aisha hesitated.

    For a moment, she considered refusing.

    She had no reason to learn these games.

    She didn''t even want to learn them.

    She didn''t want to acknowledge anything created by that infuriating man.

    But, her fingers tightened around the notebook before she even realized it. A sigh escaped her lips, and¡ªdespite her better judgment¡ªshe opened it.

    Her sharp amber eyes flicked over the neatly written text, the careful explanations detailing the mechanics, the objectives, the rules.

    It was¡­structured, logical and tactical.

    And before she knew it, her eyes were scanning through every single detail.

    Julie watched, hiding her teethering amusement, as Aisha''s brows furrowed ever so slightly, her usual skeptical glare replaced by deep concentration.

    She had fallen in.

    Hook, line, and sinker.

    And she hadn''t even noticed.

    Isabelle, also noticing how deeply Aisha was scanning through the notebook, couldn''t help but smile before moving on. "And this one over here..." She gestured toward another table, eager to continue. "...is called Snakes and Ladders."

    Aisha looked up briefly, eyes flickering toward the brightly colored board with a grid-like pattern filled with numbered squares, winding snake illustrations, and long ladders stretching between them.

    She stared. Then she stared harder.

    "What the hell is this?" She muttered, thinking that this game seemed rather childish compared to the other games.

    "It''s a game of chance." Isabelle explained. "You roll a die, move your piece forward, and if you land at the base of a ladder, you climb up. But¡ª" she tapped a square with a coiling green snake on it. "¡ªif you land on a snake, you slide down."

    Aisha blinked.

    "...That''s it?"

    "That''s it." Isabelle confirmed.

    Aisha scoffed. "What''s even the point? It seems so dumb." She muttered, crossing her arms, even though her eyes kept on glancing at the die like she wanted to give a try.

    "The point..." Isabelle said patiently. "...is to test your luck and enjoy the thrill of unpredictability."

    Aisha frowned. Then, without meaning to, she reached out and rolled the die sitting beside the board.

    A four.

    One of the knights sitting at the table laughed.

    "Looks like you got a snake!" She grinned, pointing to a square with a grinning cartoon snake slithering down.

    Aisha stiffened as her tail flicked in annoyance at the bad luck

    "...That''s dumb." She said flatly, looking annoyed.

    The knight chuckled, moving her own piece forward and narrowly missing a snake.

    Aisha narrowed her eyes at the board.

    She did not like games where she had no control over the outcome.

    And yet she rolled the die again.

    Julie hid her delight as she watched her prideful little strategist begrudgingly engage with the game, even if it was just to prove she could win through sheer force of will.

    Isabelle, meanwhile, smoothly continued.

    "And over here." She said, pointing to a different board. "...is something a bit different¡ªit''s called Ludo."

    This time, even Julie leaned in slightly, unfamiliar with the bold, bright board marked with four quadrants of different colors.

    Aisha, still grumbling about the snake she landed on earlier, looked over as well. "Ludo?" She repeated.

    "It''s a race." Isabelle explained. "Each player has four tokens. You roll a die to move them, and the goal is to get all of your tokens to the center before anyone else. But¡ª" She tapped the board. "¡ªyou can also send other players'' tokens back to the start if you land on them."

    Aisha''s ears perked slightly.

    "...So it''s a competitive game?"

    "Very competitive." Isabelle grinned.

    Aisha''s eyes gleamed ever so slightly.

    Julie noticed immediately.

    She could already tell that Aisha was hooked.

    She''d pretend she wasn''t interested. She''d act like she didn''t care.

    But at some point she was going to play and she was going to play to win.

    Isabelle, seeing Aisha''s growing interest, smiled and moved to the next table. "And over here." she gestured. "...is a game called Othello."

    She pointed at the board filled with black and white discs, positioned in a way that suggested it was mid-game.

    "This one is all about capturing territory." Isabelle explained. "Each turn, you place a piece, and any opponent''s pieces trapped between yours get flipped to your color."

    Aisha furrowed her brows.

    "...So it''s like conquering land?"

    "Precisely." Isabelle nodded.

    Julie glanced at Aisha.

    A game of conquest?

    Yeah.

    This was going to be a problem.

    Aisha might pretend to hate everything about Cassius, but there was no way she wasn''t going to challenge someone to this game by the end of the night.

    Isabelle, satisfied that Aisha was following along, continued on to the next table.

    "And over here." She said. "...is Dominoes¡ª"

    Aisha followed and Julie, at this point, just sighed with a small smirk and followed too.

    Like a reluctant child, Aisha was absorbing every single piece of information, no matter how much she pretended otherwise.

    And Isabelle, ever the gracious teacher, made sure to explain every detail.

    One game at a time.

    One reluctant step at a time.

    Until Aisha¡ªwhether she liked it or not¡ªwas fully immersed.

    Isabelle, having already played and memorized all the games, explained everything to the best of her abilities and she had done a really good job as because by the time she finished, Aisha was practically vibrating with excitement.

    Julie, who had been watching her little sister''s slow descent into enthusiasm, couldn''t help but chuckle softly.

    Aisha¡ªwho had spent the last 15 minutes pretending she wasn''t interested, pretending that she didn''t care about Cassius'' ridiculous inventions, pretending that she was above all this nonsense¡ª

    Was now darting her eyes all over the courtyard, her expression barely holding back her excitement.

    She looked like a child in a candy store.

    Like someone who had just been dropped into a treasure trove of fun but had no idea where to start.

    Her ears twitched. Her tail flicked.

    She spun around, scanning the tables, glancing at the knights who were playing, laughing, competing.

    She wanted to play.

    She wanted to play badly.

    But there were too many choices.

    She wanted to play all of them.

    And because she couldn''t decide¡ª

    She did the only thing that made sense to her.

    She turned toward Julie her big, amber eyes locked onto her Captain''s. "Captain!" She blurted out, rushing toward her like a child running to their mother for advice.

    Julie blinked. "Yes?"

    Aisha grabbed her sleeve, her entire body brimming with energy. "What should I do?!" She demanded, her voice earnest, eager.

    Julie raised an eyebrow, amused about her change in behaviour. "Do about what?"

    Aisha gestured wildly to all the games surrounding them. "I want to play them all!" She declared.

    Julie chuckled.

    "Then play them."

    "But which one do I start with?! I don''t know which one to pick!"

    Julie, still smiling, couldn''t help but lift her hand and pat Aisha''s head.

    Aisha immediately scowled.

    "Hey! Not now! I don''t want pats! I want answers!"

    Julie''s laughter grew.

    "You''re really acting like a kid right now, you know that?"

    Aisha pouted.

    "I am not! This is a serious matter!"

    Julie hummed thoughtfully, glancing around.

    "I don''t know, Aisha...There really are a lot of options."

    She smirked playfully.

    "Maybe you should just play all the games at once. After all, you''re so smart¡ªI bet you could manage."

    Aisha froze...Then her eyes gleamed which immidietly made Julie realise her mistake.

    Aisha straightened, grinning wildly. "That''s it!" She declared.

    Julie blinked. "...Wait, what''s it?"

    Aisha ignored her and turned sharply on her heel.

    And then, she climbed onto the nearest chair, took a deep breath and shouted.

    "LISTEN UP, EVERYONE!"

    The entire courtyard turned toward her.

    Knights playing volleyball stopped mid-game.

    Knights who had been laughing at their boards froze.

    Even the ones who were dancing to Cassius'' strange new music paused to see what their tiny chief was about to say.

    Aisha pointed dramatically at them all.

    "I AM GOING TO PLAY A GAME AGAINST EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!"

    Silence.

    Then¡ª

    "HUH?!"

    The loud collective reaction from the knights echoed through the courtyard.

    "You heard me!" Aisha declared.

    Her tail swished aggressively behind her, her entire body radiating competitive fire.

    "I am going to play every game in this courtyard! And I am going to play against all of you!"

    Murmurs erupted.

    "Wait, is she serious?"

    "She wants to play all of them?"

    "Does she even know how long that''ll take?!"

    Aisha smirked.

    "Don''t worry." She said confidently, crossing her arms.

    "I''ll play multiple games at the same time."

    The murmurs grew louder.

    "You mean like...simultaneous matches?"

    "She''s really acting like a noble strategist right now."

    Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

    "She''s definitely serious about this."

    Julie, still standing to the side, sighed and shook her head with a fond smile. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She really should have seen this coming.

    Skadi, who had been watching from a distance, grinned wildly and pumped a fist in the air.

    "HAHAHA!" She howled. "THAT''S MY AISHA! LET''S GO!"

    Aisha shot her a sharp glare.

    "YOU''RE NOT MY HYPE WOMAN! SIT DOWN!"

    Skadi cackled, completely unfazed.

    The knights, now fully riled up, cheered.

    "If you''re challenging us, Chief, then don''t expect us to go easy on you!"

    "Yeah! You''re gonna regret this!"

    "Pick your games, chief! We''re ready!"

    Aisha grinned, her amber eyes burned with competitive excitement.

    "Good." She said, cracking her knuckles.

    "Then bring it on."

    And with that¡ª

    The first official Holy Guard Game Night had begun.

 Chapter 100 - 100: Delightful Deserts

    The courtyard erupted into action. Knights scrambled to set up boards, shuffle cards, and position dice. Some rearranged tables for more space, while others called dibs on who would play against Aisha first. The air was electric with excitement.

    Julie sighed, shaking her head as she watched Aisha already hopping between tables, scanning her opponents like a general about to lead an army into battle.

    ''Of course she took my joke literally.''

    Isabelle, standing beside Julie, chuckled softly. "She really does have a competitive streak, doesn''t she?"

    Julie smirked. "Oh, you have no idea."

    Aisha clapped her hands once, loudly. "Alright! Let''s set some rules!" She announced. "Since I''ll be playing multiple games at once, I''ll make my moves quickly! No stalling! No delays! If you take too long, I''m moving on!"

    The knights exchanged glances, some grinning in anticipation, others muttering things like, "Oh, she''s serious-serious."

    A knight near the back raised a hand. "Chief! What if you lose?"

    Aisha scoffed. "I won''t."

    Laughter rippled through the group, but it wasn''t mocking¡ªit was pure excitement.

    Julie crossed her arms. "Alright, then. If you''re so confident, what do we get if you do lose?"

    Aisha''s tail flicked. She narrowed her eyes. "You won''t."

    "Oh come on." Julie teased. "Humor us."

    The knights murmured in agreement.

    Aisha huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine. If I lose more games than I win¡­" She hesitated, as if the very idea was unfathomable. Then, begrudgingly, she finished. "I''ll do whatever dumb punishment you guys come up with."

    A cheer went up. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie grinned. ''Oh, this is going to be fun.''

    "Deal." She said. "But what if you win?"

    Aisha smirked. "Then all of you who dared to challenge me half to do a hand stand so that more blood can go to your brain, that''s not working enough since you guys actually think I''ll lose."

    More laughter poured out

    "Alright, deal!" One of the knights called.

    "Let''s get started!" Another added.

    Aisha turned to face her first batch of opponents. Her amber eyes gleamed as she placed a hand on the checkers board in front of her while simultaneously reaching for a die at the snakes and ladders table.

    "Then let''s begin." She declared.

    And just like that, the first official Holy Guard Game Night was in full swing.

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã

    For the next hour, chaos reigned.

    Aisha darted from table to table, making moves at breakneck speed. She was playing carrom against one knight while simultaneously strategizing in life against another. She flicked a die across the Ludo board while calling out her move in mahjong without even looking.

    Her brain was working overtime, processing multiple games at once. But she thrived on it.

    Julie watched, half-impressed, half-amused, as Aisha''s usual cocky confidence turned into laser-focused intensity.

    "She''s actually keeping up." Isabelle murmured, watching as Aisha countered an opponent''s move in Backgammon while immediately following it with an aggressive placement in a mediaeval version of battleship.

    "Of course she is." Julie said, smiling like a proud older sister. "She''s always been way too smart for her age."

    The knights, who had been excited to take her down, were now starting to sweat. Some underestimated her at first, expecting her to crack under the pressure of multiple simultaneous games.

    They were wrong.

    "How is she so fast?" One knight muttered, moving a piece in Life, only for Aisha to respond immediately with a move that completely flipped the game.

    "She''s reading my moves before I even make them!" Another groaned as Aisha wiped the floor with them in Sequence.

    But Aisha wasn''t unstoppable.

    She was dominating strategy-based games like chess and Checkers, but Snakes and Ladders? Ludo? Those were a different story.

    "HA! You landed on another snake, Chief!" A knight cackled as Aisha, for the third time in a row, was forced to slide back down.

    Aisha growled. "This game is stupid."

    The knights roared with laughter.

    And in Ludo, while she was busy calculating an aggressive move in Checkers, she completely missed a knight rolling just the right number to send her piece back to the start.

    "What?!" Aisha yelped as her token was sent back.

    "Oops." The knight grinned. "Guess you should pay attention."

    Aisha''s eye twitched. "This is such a dumb game...It basically relies on luck to win."

    Julie cackled as she watched her losing which was quite rare. "And it looks like luck isn''t on your side, Aisha."

    Aisha whipped around, glaring at her. "I don''t need luck! I have skill!"

    "Yeah? Well, luck is currently kicking your skill''s ass." Julie teased.

    Aisha grumbled something under her breath but quickly moved on, diving back into her strategy games with renewed aggression.

    Despite her struggles in luck-based games, she was still winning most of the matches. One by one, she picked off her opponents, leaving them dazed and defeated.

    The energy in the courtyard was wild. Cheers, groans, and laughter filled the air as the knights either tried to take Aisha down or celebrated her unfortunate dice rolls.

    The outcome had already been decided. The knights were probably going to eat their words soon.

    Julie knew it. The whole courtyard knew it.

    Aisha had played her ridiculous simultaneous tournament like a woman possessed, and despite her dramatic losses in games of pure luck, she had absolutely demolished anyone who dared challenge her in strategy-based games.

    And now?

    Now the knights were facing the harsh reality that they were going to have to swallow their pride and do headstands which would probably end with them puking all over the place with how drunk they were.

    Julie sighed. She didn''t want to see such a pitiful sight¡ªher own knights begrudgingly admitting defeat, mumbling the words like prisoners forced to confess their crimes.

    It was honestly embarrassing.

    So, instead of watching the inevitable unfold, she decided to look around and see if there was anything else in the courtyard that she had missed.

    And oh, there was plenty happening.

    Over on the far side, Skadi was still playing volleyball. Or rather, she was singlehandedly destroying eight knights at once.

    Julie stared for a moment, watching as Skadi launched herself into the air, twisting her body mid-flight, and then¡ª BAM¡ªshe spiked the ball down with such force that it might as well have been weeping from the impact.

    The knights on the other side barely had time to react before the ball slammed into the ground.

    "THAT''S FOUR POINTS IN A ROW, LOSERS!" Skadi howled, throwing her head back with a victorious laugh. "IS THAT ALL YOU''VE GOT?!"

    The knights groaned, some falling to their knees dramatically.

    "How is she even human?" Sne of them muttered.

    "She''s not, you idiot." Another knight grumbled. "She''s from the Fenrir race that are known for their ridiculous battle prowess and small brains."

    Julie shook her head...Of course Skadi got influenced by Aisha''s antics. It seemed like tonight was all about ridiculous one-versus-many matchups.

    Her gaze then drifted elsewhere.

    In the middle of the courtyard, Aisha was still deep in her tournament, currently stealing every single property from her unfortunate opponent in a game of Monopoly.

    The knight across from her looked devastated, her expression that of a woman who had just lost her actual house rather than a few pieces of paper and plastic hotels.

    "Y-You can''t do this." The knight whispered, staring at Aisha with wide, betrayed eyes.

    Aisha leaned back in her chair, grinning like an evil noblewoman. "Oh, but I can. And I did."

    She twirled one of her newly-acquired property cards between her fingers. "Now, let''s see...I think I''ll raise the rent on Boardwalk. Oh wait¡ªI own that now too. What a shame."

    The knight clutched her head. "No...NO!"

    Julie exhaled. This is getting out of hand.

    And, of course, the jazz band was still going strong.

    The upbeat melody filled the air, blending seamlessly with the sounds of laughter, shouting, and competitive banter. Julie had grown quite fond of this music¡ªthere was something strangely relaxing about it, despite the chaos all around.

    But as much as she wanted to get a closer look at the strange new instruments and hear them better, she absolutely wasn''t going anywhere near the dancing knights.

    Because if she did?

    Those drunken fools would drag her into the mess, and Julie¡ªwho could barely walk without tripping over thin air¡ªwould inevitably embarrass herself.

    Nope...Not happening.

    So instead, she decided to just find a seat somewhere and relax.

    But just as she was about to do so, she spotted something she hadn''t noticed before.

    A table, sitting near the band, which had previously been completely crowded...But now?

    Now it was free.

    Julie furrowed her brows, curiosity tugging at her.

    From a distance, it looked like a jewelry display, with the way the table shimmered under the warm lantern light.

    But as she got closer, she realized¡ª

    These weren''t jewels.

    Her eyes widened slightly as she stopped in front of the table, Isabelle following close behind.

    Laid out in perfect rows, almost too perfect, were an array of desserts¡ªeach one immaculately decorated, arranged like priceless artifacts in a royal collection.

    Julie had seen many extravagant feasts before. As a noble, she was no stranger to decadence. But what truly took her by surprise wasn''t the sheer amount of desserts.

    It was how they were presented.

    Every single treat was adorable.

    Miniature pastries, no larger than the palm of her hand, decorated with delicate swirls of cream and fresh berries. Chocolate truffles that looked almost too perfect to eat, their glossy surfaces shimmering under the lantern glow. Tiny fruit tarts, arranged like miniature bouquets, their colors vibrant and eye-catching.

    And then there were the macarons¡ªstacked in neat, rainbow-colored towers, their delicate shells painted with golden designs.

    Julie stared.

    And kept staring.

    "They''re quite pretty aren''t they, Miss Julie?" Isabelle asked with a smile on her face when she saw Julie staring at the sweets like she was looking at a divine painting.

    Julie finally blinked, snapping out of her daze.

    She pointed at one of the delicacies¡ªa small, pastel-pink mousse cake, topped with a single candied rose petal. "What is this?"

    One of the maids standing by the table smiled. "That is a raspberry rose mousse cake, Captain Julie."

    Julie turned her head sharply. "It has a name?"

    The maid chuckled. "Of course. Every single one of these desserts was made with precision and care."

    Julie''s eyes flicked across the table again.

    There was a small, round cake dusted in powdered sugar, with an intricate pattern etched into its surface.

    There were tiny ¨¦clairs, filled with what looked like the smoothest cream she had ever seen, each one topped with a thin layer of caramel that glistened.

    There were cupcakes with gold leaf on them...A gold leaf.

    She let out a slow breath.

    This wasn''t just a dessert table.

    This was an art exhibition.

    Julie, a woman who had faced countless battles, fought through grueling training, and commanded the Holy Guard without hesitation¡ªfelt hesitant to even touch these masterpieces.

    "They''re¡­" She started, struggling for words.

    "Beautiful, aren''t they?" Isabelle finished for her.

    Julie nodded and then stared at the desserts with a deep, almost suspicious gaze. They were just too perfect¡ªso immaculate, so delicate, that they hardly even looked like food.

    She narrowed her eyes and turned to Isabelle.

    "Are you sure these are desserts?" She asked, skeptical. "I mean...they look more like treasure pieces than something you''re supposed to eat."

    Isabelle chuckled softly. "Of course they''re desserts, Captain. Why else would they be at a party?"

    Julie still wasn''t convinced. Her gut told her this was some kind of elaborate trick.

    Isabelle noticed her hesitation and smirked. "If you don''t believe me, why don''t you try one?"

    Julie hesitated again. She didn''t want to ruin the beauty of these little masterpieces. It felt almost wrong to disturb their perfect form.

    But at the same time...curiosity tugged at her.

    She exhaled, bracing herself. "Alright." She muttered, as if she were about to commit some great crime.

    And then carefully, with a level of precision that was almost comedic, she picked up one of the desserts¡ªa small, pastel-pink mousse cake with a delicate rose petal on top. It was so light that she could barely feel its weight in her fingers.

    With one last moment of hesitation, she brought it to her lips and took a small, careful bite.

    The moment the dessert hit her tongue¡ª

    Her eyes widened.

    Her whole body stiffened.

    A slow silence stretched between her and Isabelle.

    Then, in a hushed, almost reverent tone, she whispered¡ª

    "¡­Delicious."

    Isabelle smiled knowingly.

    Julie blinked, still frozen in place. She looked down at the dessert in her hand as if it had just changed her entire worldview.

    "It''s...so delicious." She said again, dazed.

    She took another bite, slower this time, as if savoring every last moment.

    She had tasted countless desserts before¡ªshe had attended noble banquets, extravagant feasts, high-society parties filled with decadent sweets.

    And yet¡­

    Nothing had ever tasted this rich. This smooth. This perfect.

    Not only was the texture airy and velvety, but the flavors blended in a way that felt almost unreal. The light tartness of the raspberries, the delicate floral notes of the rose, the subtle sweetness that didn''t overwhelm the palate¡ªit was all perfectly balanced.

    She swallowed, her lips parting slightly in wonder.

    "Not only is it delicious¡­" She murmured, staring at the cake in her hand like it was a divine artifact. "But it''s utterly gorgeous too, looking even prettier then the flowers in the garden."

    She took another bite¡ªthis time with no hesitation.

    After savoring it for a moment, she sighed, her expression softening into one of genuine appreciation like she was eating a treat that had fallen from the heavens.

    "The chef who made this¡­" She said, shaking her head in amazement. "¡­must be praised for their glorious work."

    Isabelle''s smile grew at the compliment. She folded her hands together proudly. "I appreciate the kind words, Miss Julie."

    "...I''ll be sure to tell my Young Master you said so."

 Chapter 101 - 101: Where Is Cassius?

    Julie, still entranced by the dessert, hummed in agreement¡ªthen suddenly froze.

    She blinked and then slowly, very slowly, she turned to look at Isabelle.

    "¡­Wait." She said, dread creeping into her voice. "Why do you have to tell him?"

    And, Isabelle, in a matter-of-fact manner, responded casually¡ª

    "Because my Young Master was the one who made them, of course."

    Julie choked.

    Literally choked on the dessert.

    "WHAT?!"

    She coughed violently, nearly dropping the half-eaten cake as she pounded her chest to recover. Isabelle, completely unbothered, calmly reached for a glass of water and handed it to her.

    Julie took it without question, still sputtering in disbelief.

    "Cassius made this?" She demanded once she had regained the ability to speak.

    Isabelle nodded. "Yes."

    "Cassius made the best dessert I have ever tasted in my life?"

    Another nod. "Yes."

    Julie stared at her, horrified.

    "¡­You''re lying."

    Isabelle chuckled. "I wouldn''t lie about something like this, Miss Julie."

    Julie gripped the edge of the table tighter, as if it were the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. She exhaled sharply, trying to process everything.

    "Alright." She muttered, rubbing her temple. "Fine. Fine. I''ve already accepted the fact that Cassius is some kind of genius when it comes to making games. I''ve accepted the fact that he just casually invented a new form of music, like it was nothing. But this¡ª" She gestured wildly at the beautiful display of desserts in front of her. "¡ªthis doesn''t make sense!"

    Isabelle tilted her head, amused. "What about it doesn''t make sense, Miss Julie?"

    Julie waved a hand dramatically. "Look at them! They''re adorable! They look like they were made by the delicate hands of a girl! How in the world did he..." She jabbed a finger in the vague direction of wherever Cassius might be. "...create something this pretty?!"

    Isabelle let out a soft laugh. "Well, technically, these particular desserts weren''t made by him."

    Julie blinked, still frazzled. "Huh?"

    "They were made by me and the kitchen staff." Isabelle clarified. "But..." She smirked, watching Julie''s expression. "...we were taught how to make them by our Young Master."

    Julie''s brain short-circuited. "Excuse me?"

    "Yes." Isabelle continued cheerfully. "One day, he decided to have a cooking class for all of us maids. He made an entire batch of cute desserts and said that they''d be perfect if we ever needed to host a tea party." She chuckled. "He taught us how to make several different sweets, down to the finest details. Every dessert you see here comes from the recipes he provided."

    Julie stared at her, open-mouthed, as if she had just been told Cassius could breathe fire.

    She slowly turned back to the desserts.

    She then turned back to Isabelle.

    Then back to the desserts.

    Then back to Isabelle.

    Her eye twitched.

    And then, in the quietest, most exasperated whisper, she muttered¡ª

    "He''s more womanly than me."

    Isabelle blinked. "Excuse me?"

    Julie immediately straightened up. "Nothing."

    Isabelle squinted at her, suspicious, but Julie refused to elaborate. Instead, she sighed heavily, looking like she had just lost a battle that she was supposed to win.

    She dragged a hand down her face. "Just what kind of monster is your Young Master?" She muttered.

    Isabelle tilted her head thoughtfully, then, after a moment, smiled brightly.n"Well, he may be a monster, who''s capable of doing impossible feats." She said cheerfully. "But he''s a very kind and merciful monster."

    Julie raised a brow. "Merciful?"

    Isabelle nodded, a strange fondness in her voice. "After all, he even forgave someone like me¡ªsomeone who tried to kill him."

    Julie stiffened slightly at the reminder.

    That was...true.

    Her squad had also been spared.

    For all of Cassius'' arrogance, his apathy, his irritatingly effortless genius¡ªhe had never been needlessly cruel. He could have wiped them all out after their failure, but he didn''t. Instead, they were all here, alive, eating fancy desserts and playing ridiculous games.

    Julie hummed, crossing her arms. "I suppose we''re in the same boat, then¡ª"

    But before she could finish her sentence¡ª

    "OH SHIT, THEY RESTOCKED THE DESSERTS!"

    Julie''s head snapped toward the sudden, thunderous voice.

    Her heart dropped.

    The horde of knights¡ªwho had somehow become aware that the dessert table had been refilled¡ªroared in excitement.

    "GET THEM BEFORE THEY''RE GONE!"

    Julie''s eyes widened in pure horror as she saw a mass of hungry, gluttonous fools charging toward the table.

    She knew her knights.

    She knew how terrifyingly fast they could be when food was on the line.

    And if she didn''t act now¡ª

    She would get nothing.

    "Isabelle!" Julie shouted, already grabbing a plate. "Help me! Quick!"

    Isabelle, utterly bewildered, blinked. "H-Huh? What''s happening?"

    "Just grab the desserts, now!"

    Isabelle, still confused but utterly devoted to helping her beloved idol, immediately grabbed a plate and started rapidly stacking desserts.

    Julie was moving fast, grabbing pastries with the efficiency of a seasoned soldier looting supplies in enemy territory.

    She had no shame.

    She took the mousse cakes. She took the ¨¦clairs. She swiped an entire stack of macarons and threw them onto her plate.

    Meanwhile, the incoming mob was seconds away.

    One of the knights, wide-eyed, pointed at her. "HEY! THE CAPTAIN''S STEALING EVERYTHING!"

    "No, I''m securing supplies!" Julie shot back, shoving another dessert into her growing collection.

    "CAPTAIN, HAVE MERCY!"

    "NO!"

    The second the horde reached them, the table descended into chaos.

    Knights were fighting over desserts like it was the last meal on earth.

    One poor fool reached for a cupcake, only for another knight to smack his hand away.

    "THAT ONE''S MINE, YOU BITCH!"

    "YOU DON''T EVEN LIKE CUPCAKES!"

    "I DO NOW!"

    In the background, a completely separate battle was occurring¡ª

    Someone had just been slammed in the face by a rogue volleyball while a table had flipped, scattering game pieces everywhere as someone shouted in frustration over a lost match.

    Meanwhile, Julie and Isabelle had successfully retreated from the mob, plates full of desserts, standing on the sidelines like victorious warriors.

    Julie exhaled, looking down at her bounty.

    She smirked.

    "Mission successful."

    Isabelle, still holding her own plate, gave her a hesitant glance. "Miss Julie...was that really necessary?"

    Julie gave her a dead serious look.

    "Isabelle." She said gravely. "You don''t understand what my knights are capable of. If we didn''t act fast, we would''ve been empty-handed."

    As if on cue, one of the knights wailed dramatically.

    "WHO ATE THE LAST ¨¦CLAIR?!"

    Julie grinned smugly and took a bite of her ¨¦clair.

    The party raged onwith knights fighting over sweets, others getting taken down by volleyballs, and some punching boards in pure frustration. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    And through it all, not a single one of them remembered that tonight was their deadline to save their own lives...

    ?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?¡ã?

    The party had finally come to an end.

    Well¡ªat least, it was supposed to end.

    The knights, however, were not ready to accept that reality.

    Several of them, completely drunk out of their minds, were yelling about how they still wanted to drink.

    "NO! MORE! ROUNDS!" One knight bellowed, slamming her empty mug on a table.

    "This was the best damn party we''ve ever had!" Another slurred, waving his arms dramatically. "We can''t just end it now!"

    A third knight, draped over a fellow comrade, blinked blearily and muttered. "Where''s my shoe?"

    The maids, who had clearly anticipated this level of nonsense, had already begun their cleanup efforts. Some were gently guiding the more cooperative knights back toward the mansion, while others were dragging the particularly stubborn ones across the courtyard with surprising strength.

    One unfortunate maid had a knight clinging to her waist, whining. "Don''t leave meeeee! I can still fight! I¡ª" before her words dissolved into incoherent mumbling.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi, the only three who had remained completely sober, sat at a table in the corner of the courtyard, watching their rowdy subordinates get hauled away one by one.

    Aisha let out a small huff, arms crossed. "They really got drunk, huh?" She muttered. "It''s been a while since I''ve seen them like this."

    Julie smiled as she leaned back slightly in her chair. "That just means they enjoyed the party that much."

    Aisha glanced at her, one brow raised.

    Julie exhaled, her gaze drifting over the courtyard as she continued. "You know how it is. We''ve been to our fair share of noble-hosted parties before, but they never felt...right. They always made us feel out of place¡ªtoo formal, too stiff, too congested."

    Aisha didn''t reply immediately. She knew exactly what Julie meant.

    The parties they had attended in the past had been luxurious, sure. But there were always unspoken rules, suffocating expectations. They weren''t there to enjoy themselves¡ªthey were there to play a role, to maintain appearances.

    But this party?

    This one had been different.

    Julie smiled softly, watching as the last of the knights were dragged away. "Cassius'' party let them be free. It let them be themselves¡ªthe rowdy, ridiculous bunch that they are."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as if she were reluctant to acknowledge something.

    Finally, with a slow exhale, she muttered. "I really don''t want to compliment that man¡­"

    Julie smirked. "But?"

    Aisha sighed. "But¡­" She admitted. "He really does know how to throw a damn good party."

    Julie chuckled, while Aisha then leaned back, her amber eyes gleaming with a strange excitement. "And I have to admit¡­" She added. "..his games were pretty interesting too."

    Julie tilted her head. "You seemed to really enjoy them by the end."

    Aisha smirked, her gaze distant as she recalled the night''s events. "I did." She said. "Even the luck-based ones."

    Julie raised a brow. "You? Enjoying a game based on luck?"

    Aisha''s smirk widened. "Oh, it wasn''t just luck."

    She let out a small chuckle, remembering how she had somehow strategized her way through even the games that were supposed to be pure chance. She had tricked, manipulated, and outplayed her opponents, forcing them into bad rolls, making them take risks they shouldn''t have taken.

    And in the end?

    She had won.

    And, of course¡ª

    She grinned wickedly. "I did make all those knights do headstands for losing."

    Julie snorted. "You really enjoy making them suffer, don''t you?"

    "They deserved it." Aisha said smugly, reaching for a pastry.

    Skadi, who had been casually munching on cakes throughout the conversation, finally chimed in. "Volleyball was amazing!" She declared. "I wanna play it again with everyone!"

    Julie chuckled. "You did seem to have a lot of fun."

    Skadi nodded enthusiastically, then grinned. "Oh, and the maids were really nice too! They even let me keep the ball!"

    Julie smiled, feeling a quiet warmth settle in her chest. Seeing her two sisters¡ªAisha and Skadi¡ªenjoy themselves like this after so long made her genuinely happy.

    Skadi then tilted her head and looked at Julie. "What about you, Captain? What part did you like the most?"

    Julie paused, thinking for a moment.

    "Hmm...Well." She said, tapping a finger against the table. "The music was definitely something I enjoyed. I hope it becomes more common."

    "Jazz, right?" Skadi said, tilting her head. "What a funny name."

    Julie nodded. "Yeah. There''s something about it that''s just...different. Relaxing, but also lively."

    Aisha hummed in agreement, still chewing on her pastry.

    Julie then continued. "But if I had to pick the thing that really caught me off guard¡­"

    She exhaled, shaking her head slightly.

    "It''d have to be the desserts."

    Skadi immediately perked up.

    "YES!" She practically yelled, slamming a fist on the table in excitement. "They were so good! I could eat them every single day!"

    Aisha scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You''d die from a stomach ache before that could happen."

    Skadi shrugged, clearly willing to take that risk.

    Meanwhile, Aisha casually plucked another pastry from her plate, took a bite, and then¡ªafter a brief moment of thoughtful chewing¡ªmuttered. "I still can''t believe that this treat was made by that Cassius."

    Julie let out a dramatic sigh. "Believe me, I''m still struggling to accept it."

    Aisha huffed. "Tch. It doesn''t make sense. First, he invents all those games. Then, he creates an entirely new genre of music. And now¡­" She scowled at the pastry in her hand. "He also makes perfect desserts?"

    She took another bite¡ªthen glared at it, as if the sheer deliciousness was personally offensive to her. Skadi, meanwhile, was just happily munching away, completely unconcerned with the absurdity of it all.

    Julie leaned back in her chair, exhaling. "This night was...something." She murmured.

    Aisha and Skadi nodded in agreement.

    The three of them sat there for a moment longer, letting the sounds of the distant, drunken knights fade into the background.

    For the first time in a long while¡ª

    They had genuinely enjoyed themselves.

    But then, Aisha, who was lazily chewing on her pastry, suddenly paused. She frowned slightly and glanced around, as if she had just realized something was off.

    Then, narrowing her eyes, she asked. "Hey...Where exactly is Cassius?"

    Julie, mid-sip of water, raised a brow at her. "What?"

    Aisha crossed her arms. "I just realized¡ªI haven''t seen him once during this entire party." She scowled. "I was waiting for the perfect moment to humiliate him by challenging him to a game and absolutely destroying him in it. But the bastard didn''t even show up."

    Julie simply stared at her for a moment, expression unreadable. Then, dryly, she muttered, "You really think you''d win against the person who created all those games?"

    Aisha clicked her tongue. "So what? Just because he made it doesn''t mean he''s good at it...I''m pretty sure I can beat him at any game with eyes closed."

    Julie sighed. ''She''s so confident, yet so oblivious.''

    Then, shaking her head, Julie answered. "He left before the party even started."

    Aisha blinked. "He did?"

    Julie nodded. "Yeah. He said he had some...''preparations'' to do to save us all."

    The words sank in quickly.

    Aisha and Julie both stiffened.

    It was as if reality had slammed into them all at once. The party had been so wild, so lively, so distracting, they had completely lost track of time.

    And now?

    Julie slowly looked toward the sky, her stomach twisting slightly.

    There were probably only two hours left until midnight.

    Two hours left before their mission had to be completed¡ªor they would face a brutal hunt for their lives.

    Aisha and Julie exchanged a solemn look, their carefree moods shifting into something far more serious.

    They needed to find Cassius.

    They needed to know exactly what he had planned.

    Just as Julie was about to say it aloud¡ª

    Skadi suddenly perked up.

    "Oh, he''s actually really close by." She said casually.

    Julie and Aisha both snapped their heads toward her.

    "What?" Aisha asked, confused.

    Skadi nodded, looking oddly certain. "Yeah, I can smell him."

    Aisha blinked. "You can smell him?"

    Skadi gave her a ''duh'' expression. "I could always smell him. But now, for some reason, his scent is really strong."

    Aisha narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean by ''really strong''?"

    Skadi tilted her head, sniffing the air slightly before continuing. "It''s weird. I actually couldn''t really pick up his scent before. It was always faint¡ªlike he wasn''t really doing anything to exert himself. But now¡­"

    Her ears twitched.

    "Now his odour is much stronger. Like he''s been doing some kind of intense labour or something that made him sweat a lot."

    Julie and Aisha exchanged another look.

    Aisha furrowed her brows. "Labour?"

    Skadi nodded, then suddenly added. "And that''s not all. I can also smell a bunch of other familiar scents around him."

    Julie felt her stomach twist again.

    Cassius, working on something physically demanding.

    Surrounded by others.

    With only two hours left before their deadline.

    Something about this felt...wrong.

    Aisha straightened, her usual smugness gone. "Where is he?" She asked firmly.

    Skadi took another deep inhale through her nose, then turned her head slightly, eyes locked on a particular direction.

    "That way." She said.

    Julie and Aisha followed her gaze and without wasting another second, they stood up and started moving...

 Chapter 102 - 102: Man Of His Word

    Skadi led the way, her sharp Fenrir nose sniffing the air as she followed the unmistakable scent of their target. Her posture was relaxed, but her ears twitched slightly, a subtle indication that she was focusing intently on tracking Cassius.

    Julie and Aisha followed closely behind, their steps quiet as they passed through the grand hallways of the mansion. The air was still filled with the remnants of the party¡ªmaids were still assisting drunken knights into their rooms, some knights muttering incoherent nonsense, while others simply slumped over in exhaustion.

    No one said a word as they ascended the grand staircase since they were esteemed guests and technically Cassius''s personal legion now.

    The atmosphere shifted slightly as they entered a more lavish area of the mansion¡ªone with elegant decor, gilded doors, and a clear indication that they had stepped into the domain of the estate''s most important residents.

    Skadi sniffed the air once more and suddenly said, "He''s really close."

    Julie and Aisha exchanged a glance. Then, without hesitation, they turned down a long, polished corridor.

    Skadi confidently took the lead, stepping forward with certainty. "He should be just past this corner."

    Julie''s grip on her sword hilt tightened slightly, while Aisha''s eyes sharpened, her usual smugness nowhere to be seen.

    Neither of them knew what to expect.

    And then with a silent understanding, they both turned the corner and immediately stopped dead in their tracks.

    Why?...Well, because Cassius wasn''t there like they were expecting him to.

    Instead, standing right in front of them¡ªpositioned in front of a closed door¡ªwas none other than his butler, Lucious.

    And what they saw nearly made them pause in confusion.

    Lucious, the ever-composed, always-dignified butler¡­

    Looked like he had just seen the gates of hell.

    His entire face was bright red.

    His usually pristine posture was stiff and awkward, like he was trying to forcibly hold himself together. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire

    His hands were clenched into trembling fists at his sides, and his entire expression was a war between horror and unbearable embarrassment.

    But what was even more shocking¡ª

    He was sweating.

    Dripping in a way that made it look like his pure, innocent mind had just been tainted by something unspeakably vulgar. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie, who had been expecting to see something serious, stared, while Aisha was wondering why he was blushing like a girls who received her first kiss.

    Skadi tilted her head. "Huh." She muttered, watching Lucious as if she were trying to figure out if he was sick or dying.

    Lucious, meanwhile, finally noticed them approaching¡ª

    And the second he did, his entire body jerked like he had just been caught in a crime.

    His already flustered face somehow became even redder. Panic instantly took over his entire expression.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi barely had time to react before Lucious, in a complete frenzy, threw up both hands and looked at them like they were about to walk into forbidden territory.

    "WAIT!" He practically squeaked, his voice higher than usual. "YOU CAN''T¡ª"

    "Ahhhh!?~ Ahhh!?~ Haughh!?~"

    But before her could finish and send them away, a loud, drawn-out, animalistic sound suddenly echoed from behind the closed door.

    A moan.

    A low, guttural, entirely inappropriate moan.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi froze when they heard the sultry sound while Lucious squeaked, knowing that he had been caught.

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Julie felt her soul leave her body.

    Aisha blinked. Once. Twice.

    Skadi just stood there, blinking in confusion, clearly not understanding what was happening.

    Lucious, on the other hand, looked like he was about to die on the spot.

    His entire body tensed, his breath hitched, and his fingers curled into his sleeves as if he wanted to physically disappear.

    Aisha, finally processing what had just happened, slowly narrowed her eyes at Lucious.

    "What..." She said flatly. "...the hell was that?"

    Lucious panicked even harder.

    "Y-You didn''t hear anything!" He blurted, his voice cracking.

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose as her emarald eyes hardened like she was trying to compose herself from bursting out. "Lucious." She called out, her icy tone sending a shiver up Lucious''s spine.

    "I-It''s not what you think!" He blurted out as he took a step back.

    "I haven''t even said what I think yet." Julie said dryly as she took a step word.

    "Then don''t!...And it''s really not what you think as my young master isn''t inside like you think he is."

    But Skadi sniffed the air again, her ears twitching slightly. "Hmm...But he is in there, though." She muttered. "That''s most definitely his smell since no other person smells gives off the same odour of sunshine he does."

    Hearing this, Lucious, still trembling and red-faced, threw his hands up in a wild, desperate gesture. "He isn''t inside at all!" He shouted, his voice cracking with panic. "You''re all just making up your own stories¡ªtwisting things in your heads! There''s nothing¡ª"

    But before he could finish, his words were cut off abruptly.

    From behind the closed door came another sound¡ªa loud, unmistakable moan. A woman''s voice, sultry and unrestrained, rang out clear as day.

    "Oh, Young Master Cassius!?~ You''re too good!?~¡ªI can''t stand it!?~"

    And then¡ª

    The sharp, rhythmic sound of flesh colliding against flesh echoed through the corridor.

    "Ooooh!?~ Yesss!?~ Mmm, yes!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ohhh!?~"

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmm!?~ Ooooh!?~ Yes, just like that!?~ Unghhh!?~ Ooooh!?~"

    Julie''s eyes turned ice-cold when she heard these obnoxious noises leak out from the room.

    The realization hit her like a punch to the gut.

    Cassius¡ªthe man who had promised he was making ''preparations'' to save them all¡ªwasn''t strategizing, wasn''t working, wasn''t doing anything remotely heroic like she thought he was.

    He was in there, indulging in some shameless escapade with women while their lives hung in the balance. Her grip on her sword hilt tightened until her knuckles whitened, her jaw clenching so hard it might''ve cracked.

    Aisha, meanwhile, couldn''t even muster a response.

    Her face flared bright red, the vulgar sounds painting an all-too-vivid picture in her mind. She took a shaky step back, her usual smug confidence evaporating. She instinctively ducked behind Julie, clutching the back of her captain''s shirt like a flustered child caught witnessing something she shouldn''t have. Her amber eyes darted anywhere but the door, mortified.

    Skadi just tilted her head, blinking innocently. "Huh...He sounds busy in there." She muttered, sniffing the air again as if trying to confirm something.

    And Lucious, who was wilting under Julie''s piercing, arctic stare, finally broke. His composure shattering like glass.

    "F-Fine!" He yelped, throwing his hands up in surrender. "It''s true! My Young Master is in there right now, doing...things he shouldn''t be doing! Especially when he''s supposed to be saving you all¡ªl admit it!" His voice was a frantic, high-pitched mess, sweat pouring down his face.

    But then, in a desperate bid to salvage some shred of dignity, he jabbed a trembling finger at the trio. "But¡ªBut in fact, it''s all your fault! You''re the reason he''s acting this way now!"

    Julie''s cold glare didn''t waver, but her voice dripped with exasperation. "Oh...Do tell me how it''s our fault that''s he''s throwing himself on his maids when he said he was going to make preparations for their sakes?"

    Lucious, practically vibrating with flustered energy, barreled on. "W-Well...He told me himself!...H-He said he got a little too...worked up earlier! Holding two beautiful women in his arms¡ªit was too much for him!...And especially that Fenrir girl¡ª" He pointed at Skadi, who perked up curiously. "¡ªhanging off his face like that with her butt smushed right into his face!"

    "...He said he couldn''t help it after going through that, so he...he vented those feelings onto the maids instead!"

    Julie''s expression didn''t change, but internally, her brain stalled. She blinked once, processing the absurdity of it all.

    "W-Wait...What?! That''s his reasoning for his shameless actions?!" Aisha peeked out from behind Julie, her face still flushed. " T-That damn lecher! I know I shouldn''t have let him lift me up...Look at all the vulgar thoughts he''s having because of that." She stammered, her voice a mix of disbelief and embarrassment.

    Meanwhile, Skadi scratched her head, frowning slightly as she wondered how her hanging off her master led to this situation that she was still confused about, since she didn''t exactly know what was going on inside of the room and was innocently thinking of something else entirely.

    Julie pinched the bridge of her nose again, harder this time. "Lucious..." She said, her tone dangerously calm. "Are you telling me that Cassius¡ªour supposed savior¡ªis in there screwing around with maids because we...what? Overstimulated him?"

    Lucious nodded rapidly, as if that would somehow make it sound less ridiculous. "Y-Yes! Exactly! He said it was all too much¡ªyour beauty, your strength, your...your irresistible bodies! It was too much for him to bear since he''s only human, you know!"

    Aisha, still half-hidden behind Julie, muttered under her breath. "Human, my ass...He''s just a damn monkey who knows nothing but humping."

    Julie exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down her face. "Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable." She turned her icy gaze back to the door, where the sounds had only grown louder and more shameless. "So while we''re out here, racing against a deadline to save our lives, he''s in there...doing that?"

    Lucious fidgeted, wringing his hands. "W-Well, when you put it like that, it does sound¡ª"

    "Bad?" Julie cut in, her voice a blade. "Irresponsible? Infuriating?"

    Lucious shrank back. "...Yes."

    Skadi, still oblivious to the gravity of the situation, tilted her head again. "Should we just go in and ask him what''s taking so long? He''s really sweaty in there¡ªmust be working hard."

    Aisha choked on air. "Skadi, no!"

    Julie raised a hand, silencing the chaotic chatter between Aisha and Skadi. Her patience, already frayed to a single, taut thread, was moments from snapping entirely.

    She fixed her steely gaze on Lucious, who was still trembling like a leaf caught in a storm. "Lucious..." She said, her voice low and deliberate, each word a sharpened edge. "Open that door...Now."

    Lucious flinched as if she''d struck him, his hands flying up in a frantic gesture of refusal. "No¡ªNo, I can''t!" He stammered, his voice pitching high with desperation. "I can''t do that! My young master would have me strung up¡ªhanged upside down by my ankles for interrupting his...his private time! Please, Miss Julie, you don''t understand how serious he is about¡ª"

    "I don''t care." Julie cut in, her tone flat and unyielding. She took a step closer, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword with an air of quiet menace. "You can open that door yourself, Lucious, or I''ll slice it open and see him myself."

    "...Your choice. But I''m not standing here listening to excuses while our lives are on the line."

    Lucious froze, his wide eyes darting between Julie''s cold determination and the door behind him, from which another muffled, shameless moan seeped through the wood.

    His shoulders slumped, and for a moment, he looked like a man staring down his own executioner. Then, with a heavy, resigned sigh, he straightened slightly, his flustered panic giving way to a solemn expression.

    "I...I can understand why you''re angry." He said quietly, his voice steadier now, though still tinged with embarrassment. "Truly, I can. And to be honest..." He glanced at the door, his lips pressing into a thin line. "I''m a bit angry myself. He''s always like this¡ªso...so lustful. All day, every day, it''s something. And me? I''m the one stuck standing guard out here, forced to listen to..." He gestured vaguely at the door, his face twisting in discomfort. "...all those...lewd noises. It''s unbearable sometimes, I swear."

    Aisha, who had been peeking out from behind Julie, cast him a look that was equal parts pity and disgust. "That''s awful." She muttered, her voice laced with sympathy before it hardened again. "I thought that Cassius was at least somewhat decent, you know, after seeing all those inventions of his? A little arrogant, sure, but...this?"

    She shook her head, her cheeks still faintly red from the sounds echoing through the corridor.

    "He''s just like all the other nobles¡ªanother callous, self-obsessed pervert!"

    Lucious let out a dry, humorless chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Oh, that part''s absolutely true." He said, his tone wry. "A pervert?...Without question. He can''t keep his hands off women¡ªnever could."

    "...I wouldn''t be surprised if he dies one day with a woman on top of him, grinning like an idiot the whole way down."

    Aisha''s face flared crimson again at the vivid mental image, and she quickly averted her gaze, muttering something incoherent under her breath. Julie''s expression didn''t shift, but her eye twitched slightly, a silent testament to her growing exasperation.

    "But..." Lucious continued, his voice softening as a more sincere look settled over his features. "You shouldn''t compare him to other nobles. He''s not like them¡ªnot in the slightest." He met Julie''s narrowed eyes with a steady gaze of his own, unflinching despite the tension radiating off her. "Unlike those snakes, my young master is a man you can trust. He''s someone who''ll keep his word, no matter what...I''d stake my life on it."

    Julie''s brow furrowed, her skepticism palpable. "Trust?" She echoed, her voice sharp with disbelief. "You''re asking me to trust him when he''s in there..." She jabbed a finger toward the door as another faint thud and a giggle spilled out. "...wasting time with maids while we''re two hours away from a death sentence?"

    Lucious didn''t waver. "I know how this looks." He admitted, his tone earnest. "Believe me, I do. It''s not....the best situation, I''ll give you that."

    "But I can assure you¡ªcompletely assure you¡ªmy master''s already made plans to save you. Come morning tomorrow and you''ll surely wake up without a single ''X'' painted on your backs by your previous master."

    "...I can promise you that he won''t let you down¡ªnot you, not anyone who''s put their trust in him."

    His eyes shone with a quiet, unshakable conviction, and for a moment, even Julie felt the weight of it, a flicker of something stirring behind her icy resolve.

    Aisha, still half-hidden behind Julie, blinked in surprise. "You''re...awfully sure of that." She said, her voice quieter now, less biting. "How can you be so certain?"

    Lucious sighed again, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. "Because I know him." He said simply. "I''ve served him for years, even though it''s only recently he changed for the better and show all these qualities. He''s a genius, a madman, a pervert."

    "...But above all, he''s loyal. He doesn''t break promises. Not to me, not to anyone."

    He said, thinking about how he promised to save all his maids and made due with it and also his own past with him that was built on a promise.

    Julie studied him for a long moment, her hand still resting on her sword hilt. The sincerity in his voice, the unwavering faith in his master¡ªit was enough to give her pause, even if every fiber of her being wanted to storm through that door and drag Cassius, who was having his way with his maids out by his collar.

    Lucious then took a deep breath, then squared his shoulders, his expression shifting to one of grim determination.

    "Look..." He said, his voice firm. "If you''re still not convinced, I''ll come with you. Right now. Take me as a hostage¡ªcollateral, whatever you want to call it. And if by some chance my young master doesn''t fulfill his promise, even though I know that will never happen¡ªif you wake up tomorrow and this all falls apart into shambles, you can slice me to pieces yourself...I won''t resist."

    Aisha''s eyes widened, a rare crack in her usual composure. "You''re serious." She said, almost to herself. "You''d really put your life on the line for him like that?"

    Lucious nodded without hesitation. "I would. Because I know he won''t fail." He glanced between the three of them¡ªJulie''s cold scrutiny, Aisha''s stunned silence, Skadi''s curious head-tilt-and added, "He''s never let me down before and I know he won''t start now."

    Skadi, who''d been quietly sniffing the air again, piped up. "He does smell like he''s working hard in there." She said cheerfully, oblivious to the tension. "Maybe he''s multitasking?"

    Aisha shot her a withering look. "Skadi, please."

    Julie exhaled sharply through her nose, her grip on her sword loosening slightly. She stared at Lucious, weighing his words, his loyalty, his absurd willingness to throw himself into the fire for a man currently tangled up in debauchery behind a closed door.

    It was ridiculous. It was infuriating.

    And yet...there was something about his conviction that gnawed at her, something that made her hesitate.

    "Fine..." She said at last, her voice clipped. "You don''t have to coms with us. But if Cassius doesn''t deliver¡ªif we''re still marked for death by sunrise¡ªI won''t hesitate to take you up on that offer." She pointed at him, her gaze unrelenting. "And trust me, Lucious, I''m very good with a blade."

    Lucious swallowed hard but managed a shaky nod. "Understood, Miss Julie."

    Aisha stepped out from behind Julie, her blush fading as her usual sharpness crept back. "You''re insane." She muttered to Lucious. "Both of you¡ªhim and your master. Completely insane."

    Lucious offered a faint, tired smile. "Maybe so. But you''ll see. He''ll come through."

    "...I swear with my life on the line that he''ll come through and you''ll understand that the master I chose to serve is a man of his word."

    Lucious said with a look of absolute conviction on his face which made Julie let out a sigh, hoping that it was like he said or else she and the rest of her knights would wake up tomorrow with the charge of treason over their head, which was the last thing she wanted now...

 Chapter 103 - 103: Ive Been Tainted

    Julie''s gaze drifted, her mind turning over the pieces of the puzzle.

    There was Lucious, standing before her, willing to stake his life on his master''s honor. There was Isabelle, too¡ªher bright, unwavering faith in Cassius shining through every word she''d spoken about him earlier, from his dessert recipes to his mercy.

    And then there was Cassius himself¡ªthe infuriating, arrogant genius who''d promised to save them, who''d spared their lives when he could''ve ended them without a second thought. For all his flaws, he''d never struck her as a liar. Reckless, perverse, absurdly talented¡ªyes. But not a liar.

    And she knew she had to choose. And against her better judgment, against the absurdity of the moans still filtering through that damned door, she decided to trust him. To trust Cassius with their lives.

    "Alright." She said at last, her voice quieter now, tinged with reluctant acceptance. "We''ll wait. We''ll see if your master''s as good as you claim." She glanced at Aisha and Skadi, jerking her head toward the corridor. "Let''s go. There''s nothing more we can do here."

    Aisha nodded, still a little flushed but regaining her composure, while Skadi trailed behind, her fluffy tail swishing idly. Julie took one last look at Lucious, who gave her a small, grateful nod, before turning to lead her sisters away from the chaos of that hallway.

    But just as they started to move, Skadi stopped dead in her tracks, her ears perking up. Her silver eyes widened in awe as she tilted her head toward the door.

    "Whoa." She said, her voice brimming with admiration. "He''s actually wrestling with more than ten people in there! That''s amazing! He''s gotta be really powerful¡ªlike, a one-man army or something. No wonder he beat us so easily!"

    Julie and Lucious both whipped their heads toward her, their expressions a mirror of utter confusion.

    Aisha, meanwhile, spun around so fast she nearly tripped, her face twisting into an absurd mix of exasperation and disbelief.

    "What the hell are you talking about, Skadi?!" She shouted, her cat ears twitching furiously as her cheeks flared red again. "Wrestling?! Are you serious? It''s so obvious they''re doing something way dirtier in there!"

    Skadi blinked at her, tilting her head innocently.

    "Dirty?" She repeated, as if the word didn''t quite compute. Then her face lit up with sudden understanding. "Oh! You mean like mud wrestling? That''d definitely make them dirty! I wouldn''t wanna do that, though¡ªmy tail would get all mucky, and it''s way too fluffy for that kind of mess." She puffed out her chest proudly, giving her tail an affectionate little wag.

    Lucious stared at Julie with a peculiar, almost helpless look, as if silently asking, Is she always like this?

    Julie, for her part, sighed, her expression a mix of exhaustion and bewilderment. She had no idea how Skadi could be so oblivious¡ªhow her mind could twist something so blatantly scandalous into...whatever this was.

    Aisha threw her hands up, her voice dripping with exasperation. "Skadi, why do you keep insisting they''re wrestling in there? What''s wrong with you? Did you hit your head during the party or something?"

    Skadi frowned, crossing her arms like she was offended by the question.

    "I''m not wrong!" She protested. "It''s just like that time when I was a pup. I''ve got proof!" She straightened up, her tail swishing as she launched into her story with the enthusiasm of a child recounting a grand adventure. "See, one night, I wet the bed¡ªtotal accident, right? So I got up to tell my parents so they could clean it up for me. I was real little, so I didn''t know how to fix it myself yet."

    "Anyway, I went to their room, and just as I was about to knock, I heard them both grunting¡ªlike, really loud and violent, like they were fighting or something!"

    Julie''s eyes widened slightly. Lucious''s jaw dropped. Aisha''s face went from red to ghostly pale as she realized exactly where this was going.

    Skadi, oblivious to their reactions, kept going, her voice animated. "And they were saying all this weird stuff too! Like, ''Oh, harder!'' and ''Don''t stop!'' and ''You''re the best! you know, real intense fighting words! I thought they were gonna break something in there, it sounded so wild!" Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    "So the next morning, I asked them about it, right? I was like, ''What was all that noise last night? Were you guys okay?'' And they both freaked out¡ªlike I''d uncovered some big forbidden secret or something!"

    Aisha buried her face in her hands, muttering. "Oh gods, no...

    Skadi grinned, undeterred. "They got all flustered and sweaty, and then my papa said. "Uh, we were just...wrestling! Yeah, wrestling! That''s it!'' And my mama nodded super fast, like, ''Yep, just wrestling, nothing else! So I was like, ''Ohhhl! Can I wrestle with you guys too?'' And they both shouted ''NO!" at the same time, like I''d asked to jump off a cliff or something."

    "Then they said I''d never wrestle with them¡ªonly they were allowed to wrestle with each other. And then they told me that when I''m older, I''d find my own wrestling partner to wrestle with for the rest of my life!" She beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can''t wait to meet them! Wrestling sounds like so much fun!"

    The corridor fell into a stunned, deafening silence.

    Julie stared at Skadi, her mouth slightly open, as if she couldn''t decide whether to laugh, cry, or just walk away.

    Lucious blinked rapidly, his face a mixture of shock and secondhand embarrassment, clearly trying to process how someone could be this naive.

    Aisha, meanwhile, dragged her hands down her face, groaning loudly. "Skadi." She said, her voice muffled by her palms. "You dumb mutt. They weren''t wrestling. They were¡ª" She cut herself off, shaking her head violently. "Nope, never mind, I''m not explaining it. Figure it out yourself someday!"

    Skadi pouted, her ears drooping slightly. "But they said they were wrestling! Why would they lie about that? And master sounds just like they did¡ªgrunting and stuff! He''s gotta be wrestling in there, right? Maybe he''s training or something!"

    Julie finally found her voice, though it came out strained. "Skadi...no. Just...no." She turned to Lucious, who was still staring at the Fenrir girl like she''d grown a second head. "Let''s pretend we didn''t hear any of that. For my sanity''s sake."

    Lucious nodded slowly, his expression dazed. "Agreed, Miss Julie. Agreed."

    Aisha peeked out from behind her hands, glaring at Skadi. "You''re lucky I already know that you''re a bit off in the head, you little idiot, because otherwise I''d strangle you for making me relive that story in my head." She shuddered, then muttered. "Mud, wrestling...Just what is going on in that tiny brain of hers."

    Skadi tilted her head again, her eyes glimmering with confusion but a carefree smile still tugging at her lips. "What''s wrong with mud wrestling?" She asked, her voice light and unbothered. "It sounds messy, sure, but maybe it''s fun if you don''t have a tail to worry about!"

    "...I mean, my fluffy tail''s too precious to get all mucky, but for people without one, it might be a blast!"

    Aisha opened her mouth, ready to unleash another exasperated scolding, her ears twitching irritably.

    "Skadi, I swear, if you don''t stop with this nonsense¡ª"

    But she froze mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing as a sudden realization hit her. Her head then turned slowly toward Skadi, her voice dropping to a cautious, almost disbelieving tone.

    "Wait. Hold on. Did you just say there were more then ten people inside that room?"

    Julie, who had been walking a few steps ahead, stopped and raised a brow, turning back to face Skadi. The absurdity of the idea hung in the air like a bad joke, and even Lucious, looked a bit awkward when the truth had been revealed.

    Skadi nodded enthusiastically, her tail swishing as if she were proud of her observation. "Yep! I can smell about a dozen different odors coming from in there. One of them''s a guy¡ªmaster, obviously¡ªand the rest are girls. A whole bunch of them!" She tapped her nose confidently. "My senses don''t lie!"

    Aisha''s jaw dropped, her amber eyes wide with incredulity. "A dozen?! That can''t be true!" She protested, shaking her head furiously. "One man against that many women? That''s impossible! He''s probably die from¡ª"

    She cut herself off abruptly, her face flushing a deep scarlet as she realized what she''d almost said.

    Skadi blinked at her, tilting her head again.

    "Impossible? Why not? I mean, he''s super strong, right? And I can hear all the grunting and stuff it''s definitely a lot of people!" She paused, then frowned slightly, her ears twitching as she studied Aisha. "Wait, can''t you hear it too? Your kitty ears are just as sensitive as mine! You should totally be able to pick up all the sounds coming from in there!"

    Aisha''s flush deepened, and she crossed her arms tightly over her chest, glaring at Skadi like she''d just been personally insulted.

    "Of course I can''t hear it!" She snapped, her voice a little too loud, a little too defensive. "I''ve been keeping my ears flat against my head this whole time¡ªblocking out all that shameless, disgusting noise! I''m not about to let that filth into my brain, thank you very much!"

    Julie shot her a sidelong glance, one brow still arched. "You''ve been that determined to avoid it, huh?"

    Aisha huffed, turning her nose up indignantly. "Yes! I have standards, Captain! Unlike some people..." She glared at Skadi again, who just smiled back innocently. "...I don''t go sniffing around for trouble!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Skadi shrugged, unbothered by the jab. "I wasn''t sniffing for trouble. I was just sniffing. It''s not my fault master smells like he''s got a whole party in there!"

    Aisha groaned, looking tired of the barking dog in front of her. But despite her protests, there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes¡ªsomething she couldn''t quite suppress.

    The idea of twelve people, as ridiculous as it sounded, gnawed at her like wanting to know what was going on in there?

    So, against her better judgment, her resolve wavered. "Fine." She muttered under her breath, barely audible. "Just...Just to prove you''re wrong, you dumb mutt I''ll have a listen."

    With a reluctant scowl, she hesitated for a moment longer before slowly lifting her fluffy black ears from where they''d been pressed tightly against her head.

    She braced herself, her tail flicking nervously behind her and then the sound hit her like a tidal wave.

    A barrage of lewd, unrestrained moans flooded her senses, each one more shameless than the last.

    "Oh, Young Master, you''re incredible!" One voice purred, high and breathy.

    "Don''t stop¡ªplease, it''s too good!" Another begged, sultry and desperate.

    "Master, you''re a god¡ªI can''t take it anymore!" A third gasped, followed by a rhythmic thump-thump-thump that left little to the imagination.

    The voices overlapped, a chaotic symphony of pleasure¡ªsome giggling, some panting, some outright crying out in ecstasy¡ªeach one distinct, each one painting a vivid, mortifying picture.

    Aisha''s face went from pale to a blazing crimson in an instant. Her wide eyes bulged, her mouth falling open as her brain scrambled to process the sheer volume of what she was hearing.

    It wasn''t just one or two women¡ªit was a dozen, maybe more, all tangled up in whatever depraved ?mess Cassius had unleashed behind that door. Her ears twitched violently, overwhelmed, and then¡ª

    She exploded.

    "IT''S TRUE!" She shrieked, her voice cracking as she bolted toward Julie like a frightened kitten running to its mother. She then threw herself at Julie, wrapping her arms around her captain''s waist and burying her face in her side. "Skadi was right! There''s so many of them! I heard it¡ªall these different voices, moaning and¡ªand saying all this awful stuff! ''Oh, Master, you''re so good, and ''Harder, please, and...and...." She shuddered dramatically, her tail puffing up to twice its size. "It''s corrupted me, Captain! My mind''s tainted now I''ll never sleep again! I can''t unhear it!"

    Julie staggered slightly under Aisha''s sudden weight, her expression caught between exasperation and faint amusement. "Aisha, calm down¡ª"

    "I can''t calm down!" Aisha wailed, clutching Julie tighter, her voice muffled against her shirt. "Those noises¡ªthey''re burned into my brain! All those women, giggling and groaning like like animals! And him just...just doing whatever he''s doing! It''s disgusting! It''s horrifying! I''m ruined!"

    She whipped her head around to glare at Skadi, pointing an accusing finger. "

    This is all your fault, you dumb mutt! You made me listen¡ªyou tricked me into it! Tell her, Captain¡ªscold her for ruining me!"

    Skadi blinked, her ears drooping slightly as she scratched her cheek. "My fault? I didn''t trick you¡ªI just said what I heard! And smelled!" She tilted her head again, looking genuinely puzzled. "Why''s it such a big deal? It''s just wrestling, right? Like my parents! Maybe Cassius is really good at it¡ªwinning against all those girls at once!"

    Aisha let out a strangled noise, somewhere between a scream and a sob. "It''s not wrestling, you idiot! It''s¡ªugh, never mind! You''re hopeless!" She buried her face back in Julie''s side, muttering. "I need to bleach my ears. And my brain, Captain."

    "...Someone get me a priestess or something. I''ve been defiled!"

    Julie sighed heavily, patting Aisha''s head with the patience of a saint. "You''ll survive." She said dryly. "It''s not the end of the world."

    "It feels like the end of the world." Aisha shot back, her voice trembling with flustered indignation. "You didn''t hear it, Captain! It was like a...a lewd choir!"

    "...All those voices, all at once, praising him like he''s some kind of of sex deity! I can''t believe I ever thought he was remotely respectable!

 Chapter 104 - 104: The Smell Of Blood

    Lucious, who had been watching the entire exchange in stunned silence, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Umm...I did try to warn you." He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "My master...He''s, uh, very...enthusiastic. About...things."

    Julie sighed again, her hand gently petting Aisha''s head as the flustered kitten clung to her side, still muttering incoherently about her ''tainted mind''.

    "There, there..." Julie murmured, her tone soothing but tinged with faint exasperation. "You''ll be fine, Aisha. Deep breaths." Aisha let out a pitiful whimper but relaxed slightly under the comforting touch, her puffed-up tail slowly starting to deflate.

    After a moment, Julie''s gaze shifted to Lucious, who was still standing there, awkwardly fidgeting with his sleeves. She studied him for a beat, her brow furrowing as she processed everything she''d just heard from Skadi''s naive ramblings to Aisha''s mortified outburst.

    "Lucious..." She finally said, her voice steady but carrying a note of incredulity. "I get that your master''s...enthusiastic, as you put it. But even still that many women? Isn''t that a little excessive?" She hesitated, then added, her tone turning faintly awkward. "I mean...can he even handle that many?"

    Before Lucious could respond, Aisha lifted her head from Julie''s side, her face still flushed but her amber eyes sharp with a mix of disbelief and reluctant fascination.

    "That''s what I thought at first too!" She blurted, her voice rising as she waved a hand dramatically. "I figured, okay, maybe he''s just playing around with two or three of them, right? The rest are probably just...I don''t know, watching or something, waiting their turn!"

    "...But no¡ªNope! He''s thoroughly playing with all of them, Captain! Every single one! I heard it¡ªmultiple voices moaning at the same time, overlapping like some kind of...of lewd choir!" She shuddered, her ears twitching again. "He''s not leaving a single one behind¡ªit''s insane!"

    Julie''s eyes widened slightly, a faint flush creeping up her neck as she absorbed Aisha''s words.

    She''d assumed Cassius was simply indulging himself, wallowing in selfish excess as the clock ticked down on their lives.

    But this?...The idea that he was not only managing but excelling with a dozen women at once¡ªit caught her off guard. She cleared her throat, trying to mask her surprise. "That''s...unexpected." She muttered, her voice a little tighter than usual.

    Lucious, sensing the shift in the conversation, rubbed the back of his neck again and offered a sheepish nod. "Well, uh...yes." He said, his tone almost apologetic. "My master''s...particularly strong when it comes to these sorts of...activities."

    "He''s got stamina that''s frankly unnatural. I mean, he can go for days without a break¡ªhonestly, it''s exhausting just standing guard outside." He winced slightly, as if recalling a memory he''d rather forget. "One time, he was in there from dawn to dusk, and the noises just...kept leaking out. All day. Nonstop. I had to rotate shifts with another maid just to get a break from it."

    Julie''s flush deepened, her imagination unwillingly conjuring an image of Cassius''s relentless endurance. She then shook her head quickly, trying to dispel the thought, but it lingered like an unwelcome guest.

    "Days?" She echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "That''s...I don''t even know what to say to that."

    Lucious nodded solemnly, as if this were a perfectly normal topic of discussion. "Oh, it''s true. And here''s the thing¡ªit''s not even for his sake, that he has so many partners at once...It''s for the poor maids."

    He paused, letting that sink in as Julie and Aisha both stared at him, dumbfounded.

    "If it were just one or two of them...Well, they''d break. Completely collapse under the, uh...intensity of it all. Several of them have had to spend days in bed afterward, too weak to even stand. Their legs were like jelly¡ªcouldn''t walk for days."

    Julie''s face went from flushed to outright crimson, her stoic composure cracking as she processed the sheer absurdity of it.

    Aisha, meanwhile, swayed slightly, her dizziness returning full force. She clutched Julie''s arm tighter, her voice a faint, horrified whisper. "He...He breaks them? With...that? Oh god, I think I''m gonna pass out."

    Lucious pressed on, seemingly oblivious to the havoc he was wreaking on their mental states.

    "That''s why he always has so many maids with him¡ªit''s a necessity, really. Spreads the...workload, I suppose you could say. And today, well..." He hesitated, his eyes flickering between Julie, Aisha, and Skadi with a trace of reluctance. "He actually asked for more maids than usual. Said he was particularly worked up after, uh...seeing you all earlier. But with the party and the knights running wild, we were short-staffed. Only so many could go in with him tonight."

    Aisha''s jaw dropped, and she buried her face fully into Julie''s chest, her muffled voice rising in a frantic wail.

    "He''s such a pervert! An absolute degenerate! Worked up after seeing us?! What''s that even supposed to mean?! I knew he was bad, but this this is next-level depravity!" Her tail lashed wildly behind her, her embarrassment and outrage warring for dominance.

    Julie stood there, one arm still awkwardly around Aisha as she tried to process it all. Her mind spun, grappling with the image of Cassius as some insatiable incarnate of lust a man whose appetites apparently knew no bounds.

    "An incarnate of lust." She muttered under her breath, almost to herself. "Just how far does this go? Is there even a limit to him?"

    Her flush lingered, her usual calm replaced by a rare, flustered uncertainty as she glanced at the closed door, where the sounds still echoed faintly.

    Skadi, who''d been listening with wide-eyed curiosity, piped up cheerfully. "Wow, he''s really strong, huh? Like, breaking-maids strong! That''s kinda cool! Maybe he''s secretly a wrestling god too!" She grinned, completely missing the point as usual.

    Aisha whipped her head around, her face still buried half in Julie''s shirt. "Skadi, shut up! This isn''t great¡ªit''s horrifying! Stop making it sound like some heroic feat!"

    Julie exhaled sharply, rubbing her temple with her free hand. "Enough." She said, her voice firm but strained. "Both of you. Lucious..." She fixed him with a look that was equal parts exasperation and disbelief. "...I don''t even know where to start with this. Your master''s...something else. I''ll give him that."

    Lucious gave a weak, awkward chuckle. "He''s...unique, I''ll admit. But like I said he''ll still come through for you. This doesn''t change that."

    Aisha peeked up at Julie, her voice small and trembling. "Captain, tell me we''re not trusting our lives to a lust-crazed maniac...Please."

    Julie sighed again, her blush fading as she forced herself back into captain mode.

    "We don''t have a choice, Aisha. Lucious swears by him, Isabelle believes in him, and he promised us. That''s what we''re banking on¡ªnot...whatever''s happening in there." She gestured vaguely at the door, her lips pressing into a thin line.

    Skadi tilted her head, still smiling. "I bet he''d be fun to wrestle, though. All that energy!"

    Aisha groaned loudly, burying her face back in Julie''s chest. "I hate everything about this night."

    Julie just shook her head, steering them all down the corridor once more. "Let''s go. Before I lose what''s left of my sanity."

    Seeing this Lucious sighed quietly, clearly relieved to escape the conversation, while Julie silently wondered just what kind of man they''d pinned their hopes on¡ªand whether his stamina for this was any indication of his ability to save them all.

    Julie then grabbed a ahold of Skadi and tightened her grip on her hand, her fingers curling around the wolf girl''s wrist as if she feared she''d dart off into the chaos of the mansion if left unsupervised.

    Skadi''s boundless energy and naivety were a liability in a place like this, and Julie wasn''t taking any chances. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    With her other arm, she steadied Aisha, who was still clinging to her side, her cheeks flushed a vivid red and her feline ears pressed flat against her head in lingering embarrassment.

    The then trio began to move down the corridor, Julie practically dragging them along as she tried to put distance between them and the scandalous scene they''d left behind.

    But before they got too far, Julie paused and glanced back at Lucious, who stood awkwardly by the door, his face still tinged with discomfort.

    "Lucious..." She called, her voice firm despite the exhaustion creeping into it. "Don''t let any of my knights wander over here and see or hear¡ªthis mess. I don''t want them losing faith in their new master over...whatever this is." She gestured vaguely toward the door, where the muffled sounds of Cassius''s ''enthusiasm'' still leaked out.

    Lucious straightened up, nodding quickly. "Of course, Miss Julie. I''ll keep them away. No one else needs to...experience this." He gave a weak, resigned sigh, then resumed his post, his shoulders slumping as the noises continued to filter through the wood.

    His expression was one of pure, resigned embarrassment, as if he''d long since accepted this as part of his lot in life.

    Satisfied, Julie turned back and resumed walking, guiding Skadi and Aisha down the polished hallway.

    The air grew quieter the farther they got from Cassius''s room, though the tension between the three of them lingered.

    Skadi, still oblivious to the gravity of the earlier conversation, glanced over at Aisha with a bright, mischievous grin. "Hey, Aisha." She chirped, her tail swishing playfully. "Why''s your face all red like a cherry? You look so tasty¡ªI kinda wanna take a bite out of you!" She leaned closer, her sharp teeth glinting as she playfully snapped at the air near Aisha''s cheek.

    Aisha yelped, shoving Skadi away with both hands.

    "Get off me, you mangy mutt!" She snapped, her flush deepening as she swatted at the Fenrir girl. "Try biting me, and I''ll break your teeth¡ªI swear it! Keep your weird dog habits to yourself!"

    Skadi giggled, undeterred, and lunged forward again, her tail wagging like she was playing a game. "Aw, come on, just a little nibble! You''re so squishy and cute when you''re mad!" She dodged Aisha''s flailing hands, clearly enjoying herself.

    Julie, still holding both of them, let out a long suffering sigh and didn''t intervene. As long as they were within her grasp, she didn''t care what nonsense they got up to¡ªshe just needed to get them out of this hallway and somewhere sane.

    "Keep it together, you two." She muttered under her breath, her tone more resigned than commanding. "I''ve got enough to deal with."

    But just as Skadi was about to make another playful lunge at Aisha, her ears suddenly perked up, standing tall and alert.

    And then she froze mid-step, her playful demeanor vanishing in an instant. The abrupt halt yanked Julie''s arm, and Aisha stumbled slightly, both of them turning to look at Skadi with matching expressions of confusion.

    "What now?" Aisha grumbled, rubbing her arm where she''d bumped into Julie. "Don''t tell me you''ve found another room full of people ''wrestling'', because I swear, Skadi, I''ll lose it."

    Julie''s brow furrowed, her grip tightening slightly on Skadi''s hand as she studied her left hand man''s face. "Yeah, what''s going on?" She asked, her voice wary.

    She half-expected another absurd declaration about Cassius''s antics, but something about Skadi''s sudden stillness set her on edge.

    To their surprise, Skadi didn''t respond with her usual carefree cheer. Instead, her silver eyes narrowed, her expression shifting into something solemn¡ªalmost grim.

    She tilted her head slightly, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air with a focused intensity. The playful spark was gone, replaced by a razor-sharp alertness that made the hairs on Julie''s neck stand up.

    "Skadi..." Julie said slowly, her voice low and cautious. "What''s wrong?"

    Skadi turned to her, her gaze heavy and uncharacteristically serious.

    "Blood..." She suddenly said, her voice quiet but firm, carrying a weight that sent a chill down Julie''s spine. "I smell blood nearby."

    Julie stiffened, her free hand instinctively drifting toward her sword hilt. Aisha''s ears flicked up, her earlier embarrassment forgotten as she caught the shift in tone.

    "Blood?" Aisha echoed, her voice sharp with sudden alertness. "What do you mean, blood?"

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    Skadi''s eyes didn''t waver, her nose still twitching as she took another deep inhale. "Not just a little." She continued, her words slow and deliberate. "A lot of it. Like...Like enough blood to soak a battlefield was contained in a room and you could literally see the red mist of the blood floating up because of how potent it is."

    She turned her head slightly, her ears swiveling as if trying to pinpoint the source.

    "...And it''s close. Really close."

 Chapter 105 - 105: Fingerless Man

    Skadi''s words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding, sending a ripple of unease through Julie and Aisha.

    Unlike most of the nobles or maids in Cassius''s mansion¡ªpeople who''d likely never set foot on a battlefield in their pampered lives¡ªSkadi was different.

    She''d spent a good chunk of her youth fighting, clawing her way through skirmishes and hunts as a warrior. So when she said she could smell something akin to a battlefield nearby, in a place where they were supposed to be safe, it wasn''t just alarming¡ªit was downright terrifying.

    Julie''s grip on her sword hilt tightened, her eyes darting around as she tried to piece it together.

    "A battlefield?" She muttered, her voice low and tense. "Here? That doesn''t add up. We''ve been at a party all night¡ªdrunk knights and desserts, not...not whatever this is." She glanced at Aisha, her brow furrowed. "What do you think? Some kind of trap? An attack we missed?"

    Aisha''s ears twitched, her tail flicking nervously as she crossed her arms, trying to mask her growing anxiety with a scowl. "I don''t know, Captain. This place is huge¡ªmaybe someone got sloppy cleaning up a fight? Or...Or maybe Cassius is into weirder stuff than we thought."

    She shot a quick, wary glance back down the hallway they''d come from, her flush from earlier replaced by a pale unease.

    "But Skadi''s not one to exaggerate about smells. If she says it''s bad, it''s bad. I just...How could something like that happen here without us noticing?"

    Julie nodded slowly, her mind racing. "That''s what''s bothering me. We''ve been distracted¡ªsure, with the party, with...him¡ª" She jerked her head vaguely toward Cassius''s room, her lips pressing into a thin line. "¡ªbut a battlefield''s worth of blood? That''s not subtle. That''s not something you miss unless it''s hidden on purpose."

    Before either of them could speculate further, Skadi interrupted, her voice cutting through their hushed discussion like a blade.

    "It''s not just blood." She said, her tone dropping even lower, her eyes narrowing as she sniffed the air again. "There''s rotting corpses too. Old ones. Fresh ones. Mixed together." Her nose wrinkled, her usual cheer replaced by a visceral discomfort. "It''s strong¡ªlike it''s been sitting there, festering."

    The words flipped a switch in Julie and Aisha. The faint traces of humor or disbelief they''d clung to evaporated instantly, replaced by a cold, gripping seriousness.

    Julie''s posture shifting into that of a soldier bracing for combat, while Aisha''s ears flattened, her amber eyes widening as she took an involuntary step closer to Julie, her bravado gone.

    "Rotting corpses?" Julie repeated, her voice sharp with alarm. "You''re sure?" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Skadi nodded, her expression grim. "Dead sure. It''s not just blood¡ªit''s death. A lot of it. I''ve smelled it before, on hunts, after battles. This is...worse, though. Thicker. Like it''s been trapped somewhere."

    Aisha swallowed hard, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to keep it steady. "Okay, that''s...That''s not funny anymore. Blood''s one thing¡ªmaybe someone got hurt, maybe there''s a reasonable explanation¡ªbut corpses? In Cassius''s mansion? What the hell is going on here? Is this some sick noble game we don''t know about?"

    Julie shook her head, her jaw clenching. "I don''t know, but if there''s that much death nearby, we need to find it. Now." She turned to Skadi, her gaze intense. "Can you track it? Pinpoint where it''s coming from?"

    Skadi''s ears twitched, and she gave a firm nod. "Of course I can. It''s not even hard¡ªit''s so blatant it''s stinging my nose. Like it''s screaming at me." She took a deep breath, her nostrils flaring as she locked onto the scent. "Follow me. It''s this way."

    Without another word, Skadi took off, her movements swift and purposeful. Julie and Aisha fell in step behind her, their earlier bickering forgotten as they matched her pace.

    Skadi led them through the sprawling mansion with the confidence of a predator on the hunt, weaving left and right down opulent corridors, past gilded portraits and ornate vases that seemed out of place against the grim task at hand.

    They descended a grand staircase, then another, narrower one that spiraled downward into the lower levels of the estate.

    The air grew cooler, the sounds of the party fading into a distant hum as they ventured into a part of the mansion that felt forgotten¡ªdarker, quieter, heavier. Skadi didn''t slow, her steps quick and sure as she led them into the basement, a sprawling network of stone corridors lit only by flickering sconces.

    "This place gives me the creeps." Aisha muttered, her voice barely above a whisper as she stuck close to Julie. "Why''s it so gloomy down here? What''s Cassius even use this for?"

    "Storage, maybe." Julie replied, her eyes scanning the shadows. "Or something he doesn''t want anyone seeing. Either way, stay sharp."

    Skadi finally stopped in front of a section of the basement that looked particularly neglected. The stone walls were damp and moss¡ªstained, the air thick with a musty chill.

    Before them stood a large, weathered shelf, its wooden frame sagging under the weight of old supplies¡ªdusty crates, rusted tools, and jars of who¡ªknows¡ªwhat. It looked innocuous enough, but Skadi''s nose wrinkled again, her gaze fixed on it with unwavering certainty.

    "It''s behind there." She said, her voice low and tense. "The smell''s strongest right here."

    Julie frowned, stepping closer to inspect the shelf. "Behind it? You mean there''s something hidden?"

    Aisha, her curiosity piqued despite her unease, darted forward before Julie could stop her. "Let me see." She said, her hands brushing against the shelf. She gave it a tentative push¡ªand to her surprise, it slid aside with ease, gliding smoothly on a concealed railing beneath it.

    The movement revealed a heavy, iron¡ªbound door set into the stone wall, its surface marred with scratches and faint rust.

    Julie''s stomach dropped. "A hidden door." She muttered, her hand resting on her sword again. "That''s not a good sign."

    Aisha took a step back, as she stared at the door with a growing sense of dread. "Yeah, I''ve got a bad feeling about this, Captain. Like...a really bad feeling. Hidden doors in basements don''t lead to treasure rooms ¡ªthey lead to trouble."

    Skadi nodded, her solemn expression unchanging. "The blood''s coming from in there. The corpses too. It''s so strong now¡ªit''s like the whole room''s soaked in it."

    Julie took a deep breath, her eyes locked on the heavy door as Skadi''s words settled over them like a dark cloud. She squared her shoulders, her voice cutting through the tense silence with a firm resolve.

    "Alright. Now that we''ve found the source, we don''t have a choice we need to see what''s inside. Whatever''s behind this door, it''s not going away on its own. Be prepared for anything¡ªblood, bodies, or worse. We''ve faced ugly things before; this is no different." She glanced at Aisha and Skadi, her expression stern but steady. "Stay sharp. We''re doing this together."

    And then without hesitation Julie took the lead, her movements smooth and practiced as she positioned herself in front of the door. Aisha and Skadi flanked her, instinctively falling into formation like they''d done countless times before on missions¡ªJulie at the vanguard, ready to charge, with her sisters poised to back her up at a moment''s notice.

    It was second nature to them, a rhythm born from years of trust and survival.

    Julie cast one final glance over her shoulder, meeting Aisha''s amber gaze and Skadi''s solemn stare and then with a fluid motion, she unsheathed her sword, the blade gleaming faintly in the dim basement light. She stepped forward, aligning the edge with the door''s locking mechanism¡ªa thick, rusted bolt that looked like it hadn''t been touched in years.

    And then with a single, precise swing, she sliced through it cleanly, the metal parting under her steel. The trio tensed, their breaths held as Julie then used the tip of her sword to nudge the door open.

    The hinges groaned in protest, the sound grating against the silence as the heavy slab of wood and iron swung inward. They braced themselves, expecting a grisly scene¡ªa graveyard of corpses, blood pooling on the floor, the stench of death overwhelming their senses.

    But what they saw was both shocking and, in a strange way, confusing.

    The door opened fully to reveal a small, dimly lit storage room, its flickering light casting long shadows across the stone walls. There were no piles of bodies, no rivers of blood staining the floor.

    Instead, two figures sat slumped against the far wall, their hands and legs bound with thick rope, their mouths gagged with dirty cloth. The air was thick with a foul stench¡ªrotting food, sweat, and something faintly metallic¡ªbut it wasn''t the overwhelming reek of a slaughter they''d feared.

    Julie''s eyes widened as she recognized one of the captives. "Edmund?" She breathed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

    It was indeed Edmund, the Patriarch''s personal doctor¡ªa wiry, middle¡ªaged man with sharp features and a reputation for his skill with herbs and tonics. The Patriarch had been fond of him, treating him almost like a confidant, which made his disappearance over a week ago all the more alarming.

    Now, here he was, tied up and leaning against the wall, his clothes tattered and his face gaunt from days of captivity.

    The moment his bleary eyes landed on Julie and the others, they lit up with desperate hope. He started thrashing against his bindings, muffled grunts and pleas escaping through the gag as he tried to signal for help.

    Aisha stepped forward, her brows knitting together in confusion as she took in the sight. "Edmund? The Patriarch''s doctor? What''s he doing here?" She glanced at Julie, her voice dropping to a hushed, urgent tone. "This doesn''t make any sense. He went missing about a week ago¡ªeveryone thought he''d run off or gotten himself killed somewhere!"

    Julie sheathed her sword, though her hand lingered near the hilt as she studied Edmund''s frantic movements. "Yeah, I remember. The Patriarch was furious¡ªordering a full search for Edmund." She frowned, her mind racing. "But why here? Why in Cassius''s basement?"

    Aisha''s lips curled into a wry, humorless smile as she crossed her arms. "Oh, come on, Captain. You know why. Word was, Edmund hated Cassius for being a wastrel and was even vying for Cassius''s position, saying that he was more of an appropriate son of the Patriarch, then Cassius was."

    "...Also who else would have the guts to snatch one of the Patriarch''s closest aides and stash him away like this?" She tilted her head toward the door, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Our dear, lustful host, that''s who."

    Julie exhaled sharply, nodding as the pieces clicked into place. She then stepped into the room, her boots echoing against the stone floor as she approached Edmund.

    The stench hit her harder now¡ªa mix of unwashed bodies, mold, and something faintly coppery that made her stomach turn. "Well, at least he''s relatively safe and unharmed." She said, kneeling beside him to inspect his bindings. "That''s something."

    Edmund''s muffled pleas grew louder, his eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears as he nodded vigorously, clearly begging to be freed. Seeing this, Julie reached for the gag but paused as her gaze shifted to the second figure slumped beside him.

    Her breath caught, and her face paled as she took in the sight.

    "But that can''t be said for this one." Julie said softly, her voice laced with a quiet horror as she stared at the second captive slumped against the wall.

    Even these three, who had weathered countless bloody battles¡ªseen comrades fall, enemies bleed out, and fields stained red shivered at the state of the man before them.

    Unlike Edmund, who was trembling but alive, this middle¡ªaged man was tied up, gagged, and currently unconscious, his body a testament to unspeakable cruelty.

    What shocked them to their core wasn''t just his presence, but the grotesque mutilation he''d endured.

    All his fingers and toes were gone¡ªsevered cleanly from his body, the stumps crusted with dried blood. The floor beneath him was soaked in a dark, congealed pool, the source of the metallic stench that had drawn Skadi here.

    The cuts were precise, surgical, as if done with deliberate care rather than rage.

    Edmund, still trembling beside Julie, refused to even glance in the man''s direction, his face pale and his eyes squeezed shut. A faint, acrid whiff of urine lingered in the air, a silent testament to the terror he''d endured sitting next to this nightmare.

    Aisha''s breath hitched, her hand tightening on Julie''s arm as she stared at the man''s mangled limbs. "That''s revolting..." She whispered, her voice shaking despite her usual bravado. "Who does something like this? This isn''t war¡ªthis is sick."

    Julie nodded grimly, her own stomach twisting as she forced herself to look at the scene. "I''ve seen men die in awful ways." She murmured, her tone low and strained. "Limbs lost, guts spilled...but this?"

    "...This is different. This wasn''t quick. Whoever did it took their time." Her gaze lingered on the blood¡ªsoaked floor, her mind racing to make sense of the brutality.

    But before they could process it further, Skadi¡ªwho''d been standing silently near Edmund¡ªshifted her attention to a corner of the room.

    Her ears twitched, and with a hesitant step, she reached for a small, dented metal bucket tucked against the wall.

    And even she, a ruthless warrior who''d slashed through enemies without blinking, who''d severed limbs in the heat of battle, faltered as she lifted it. Her hands trembled slightly, her eyes widening as she peered inside.

    Noticing her reaction, Julie and Aisha exchanged a wary glance before stepping closer. "Skadi?" Julie asked, her voice cautious. "What is it?"

    Skadi didn''t answer right away. She tilted the bucket toward them, her expression a rare mix of disgust and unease.

    When Julie and Aisha looked inside, their eyes widened, and a wave of revulsion crashed over them. The bucket was filled with the man''s severed fingers and toes¡ªbut that wasn''t the worst of it.

    Each finger or toe had been meticulously sliced into thin, uniform pieces, like a carrot diced for stew. The cuts were so precise, so methodical and it was clear that the person who had cut the man''s appendages off didn''t simply slice them off as whole and took his time cutting them off piece by piece until only the stump remained.

    Aisha gagged, her hand flying to her mouth as she stumbled back into Julie, clutching her captain''s arm like a lifeline. "Oh god!¡ªThat''s...that''s vile!" She choked out, her voice trembling with a mix of nausea. and fear. "Who does that?! They didn''t just cut them off ¡ªthey sat there, slicing them up like...like it was some twisted game!

    Skadi set the bucket down with a soft clank, her usual cheer replaced by a rare, shaken silence. She also stepped closer to Julie and Aisha, her tail still as she muttered.

    "Skadi has killed plenty before. Hacked off arms, legs...but this? This is wrong. Even for Skadi." Her nose wrinkled, the stench of blood and decay overwhelming even her battle-hardened senses.

    Aisha pressed herself tighter against Julie, her claws digging into her arm. "What kind of monster does this?" She whispered, as she looked away from the brutal sight. A horrifying thought then appeared in her mind as she slowly looked up at Julie and hesitantly asked, "We''re in Cassius''s mansion¡ªCassius''s basement....You don''t think?"

    "I¡ª"

    But before Julie could respond, knowing exactly what her little sister was implying, a casual but chilling voice cut through the air from behind them, sending a jolt through all three.

    "So this is where you three were...Lucious said you were looking for me."

    "...And it seems like you''ve found something rather interesting, that no one was ever supposed to witness."

    The words were light, almost playful, but there was an eerie edge to them that made the hair on Julie''s neck stand up.

    Slowly, as if moving through molasses, she, Aisha, and Skadi turned around, their hearts pounding in unison.

    And what they found was Cassius, standing in the doorway, blocking their only exit.

    He leaned casually against the frame, his arms crossed, a faint smile playing on his lips. His clothes were slightly disheveled, his hair tousled as if he''d just rolled out of bed¡ªor whatever he''d been doing with his maids.

    But it was his eyes that stopped them cold. They glowed with a bright, unnatural crimson, sharp and piercing, like a demon peering out from a human mask.

    Seeing this and knowing that her only route of escape was blocked by Cassius, Julie''s hand instinctively tightened on her sword, still sheathed but ready to draw, while Aisha froze, her lips ready to cast a spell as she pressed closer to Julie, her breath shallow.

    Skadi on the other hand tensed like a predator facing a rival, even though she was really confused as to what she was supposed to feel when it was her favourite master who was in front of her.

    ...The same master who brought her for a ride on top of his head...

    ...The same master who spared her life when she was out for his head.

    But at the same time also the same master who seemed to have brutalised the man behind her, making her feel unbelievably conflicted to the extent that her sharp claws kept on emerging and retracting, almost as if her mind was telling her that he was a threat while her heart was on his side...

 Chapter 106 - 106: I Can Explain

    But just as the tension reached its breaking point, Cassius let out a soft, unexpected sigh.

    He shook his head, his posture slumping slightly as if he were a man caught in an exasperating predicament rather than a demon poised to strike.

    The shift was so jarring that it made Julie''s breath catch, while Aisha blinked, her claws hesitating mid-flex, and even Skadi''s ears twitched in confusion.

    For some reason, that simple, human gesture drained the immediate threat from the air, leaving them oddly...relaxed.

    Cassius then rubbed the back of his neck, his crimson gaze softening as he looked at them with a tired, almost sheepish expression.

    "I know this looks bad." He said, his voice low and tinged with exhaustion. "Really bad. And I get it¡ªcompletely. You''re staring at me like you''re about to pounce, and honestly, I don''t blame you. Finding a fingerless man in my basement? Of course you''d think the worst." He paused, his eyes flickering over their tense stances before he raised a hand in a placating gesture. "But if you give me just a minute to explain myself, I can clear up this mess. So...calm down, alright? Let''s talk this out."

    Julie and Aisha exchanged a wary glance, their instincts warring with the sincerity in his tone. They could feel a thread of truth in his words, a quiet conviction that tugged at their doubts, but the horrifying sight of the mutilated man and the bucket of diced fingers loomed large in their minds.

    Skadi, however, reacted instantly. Her guard dropped like a stone, her claws retracting fully as she stepped forward, her eyes wide and pleading.

    "Master..." She said, her voice soft but urgent, almost childlike in its desperation. "Can you really explain this? I...I don''t want you to be a bad master. Please tell me this isn''t what it looks like." Her tail drooped, her loyalty to Cassius shining through despite the grim scene behind her.

    Cassius''s smile softened, a flicker of warmth breaking through his eerie demeanor as he met her gaze.

    "Of course I can, Skadi." He said gently, his tone reassuring. "And I''d like it if the others trusted me too." He glanced at Julie and Aisha, his expression earnest. "I''m not your enemy here. Give me a chance to prove it."

    Julie exhaled sharply, her shoulders easing slightly as she lowered her sword, though she kept it in hand. Aisha followed suit, pulling her magic orb as she crossed her arms, still eyeing him warily.

    "You''d better have a good excuse." Julie said, her voice firm but less hostile. "Because I don''t know what happens next if this doesn''t add up. I hope you''re telling the truth, Cassius¡ªfor all our sakes."

    Cassius nodded, his tired smile widening faintly. "Oh, I do. Most definitely."

    And without another word, he stepped past them, brushing by with a casual confidence that belied the tension still simmering in the room. He stopped in front of Edmund, who flinched under his gaze, and pointed at the trembling doctor with a steady hand.

    "Let me just tell you that this man..." He said, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "...was actually the mastermind behind my poisoning a few weeks ago."

    The revelation hit like a thunderclap. Julie''s eyes widened, Aisha''s jaw dropped, and Skadi''s ears perked up in shock.

    "Wait¡ªwhat?!" Aisha blurted, her tail swishing as she turned to Cassius. "I thought Isabelle poisoned you! That''s what everyone said!"

    Cassius shook his head, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Edmund, who was shaking his head frantically, muffled protests escaping his gag.

    "Isabelle was simply a pawn." He explained, his tone calm but laced with a quiet anger. "She did the deed, yes¡ªslipped the poison into my food¡ªbut she didn''t plan it. She was manipulated, fed lies and promises until she thought she had no choice...And the real mastermind?" He jabbed a finger at Edmund again, his smile turning cold. "Him...The Patriarch''s trusted little doctor. He''s the one who orchestrated it all."

    Julie''s gaze snapped to Edmund, searching his face. His denials were vigorous, his head shaking so hard it looked like it might come loose, but there was something in his eyes¡ªa flicker of guilt, a shadow of fear that betrayed him which made her realise that what Cassius was saying was the truth.

    Seeing that his words were going through to them, Cassius let out a low, sardonic chuckle, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

    "I let him go back then." He said, his tone casual but edged with a quiet menace. "His time hadn''t come yet, you see. I figured he''d slink off into the shadows, stay silent for a while¡ªmaybe regroup, maybe strike back later when he thought I''d let my guard down....I was ready for that. Planned for it, even." He tilted his head, his smile turning sharp as he glanced at Edmund. "But who would''ve thought this little weasel had the guts¡ªor the stupidity¡ªto try poisoning me again the very next day?"

    "...Caught his accomplice red-handed in the marketplace, of all places, slipping something into my drink while I was browsing spices."

    Edmund flinched, his eyes darting away in shame as the trio''s stares pinned him in place. His vigorous shaking slowed, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of Cassius''s words crushed his last shred of defiance.

    Cassius continued, his voice steady but laced with a dark amusement. "Of course, I thwarted that attempt too. Caught the hired hand he sent after me as well." He gestured lazily toward the mutilated man slumped against the wall, his fingerless hands and blood¡ªsoaked floor a grim testament to his fate. "This one here. Pathetic, really. But while we''re on the subject..." He paused, his crimson gaze sweeping over the trio as if gauging their reactions. "Do you remember that case a while back where a bunch of orphans died in a church because of negligence in management?"

    Aisha''s ears perked up, her amber eyes narrowing as she nodded slowly.

    "Yeah." She said, her voice tight with recollection. "The one where the caretakers fed the kids spoiled food¡ªrotten stuff laced with rat feces. Horrible mess. A bunch of those poor orphans ended up in the hospital, and some..." She trailed off, her expression darkening. "Some didn''t make it. It was a tragedy¡ªeveryone said it was just poor management, a failure of oversight."

    Cassius''s smile faded, replaced by a cold, steely glint in his eyes. "Poor management?" He repeated, his tone dripping with disdain. "No. That''s what they wanted everyone to think as it wasn''t an accident, kitten."

    "...It was actually a very deliberate coordinated take over." He said the trios shock of this new piece of information.

    "You see, another group¡ªgreedy, power¡ªhungry bastards¡ªwanted control of that church. So, they hired someone to poison those kids, to make the original caretakers look incompetent so they could swoop in and take over." He pointed a steady finger at the mutilated man, his voice dropping to a chilling growl. "And this piece of filth? He''s the one they paid to do it. I''ve got evidence letters, witnesses, the works. He''s the rat who slipped the poison into their food."

    The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in like a stone. Julie''s jaw clenched, as she stared at the unconscious man with a mix of shock and disgust, hating the fact that she felt pity for him a moment ago.

    Aisha''s ears perked up in rage, her face twisting into a snarl as she muttered. "That''s...That''s monstrous. Those were kids...Innocent kids." Her tail lashed violently behind her, her earlier unease replaced by a burning anger.

    Skadi''s reaction was the most visceral. Her eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed into slits of fury.

    Her claws emerged fully, glinting in the dim light as her tail bristled. "He did what?!" She snarled, her voice trembling with rage. "He poisoned little kids for money?!"

    Cassius nodded, his expression unreadable as he watched their reactions. "Exactly. So I''ll ask you this." He leaned forward slightly, his crimson eyes locking onto each of them in turn. "After hearing that, do you think what I did was truly bad?"

    "...Was I wrong to deal with him in this manner?"

    Skadi didn''t hesitate. "Absolutely not!" She roared, her voice echoing off the stone walls as she took a furious step toward the man. "What you did wrong was letting a scumbag like him live this long! He doesn''t deserve to breathe!"

    And then to Julie and Aisha''s surprise, her claws flashed as she lunged forward, aiming to slash at his throat and end him then and there, her fury overriding everything else.

    But Cassius was faster.

    In a blur of movement, he grabbed her arm, pulling her back with a firm but gentle grip.

    "Whoa, easy there, pup." He said, his tone calm but authoritative. "He''s outlived his worth, I''ll give you that. It''s time for him to go¡ªI won''t argue there. But you shouldn''t taint yourself by touching him." He released her, stepping past her with a deliberate slowness as he approached the man. "Scum like this? They don''t deserve your claws."

    "...They''re dealt with like this."

    The man stirred then, his eyes fluttering open just as Cassius walked forward and to his shock, planted the sole of his boot against his face. A weak, pitiful whimper escaped him, his body jolting in pain as he registered what was happening.

    But Cassius didn''t flinch.

    With a slow, gruesome deliberation, he pressed down, the man''s head pinned against the stone wall behind him.

    "Mmmm!~ Hghnnn!~ Nghh!~"

    The whimper turned into a muffled scream, his fingerless hands twitching uselessly as Cassius applied more pressure and the trio watched in stunned silence as the man''s skull began to give way¡ªfirst a sickening crack, then a wet, grinding sound as bone and flesh crumpled under the force.

    That is until his head finally gave out and blood and brain matter splashed out like a watermelon that was squished, staining the wall and floor in a grotesque smear, until all that remained was a mush of crimson and gray where his head had been.

    Cassius then stepped back, wiping his boot on the stone with a casual flick, as if he''d just squashed a bug. The man''s body slumped fully now, lifeless and broken, the bucket of diced fingers a macabre footnote to his end.

    The room was silent again, save for Edmund''s ragged breathing and the faint drip of blood pooling beneath the corpse.

    Even Julie and Aisha stood frozen, their eyes locked on the gruesome remains splattered against the wall.

    Even for them¡ªseasoned warriors who''d waded through rivers of gore, who''d seen death in all its ugly forms¡ªthe sight was chilling. It wasn''t the blood or the crushed skull that unnerved them; they''d witnessed worse on battlefields.

    No, it was the ease of it¡ªthe effortless, almost nonchalant way Cassius had snuffed out a life, like he was stepping on an ant rather than ending a man.

    His crimson eyes still glowed faintly, his smile lingering as if nothing extraordinary had happened, and it drove home a truth they''d half¡ªforgotten in his carefree demeanor: beneath the charm and the casual quips, he was a monster cloaked in human skin.

    But while Julie and Aisha grappled with the chilling realization, Skadi''s reaction was the polar opposite. Her eyes sparkled with unrestrained delight, and she suddenly burst into enthusiastic applause, her claws clicking together as she clapped.

    "That was splendid!" She exclaimed, her tail wagging furiously as she beamed at Cassius. "Master, you''re amazing! The way you just¡ªbam¡ªsquashed him like that? So cool! I''ve gotta learn more from you¡ªteach me how to do that!" She bounced on her heels, her voice brimming with admiration as if she''d just watched a masterful performance rather than a gruesome execution.

    Julie and Aisha turned to her in unison, their jaws dropping in disbelief. "Skadi!" Aisha snapped, her voice a mix of shock and exasperation. "Are you serious right now?! That wasn''t ''splendid'' it was horrifying! What''s wrong with you?!"

    Skadi blinked at her, tilting her head in confusion. "What? He was a bad guy, right? Master took care of him! It''s not like he didn''t deserve it!" She grinned, utterly unfazed by their reactions, her loyalty to Cassius shining through like a beacon.

    And just when Julie and Aisha thought the situation couldn''t get more absurd, a familiar voice piped up from the doorway.

    "Young Master, really!"

    Shockingly Lucious''s head poked into the room, his flustered expression shifting to mild annoyance as he squeezed past the trio. His eyes then landed on the gruesome smear of blood and flesh against the wall, and instead of recoiling in horror like they thought he would, he let out an exasperated sigh. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Look at this mess! Did you have to crush his head like that? Couldn''t you have just snapped his neck or something quick? Now I''ve got to clean this up, and it''s going to take hours!" He crossed his arms, pouting at Cassius like a scolded child complaining about chores.

    Cassius chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Lucious. Got a little too excited there. You know how it is¡ªsometimes you just gotta let loose." His tone was light, almost playful, as if he''d spilled a glass of wine rather than reduced a man''s head to pulp.

    Lucious huffed, his pout deepening. "Excited or not, you always leave the worst messes for me. Last time it was that murderer''s guts all over the parlor rug¡ªdo you know how hard it is to get blood out of velvet? And now this!" He gestured dramatically at the wall, his voice rising in a petulant whine. "I''m not a miracle worker, you know!"

    Julie and Aisha stared, dumbfounded, as the exchange unfolded. The same butler who''d been a flustered, blushing wreck outside Cassius''s room earlier¡ªsquirming at the mere sound of lewd noises¡ªdidn''t bat an eye at the gore in front of him.

    He didn''t flinch at the crushed skull or the bucket of diced fingers; his only concern was the cleanup, as if this was just another day in the life of serving Cassius.

    The realization hit them like a punch: Lucious wasn''t just used to this¡ªhe was as unhinged as his master, in his own bizarre way.

    Aisha''s tail puffed up again, her voice a strangled whisper as she leaned into Julie. "He''s...he''s complaining about cleaning? Not the fact that there''s a dead guy with no head?! Captain, the butler''s as crazy as he is! They''re both lunatics!"

    Julie''s lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes darting between Lucious and Cassius. "I''m starting to think this whole household''s off its hinges." She muttered, her tone dry but tinged with unease.

    Ignoring them, Cassius clapped Lucious on the shoulder, his grin widening. "Come on, don''t be so dramatic. You''re the best at this¡ªwhy do you think I keep you around? You''ll have it spotless in no time."

    Lucious rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he turned to inspect the mess more closely. "Flattery won''t make the blood scrub itself, Young Master. I''ll need some powerful tonics. And a new mop...And a couple buckets to move this disgusting mush."

    "...For a guy who was dumb enough to go against you, Young Master, he really has a big brain that now I have to take care of."

    Skadi giggled, clapping her hands again. "See? Even Lucious is cool about it! You guys worry too much!" She beamed at Cassius, oblivious to the growing horror on Julie and Aisha''s faces.

 Chapter 107 - 107: Chasing The Truth

    Cassius''s gaze then shifted from Skadi''s enthusiastic grin to Lucious, who was still muttering complaints about the mess under his breath. "Lucious..." He said, his tone casual but firm. "You can clean up the body later. For now, take Edmund away."

    "...His time''s finally come."

    Lucious paused mid¡ªgrumble, nodding with a resigned sigh. "About time..." He muttered, stepping over the blood¡ªstreaked floor with practiced ease. He then grabbed Edmund by the arm, hauling the weak, trembling doctor to his feet with a rough tug.

    Edmund''s eyes widened in panic, his muffled pleas turning into desperate, garbled cries as he struggled against Lucious''s grip. "No¡ªplease! Help me! Don''t let him take me! Don''t let this demon take me!" He begged as his gag slipped off, his voice cracking as he twisted toward the trio, his bound hands flailing uselessly.

    But Julie simply turned her head away like she wanted nothing to do with him after hearing all his sins and instead, her voice cut through Edmund''s cries towards Cassius, steady but edged with curiosity. "Cassius..." She said, fixing him with a piercing stare. "What exactly are you planning to do with him?"

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile softening into something almost playful as he met her eyes. "Why do you ask, Captain? Is it because you don''t like how I''m handling things? Maybe you''d prefer I deal with my problems in a more...righteous manner?" His tone was teasing, but there was a genuine question lurking beneath it, as if he were testing her.

    Julie sighed in response, a long, weary sound that carried the weight of years. "That''s what I would''ve said a long time ago." She admitted, her voice quieter now, tinged with a bitter edge. "Back when I was young, green, and thought life was black and white¡ªgood versus evil, justice served with a clean blade."

    Her eyes grew somber, shadows flickering in their depths as she continued.

    "But after years of seeing the world for what it is¡ªwatching the innocent suffer while the guilty walk free, seeing ''virtue'' fail to bring justice time and time again¡ªI''ve learned. Sometimes the righteous path doesn''t work."

    "...Sometimes you need underhanded methods to balance the scales."

    Her words hung in the air, and Cassius''s brows lifted in genuine surprise. He''d expected the Captain of the Sacred Guard¡ªparagon of honor, defender of law¡ªto cling stubbornly to her principles, to lecture him on morality even in the face of a monster like him.

    But this? This pragmatic streak, this quiet acceptance of the gray?...It impressed him.

    His smile widened, a flicker of respect glinting in his crimson eyes. "Well, now." He said, his voice warm with approval. "I''m glad you think that way, Julie, or else we''d have struggled to get along otherwise¡ªyou with your law and order, me with...Well, this." He gestured vaguely at the blood¡ªsmeared wall, his tone light despite the grim context.

    "And as for Edmund...Well, Edmund is finally going to serve a purpose by taking him to my father and using him as a example."

    "...A little demonstration of what my father''s dealing with, which should clear up your legion''s matter nicely."

    Julie''s eyes widened slightly, and Aisha''s tail flicked in shock as she stepped forward. "Wait¡ªyou''re meeting the Patriarch now?" Aisha asked, her voice sharp with disbelief. "Like, right this minute?"

    Cassius shrugged, his casual demeanor unshaken. "Of course. How else am I going to sort out your issue? Time''s ticking, and I promised you''d wake up tomorrow without those ''X''s on your backs, didn''t I?" His smile turned sly, as if he were enjoying their reactions.

    Julie and Aisha exchanged a quick glance, a silent debate passing between them.

    The instinct to support him¡ªto tag along as backup in case things went south¡ªflared up immediately. But Cassius, perceptive as ever, caught the shift in their postures and raised a hand to stop them before they could speak.

    "Don''t even think about it." He said, his tone firm but not unkind. "I''ll be fine alone¡ªbetter that way, trust me...Too many cooks in the kitchen just complicates things."

    "...For now, you three should head back to the guest rooms I''ve arranged. Get some rest, wait for the good news tomorrow. You''ve had a long night."

    Julie frowned, her mind racing as she weighed his words. Aisha opened her mouth to protest, but Julie raised a hand to silence her, her expression reluctant but resigned. "Fine." She said at last, her voice clipped. "We''ll trust you, Cassius. But if this goes sideways don''t hesitate to call us¡ª"

    "It won''t." Cassius interjected smoothly, his smile unwavering. "Go on, get some sleep...You''ve earned it."

    The trio hesitated for a moment longer, then nodded, turning to leave the grim little room.

    But just as they reached the doorway, Skadi''s ears perked up, and she stopped dead in her tracks. "Wait!" She chirped, her voice bright and curious as she spun around, pointing at the only other door in the storage room¡ªa thick, iron-bound slab that radiated an ominous aura. "Master, what''s in there? It''s got really creepy vibes!" She tilted her head innocently, her tail swishing as she elaborated.

    "The smell I tracked¡ªit wasn''t really coming from this room...It was stronger from over there, next door. What''s inside?"

    Her question was pure, childlike curiosity, but it hit Julie and Aisha like a thunderbolt.

    They whipped around, their suspicion flaring as they fixed Cassius with sharp, probing stares.

    The door Skadi pointed to was heavy, reinforced, and seemed to pulse with a quiet menace that hadn''t registered until now.

    Julie''s hand instinctively drifted back to her sword, and Aisha''s ears flattened, her voice low and wary. "Yeah, Master...What exactly is behind that door?"

    Cassius''s wry smile faltered for a split second, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face before he masked it with a sheepish grin.

    "Oh, that?" He said, his tone a little too casual as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Nothing you need to worry about right now. Just...Storage. Old stuff. You know how it is with big houses¡ªlots of junk lying around." He waved a hand dismissively, but the gesture didn''t quite match the tension in his eyes.

    Julie''s gaze narrowed, her instincts screaming that he was hiding something. "Storage." She repeated, her voice flat with skepticism. "That''s a pretty heavy door for old stuff. And Skadi''s nose doesn''t lie¡ªshe tracked something strong. Stronger than this." She gestured to the blood¡ªsoaked room behind them, her tone hardening. "What aren''t you telling us?"

    Aisha nodded, stepping closer to Julie as her tail flicked suspiciously. "Yeah, you''ve been straight with us so far¡ªmostly. So, don''t start dodging now. What''s in there, Cassius?"

    Skadi, oblivious to the growing tension, bounced on her heels, her eyes wide with excitement. "Is it treasure? Or maybe more bad guys? Ooh, maybe it''s a secret wrestling room!" She grinned, her innocence a stark contrast to the dark undercurrent rippling through the group.

    Cassius let his gaze linger on the trio for a moment, his eyes glinting in the dim, flickering light of the storage room.

    The air was filled with the coppery tang of blood and the faint echo of Edmund''s fading pleas, but his focus was squarely on Julie, Aisha, and Skadi, as if sizing up their resolve.

    And then, with a slow tilt of his head, he finally broke the silence. "It''s true." He said, his voice low and deliberate, carrying just a hint of reluctance. "There is something behind that door¡ªsomething I''d really rather you didn''t see."

    He paused, letting the weight of his admission settle, before a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "

    But sadly for you, I don''t have to explain a damn thing. I''m your master, after all¡ªI have no obligation to bare my soul to my soldiers. I could just snap my fingers and send you off to bed, and you''d have to march right along."

    The words landed like a gauntlet thrown down, and Julie and Aisha''s faces twisted with indignant frustration.

    He was right, and that truth stung worse than any blade. They were knights, bound by duty and hierarchy, mere cogs in the machine of his command. No matter how fiercely their curiosity burned¡ªhow desperately they wanted to know what lurked behind that ominous, iron-bound door¡ªthey had no real power to demand answers.

    And because they knew they had no other choice, they turned, their shoulders slumping slightly as they prepared to walk away, the mystery of the door gnawing at them like an itch they couldn''t scratch.

    But just as they did so, Cassius let out a long, dramatic sigh that echoed through the room, halting them mid-step.

    "But fortunately for you..." He said, his voice rising with a theatrical flair as he pressed a hand to his chest. "You''ve stumbled into the service of a master far too generous for his own good. I can''t stand seeing those eager little faces¡ªtwitching ears, narrowed eyes, all that pent¡ªup curiosity. It''s positively heartbreaking!" He flashed a grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, fine¡ªI''ll throw you a bone. Just a little something to tide you over, since you''re practically begging for it."

    Julie and Aisha spun back around, their indignation giving way to startled delight. "Wait¡ªyou''re actually telling us?" Aisha asked, her tone laced with suspicion but brightened by a flicker of hope. She tilted her head, her tail giving a tentative swish. "No catch?"

    Cassius chuckled, wagging a finger at her like a scolding teacher. "Don''t get ahead of yourself, kitten. I''m not flinging the door open and giving you a grand tour¡ªnot tonight."

    "...I''ll give you a clue, that''s all. A bit of bread to chew on while you''re cozy in your beds."

    He straightened, his smirk fading into a more serious expression as he glanced at the heavy door as he said,

    "It''s related to the recent disappearances of those convicted criminals in the area. That''s your hint...Do with it what you will."

    The words hung in the air, cryptic and tantalizing and before Julie or Aisha could press him further, Cassius turned and started walking out, while gesturing for Skadi to follow. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Come along, Skadi." He called over his shoulder, his voice light and carefree once more. "Let''s leave them to their pondering¡ªI''ll show you your room before I go and deal with my father."

    Skadi in response didn''t hesitate, her tail wagging as she fell into step beside him, her earlier curiosity about the door forgotten as quickly as it had sparked.

    "Hey, Master." She chirped as they moved down the corridor, her voice echoing faintly back into the storage room. "My nose really nailed it tonight, huh? Sniffed this place out in no time! You think I could find more of your secret spots?"

    Cassius''s laughter rumbled through the hall, warm and tinged with mock exasperation. "You''re too good at that, pup." He replied, his tone teasing. "I''m going to have to up my game¡ªmaybe start scattering pepper or garlic around to throw you off. Can''t have you sniffing out all my hiding places, now can I?"

    Skadi giggled, her voice growing fainter as they rounded a corner. "Ooh, a challenge! I''d still win¡ªmy nose is unbeatable!" Their banter faded into the distance, leaving the storage room steeped in silence once more.

    And the moment she realised they were gone, Aisha broke thesilence, her voice cutting through the stillness as she turned to Julie with a thoughtful look on her face.

    "The disappearances he''s talking about." She said, her tail flicking as she pieced it together. "It has to be the ones from Holyfield Estate. You know, Captain¡ªover the last few days, all those convicted criminals, murderers, rapists, the real scum of the earth¡ªthey''ve been vanishing left and right."

    "...No one knows where they''ve gone, not even the investigation department. It''s been the talk of the taverns¡ªpeople whispering about it, wondering who''s behind it."

    Julie nodded, her brow furrowing as she crossed her arms. "Yeah, I''ve seen the reports too." She said, her tone low and contemplative. "Word was, dozens of them just...poof, gone. No bodies, no trails, nothing. And honestly? Most folks were glad to see them disappear¡ªless filth to worry about, they said." She paused, her gaze drifting to the ominous iron door as a question tugged at her mind. "But does that have to do with Cassius? Why did he leave that as his clue?"

    The two fell silent for a moment, the weight of the hint settling over them like a fog.

    Julie''s eyes narrowed as she turned it over in her head, her fingers tapping idly against her arm. And then, a sudden, horrifying thought struck her, and her breath caught.

    She turned to Aisha slowly, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Aisha...What exactly did Skadi smell when she led us down here?"

    "...What made her so scared?"

    Aisha blinked, her ears twitching as she recalled Skadi''s words with a calm clarity that belied the growing dread in her chest.

    "She said she smelled blood." She replied, her voice steady at first. "Lots of it. And corpses¡ªso many corpses that it reminded her of a battlefield. That''s what freaked her out, made her all serious like that¡ª"

    And then her eyes also widened as the implications clicked into place, and she followed Julie''s gaze to the blood¡ªsmeared room around them.

    "Wait...hold on, Captain. There''s blood in here, sure ¡ªa ton of it¡ªbut there wasn''t a dead body until now." She gestured to the mutilated man Cassius had crushed against the wall, her voice faltering as the horrifying realization dawned. "So that means..."

    She trailed off, her words hanging in the air as her eyes locked onto the iron door. Julie finished the thought for her, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "...That means whatever Skadi smelled...It''s behind there."

    A heavy silence fell over them, the air growing heavy with the weight of their shared epiphany.

    Aisha swallowed hard, her tail stiffening as she muttered. "No, it can''t be. There were 89 people who went missing¡ª89 convicted criminals, Captain. That''s the count they''ve been throwing around...There''s no way that so many of them could''ve been...''dealt'' by Cassius."

    Julie''s face paled, her mind racing as she connected the dots. "But it''s 89 people, Aisha" She echoed, her voice trembling slightly. "That''s...That''s about the number of corpses it''d take for Skadi to say it smelled like a battlefield. A slaughter big enough to hit her that hard." She stared at the door, its iron surface seeming to pulse with a sinister promise, and a shiver ran down her spine. "If that''s true...If he''s got 89 bodies stashed in there..."

    Aisha''s tiny claw flexed involuntarily, her eyes wide with horror as she glanced between the door and the gruesome remains behind them.

    "T-That''s insane." She whispered, her voice shaking. "That''s...That''s a massacre. A whole damn graveyard shoved into one room." She forced a weak, nervous laugh, trying to shake off the dread creeping up her spine. "No way, right? It''s too much¡ªeven for him."

    The silence stretched on, thick and oppressive, as they stood there, staring at the door like it might open on its own and confirm their worst fears.

    Finally, Aisha broke it, her voice tentative but edged with a reckless curiosity. "Should we...Should we just break it down? See what''s inside for ourselves? Get it over with?"

    Julie let out a shaky chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck as she glanced at Aisha. "You really ready to see what''s in there, Aisha?" She asked, her tone half-serious, half-mocking. "After what he did to that guy?" She jerked her thumb toward the crushed corpse, its blood still dripping faintly onto the floor. "Are you prepared to face 89 more like that¡ªor worse?"

    Aisha''s gaze darted to the grisly sight, and her stomach churned. She let out a nervous laugh of her own, her ears flattening as she hugged her arms to her chest.

    "Yeah, no thanks." She said, her voice tight. "This mess was enough to kill my appetite for a week. If there''s 89 corpses in there, all mangled up like that? I''d never sleep again¡ªprobably claw my own eyes out just to forget it."

    Julie nodded, her faint smile fading as she took a steadying breath. "Agreed." She said, her tone firming up as she made up her mind. "And we can''t jump to conclusions with just this. This could just be something else entirely¡ªcould be Cassius throwing us off, playing his little games again...I''ll look into it later¡ªdig through the rumors, see what I can find about those disappearances."

    She glanced around the room one last time, her nose wrinkling as a faint, putrid whiff hit her senses.

    "...But for now, let''s get the hell out of here. Ever since you mentioned what might be back there, I swear I can smell something awful too¡ªlike rot creeping through the walls."

    Aisha''s eyes widened, and she nodded vigorously. "Oh, I''m with you¡ªlet''s go, now." She said, already moving toward the exit. "I don''t care if it''s my imagination or not; this place is giving me the creeps worse than ever."

    They stepped toward the door, unable to throw off at that unsettling feeling. And just as Julie reached for the handle to pull it shut behind them, Aisha paused, letting out another nervous chuckle as she glanced at her captain.

    "Hey, Captain." She said, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and humor. "Why''s it feel like the more we learn about our new master, the more he seems like a demon instead of a human?"

    Julie froze for a split second, her hand lingering on the door as Aisha''s words sank in. Then she turned, a wry smile tugging at her lips despite the unease swirling in her chest.

    "Because he probably is a demon." She replied, her tone dry but tinged with a strange fondness. "Some hellspawn that clawed its way up from the pits, all charm and chaos."

    Her smile softened, a flicker of relief breaking through her somber demeanor. "But lucky for us, that demon''s on our side¡ªat least for tonight. Guess that makes him our guardian angel, in a twisted sort of way."

    Aisha snorted, the tension easing just enough for her to manage a shaky grin. "Some angel." She muttered, her tail giving a final, anxious flick. "Hope he''s got wings big enough to cover this mess."

    Julie''s smile lingered as she pulled the door closed with a heavy thud, sealing away the room full of blood, secrets, and that ominous iron slab.

    The click of the latch echoed faintly, a quiet promise that tonight''s mysteries would wait for now. "Let''s hope he delivers." She said softly, more to herself than Aisha, as they turned to climb the stairs. "For all our sakes."

    The hallway swallowed them up, the oppressive air of the basement fading with each step, though the shadow of that door¡ªand the 89 possibilities it held clung to their thoughts like a specter they couldn''t quite shake.

    Tonight, they''d trust Cassius to keep his word.

    Tomorrow, they''d chase the truth.

 Chapter 108 - 108: The Devil Has Come To Visit

    Time passed and it was close to midnight, and the dim, blood-soaked basement shifted to the warm, amber glow of a grand study room in the main Holyfield mansion.

    Polished oak shelves lined the walls, groaning under the weight of leather-bound books and rolled parchments, while a massive desk dominated the center, its surface cluttered with papers, inkwells, and a flickering oil lamp.

    And in the centre of it all, a handsome, middle-aged man with sharp blonde hair streaked with silver sat behind it, his posture relaxed yet commanding as he scribbled his signature across a document.

    His attendant, a thin man with a neatly trimmed beard and spectacles perched on his nose, stood before him, reading from a stack of reports in a steady, practiced tone.

    "...and the grain shipments from the eastern fields have increased by twelve percent, my lord." The attendant said, adjusting his spectacles as he flipped a page. "The stewards report a surplus, though the millers are requesting additional hands to keep up with demand."

    The blonde man nodded absently, his pen scratching across the paper with a faint rasp.

    "Good." He murmured, his voice deep and smooth, tinged with a weariness that belied his composed exterior. "See that the millers get what they need. We can''t afford delays with the harvest season looming." He set the signed document aside, reaching for another as his attendant continued.

    This was Rodrick Holyfield, Patriarch of the Holyfield Estate, a man whose name carried weight across the realm.

    A figure of authority and ruthlessness, he ruled his lands with an iron fist softened only by the remnants of a once¡ªgentler past.

    But beneath his title and his wealth lay a darker truth: he was Cassius''s father, a man who had vowed to see his own son''s head roll, a vendetta that burned as fiercely as the lamp illuminating his desk.

    The attendant¡ªWayne Arwald, Rodrick''s right¡ªhand man and closest confidant¡ªfinished his report on the estate''s finances with a crisp nod, stacking the papers neatly before him.

    He then hesitated, his fingers lingering on the edge of the desk as a flicker of unease crossed his face. And thenlearing his throat, he ventured into a topic he''d clearly been dreading but couldn''t be ignored

    "My lord." He began, his voice softer now. "There''s...one more matter. The Sacred Guard...Their mission."

    Rodrick''s pen paused mid¡ªsignature, his piercing blue eyes lifting to meet Wayne''s. A shadow passed over his handsome features, his expression turning solemn. "What of it?" He asked, his tone low and measured, though a faint edge sharpened his words. "Have they brought back the devil''s head already?"

    Wayne bowed his head slightly, a gesture of apology as much as deference. "Not...As such, my lord." He said, his voice tinged with regret. "They haven''t returned from that part of the estate yet. Word is, they''re still there¡ªand it''s speculated they''ve taken up residence in Cassius''s mansion."

    "...There''s talk they might''ve...switched sides."

    Mark¡ªWayne, rather¡ªbraced himself, expecting a storm of fury to erupt from the Patriarch. He knew how deep Rodrick''s hatred for his son ran, a venomous loathing that had festered for years, fueled by a wound that refused to heal. To hear that the Sacred Guard, sworn to end Cassius with their lives on the line, might have defected? He anticipated a roar, a smashed inkwell, a tirade against betrayal.

    But to his utter shock, Rodrick merely chuckled¡ªa low, rasping sound that grew into something almost manic, his eyes glinting with a wild, unhinged light.

    "That boy..." He said, shaking his head as a grin spread across his face. "He''s truly the devil, isn''t he? Even the Sacred Guard¡ªbound by an eternal vow, their lives staked on his death¡ªand he sways them like it''s nothing."

    He leaned back in his chair, the manic gleam in his eyes sharpening as he stared into the flickering flame of the lamp. "Proof, if I needed any more, that he''s no son of mine¡ªjust a fiend wearing a human face."

    Wayne blinked, caught off guard by the reaction, but Rodrick''s calm swiftly returned, the manic edge smoothing into a cold, calculating demeanor. He waved a hand dismissively, resting his chin on his knuckles.

    "No need to worry, Wayne." He said, his voice steady once more. "Even if the Sacred Guard fail, I''ve got other legions at my disposal. I''ll send them after him¡ªhunt him down like the beast he is."

    "...The only hitch is the Vindictus family¡ªthey''ll kick up a fuss if I move too many pieces at once. Their backlash could be...troublesome."

    Wayne nodded, his fingers tightening around the reports as he absorbed the Patriarch''s words. But something lingered in his eyes¡ªhesitation, a flicker of pity he couldn''t quite hide.

    Rodrick noticed it immediately, his gaze narrowing as he leaned forward slightly. "What''s wrong?" He asked, his tone deceptively soft, though a warning lurked beneath it. "You''ve got that look again, Wayne...Spit it out."

    Wayne hesitated, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. He adjusted his spectacles nervously before speaking, his voice low and cautious.

    "My lord...Is there really a need to take the Young Master''s life?" §¯§Ö paused, choosing his words with care as Rodrick''s expression darkened. "I know he''s caused you pain, but he''s not at fault¡ªnot truly. If Lady Florence were watching from above, seeing you hunt your own son...It''d break her heart¡ª"

    But before he could finish, the air in the room turned frigid.

    "Wayne..."

    Rodrick suddenly called, his voice dropping to an icy, venomous whisper that made the attendant shudder. And when he looked up, he saw the Patriarch''s eyes locked onto him, cold and unyielding, like a corpse staring through the veil of death.

    Wayne froze, his breath catching as Rodrick continued, each word a shard of frost. "You...Don''t you ever bring up such a topic again. You, of all people, know how much I loved Florence¡ªhow she was the only light in this miserable, wretched life of mine."

    "...And you know the hatred the agony¡ªI felt when that devil took her from me."

    Rodrick''s hands then clenched into fists, as he leaned forward, his bloodthirsty gaze boring into Wayne like a predator sizing up prey. "I''m warning you this time because you''re my closest friend." He said, his voice trembling with barely restrained fury. "But there won''t be a next time. That thing that monster¡ªis no son of mine."

    "...He''s a blight, a curse, and I''ll see him dead if it''s the last thing I do."

    Wayne''s shoulders slumped, a pang of sadness tightening his chest as he bowed his head. "Yes, my lord." He said quietly, his voice heavy with reluctant acceptance.

    He felt a deep, aching pity for the young master, caught in a web of his father''s hatred for a crime he didn''t fully understand. But he knew better than to push further; Rodrick''s love for Florence and his vendetta against his son were twin flames that had consumed him, leaving no room for mercy.

    Rodrick then leaned back in his chair, the icy fury fading into a cold, resolute calm. "Good." He said, picking up his pen once more as if the exchange had never happened. "Now, about those legions¡ªstart drafting orders. I want options ready by dawn."

    "I want them to be the finest and most ruthless warriors we''ve got." He continued, his tone hardening with resolve. "And at midnight, put out a manhunt notice for the Sacred Guard¡ªtraitors need to be rooted out swiftly¡ª''"

    But before the words could fully leave his lips, his eyes darted to the distant corner of the room, widening with a sudden, visceral jolt. His hands trembled, the pen quivering in his grip, ink blotting the page in an uneven smear.

    It was as if he''d glimpsed some horrifying creature lurking there, a shadow that had been watching them this whole time.

    Wayne paused, his own hand hovering over the stack of reports as he caught the shift in Rodrick''s demeanor.

    The Patriarch''s face paled, his breath hitching for a fleeting moment¡ªfear, raw and unfiltered, flickering in his steely eyes.

    But then, just as quickly, Rodrick composed himself, the tremor in his hands stilling as he straightened in his chair and then a slow, almost feral smile spread across his lips.

    It was the look of a man who''d been waiting for this moment, who''d rehearsed it in his mind a thousand times and was finally ready for the showdown he''d craved.

    "It seems the devil couldn''t wait anymore, Wayne..." Rodrick murmured, his voice low and laced with a dark, triumphant edge. "...And he''s come to visit me instead."

    Wayne frowned, confusion knitting his brow as he followed Rodrick''s gaze. "My lord?" He asked, his voice uncertain. "What are you¡ª"

    His words died in his throat as he turned to glance behind him, toward the unlit corner of the study where the shadows pooled deepest.

    His heart lurched into his throat as he saw them¡ªtwo glowing red eyes staring back at him from the darkness, sharp and predatory, cutting through the gloom like twin embers.

    They fixed on him with an intensity that made his skin crawl, as if he were prey caught in the sights of a hunter who''d been stalking him for hours.

    "H-How long...?" Wayne whispered to himself, his mind reeling.

    How long had those eyes been there, watching, waiting? He didn''t know, but the weight of it''s gaze was suffocating, stripping away his composure in an instant.

    Instinct kicked in, and he stumbled back a step, his hand flying to the hilt of the short sword at his side. With a swift, practiced motion, he drew the blade, its steel glinting faintly in the lamplight as he positioned himself between Rodrick and the corner.

    "Guards!" He barked, his voice cracking with urgency as he prepared to shout for reinforcements.

    But the call died on his lips as the figure in the shadows moved, stepping forward into the dim light with a casual grace that belied the tension in the room.

    And Wayne''s breath caught, his sword wavering as the intruder revealed himself¡ª

    Cassius...It was actually Cassius Vindictus Holyfield, the third son of the Holyfield family and the third child of his own master. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The young master stood there, his crimson eyes glowing brighter now, stark against the tousled dark hair framing his face. A faint, almost playful smile curved his lips as he took another step, his presence filling the study with an eerie, magnetic energy.

    "Father..." Cassius said, his laced with mock hurt as he tilted his head, his glowing eyes locking onto Rodrick. "Calling me a devil of all things? That stings, you know. How could you say that about your own son?...I''m truly wounded."

    Wayne''s jaw dropped, his sword still raised but trembling slightly as he processed the scene. Cassius¡ªhere, now, in the heart of his father''s domain, stepping out of the shadows like a phantom summoned by Rodrick''s own hatred.

    The attendant''s mind raced, torn between shock and the instinct to protect his lord, but Rodrick''s reaction rooted him in place.

    The Patriarch didn''t flinch, didn''t reach for a weapon. Instead, his smile widened, a glint of something unhinged flickering in his eyes as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

    "Wounded?" Rodrick echoed, his voice dripping with venomous amusement. "You?...Don''t play the victim with me, boy. You''ve got the gall to slink in here, after everything¡ªafter what you did to her and pretend at innocence?" He chuckled, a low, guttural sound that sent a chill down Wayne''s spine. "And those eyes of yours¡ªthey prove it. No son of mine would carry that hellfire in his gaze."

    Cassius''s smile didn''t falter, though a flicker of something sharper¡ªanger, perhaps, or defiance¡ªflashed in his crimson stare. "Hellfire, is it?" He said, taking another step closer. "Funny, I thought I got these from you¡ªalong with the charm and the stubborn streak."

    "...Guess I inherited more than you''d like to admit, Father."

    Wayne''s grip tightened on his sword, his heart pounding as he glanced between the two men. The air crackled with tension, a volatile mix of loathing and familiarity that threatened to ignite at any moment.

    "My lord." He said, his voice low and urgent. "Shall I¡ª?"

    "Stay where you are, Wayne." Rodrick snapped, his eyes never leaving Cassius. His smile turned colder, more predatory, as he rose slowly from his chair, his hands pressing flat against the desk. "No need to call the guards. I''ve been waiting for this¡ªdreaming of it. The devil''s walked right into my hands, and I''m not letting him slip away this time."

    The showdown Rodrick had been waiting for¡ªthe moment he''d envisioned in sleepless nights and bitter daydreams¡ªhad finally arrived.

    He was certain of it, his pulse quickening as he stared at the figure before him. After years of silence, years of neglect and festering resentment, the devil had come to confront him at last.

    Rodrick was convinced that Cassius, pushed beyond endurance, had snapped¡ªdriven mad by the weight of abandonment and ready to end it all with his own hands, to spill his father''s blood in a final, frenzied act of vengeance.

    And that was exactly what Rodrick craved.

    In this moment, consequences be damned¡ªrepercussions, politics, the Vindictus family¡ªall of it faded into irrelevance.

    All he saw was the face of the devil who''d ruined his life, the shadow that had stolen his light.

    So, in a surge of manic fury, Rodrick seized a longsword from the ornate stand beside his desk, its blade gleaming wickedly in the lamplight. And with a wild, reckless swing, he hurled it across the room, the weapon clattering to the floor at Cassius''s feet.

    "Pick it up!" He roared, his voice raw with years of pent-up rage. "I know how much you hate me¡ªhow much you''ve wanted my life all these years, just as I''ve wanted yours! I''ve dreamed of this day, boy¡ªdreamed of driving my blade through that cursed heart of yours! And I don''t care anymore about the estate, about the throne, about anything!"

    "...Take it up, and let''s see whose hatred burns deeper!"

    His words echoed through the study, a mad roar that made even Wayne flinch. The attendant''s sword wavered in his grip, his eyes darting between Rodrick and Cassius as he wondered if his lord had truly lost his mind.

    The Patriarch''s face was alight with a feverish intensity, his eyes blazing with a bloodlust that stripped away the veneer of civility he''d worn for years.

    This wasn''t the calculated ruler Wayne served, this was a man unhinged, consumed by a vendetta that had festered too long.

    But to Rodrick''s utter shock, Cassius didn''t move.

    He stood there, his crimson eyes glinting with something cold and unreadable as he glanced down at the sword at his feet.

    Then, with a slow, deliberate tilt of his head, he looked back at his father¡ªnot with fury, not with madness, but with a disdain so palpable it seemed to chill the room.

    "Why should I fight you, Father?" He asked, his voice low and cutting, laced with a quiet scorn. "Why should I fight for my life, when you, this estate, your family, even your soul¡ªeverything you hold dear already belongs to me as..."

    "...I am the devil you''ve proclaimed me as, and this devil has finally come to claim what''s rightfully his."

 Chapter 109 - 109: Spineless Bandits

    Rodrick froze, the sword in his hand trembling as Cassius''s absurd words sank in. Then, a harsh, barking laugh erupted from his throat, his head tipping back as the sound filled the study with a manic edge.

    "Yours?!" He bellowed, his laughter teetering on the brink of hysteria. "You think everything belongs to you? I''ve gone half-mad with hatred these past years¡ªI''ll give you that...But have you lost your mind too, boy? You''ve got nothing!"

    "...That pitiful little mansion I tossed you out of pity¡ªthat''s all you have! You dare stand there and claim the Holyfield Estate the richest, most powerful seat on the continent¡ªas yours? You''re delusional!"

    Wayne, still clutching his sword, stared at Cassius in bewilderment, his mind reeling. The Young Master''s declaration was absurd...ludicrous, even.

    The Holyfield Estate wasn''t just land; it was a legacy, a fortress of wealth and influence that dwarfed anything Cassius could hope to command.

    To claim it all, standing there with nothing but a smirk and those eerie red eyes...Had he truly gone mad?

    Wayne''s gaze flickered between the two men, searching Cassius''s face for some sign of jest or instability, but finding only a calm, unshakable confidence that unnerved him even more.

    Hearing the mocking laugher, Cassius simply chuckled before he stepped forward, his boots silent against the polished floor, his crimson gaze locking onto Rodrick with an intensity that made even Wayne shiver for some reason.

    "It''s understandable you''d think this is a joke." He said, his voice taunting. "Right now, I must look like a lunatic to you¡ªsome raving fool spouting nonsense...But that''s not the truth at all." He paused, his smirk widening as he tilted his head, his eyes glinting with a dark promise. "So, to make you understand, I''m going to show you a little example¡ªa wonderful demonstration that''ll prove it''s not you who''s in charge of your life anymore¡ª"

    "...It''s me. I govern everything you cherish and everything you love."

    Rodrick''s laughter faltered, his grip tightening on his sword as confusion clouded his fury. "What are you blabbering about, boy?" He snapped, his voice sharp but tinged with unease. "You''ve got no power here¡ªno men, no claim! What example could you possibly¡ª"

    Wayne cut in, his voice trembling as he stepped closer to Rodrick, his sword still raised. "Young Master, what...What do you mean?" He asked, his brow furrowing as he tried to make sense of the cryptic words. "Govern everything? You''re not making sense¡ªnone of this does!"

    Cassius chuckled, a low, rolling sound that reverberated through the tense air of the study, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and menace.

    "Oh, it''ll make sense." He said, his voice assured. "I''ll make sure it makes sense by showing you something that would make everything I say make complete sense."

    He then refused to elaborate and tilted his head, his gaze shifting to lock onto Rodrick with a piercing intensity that made the Patriarch''s skin prickle.

    "Tell me, Father¡ªdo you trust this man?" He pointed toward Wayne, his smirk widening as he awaited the response.

    Rodrick''s answer came without hesitation, his voice firm despite the unease gnawing at him. "Of course." He said, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at his attendant. "I trust him with my life."

    Cassius''s chuckle deepened, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features. "Good." He said, his tone almost playful now. "Then how about I take him somewhere? Show him something¡ªdon''t worry, I''ll bring him back safe and sound." He spread his hands slightly, as if offering a gracious concession. "A little trip, that''s all."

    Rodrick frowned, suspicion flaring in his chest as he studied his son''s calm demeanor. The offer sounded too simple, too benign, and he didn''t trust it¡ªnot for a second.

    But before he could respond, Wayne stepped forward, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands.

    "I''ll go, my lord." He said, squaring his shoulders with a soldier''s resolve. "I''ll see what he wants to show me and report back¡ªeverything, just as it is." He met Rodrick''s gaze, his expression brave but tinged with a quiet plea for approval.

    Rodrick hesitated, his jaw clenching as he weighed the risk. Every instinct screamed that Cassius was baiting him, luring Wayne into some trap¡ªbut the chance to prove his son''s delusions, to rub his failure in his face, was too tempting to resist.

    "Fine." He said at last, his voice cold and clipped. "Go. I''m only agreeing to this to show you, you devil, how far gone you are¡ªthinking you can just waltz in and snatch what''s mine. You''ll see how laughable this all is when Wayne comes back and tells me exactly what nonsense you''ve cooked up."

    Cassius''s smile didn''t falter; if anything, it softened into something almost pitying, like he was looking at a petulant child throwing a tantrum.

    "We''ll see." He said simply, his tone infuriatingly calm. He turned toward the door, his crimson eyes glinting in the lamplight as he gestured for Wayne to follow. "Come along, then."

    Wayne sheathed his sword with a decisive click, casting one last glance at Rodrick before falling into step behind Cassius. As they walked, Cassius glanced over his shoulder, his voice casual but edged with a dark curiosity. "You''re alright with blood, I take it?"

    Wayne straightened, his chest puffing slightly with pride as he replied. "I served in the army, Young Master. I''ve seen more than simple blood¡ªbattlefields, butchery, the lot...I can handle it."

    Cassius nodded, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Good." He said, his tone deceptively light. "I''d hate for you to pass out at the scene you''re about to witness."

    "...I need you sharp to report back to Father, after all."

    With that, he pushed open the door, and the two vanished into the shadowed hallway beyond, leaving Rodrick alone in the study.

    At first, Rodrick maintained his air of confidence, his posture rigid as he sat back in his chair, staring at the door with a sneer. He''d called Cassius''s bluff¡ªsent Wayne to expose whatever pathetic ploy his son had concocted.

    But as the minutes ticked by, that certainty began to erode.

    What if Cassius had taken Wayne somewhere to kill him, a twisted act of revenge for years of loyalty to the Patriarch?

    The thought gnawed at him, and soon he was pacing the room, his boots thudding against the polished floor as a storm of doubts swirled in his mind. He didn''t care about the Sacred Guard''s deadline anymore¡ªhis focus was consumed by the possibility that his trusted aide might not return.

    Time slipped away, each second stretching into an eternity. Forty minutes had passed since they''d left, and it was now just fifteen minutes until midnight¡ªthe deadline for the eternal vow, when the Sacred Guard''s failure would be cemented.

    Rodrick''s worry deepened into dread.

    Had Cassius murdered Wayne and fled? Was this his final taunt, leaving Rodrick to stew in uncertainty?

    He strode toward the desk, reaching for the bell to summon his men, his hand trembling with anxiety.

    But just as his fingers brushed the cord, the door creaked open, and to his utter shock Wayne stepped inside.

    Rodrick''s breath caught, relief flooding him as he watched him approach. "Wayne!" He exclaimed, his voice rough with urgency. "You''re back¡ªare you alright? What did he show you? What¡ª"

    But his words faltered as he took in Wayne''s appearance.

    The man''s face was deathly pale, as if every drop of blood had drained from it, leaving his skin a sickly, ashen gray. His eyes¡ªusually sharp and steady¡ªwere wide and lost, staring through Rodrick with a hopelessness that sent a chill down the Patriarch''s spine.

    Wayne stood there, swaying slightly, his hands limp at his sides, looking like a man who''d glimpsed the abyss and couldn''t unsee it.

    Rodrick froze, his relief curdling into terror. He''d never seen Wayne like this¡ªnot in the bloodiest battles, not in the darkest moments of their decades together. "Wayne." He said slowly, his voice trembling as he took a cautious step closer. "What...What happened? Why do you look like that?"

    Wayne''s gaze finally shifted to meet Rodrick''s, and a faint, despairing smile curled his lips¡ªa smile that carried no warmth, only a hollow resignation.

    "All these years, my lord...." He began, his voice soft and shaky. "I never accepted that term you used for him¡ªdevil. I thought it was too harsh, too cruel to call a child that, no matter what he''d done."

    He let out a weak, broken chuckle, his eyes glinting with unshed tears as he shook his head.

    "But now...now I understand. The Young Master isn''t human¡ªnot even close. He''s the spawn of the devil, just like you always said. And not just any devil, my lord..."

    He paused, his smile fading as his voice dropped to a whisper, each word heavy with dread.

    "He''s the devil that''s going to bring about the destruction of the Holyfield Household¡ªour house, that''s stood strong for centuries."

    "...It''s all going to crumble because of him."

    Rodrick''s blood ran cold, his hands clenching into fists as Wayne''s words sank in. The room seemed to tilt, the lamplight flickering as if mocking his sudden vulnerability.

    "What did you see?" He demanded, his voice rising fury. "What did he show you to make you say that?!"

    Wayne didn''t answer right away. He simply stared at Rodrick, his pale face etched with a quiet, unshakable certainty, as if he''d witnessed something so profound, so horrifying, that words could barely capture it.

    The silence stretched, suffocating, and Rodrick felt the weight of his son''s presence, of Cassius''s promise pressing down on him like a noose tightening around his neck.

    Whatever Wayne had seen, it had shattered him¡ªand Rodrick knew, deep in his bones, that the devil he''d hunted for so long was no longer just a shadow in his mind, but a force poised to claim everything he''d ever held dear.

    Wayne''s gaze then drifted to the floor, his voice emerging in a monotonous drone, as if the life had been sapped from him, leaving only a hollow shell to recount the nightmare.

    "Do you remember the ''Spineless Bandits'', my lord?" He asked, his tone flat, lifeless, like a man who''d already surrendered to despair. "The ones in the Wyvern Mountains?"

    Rodrick''s brow furrowed, but he nodded, his voice rough with impatience. "Of course I do." He said, leaning forward slightly. "A pack of about a hundred or so filthy curs holed up between our borders and the next region. They raided merchants passing through those cursed roads. Cowards, the lot of them¡ªonly preyed on the weak, never dared tangle with anyone who could fight back...That''s why everyone called them the Spineless Bandits"

    His lip curled in disgust as he recalled the tales. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Worst of all, they raped the women, slaughtered the men¡ªno hostages, no mercy. Ruthless bastards. And slippery as well, as they hid so well in those mountains that no army we sent could root them out, no matter how many we threw at them."

    Wayne nodded faintly, his pale face unchanging as he agreed. "That''s exactly who they were." He said, his voice still devoid of inflection. He then lifted his eyes to meet Rodrick''s, and a flicker of something¡ªdread, perhaps¡ªpassed through them.

    "...And tonight, in fact just a few minutes ago, I just stood face-to-face with all of them, my lord."

    Rodrick recoiled, his chair creaking as he jolted back in shock. "What?!" He barked, his voice rising with incredulity. "How''s that even possible? The Wyvern Mountains are three hours from here on horseback¡ªthree hours at a hard gallop! What are you saying?"

    Wayne''s lips twitched into a faint, lifeless smile, his eyes staring through Rodrick as if he were reliving the moment. "Distance wasn''t a problem." He said, his tone eerily calm. "The Young Master...He just picked me up and brought me there."

    Rodrick''s confusion deepened, his hands clenching into fists on the desk. "Picked you up?" He repeated, his voice thick with disbelief. "What in the hells does that mean? How¡ª"

    But before he could press further, Wayne continued, his words tumbling out in that same detached monotone, as if his mind had disconnected from the horror to protect itself.

    "He somehow knew exactly where they were hiding." He said. "He pinpointed their camp in those mountains like he''d mapped it in his sleep. And at that time, they were partying¡ªdrunk on ale and blood, celebrating another raid."

    "...And then you wouldn''t believe this, my lord, but the Young Master aster...he...he just walked in¡ªright into the center of it all, as bold as you please like it was his own home."

    Rodrick''s eyes widened, his breath catching as he leaned forward. "He what?!" He snapped, his voice a mix of shock and outrage. "Walked into a camp of a hundred armed bandits? How did he escape that? Did that devil have a death wish?"

    Wayne''s smile turned rueful, a bitter edge creeping into his hollow tone. "It wasn''t him who had a death wish, my lord." He said, his voice trembling slightly now. "It was the bandits...The ones who caught the Young Master''s eye."

    He paused, his breath hitching as the memory of what he witnessed clawed its way back to the surface. His hands shook, his composure cracking as he stammered.

    "He...He..." The words caught in his throat, and he faltered, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he struggled to speak.

    Rodrick stared, his own heart pounding as Wayne''s hesitation stretched the silence into something unbearable. "What?!" He demanded, slamming a fist on the desk. "What did he do, Wayne? Spit it out!"

    Wayne broke then, a choked laugh spilling from his lips as tears streamed down his pale cheeks, his body trembling with the weight of what he''d seen.

    "HE...HE MASSACRED THEM ALL!" He finally cried, his voice rising into a ragged, desperate wail. "A-ALL OF THEM, MY LORD...HE KILLED THEM WITH HIS OWN HANDS, RUTHLESS, MERCILESS, AND BATHED IN THEIR BLOOD AND...H-HE MADE ME WATCH IT ALL!"

    Rodrick''s breath caught, his hands gripping the edge of the desk as Wayne''s words hit him like a physical blow, while the attendant then sank to his knees, his laughter dissolving into sobs as he clutched at his head, the images flooding back.

    "H-He didn''t even let them speak." He went on, his voice breaking. "The first one stepped forward¡ªsome brute with a club¡ªand the young master started...No weapons, no sword¡ªjust his hands. He slashed through them, tore them apart like they were nothing. And the worst part..."

    He shuddered, his voice dropping to a horrified whisper.

    "H-He actually shoved his hand into their backs, grabbed the base of their spines, and pulled. Pulled their spines right out every single one of them! Pulled so hard that sometimes their ribcage along with all their organs inside came out as well! "

    "...Their heads dangled from the ends, swinging like trophies, and he kept going, one after another, until the ground was a sea of blood and a mountain of spines!"

    Rodrick''s face drained of color, his mouth falling open as he stared at Wayne, who was now rocking slightly on the floor, tears streaming down his face.

    "It was a bloodbath." Wayne whimpered, his voice raw with anguish. "The bottom level of hell¡ªgruesome, grotesque, every inch soaked in red. By the end, he was covered in it¡ªblood dripping from his hands, his face, his clothes¡ªand that pile of spines...gods, I can still see it. A hundred of them, maybe more, stacked like firewood."

    He lifted his head, his hopeless eyes locking onto Rodrick''s with a despair so profound it seemed to age him decades in an instant.

    "I was a soldier too, my lord." He said, his voice trembling but resolute. "I''ve seen war, death, carnage¡ªthings that haunt you for years. But after tonight...after what I saw...There''s no sleeping. No forgetting."

    "...I''ve seen what the devil can do, and it''s him¡ªit''s him!"

    Rodrick stumbled back, his chair scraping against the floor as he sank into it, his hands shaking as he gripped the armrests. Horror clawed at his chest, his mind reeling as Wayne''s account painted a picture too vivid, too monstrous to dismiss.

    The Spineless Bandits¡ªvile, elusive, a scourge he''d failed to crush for years¡ªwiped out in a single, brutal display by Cassius''s hands. And not just killed¡ªdismantled, their spines torn free as if they were no more than insects to be crushed underfoot.

    The image seared into his mind, and with it came a chilling realization: his son who he named as the devil wasn''t just a figure of speech.

    It was real, tangible, and standing ready to destroy everything he''d built and loved...

 Chapter 110 - 110: Call For The Devil And He Shall Appear

    Wayne curled in on himself, his sobs quieting into ragged breaths as he stared blankly at the floor. "He brought me back after." He muttered, almost to himself. "Dropped me at the gates like it was nothing. Smiled at me...Told me to tell you what I saw. Said you''d understand now." He laughed again, a broken, hollow sound. "And even if you don''t understand, I do...I understand."

    Wayne''s trembling hands fumbled at his side, his voice still flat and lifeless as he spoke, as though the act of recounting the horror had drained him of any remaining will.

    "What I''ve said...It might sound like a fantasy." He murmured, his eyes staring blankly at the floor. "A dream¡ªor a nightmare. I wouldn''t blame you if you didn''t believe me, my lord...It''s too much, too mad to be real. That''s why..." He reached into his coat, his movements slow and mechanical, and pulled out a small, blood¡ªsoaked sack. "That''s why I took the time to cut off every bandit''s ears."

    "...To bring them back with me as proof for what I had witnessed."

    He tossed the sack onto the desk with a wet thud, and it landed in front of Rodrick, the fabric sagging to reveal its grisly contents.

    Bloody ears spilled out, some still glistening with fresh crimson, others crusted and dark¡ªdozens of them, grisly raw evidence to Wayne''s tale.

    Seeing this, Rodrick recoiled, his chair scraping back as a wave of horror washed over him, his stomach churning at the sight. The metallic stench of blood hit him like a punch, and he pressed a hand to his mouth, his blue eyes wide with disbelief.

    "No..." He rasped, shaking his head as he tore his gaze from the sack to glare at Wayne. "I can''t believe this!I won''t! My son¡ªhe''s a wastrel, a weakling! No elemental powers, no strength¡ªnothing! There''s no way he could''ve done this. It''s impossible!" His voice rose, tinged with desperation, as if denying it could erase the evidence staring back at him.

    But before Wayne could respond, a familiar voice cut through the air, that sent a chill through his spine.

    "...I''m back home, Father..."

    "...Hope you didn''t miss me too much..."

    Rodrick''s head snapped toward the door, his breath catching as he saw Cassius''s head peeking into the room.

    And what he saw froze the blood in his veins..

    His son''s face was drenched in blood.

    Crimson rivulets streaking down his cheeks, matting his dark hair, dripping from his chin to the floor in a slow, relentless patter.

    And those glowing red eyes shone through the gore, bright and unyielding, locking onto Rodrick with a chilling calm.

    Cassius then stepped fully into the room, revealing his clothes that were also soaked through with blood, the fabric clinging to him like a second skin and he didn''t seem to notice or care about the shock etched across his father''s face as he witnessed the horrific sight.

    "I knew you wouldn''t believe Wayne." Cassius said, his voice steady andcasual as he wiped a smear of blood from his cheek, only to streak it further. "Words are cheap, aren''t they?...So that''s why, just for your sake, I brought an example to show you." He turned his head slightly, his crimson gaze glinting with dark amusement.

    "Lucious, bring in the ''example''."

    The door swung wider, and Lucious stepped in, as nonchalant as ever, his pristine butler''s uniform a stark contrast to his master''s blood¡ªdrenched state. He didn''t flinch at Cassius''s appearance, didn''t blink at the gore¡ªjust carried on with a faint pout, as if mildly inconvenienced.

    In his grasp was Edmund, gagged and bound, his eyes wild with terror as Lucious dragged him forward and threw him unceremoniously to the floor at Cassius''s feet. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Rodrick''s jaw dropped, his hands gripping the desk as he stared at the doctor. "Edmund?!" He sputtered, his voice rising with a mix of confusion and outrage. "What''s he doing here? Did you kidnap him, you bastard?!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile widening into something sharp and knowing. "Does it matter who kidnapped him?" He replied, his tone deceptively light. "What matters is that Edmund''s been a busy little bee¡ªtrying to poison me, over and over again. And why, you ask?"

    He leaned forward slightly, his blood¡ªstreaked face catching the lamplight as he fixed Rodrick with a pointed stare.

    "Because a certain someone kept whispering in his ear. Filling his head with ideas¡ªpromises that if I just...disappeared, if I ceased to exist, then he''d be welcomed as a third son...Valued, cherished, a proper part of the family."

    The accusation hung in the air, heavy and damning, and Rodrick''s face tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line. He didn''t deny it couldn''t, not with the truth laid bare like that.

    Wayne''s head snapped up, his pale face twisting with shock as he stared at his lord. "My lord...You...?" He stammered, the revelation hitting him like a blow.

    He''d served Rodrick for decades, trusted him implicitly, and yet this¡ªmanipulating Edmund to kill his own son¡ªhad been kept from him.

    Cassius waved a hand dismissively, the blood on his fingers leaving a faint smear in the air.

    "Oh, don''t look so surprised, Wayne." He said, his voice tinged with mock sympathy. "Father''s always been good at pulling strings. But I don''t care about that anymore¡ªpast is past, water under the bridge."

    His smile faded, replaced by a cold, resolute glint in his eyes as he stepped closer to Edmund, who writhed on the floor, his muffled pleas growing frantic.

    "What I do care about is showing him that everything Wayne told you is true. And Edmund here?...He''s the perfect example."

    Rodrick''s breath hitched, his hands clenching as Cassius loomed over the bound doctor. "What are you¡ª" He started, but the words died in his throat as Cassius moved.

    With a casual, deliberate motion, he planted a boot on Edmund''s back, pinning him to the floor.

    The doctor''s muffled screams intensified, his body thrashing beneath the weight as Cassius slowly lowered his hand, his fingers flexing with a predator''s grace.

    And then to everyone''s horror, Cassius effortlessly dug his hand into Edmund''s back, his fingers sinking into the flesh near the base of the spine with a sickening squelch.

    Squelch~

    "AHHH!~ MMMMM!~ AHHHHH!~ MMMMM!~ AHHHHHHH!~"

    Edmund''s screams erupted through the gag, raw and agonized, but Cassius didn''t mind as Cassius''s hand burrowed deeper, blood welling up around his wrist.

    Rodrick staggered back, his chair toppling as he pressed himself against the desk, while Wayne let out a choked gasp, his hands flying to his mouth.

    Lucious merely watched, his expression bored, as if this were just another chore.

    And if this wasn''t already too much to witness, Cassius''s fingers then closed around the spine, gripping it tightly as Edmund''s body convulsed in agony, his screams reaching a fevered pitch.

    Blood pooled beneath him, soaking into the rug, and then Cassius''s crimson eyes locked onto Rodrick''s, holding his father''s gaze with an unblinking intensity.

    "See, Father." He said, his voice calm and steady despite the horror unfolding. "This is what I am. What I''ve become."

    "...What you''ve created, as once you called the devil enough times, he''ll appear before you whether you like it or not."

    With one last, evil smile, Cassius tightened his grip and pulled.

    Crack!~

    The sound was grotesque.

    A wet, ripping crack as the spine tore free, vertebrae snapping one by one.

    Edmund''s screams cut off abruptly as Cassius then yanked the entire length of the spine from his body, the head still attached, dangling limply from the end.

    Blood sprayed across the room, splattering the desk, the walls, and Rodrick''s frozen form as the lifeless husk of Edmund collapsed to the floor, a crimson pool spreading beneath it.

    Cassius held the spine aloft, the head swinging gently, its lifeless eyes staring blankly as blood dripped from the severed end. He then tilted his head, his smile unwavering as he met Rodrick''s horrified gaze.

    "Do you understand now?" He asked, his voice soft but laced with a chilling satisfaction. "Everything you''ve built, everything you love¡ªit''s mine to take."

    "...And there''s nothing you can do about it."

    Rodrick''s legs gave out, and he sank to his knees, his hands trembling as he stared at the monstrous sight before him¡ªhis son, drenched in blood, holding a man''s spine like a trophy.

    Wayne simply whimpered, curling in on himself as the reality of what he''d witnessed in the mountains crashed back, magnified by the brutality he''d just seen, while Lucious sighed, brushing a speck of blood from his sleeve, utterly unfazed.

    The study was silent except for the faint drip of blood hitting the floor, a sound that seemed to echo Rodrick''s crumbling world.

    The devil he''d hunted had returned¡ªnot to fight, but to prove a point, but to take what was his. And in that moment, Rodrick understood:

    Cassius wasn''t just a threat...He was the end.

 Chapter 111 - 111: End It All

    Rodrick understood.

    From this moment forward, there was no way he could challenge Cassius¡ªnot in any meaningful sense.

    The realization sank into him like a blade, cold and unyielding, as he stared at the blood-drenched figure of his son standing before him, Edmund''s spine dangling from his hand like some grotesque trophy.

    Why?

    Because in a mere forty-minute gap, Cassius had accomplished the impossible. He''d traveled to the Wyvern Mountains¡ªa journey that took half a day to and fro on horseback, even at a relentless gallop¡ªand slaughtered over a hundred of the Spineless Bandits in what must have been a handful of minutes.

    And not just killed them¡ªbutchered them, in the most brutal, inhuman way imaginable, tearing their spines from their bodies with his bare hands.

    Then he''d returned, unscathed, without so much as a scratch on his back, looking as casual as if he''d gone for a stroll in the gardens instead of orchestrating a massacre.

    No grandmaster on the continent could have pulled off such a feat¡ªnot the legendary swordsmen of the eastern plains, not the elemental mages of the southern towers, not even the most battle-hardened warlords Rodrick had ever known.

    He was certain of it. Even if he summoned his most formidable forces¡ªthe Iron and Blood Legion, a unit renowned for its ferocity and aggressiveness¡ªor the Sacred Guard, his elite warriors known for their efficiency to deal with any sort of efficiency, they couldn''t have matched what Cassius had done.

    Not in speed, not in brutality, not in sheer, terrifying efficiency. The numbers didn''t lie, and the evidence¡ªWayne''s shattered testimony, the sack of ears, Edmund''s broken body, spoke louder than any denial Rodrick could muster.

    In that moment, all Rodrick could think was that Cassius wasn''t human¡ªnot of this world, not of flesh and blood as he knew it. He was a spawn of the devil, a creature dredged up from the deepest pits of hell, cloaked in a deceptively charming guise.

    This demon could slip into the Holyfield mansion under the cover of night, slaughter every soul within its walls¡ªhis guards, his family, everyone he loved and walk away as if it were nothing, leaving behind only blood and silence.

    That image seared itself into Rodrick''s mind: Cassius standing over his lifeless body, crimson eyes glowing in the dark, the estate reduced to a tomb.

    It was that thought the utter helplessness against a force so unstoppable that terrified him most, stripping away his years of pride and power in an instant.

    Cassius was in charge now. There was no question, no contest. The devil held the reins.

    But even as Rodrick''s mind churned, grasping for some desperate solution, some way to kill this demon and end the nightmare before it consumed him, Cassius''s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts, calm and casual as ever.

    "Lucious..." He said, turning slightly to his butler, who still lingered near the door. "I''ve still got some work to finish here, so why don''t you head back home and get some rest?"

    Lucious sighed dramatically, his shoulders slumping as he adjusted his pristine cuffs, seemingly oblivious to the gore-streaked room around him. "Oh, come on, Young Master." He grumbled, his tone sulky. "I was hoping to see how this all plays out¡ªbit of a climax, you know? It''s quite the show after all."

    He cast a sidelong glance at Rodrick and Wayne, as if they were mere spectators in some grisly theater. But then he caught the look in Cassius''s eyes¡ªsharp, unyielding, a silent command that brooked no argument and his pout deepened.

    "Fine, fine." He muttered, relenting with a wave of his hand. "But when you come back, please, for the love of all that''s decent, take a shower first. Wash that blood off your face and body¡ªI don''t want the mansion stinking of it when you walk in. It''s bad enough I''ll have to scrub this mess later."

    Cassius chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that seemed almost out of place amidst the carnage. "Fair enough." He said, his eyes glinting with mischief as he wiped a smear of blood from his cheek. "I''ll clean up¡ªwouldn''t want to offend my adorable butler after all.."

    With a final, exasperated huff, Lucious turned on his heel and strode out of the study, his footsteps echoing faintly down the hall as he left the room behind.

    And the moment he did Cassius''s gaze shifted, settling on his father, who knelt trembling on the blood-streaked floor, his once proud demeanor reduced to a shell of shock and dread.

    And then slowly, deliberately, Cassius stepped forward, his boots leaving faint red prints as he closed the distance and then crouched down right in front of Rodrick, his blood-soaked form looming close enough that the Patriarch could smell the iron tang clinging to him.

    His voice emerged calm, almost gentle, a stark contrast to the carnage he''d wrought. "You probably think you''re staring at a monster right now, don''t you, Father?"

    Rodrick didn''t respond couldn''t. His lips parted, but no sound came out. But seeing the glowing red gaze, the casual ease of a man who''d just torn a spine from a living body¡ªit was more than enough to scream demon, not human.

    His silence was answer enough, and Cassius read it as clearly as if he''d spoken aloud.

    A low chuckle rumbled from Cassius''s chest, his head tilting as he studied his father''s expression. "I see it in your eyes." He said, his tone laced with dark amusement. "But here''s the thing, Father¡ªeven if you think of me that way, the true demon, the real monster¡ªor whatever you want to call it isn''t me..." He paused, letting the words sink in, then leaned closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

    "...It''s you."

    Rodrick flinched, the accusation striking him like a physical blow, his hands clenching into fists against the floor.

    Cassius then straightened slightly, his smile fading as he continued, his words sharp and deliberate. "I mean, I could mention the sin of wanting to kill your newborn son¡ªme, fresh into this world, innocent as any baby. A grudge so deep you''d snuff out your own blood. But I''ll let that slide for now¡ªwater under the bridge, right?"

    "...But abandoning the Sacred Guard on the other hand?"

    He chuckled again, a cold, bitter sound.

    "Your loyal knights, who''ve bled for your lands, defended your name for years¡ªjust tossed aside like garbage, all because of your petty vendetta?"

    "...I can''t think of anything more evil than that. Betraying those who trusted you with their lives...It''s detestable."

    Rodrick''s teeth gritted audibly, his jaw tightening as Cassius''s words cut deeper than any blade. Shame and fury warred in his chest, but he said nothing, his silence a brittle shield against the truth he couldn''t deny.

    Cassius''s crimson eyes glinted as he pressed on, unrelenting. "And just so you know, I''ve already taken them under my wing...You know, the Sacred Guard."

    "...And unlike you, who threw them away to die, I''m going to do the opposite. I''ll save them all, Father..."

    "...Show you that while you''re the true demon here, I''m something else¡ªa savior, even an angel, if you will."

    The words hung in the air, absurd and provocative, and Rodrick''s restraint shattered the moment he heard it.

    A manic laugh burst from his throat, loud and unhinged, as he jabbed a trembling finger at Cassius.

    "An angel?!" He roared, his voice cracking with disbelief. "A savior?! You, of all people, dare call yourself that?!" His laughter grew wilder, his eyes gleaming with a feverish intensity as he clutched at his sides. "If you''re a savior, then the vilest murderer, the most depraved rapist, could call himself a saint!...You''re delusional, boy¡ªutterly mad!"

    Cassius remained still, his expression unreadable as he let Rodrick''s tirade wash over him, the Patriarch''s laughter echoing off the study''s walls. Wayne, still huddled on the floor, lifted his head slightly, his pale face etched with confusion and dread as he watched the exchange unfold.

    Rodrick''s laughter sharpened, his voice dripping with venom as he leaned forward, seizing the one advantage he could still wield.

    "And how in the hells do you plan to save the Sacred Guard as their ''new master''?" He sneered, his tone mocking. "The only way to break their eternal vow¡ªthe only way to save their captain, Julie¡ªis if you die."

    "...Your head on a platter, delivered to me¡ªthat''s their salvation!"

    He grinned, a twisted, triumphant gleam in his eyes as he saw a chance to twist the knife.

    "You''ve got ten minutes until midnight, boy. Ten minutes until the vow claims them all. And there''s no way you can do it. You talk of saving them, but you''ve just given them false hope¡ªdangled it in front of them only to let it crash down."

    "...You''re no better than me¡ªworse, even!"

    His laughter swelled again, a manic cackle that filled the room as he slapped his thigh, reveling in the perceived victory.

    He couldn''t match Cassius in raw power¡ªthat much was clear. But here, in this moment, he could wound him with words, make him feel the weight of his own failure.

    But just as Rodrick''s glee reached its peak, Cassius''s voice cut through the noise, steady and unshaken, stopping the Patriarch cold.

    "Then...What if I brought my head in myself?" He asked, his tone deceptively calm.

    "...Wouldn''t that save the Sacred Guard?"

    Rodrick''s laughter choked off mid-breath, his eyes widening as he stared at Cassius in disbelief. Wayne''s head snapped up fully now, his mouth falling open as the words sank in.

    The room fell silent, the absurdity of the statement hanging like a guillotine blade.

    "What...?" Rodrick finally sputtered, his voice faltering as he searched Cassius''s face for some sign of jest. "That''s absurd! You''re lying¡ªthere''s no way you''d do that! You''re just spouting nonsense to cover up that you can''t save them!"

    Wayne nodded faintly, his voice a hoarse whisper. "He''s right, Young Master...It doesn''t make sense. You can''t mean that."

    Cassius''s lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile, his eyes glinting with a quiet, unshakable confidence. "I''m not lying." He said simply, his voice carrying a weight that silenced their doubts. "Unlike a certain someone who betrays the people who put their trust in him, I keep my promises to those who place their hope in me."

    He straightened, his blood-soaked form towering over Rodrick as he met his father''s stunned gaze. "You think I can''t save them? That I''d let them down like you did?"

    "...Watch me, Father. I''ll show you exactly what I''m capable of."

    Rodrick''s breath stopped, his hands trembling as he stared up at Cassius, the manic energy draining from him as a cold dread took its place. Wayne''s eyes darted between them, his mind reeling as he tried to grasp what Cassius could possibly mean.

    Ten minutes until midnight¡ªten minutes until the vow''s deadline¡ªand Cassius stood there, unflinching, his smile a promise of something unthinkable yet inevitable.

    The devil wasn''t bluffing, and that realization chilled Rodrick to his core, leaving him grasping for a reality that was slipping further out of his control with every ticking second.

    And while both Rodrick and Wayne were utterly confused, Cassius without a word turned, his blood-soaked boots leaving faint red marks on the floor as he walked over to the sword his father had thrown earlier. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    It lay there, gleaming softly in the lamplight, and he picked it up with an easy, almost careless motion, the steel flashing as he held it loosely. Then he strolled back to Rodrick, who was still on his knees, shaking with a mix of fear and disbelief.

    Rodrick and Wayne tensed up as he got closer, the sword in his hand looking dangerous and sharp.

    Their hearts raced, expecting something awful¡ªmaybe a sudden attack or some crazy act of revenge. Wayne''s hand twitched toward his own sword, ready to jump in and protect his lord, while Rodrick''s eyes flicked nervously between the blade and Cassius''s blank face, sure the demon was about to lash out.

    But instead, Cassius stopped in front of his father and crouched down.

    And to their shock, he reached out with a steady hand, grabbing Rodrick''s shoulder gently as he helped him stand up.

    Rodrick stiffened, his breath catching as Cassius helped him up, guiding him to his feet with a firm but kind touch.

    The Patriarch wobbled a bit, his legs unsteady, his head spinning from the unexpected softness, while Wayne''s mouth fell open, his hand dropping from his sword as he watched, totally thrown off.

    Then came the real surprise.

    Cassius held out the sword¡ªnot to threaten, but to offer it.

    He pressed the hilt into Rodrick''s shaky hands and stepped back, leaving it with him.

    The room went quiet, tension buzzing in the air as Rodrick gripped the sword, his fingers curling around it without thinking. Wayne just stared, eyes wide, trying to figure out what was happening as confusion swallowed them both.

    And then, as they stood there, grappling with the absurdity of the moment, Cassius smiled a wide, serene smile that seemed to light up his blood covered face and said something they never would''ve expected in a million years.

    "Slash me with it, Father...Slash through me with that sword I gave you...Slice through my flesh like you''ve always wanted to do for all these years"

    He said, his voice calm and clear, cutting through the tension like a knife and it was the most absurd, most shocking statement of the night, and it hung in the air like a thunderclap.

    Rodrick''s hands shook, the sword nearly slipping from his grip as his eyes widened in disbelief. Wayne let out a strangled gasp, his pale face twisting with incredulity.

    But Cassius ignored their shock, his crimson gaze steady as he continued, his tone unwavering.

    "I don''t want you to just slash me or slice me." He said, his smile never faltering. "I want you to cut me up¡ªhack me apart tear me apart piece to piece so badly that no one would even recognize me."

    "...Take my life, right here, right now, with your own hands..."

    "...Do it like you''ve wanted to all these years¡ªtake your revenge for what I did, for killing your wife, for everything you''ve blamed me for..."

    "...End it, Father, as I''m finally giving you what you''ve always dreamed of."

 Chapter 112 - 112: The Death Of Cassius Vindictus Holyfield

    The words hit Rodrick like a physical blow, his breath catching as the sword trembled violently in his grasp, the tip dipping toward the floor.

    He almost dropped it, his fingers slackening as his mind struggled to comprehend what he was hearing. His son¡ªhis demon, his nightmare¡ªstood before him, drenched in the blood of others, offering his own life with a smile, as if it were a gift. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Wayne on the other hand staggered back a step, his hand flying to his mouth as he stared at Cassius, his voice a hoarse whisper. "Young Master...What...What are you saying?"

    Rodrick also joined in the protest, his gaze darting between the sword and Cassius, his heart pounding as a storm of emotions raged within him¡ªfear, fury, confusion, and something deeper, something he couldn''t name.

    "You''re...You''re mad." He finally rasped, his voice cracking as he clutched the weapon tighter, as if it could anchor him against the insanity of the moment. "This is a trick¡ªa lie! You can''t mean this!"

    Cassius''s eyes glinted as he shook his head slowly, his voice steady and resolute. "There''s no lie in what I''m saying." He said, his tone carrying an unshakable certainty. "I just want to save the Sacred Guard¡ªthose who''ve taken sanctuary under me. And to do that, I''ll do anything."

    "...Even if it means giving up my own life."

    Wayne''s breath caught, his mind spinning as he stared at the Young Master.

    Was Cassius truly mad enough to throw away his life for honor, or was this some elaborate bluff?

    And before he could settle on an answer, Cassius''s smile widened, stretching into something eerier, more unsettling, as he stepped closer to Rodrick.

    "There''s only a few minutes left until midnight." He said, his voice calm but edged with a chilling finality. "Until the deadline hits. So here''s your choice, Father: slash me, kill me, take my head right now or...I''ll do the same to you. I''ll end you on the spot...So, what''s it going to be?"

    His smile broadened, his glowing eyes flaring brighter, a vivid red that seemed to burn through the dim room.

    "...Take the life of the devil who killed your wife..."

    "...or let that devil take yours instead..."

    "...It''s your choice."

    His words landed like a hammer to his skull, and Rodrick''s eyes widened, his breath catching as the ultimatum sank in. The room seemed to tilt, the flickering lamplight casting jagged shadows across the walls as the weight of the choice bore down on him.

    His own life was on the line now¡ªno more posturing, no more games. He couldn''t afford to hesitate, couldn''t risk waiting to see if this was another of Cassius''s twisted ploys.

    The devil stood before him, unflinching, daring him to act, and the ticking clock left no room for doubt.

    Rodrick''s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together as a surge of raw, unfiltered hatred flared in his chest. He stared at Cassius¡ªhis son, his worst nightmare¡ªwith a look so venomous it could''ve curdled blood, his hands tightening around the sword until the hilt started vibrating.

    And then finally, left with no other option, with a roar that tore through the study and echoed down the halls of the mansion, he shouted, "You bastard!" And heaved the sword upward, its blade catching the light in a wicked arc and then swung it down with all his might, aiming straight for Cassius''s chest.

    He was certain¡ªcertain¡ªthat Cassius would dodge, leap aside, or strike back at the last second.

    Wayne thought the same, his heart leaping into his throat as he braced for the inevitable counterattack, his hand hovering uselessly near his own blade.

    But to their utter shock and horror, Cassius didn''t move.

    He stood rooted in place, his smile unwavering, his arms loose at his sides as the sword...plunged into his chest with a wet, crunching thud.

    Squelch!~

    Blood erupted from the wound, spraying across the floor in a vivid crimson splash, the blade sinking deep into flesh and bone and Rodrick froze, his hands locked around the hilt, his breath hitching as the reality hit him like a sledgehammer.

    Cassius wasn''t lying...The devil had let him strike like he promised

    Wayne stumbled back, a choked gasp escaping his lips as he clapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide with terror. "No...No, Young Master..." He whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of blood dripping onto the rug.

    But Rodrick''s reaction was different.

    A slow, eerie smile crept across his face, twisting his features into something manic, something unhinged.

    His blue eyes gleamed with a wild, crazed light, as if the gods themselves had parted the heavens to grant him this moment.

    The chance to finally bury his vengeance in his son''s flesh.

    "You''re mine!" He snarled, yanking the sword free with a sickening squelch, blood gushing from the gaping wound and then immediately swung again, the blade slashing across Cassius''s chest, tearing through muscle and cloth. "Die, you devil¡ªdie!"

    His voice rose into a frenzied shout as he hacked and sliced, over and over, each strike more savage than the last.

    Slice!~ Squelch!~

    Slash!~ Splash!~

    Blood poured out in torrents, splattering his face, his hands, the walls¡ªchunks of flesh fell to the floor with wet thuds, but he didn''t stop and continued to cut through him.

    Slice!~ Squelch!~

    Slash!~ Splash!~

    Cassius''s body became a training dummy under his relentless assault, the sword carving jagged lines through his chest as Rodrick laughed, a high, broken sound that bordered on hysteria.

    "It feels so good¡ªso damn good! I''ve waited for this years, years of waiting! Revenge at last¡ªfinally mine!"

    Wayne watched in mute horror, his legs trembling as he sank against the desk, unable to tear his eyes away.

    The room filled with the grisly symphony of ripping flesh and Rodrick''s crazy cries, the Patriarch lost in a trance of vengeance...until finally Cassius''s body swayed under the onslaught, then crumpled to the ground in a bloody, mangled heap, his chest a ruined mess of torn tissue and exposed bone.

    Blood pooled beneath him, soaking into the rug.

    But Rodrick wasn''t satisfied...Not yet.

    With a guttural growl, he dropped to his knees, straddling Cassius''s lifeless form and then to Wayne''s mounting dread, he gripped the sword like a butcher''s cleaver and drove it into Cassius''s neck.

    "Not enough! Not enough!"

    He bellowed, sawing at the flesh with frenzied, uneven strokes. Blood sprayed across his face, matting his blonde hair into a crimson tangle, but he kept going, slicing and cutting as if possessed.

    "I''ll take your head, you monster¡ªI''ll end you completely!"

    His voice cracked with exertion, his hands slick with gore as the blade bit deeper, severing muscle and tendon until finally¡ªwith a wet, ripping pop¡ª

    ...Cassius''s head came free, rolling slightly before Rodrick snatched it up by the hair.

    He then staggered to his feet, holding the severed head aloft like a conqueror, his chest heaving as he let out a triumphant, fanatical laugh.

    "I-I''ve done it!" He shouted, his voice echoing through the study, raw and unhinged. "I''ve finally done it! The devil''s dead¡ªdead by my hands! I can rest now¡ªrest in peace!"

    "...My final wish, my vengeance!"

    "...It''s mine! Mine!"

    He clutched the head tighter, blood dripping from its neck onto his boots, his eyes wild with a delirious relief as he ranted on.

    "You''re gone! Gone forever! Florence can smile down on me now!

    "...I''ve avenged her, avenged everything!"

    "...Hahahahaha!"

    But just as his triumphant rant reached its peak, a voice cut through the air¡ªcasual, calm, and impossibly out of place.

    "That''s a relief." It said, light and casual, as if commenting on the weather. "I''m glad I could help you carry out your last wish, Father...I''m truly glad."

    Rodrick''s laughter choked off mid-breath, his body going rigid as a chill raced down his spine.

    Wayne let out a strangled whimper, his hands trembling as he pressed himself against the desk, his heart pounding so hard it threatened to burst.

    That voice¡ª

    It couldn''t be¡ª

    It shouldn''t be¡ª

    The air grew impossibly cold and suffocating, as both men finally slowly¡ªdreadfully¡ªturned their heads toward the sound, praying to every god they knew that it wasn''t what they feared.

    But there, in Rodrick''s shaking grasp, was Cassius''s severed head and its eyes, which should have been lifeless, dull, and closed, were wide open, glowing with that same vivid crimson light.

    They stared directly at them, alive, aware, piercing through the dimness of the room.

    Then the mouth, which should have been slack and silent, curved into a faint, knowing smile, blood still trickling from its edges.

    "Didn''t think it''d end that easily, did you, Father?"

    The head said, its voice low and full of dreadful mischief, resonating from a throat that no longer existed.

 Chapter 113 - 113: How Are You Alive?!

    Rodrick''s eyes widened in terror, his breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps as he stared at the severed head in his hands.

    Those glowing eyes, that faint, taunting smile¡ªit was too much.

    So, with a scream that tore from his chest, he hurled the head with all his strength, sending it flying across the room.

    Thud!~

    The head struck the wall with a dull thud, bounced once, then rolled across the floor, leaving a faint smear of blood in its wake and finally came to a stop near the desk, and to Rodrick''s horror, it spoke again.

    "Ow, that hurts!" Cassius''s voice said, laced with mock indignation as the head tilted slightly, its gaze locking onto Rodrick once more. "How could you throw me like that, Father? That''s no way to treat your own son." The head rolled a little further, settling upright, its smile widening as it stared at him, unblinking.

    Rodrick stumbled back, his boots slipping in the blood-soaked rug as his hands trembling uncontrollably, while Wayne let out a strangled whimper, his knees buckling once again as he sank to the floor, his pale face a mask of pure, unadulterated fear.

    "How...How can you speak?!" Rodrick shouted, his voice cracking with panic as he pointed a shaking finger at the head. "How are you alive?! I slashed you¡ªI cut you up! I took your head off with my own hands!"

    "...This is impossible¡ªimpossible!"

    And in response the head chuckled a low, rolling sound that sent chills racing down their spines.

    "Oh, I''m very much alive, Father." Cassius said, his tone dripping with joy as he watched Rodrick squirm around in horror. "Like you told me over and over again I''m a demon, a spawned devil straight from the pit. So, did you really think a little thing like cutting off my head would kill me?"

    "...That''s not how it works with my kind."

    His eyes glinted, the mischief in them sharpening as he continued.

    "And honestly, I should thank you. You''ve done me a favor. By killing me¡ªwell, ''killing'' me¡ªyou''ve fulfilled the sacred vow you''ve made with Julie. My head''s been served to you, just as it needed to be and the Sacred Guard is free now, their curse lifted."

    "...So from here on out, you''ve got nothing to do with them and just like I said, I''ve kept my promise and saved them all."

    Rodrick''s breath stopped, his mind reeling as the implications sank in. "You...You planned this?" He rasped, his voice barely above a whisper, his face twisting with fright and horror. "You let me do this...To save them?"

    Cassius''s head grinned, a wide, toothy smile that looked almost cheerful despite the gore. "Of course I did, as I told you I keep my promises¡ªunlike some people." He said simply. "But, you know, I don''t really like being on the floor for too long...It''s a bit dirty down here, and I''m not one for wallowing in filth."

    Before Rodrick could process his words, a faint rustling sound drew their attention.

    And to his utter horror, Cassius''s headless body¡ªthe mangled, blood-soaked heap that had collapsed in a pool of crimson¡ªtwitched.

    Then, slowly, impossibly, it began to move.

    Rodrick let out a guttural yell, staggering back as the corpse pushed itself upright, its arms flexing as if waking from a nap. Wayne''s also backed away, a muffled scream escaping his mouth as the body rose to its feet, its chest a ruin of slashed flesh and exposed bone, yet somehow animated, alive. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The headless figure then took a slow, deliberate step forward, its movements jerky but purposeful, blood dripping from its wounds with every motion and walked towards its own head.

    It then finally stopped beside Cassius''s head, and then bent down, its hands reaching out with an eerie precision as it''s fingers closed around the severed head. It then lifted it gently, almost reverently, as if it were a lost hat rather than a decapitated skull and placed his head on top of his neck where it belonged.

    Cassius''s voice hummed faintly as head was fitted back on top. "Much better." He said casually, even as the grotesque reunion unfolded and the body pressed the head firmly against its neck, aligning it with the jagged stump where it had been severed.

    Blood oozed from the seam, but the head stayed in place, held tight by the body''s grip. Cassius then rotated his neck or what was left of them¡ªtesting the fit, then nodded slightly.

    "That''ll do for now." He said, his voice clear and whole once more, as if the butchery had never happened. "Not perfect, but I can fix it up later."

    Rodrick''s hands clawed at the floor, his breath coming in short, panicked bursts as he stared up at the figure¡ªwhole again, or close enough, standing tall despite the gaping wounds and the blood still trickling down his chest.

    "You...You''re not human." He stammered, his voice shaking with a terror so deep it threatened to swallow him whole. "You can''t be you''re a monster¡ªa devil!"

    Cassius tilted his head¡ªor rather, adjusted it slightly, as it wobbled a bit on its makeshift perch¡ªand flashed a grin, his eyes glowing brighter than ever. "Took you long enough to figure that out." He said, his tone light, almost teasing.

    "Oh, and by the way, Father." He suddenly said, his voice smooth and edged with a dark glee. "You really should''ve figured this out by now but any little fantasies you''ve been clinging to about killing me?...They''re dust. Gone."

    "...You''ve seen it with your own eyes, haven''t you? I mean, come on¡ªI let you slash me to ribbons, carve me up like a roast, take my head off, and here I am, chatting away like it''s nothing..."

    "...That should be more then enough to make you understand that you can''t kill me. It''s not possible. Not with a sword, not with an army, not with anything you''ve got in that shriveled-up heart of yours."

    Rodrick''s hands trembled against the desk, his breath shallow and ragged. The truth of it¡ªthe sheer, undeniable reality clawed at his mind, leaving him dizzy with dread. Wayne, still crumpled on the floor, also let out a faint, broken sob, his eyes darting to Cassius as if hoping this was all some twisted dream they could wake from.

    But Cassius proved that it wasn''t a dream by taking a step closer, his eyes flaring brighter, his voice dropping into a low, deliberate cadence that seemed to sink into the very walls as he continued saying,

    "And that means, from this moment on, there''s nothing¡ªabsolutely nothing that can stop me. I''ll move forward, take whatever I want, whenever I feel like it."

    "...Your life? I could snuff it out with a flick of my wrist if I fancied it."

    "...Your estate? It''s mine to claim whenever I get bored."

    "Your family¡ªeverything and everyone you love?"

    §¯§Ö paused, letting the words hang like a noose tightening around Rodrick''s neck, his smile stretching into something cold and inevitable.

    "...I''ll just rip them apart, piece by piece, limb from bloody limb, and toss their corpses right at your feet if I wanted to. And I''ll make sure you''re looking when I do it, Father¡ªright in your face, so you can''t miss a single scream, a single drop of blood."

    Rodrick''s stomach churned, his vision swimming as the image took root¡ªhis estate in flames, his sons reduced to mangled heaps, his legacy shattered and thrown back at him like a cruel taunt.

    The thought made his chest heave, a strangled sound escaping his throat as he stared at the monster he''d created, the devil he''d birthed from his own hatred.

    He''d thought he''d won, thought he''d slain the beast, but instead, he''d unleashed something far worse a force that mocked his every effort, his every belief.

    But then, as if a switch had flipped, Cassius''s expression softened. The cruel edge faded, replaced by a gentle, almost wistful look that seemed jarringly out of place on his blood¡ªdrenched face.

    He tilted his head, his tone shifting to something softer, almost kind.

    "But don''t worry too much, Father." He said, his voice carrying a strange warmth that made Rodrick''s skin crawl even more. "I''m not going to kill you. Not now, not ever, probably. Even after all this time¡ªafter you''ve wanted me dead since the day I drew breath, after you tried to bury me in that crib and again tonight¡ªI won''t take your life."

    "...See, unlike you, I''ve got a merciful streak. I can forgive your sins, let them slide off me like water off a blade. I''m not here to end you."

    Rodrick''s breath caught, his eyes narrowing as he searched Cassius''s face for the trap, the lie.

    "You...You won''t?" He croaked, his voice rough and uncertain, barely audible over Wayne''s quiet whimpers. "After everything...You''re sparing me?"

    Cassius chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that was almost fond, though it still carried that faint, unsettling edge.

    "Sparing you, sure." He said, shrugging as if it were no big deal, his head wobbling slightly with the motion. "But don''t get it twisted¡ªI''m not letting you off the hook completely. I mean, come on, Father, you don''t deserve that kind of grace after all you''ve pulled over the years."

    "...No, I''ve got something else in mind¡ªa punishment, let''s say." He said as he envisioned his plans for the future.

    "From now on, you''ll stay the Patriarch of the Holyfield family, but you''ll be a dummy, a figurehead, a puppet on a string. Because here''s the thing: you''re a rotten father¡ªtried to kill your own newborn son, abandoned your knights, all that ugliness.

    "...But as a Patriarch? I''ve got to hand it to you, you''ve been damn near brilliant. Kept this estate humming along, treated most of your people fairly, and built a prosperity that''s the envy of half the continent. I admire that, honestly. You''ve got a knack for it."

    Rodrick''s jaw clenched, a flicker of pride warring with the growing dread in his chest as he tried to process Cassius''s words. "What are you playing at?" He demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "You''re...leaving me in charge? After all this?"

    "Sort of." Cassius said with a lazy grin, brushing a smear of blood from his chest like it was a stray crumb. "I don''t want the hassle, you see all that tedious nonsense like managing an estate, collecting taxes, kissing up to the king...That''s your gig."

    "You can keep the title, the desk, the headaches. I''ll let you run the show, keep things ticking over...But me?"

    His grin widened, a glint of something darker creeping into his eyes as he leaned in closer.

    "I''m going to do whatever I damn well please, right here in your precious little kingdom. And I don''t give a rat''s ass how it tarnishes the Holyfield name¡ªoh, I know how much that noble, principled legacy means to you. It''s your pride, your whole world."

    "...That''s why it''s going to be so sweet watching it unravel, thread by thread."

    Rodrick''s blood ran cold, his hands tightening on the desk as the full weight of Cassius''s intent hit him.

    The Holyfield name¡ªhis honor, his life''s work, the one thing he''d clung to through every betrayal and loss was what he''d fought to preserve above all else.

    To see it dragged through the muck by this devil, to watch it crumble under his son''s reckless whims...It was a torment worse than any blade.

    "Y-You can''t do that." He rasped, his voice rising in a desperate plea. "The name it''s all I have left! You wouldn''t¡ª"

    "Oh, I would." Cassius cut in, his tone sharp and gleeful now, his eyes glinting with a wicked light. "And there''s more. I was thinking about it, and something came to mind¡ªsomething really special."

    His smile twisted, morphing into something lewd and predatory, as if he''d just recalled a particularly delicious secret.

    He licked his lips, a faint smear of blood staining his teeth as he leaned forward, his voice dropping into a sultry whisper.

    "Your two wives¡ªthose lovely ladies who stepped in after Mother and your two daughters-in-law?...Word is, they''re some of the most beautiful women on the continent. Real treasures, sought after by every noble, every prince, every drooling suitor from here to the eastern shores. All that nobility, elegance, grace¡ªeveryone wants a piece of them, don''t they?"

    Rodrick''s stomach lurched, a sickening wave of dread washing over him as he caught the lascivious glint in Cassius''s eye.

    "What...What are you saying?"

    He stammered, his voice shaking with rage and terror, his hands clenching into fists. Wayne also lifted his head, his tear-streaked face paling further as he sensed the dark turn in Cassius''s words.

    Cassius straightened up, his lewd smile stretching wider, his voice dripping with a twisted delight. "I''m saying, Father, that to punish you really punish you¡ªI''m going to steal them. Right out from under your nose, right in front of your eyes."

    "...I''ll take your wives, your daughters-in-laws, and I''ll devour them whole, completely¡ªuntil there''s nothing left of them but me in their minds."

    "I''ll twist them, break them, turn them into my own little dolls¡ªpretty, obedient things that''ll do anything I say, anything I want, whenever I snap my fingers."

    "...And you''ll watch it all happen, step by step, helpless as a baby and you won''t be able to lift a finger to stop me¡ªnot a damn thing."

    Rodrick''s heart seized, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps as the full horror of Cassius''s threat sank in.

    "No¡ªno, you can''t!" He roared, lurching forward as if he could physically stop the words from taking root. "Not them¡ªnot my wives, my sons'' wives! They''re my family¡ªyou monster, you wouldn''t dare touch them! I''ll...I''ll kill you first!"

    Cassius laughed a sharp, barking sound that echoed through the study, cutting through Rodrick''s outburst like a knife.

    "Kill me?" He said, his tone mocking as he spread his arms wide, his mangled chest glistening with fresh blood. "We''ve been over that, Father...You can''t...And I will. I''ll take them, ruin them, make them mine, and you''ll just have to sit there and watch."

    "...Your precious women, your noble lineage¡ªgone, turned into my playthings. That''s your punishment so live with it."

    Rodrick sank back, his legs giving out as he slumped against the desk, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

    The women of his family¡ªhis wives with their gentle strength and quiet dignity; his daughters-in-laws, radiant and poised, the pride of his sons¡ªstolen away, corrupted, twisted into something unrecognizable by this devil.

    The thought clawed at his mind, tearing at his sanity as images flashed before him: their graceful figures kneeling at Cassius''s feet, their eyes empty, their voices calling his name instead of their husbands.

    The Holyfield name, once a beacon of honor, would be a laughingstock, a stain on every tongue, all because of the monster he''d created.

 Chapter 114 - 114: Ill Savour Them All

    "Oh, and Father." Cassius said, his voice casual but laced with a sharp edge, as he ignored his father''s despair, the broken sobs echoing faintly. "Even though I''m handing over the administration of the estate to you don''t think I''m leaving it entirely in your hands."

    "You''re a sly old fox, aren''t you? Always scheming, always plotting. I''d be a fool to think you wouldn''t try something to mess it all up the moment my back''s turned."

    "And sure, I could handle anything you throw my way¡ªrip it apart with my bare hands, you know the drill¡ªbut I don''t like nuisances. They''re tedious, and I''ve got better things to do. So, I''ll have someone keep an eye on you."

    "...Someone to watch you at all times, make sure you don''t step out of line."

    His crimson gaze slid sideways, landing on Wayne, who was still slumped against the desk as well, his face pale and trembling.

    The moment weight of Cassius''s stare settled on him the attendant froze, his breath catching. He understood immediately what was being implied, and a surge of defiance flared in his chest despite the terror gripping him.

    "No¡ªno way!" Wayne sputtered, pushing himself upright with shaky hands, his voice cracking as he glared at Cassius. "You think I''d betray my lord? My master, who I''ve served for decades? I''d rather you kill me right here, right now, than turn on him for you!"

    Cassius tilted his head, as he chuckled a low, rolling sound that sent a shiver down Wayne''s spine. "Oh, I figured you''d say something like that." He said, his tone almost admiring. "And I''ve got to hand it to you, Wayne¡ªyour bravery, your loyalty, it''s impressive. Really, it is."

    "A lesser man would''ve crumbled by now, but here you are, still spitting fire even after everything you''ve seen tonight." His smile widened, the gentleness fading into something colder, more sinister. "But let me ask you this¡ªwhat if instead of your life, your daughter''s life was on the line?"

    "...What would you do then?"

    Wayne''s eyes widened, a fresh wave of horror washing over him as the words hit like a punch to the gut.

    "What?!" He cried, his voice breaking as he staggered forward a step, his hands clenching into fists. "Why¡ªwhy would you bring her into this?! She''s got nothing to do with any of it! If you''re angry with me, if I''ve done something to cross you, then torture me¡ªkill me, rip me apart like you did those bandits! I''ll take it all, anything you want¡ªjust leave my daughter out of this!"

    "...She''s innocent, the purest soul you''ll ever find¡ªplease, I''m begging you, don''t touch her!"

    His said, crawling forward with a desperate, pleading look in his eyes to kiss his feet and beg for his daughter''s life, knowing he was powerless against Cassius but unable to stop himself from trying.

    But to his surprise,.Cassius simply raised a hand, stepping back slightly as if to ward off Wayne''s frantic advance.

    "Whoa, easy there." He said, his voice shifting to a soothing, almost reassuring tone. "It''s not what you think¡ªcalm down, I''m not talking about hurting her." He then crouched down to Wayne''s level, his eyes softening as he met the attendant''s tearful gaze. "I''m not threatening to take your daughter''s life, Wayne...In fact, I''m talking about saving it."

    Wayne froze, his eyes blinking as confusion clouded his despair. "Saving...her?" He whispered, his voice trembling as he searched Cassius''s face for some hint of a lie. "What do you mean?"

    Cassius straightened slightly, his smile turning gentler, though that eerie edge lingered beneath it.

    "I did a little digging on you and your family." He said casually as if they were old friends catching up. "Your daughter¡ªshe''s been sick her whole life, hasn''t she? Some lifelong illness that''s kept her chained to that bed since she was a little girl."

    "A child who should''ve been running around, laughing with the others, but instead she''s been wasting away, teetering on the edge of death every single day. No one even knows what''s wrong with her¡ªnot really. Just some cruel, nameless thing eating her up from the inside."

    Wayne''s lips quivered, his hands clenching as memories of his daughter¡ªhis sweet, fragile daughter flooded his mind.

    The countless nights he''d sat by her bedside, holding her frail hand as she struggled to breathe, her pale face lit only by the dim glow of a candle. He''d scoured the continent, brought in every doctor, every healer, every scholar he could find, but none could name her illness, let alone cure it.

    "She...She''s all I have." He murmured, his voice breaking as he bit his lip, tears spilling down his cheeks. "No one could save her¡ªno one..."

    But then, a spark of realization flickered in his chest, ignited by Cassius''s words. His head snapped up, his eyes locking onto the Young Master''s with a desperate, hopeful glint.

    "Wait." He said, his voice trembling with a fragile mix of fear and longing. "Are you saying...You can save her?...Is that what you mean, Young Master?"

    Cassius''s smile widened, a genuine warmth creeping into it as he nodded.

    "Of course I can." He said, his tone brimming with confidence. "And I''m glad you''re sharp enough to catch on so quick¡ªyou''re a capable man, Wayne, I''ll give you that. Makes this a lot easier." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a whisper as he continued. "You see, I actually paid her a little visit this morning, your sweet little daughter along with your absolutely gorgeous wife. Slipped in while you were busy here, fussing over Father."

    "And then I did a bit of...Treatment, let''s call it. Nothing too flashy, just enough to get her started. And you know what? She''s already better. She can walk now¡ªslowly, mind you, but she''s up. Breathing easier, too, not that ragged gasping she used to do."

    Wayne''s jaw dropped, his heart pounding as the words sank in.

    "You...You saw her?" He stammered, his voice rising with a frantic edge. "This morning? And she''s¡ªshe''s better? You''re not lying to me, are you? Please, tell me it''s true¡ªtell me you''re not just saying this to toy with me!"

    Cassius chuckled again, shaking his head as he met Wayne''s wild, pleading gaze.

    "I don''t lie when it comes to promises, Wayne." He said, his voice firm and steady. "You should know that by now¡ªI''ve proved it tonight, haven''t I? If you don''t believe me, go home. Right now. Check on her yourself. See if I''m telling the truth. She''s waiting for you, probably wondering where her brave old dad''s been all day."

    Wayne''s breath caught, a surge of excitement and disbelief flooding through him at the thought of his daughter¡ªstanding, walking, breathing like a normal child.

    The thought made him scramble to his feet, his legs shaky but driven by a desperate need to see her, to hold her, to confirm this miracle with his own eyes.

    But before he could take a step, Cassius''s hand shot out, catching his arm with a gentle but firm grip. "Hold on a second." Cassius said, his tone calm but commanding. "You can see her anytime, but first, listen to me. There''s a catch¡ªyou need to hear this." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Wayne froze, his heart pounding as he turned back to Cassius, his eyes wide with a mix of hope and dread. "What...What is it?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he braced himself for the price of this miracle.

    Cassius released his arm, crouching down again so they were eye-to-eye, his expression serious but still tinged with that unsettling smile.

    "I can cure her, Wayne." He said, his voice low and deliberate. "Completely, over time. But it''s not a one-and-done deal¡ªit''ll take regular treatment, a slow process to root out whatever''s been eating at her. But I''ll do it, keep her going, make her whole again...that is as long as you do what I asked."

    "You''ll monitor Father here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Keep him in line, make sure he doesn''t pull anything sketchy, anything that could stir up trouble for me. You''ve got to be thorough though¡ªno slip-ups, no mistakes. Because if you do..." He paused, letting the words hang for a moment, his smile fading into something colder. "If you mess up, and he does something he''s not supposed to, there''s a punishment."

    "...I''ll stop the treatments. Your daughter will be left to rot, back in that bed, back on death''s doorstep. Simple as that."

    Wayne''s heart stopped, his hands trembling as the weight of the bargain crashed over him. "You...You''d let her die?" He whispered, his voice shaking with shock and fear. "If I fail, you''d take her away from me¡ªjust like that?"

    Cassius shrugged, his smile returning as he patted Wayne''s shoulder with a casual, almost friendly touch. "Only if you don''t do your job." He said, his tone light but edged with a warning.

    "But do it well, and she''ll be running around like any other kid in no time¡ªhealthy, happy, all that good stuff. So, I''m counting on you, Wayne. You''re loyal, you''re smart and perfect for this. Keep Father in check, and your little girl gets to live...Fair deal, right?" He chuckled, giving Wayne''s shoulder a playful squeeze. "Now, go on¡ªrun home, see her for yourself. Come find me later, and we''ll hash out the details of your new gig. I''ll be around."

    Wayne hesitated, his mind a whirlwind of doubt and hope.

    It sounded impossible too good to be true, a trap wrapped in a promise.

    But then he thought of everything he''d seen tonight: Cassius tearing through bandits like paper, shrugging off death like a minor inconvenience, speaking with a severed head.

    If anyone could defy the impossible, it was this devil.

    So, swallowing hard, he made his choice¡ªnot for Rodrick, not for himself, but for his beloved.

    Without a word, without even glancing at the Patriarch still crumpled on the floor, he bolted for the door, his boots pounding against the blood-stained rug as he raced out into the night, driven by the desperate need to see his daughter alive and well, while Rodrick lifted his head just enough to watch Wayne vanish, a hollow pang in his chest as his loyal aide abandoned him without a second thought.

    "Beautiful, isn''t it?" Cassius suddenly said, his voice low and musing, as he watched Wayne rush to see his daughter. "A father''s love for his daughter...Wayne knows she''ll probably never be normal¡ªnever run through the fields like other girls, never give him those simple joys a healthy child would...And yet, there he goes, throwing everything he has into protecting her, clinging to that fragile little light with all his heart."

    "...It''s something, isn''t it? That kind of devotion."

    He paused, his gaze shifting to Rodrick, who remained slumped against the desk, his face a mask of despair.

    Cassius''s expression then hardened, the gentleness fading into something colder, more accusing. "But you, Father." He said, his voice dropping into a sharp, biting tone. "You''re a different story, aren''t you? You had a son¡ªan innocent son, fresh into this world, who''d done nothing to you, nothing to deserve your hate. And what did you do? You abandoned him. Tossed him aside like trash, all because his mother¡ªyour wife¡ªdied bringing me into this mess."

    "You couldn''t even look at him without seeing her blood on my hands, could you? Wayne''s out there fighting for his daughter''s life, and you...You couldn''t muster a scrap of that for him."

    "...Haha...Maybe you could learn a thing or two from your attendant about what it means to be a father."

    Rodrick flinched, the words cutting deeper than any blade, slicing through the fragile walls he''d built around his guilt. His hands trembled as memories of his wife Florence¡ªher warm smile, her gentle touch¡ªflashed before him, now tainted by the weight of his choices.

    He opened his mouth to protest, to defend himself, but nothing came out, his voice lost to the shame choking him.

    Cassius then sighed, a long, theatrical sound that seemed to dismiss the past with a flick of his wrist. "But what''s done is done." He said, his tone shifting back to that casual, almost bored cadence. "The past is the past¡ªnothing to be changed now, no matter how much you wallow in it. All that''s left is the present, and from here on out, for the rest of your miserable life, you''ll pay for those sins you piled up so carelessly."

    "...Every choice, every betrayal it''s all coming back to you now, Father.And I''ll make sure of it."

    With that, he turned fully toward the door, as he began to walk away. And as he left his voice drifted back, low and muttering, as if he were talking to himself, lost in some private, twisted delight.

    "Hmm, decisions, decisions." He mused, a lewd chuckle bubbling up from his chest. "Should I start with my one of my stepmothers first with those soft curves and that haughty little glare she gives? Or one my dear sister-in-laws, with that elegant stride and those doe eyes?"

    "...Or...Why choose?..."

    "...Maybe I''ll just take them both or four of them together¡ªsavor the whole feast at once."

    His laughter grew sharper, more wicked, echoing faintly as he stepped into the hall.

    "Oh, this is going to be so much fun...I''m looking forward to it."

    And finally with those last words, the door creaked shut behind him, his silhouette vanishing into the shadows, leaving Rodrick alone in the study with nothing but the blood-soaked silence and the weight of his own dread.

    He sat there, his hands limp at his sides, staring at the empty space where Cassius had been, his mind a whirlwind of horror and regret.

    What nightmare had he created?

    What monster had he birthed from his own hatred, now set loose to devour everything he held dear?

    The estate, the name, his family all of it teetering on the edge of ruin, and he, powerless to stop it, chained to a punishment worse than death.

    Slowly, his gaze drifted upward, as if he could pierce through the ceiling, through the roof, and into the heavens themselves. His lips trembled, a faint whisper escaping them as he spoke to the air, to the ghost of the woman he''d loved and lost.

    "My dear Florence." He murmured, his voice breaking as tears spilled down his cheeks, mixing with the blood staining his face. "Was it wrong? What I did¡ªwas it truly so wrong? I hated him for taking you from me, for stealing your light...and now, look what''s happened."

    "...Everything I cherished, everything I loved¡ªit''s all crumbling because of him, because of me. Tell me, my love...Was I wrong to curse him? Was this my sin all along?"

    The silence offered no answer, no comfort¡ªjust the faint echo of Cassius''s laughter lingering in the halls, a cruel reminder of the hell Rodrick had forged for himself.

    He sank lower, his forehead pressing against the cold floor, his sobs growing quieter as he surrendered to the despair, the weight of his late wife''s memory and the ruin of his world pressing down on him like a shroud.

    The Holyfield name, once his pride, was now a mockery, and the devil he''d raised would see it through to its bitter, twisted end.

 Chapter 115 - 115: I Cant Believe Youve Done This

    Cassius stepped out into the cool night air, the heavy oak door of the Holyfield study thudding shut behind him. The faint echo of his father''s sobs faded as he began his trek back toward his mansion, his boots squelching slightly with every step, the blood coating him now congealing into a sticky, uncomfortable mess.

    He grimaced, running a hand through his matted hair and muttering under his breath. "Gods, this is disgusting. So sticky, feels like I''ve been dunked in molasses. Lucious was right, the smug bastard...I need a bath, and I need it now. Can''t stand this muck clinging to me another second."

    His eyes glinted as he trudged along, his mind already drifting to the promise of warm water and soap, that is, until he reached the edge of his property and paused, squinting at the sight before him.

    The mansion loomed dark and silent against the night sky, its windows dim, not a single flicker of light breaking the stillness.

    Normally, at least one lantern would be glowing, a maid or two lingering in the halls to tend to late¡ªnight needs¡ªhis own unpredictable hours often demanded it.

    But tonight, it was as if the place had been abandoned.

    He tilted his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he pieced it together. "Oh, right." He murmured, chuckling softly to himself. "With the party and all those guests, and everyone running ragged to keep it all together,.I told the maids to take the night off or crash early, didn''t I?"

    "...I worked them to the bone today, poor things, so I guess they took me up on it and have either gone back home, or they''re all dead asleep."

    He then glanced down at himself¡ªblood caked across his chest, streaking his arms, dripping from his hairand let out a low, amused laugh.

    "Well, this is better, actually. I can''t say I''d want them seeing me like this, strolling in looking like some nightmare beast. They''d scream bloody murder, think a monster had slunk in from the woods...Probably faint on the spot, and then I''d have to deal with that mess too." He shook his head, his grin widening. "No sense waking them up either¡ªthey''ve earned their rest. I''ll just...Take the scenic route."

    And then with a almost feline-like grace, he stepped toward the mansion''s stone wall, his fingers finding gaps in the cracks and crevices and he scaled it effortlessly, as he hauled himself up to the rooftop.

    Once there, he moved like a shadow and prowled toward his room. But while doing so curiosity tugged at him, and he began peeking through the windows of the bedrooms he passed along the way.

    Inside, the knights of the Sacred Guard slept soundly, their usual armor shed and scattered across the floors, leaving them in simple nightclothes¡ªor, in some cases, nothing at all.

    Cassius paused at one window, his eyes glinting as he took in the sight.

    The women, so fierce and righteous in battle, looked utterly peaceful now, their guarded facades stripped away in slumber. Their hair spilled across pillows, their faces soft and unguarded, a stark contrast to the steel¡ªclad warriors he knew them to be.

    "Well, well." He muttered, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Even the bravest knights are just women at heart, aren''t they? All soft and girly when the armor''s off."

    His gaze lingered as he moved to another window, and his smirk widened into something more wicked as he caught sight of a few knights who''d forsaken nightclothes entirely.

    Sprawled across their beds, their naked forms gleamed faintly in the moonlight¡ªwell-toned muscles relaxed, skin smooth and unmarred by the day''s trials.

    One knight lay on her back, her legs spread carelessly, revealing every curve and hollow as her chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths, her round breasts heaving gently in her sleep.

    Cassius''s eyes darkened, a flicker of heat stirring in his chest as he watched, his fingers twitching against the window frame. "Oh, now that''s a sight." He whispered, his voice thick with a lewd delight. "All that beauty, just lying there¡ªripe for the taking. I could jump in right now, douse this fire burning in me...It would be one hell of a way to unwind after tonight."

    But he quickly chuckled softly, shaking his head as if scolding himself. "No, no...Not yet." He said, pulling back from the window with a reluctant grin. "That''d be too easy, too quick. I''d lose all this trust I''ve built up, and where''s the fun in that?..Patience, Cassius, there''s plenty of time to taste them later. Let them sleep for now." He straightened, and continued along the rooftop, his steps light and deliberate. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But as he passed one particular bedroom, something caught his eye¡ªa flash of movement, a glimpse of familiar faces¡ªand he stopped, his curiosity piqued.

    He leaned closer to the window, his breath fogging faintly against the glass, and peered inside.

    There, sprawled across a wide, plush bed, were Julie, Skadi, and Aisha, sleeping together in a tangled, peaceful heap.

    Julie lay in the center, her elegant form draped in a sheer sleeping gown that did little to hide her curves. The fabric clung to her like a second skin, the moonlight filtering through it to reveal the swell of her massive breasts, their outlines stark and unmissable.

    The gown''s thin straps had slipped slightly, exposing more of her chest, and Cassius''s gaze lingered on the faint, tantalizing hint of her nipples pressing against the material. She slept with a serene grace, her long hair fanned out across the pillow, her lips parted slightly¡ªa vision of beauty even in repose.

    Curled up beside her¡ªor rather, practically on top of her was Aisha, her arms wrapped tightly around Julie''s waist as if clinging to a lifeline.

    The beastkin knight''s usual stern, calculating demeanor was gone, replaced by a soft, almost childlike contentment. A faint smile curved her lips, her tail twitching faintly in her sleep, brushing against the sheets as she nuzzled closer to Julie.

    She looked happy, safe, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior Cassius knew, her face pressed against Julie''s side like a daughter seeking comfort from her mother.

    Skadi on the other hand sprawled on Julie''s other side, her limbs flung out carelessly, taking up more than her fair share of the bed.

    Her wild mane of silver hair spilled everywhere, and she snored softly, a faint grin on her face as if dreaming of some grand adventure.

    The trio together was a sight¡ªJulie''s elegance, Aisha''s vulnerability, Skadi''s boundless energy¡ªall softened by sleep into something almost tender, a bond forged in trust and exhaustion after the night''s chaos.

    Cassius leaned closer, his breath quickening slightly as he watched this enticing sight. "Well, isn''t this precious." He murmured, his voice a low rumble. "All snuggled up together, just like they said they would earlier."

    "...And Julie, you beauty¡ªthose curves could stop a war. And Aisha, clinging like that...Who knew she had such a soft side?...Skadi''s just the icing on the cake, sprawling out like she owns the place." He chuckled, resting his forehead against the cool glass for a moment, admiring the sight.

    And just as he turned to leave after having his fill of the sight, his eyes glinting with the promise of a hot bath, a sudden spark of mischief flared in his mind.

    His gaze darted back to the window, landing on Skadi who was sprawled across the bed in her usual chaotic tangle of limbs.

    A lewd, wicked smile then spread across his face, as an idea took root. "Oh, this is too good to pass up." He murmured under his breath and then without a shred of hesitation, he reached for the window, his fingers slowly unlatching it with a soft click. He then quickly slid inside, his movements silent and fluid, slipping into the room like a shadow cast by the moonlight.

    If anyone else had dared such an intrusion, Julie, Skadi, or Aisha each honed to a razor''s edge with their keen senses.would''ve snapped awake in an instant, hands on weapons, ready to strike.

    But Cassius was no ordinary intruder.

    He''d mastered the art of moving unseen, a phantom who could glide through the world without stirring so much as a whisper of suspicion.

    Even now, as he crept into the room, the knights remained blissfully unaware. Skadi''s ears twitched faintly, a flicker of instinct brushing against her sleep¡ªaddled mind, and Aisha''s tail gave a lazy swish, but neither stirred beyond that.

    They sank deeper into their dreams, oblivious to the devil in their midst.

    Cassius''s eyes swept the room, taking in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains, the gentle rise and fall of the women''s breathing.

    His gaze then landed on a glass jar of water sitting on a nearby table. "Perfect." He whispered to himself, his grin widening as he picked it up. He then padded over to the bed, his steps soundless on the plush rug, and stopped beside Skadi.

    For a moment, he paused, peering down at her sleeping face¡ªher features softened in repose, a faint smile tugging at her lips, utterly adorable in her unguarded state.

    "Too cute to resist." He muttered, chuckling softly.

    And then with a flick of his wrist, he tipped the jar, letting a small puddle of water splash onto the sheets right beside Skadi''s backside¡ªjust enough to soak the fabric near her hips.

    He then set the jar aside with a quiet clink, then leaned down, his fingers brushing lightly against her shoulder and gave her a gentle shake like he was trying to wake her up.

    Skadi tensed instantly the moment she felt someone touch her in her sleep, her body coiling like a spring as her instincts kicked in. Her claws slid out with a faint snick, her eyes snapping open, glowing with a feral, dangerous light as she prepared to pounce.

    For a split second, she looked ready to tear into whoever dared disturb her, that is, until her gaze locked onto Cassius.

    Recognition flashed across her face, and her claws retracted as quickly as they''d appeared, the tension melting into a look of pleasant surprise.

    Her tail flicked up, her ears perking as she opened her mouth to call out ¡ª"Master!"¡ª and ask why his face was all red, but Cassius was faster.

    His hand darted forward, clamping over her mouth with a firm but gentle grip, silencing her before the word could escape.

    He pressed a finger to his lips, his eyes glinting with a playful warning, and gestured for her to stay quiet. Skadi blinked, then nodded eagerly, her muffled excitement buzzing beneath his palm.

    He then pulled his hand away, and then pointed at her with a theatrical flourish, wrinkling his nose and waving his hand as if wafting away a bad smell.

    Skadi''s brow furrowed, her head tilting in confusion as she gestured back with a quick, questioning motion,

    ''What do you mean? Why are you saying that Skadi smells?''

    Seeing this, Cassius''s grin sharpened, and he pointed down at the puddle of water he''d poured beside her, the damp spot glistening faintly in the moonlight.

    Skadi''s eyes also followed his gesture, and her tail shot up like a bolt of lightning, her fur standing up as she registered the sight.

    The wet stain, right next to her hips, painted an unmistakable picture¡ªone that screamed she''d peed herself in her sleep.

    Her face flushed a deep red, her ears flattening as a look of pure, mortified panic took over. She then shook her head frantically, her hands flailing in a desperate denial as she stared at Cassius, her wide eyes pleading,

    ''No, no, it wasn''t me, Master!"

    She couldn''t remember doing it, couldn''t fathom how it had happened, but the evidence was right there, soaking into the sheets.

    Seeing this, Cassius kept his expression blank, his lips twitching as he fought back a laugh. He then pointed toward the window with a subtle jerk of his head, signaling her to follow him outside where they could talk.

    Skadi nodded vigorously, her tail still puffed up in distress as she cast a quick, nervous glance at Julie and Aisha. The last thing she wanted was for them to wake up and see this¡ªher pride as a knight, already teetering, would shatter completely if they thought she''d wet the bed.

    She scrambled off the mattress, careful not to jostle the others, and followed Cassius as he slipped back through the window with the same silent grace. She chased after him, her movements less polished but just as quiet, and soon they were stood atop the mansion''s rooftop, the cool night air washing over them.

    Under the silver glow of the moon, Cassius leaned against the chimney, his arms crossed casually over his chest chest, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched Skadi squirm under his gaze.

    Her tail drooped, her ears pinned back, and her hands fidgeted nervously in front of her as she avoided his eyes. The embarrassment radiated off her in waves, her cheeks still flushed as she shuffled her feet, clearly mortified by what she thought she''d done.

    He let the silence stretch just long enough to make her fidget even more, then broke it with a slow, teasing drawl. "Well, well, Skadi." He began, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "I''ve got to say, I never expected this from you. I mean, sure, I''d heard the stories about you peeing the bed back in the day. But I figured they were in the past but who would''ve thought that I would catch you in the act." He tilted his head, his grin widening as her eyes widened in horror. "I just wanted to check on my guests, make sure everyone was sleeping soundly after all the chaos tonight. But to stumble on one of my fiercest knights¡ªmy most powerful gaurd dog wetting the bed?...That''s a sight I didn''t see coming."

    Skadi''s face turned an even deeper shade of red, her tail puffing up as she flalled her hands in a frantic, desperate defense.

    "N-No, Master, it''s not like that!" She stammered, her voice high and panicked. "It wasn''t Skadi¡ªI didn''t do it! I don''t know how it happened, I swear! There''s no way I peed my pants, not now, not like this! It''s been ages since anything like that happened!" She waved her arms wildly, her claws glinting faintly in the moonlight as she tried to make her case, her words tumbling over each other in a rush.

    But Cassius''s expression didn''t shift. He just watched her, one eyebrow raised, his smile unwavering, as if he didn''t buy a word of it...

 Chapter 116 - 116: Let Me Clean You Up

    Seeing his skepticism, Skadi''s desperation deepened, her voice taking on a pleading edge as she pressed on.

    "I''m serious, Master¡ªit''s true I used to pee my pants a lot, okay? Back when I was a kid, it was...It was bad. So bad my parents had to get me a separate bed because I kept soaking theirs when we slept together...They''d wake up soaked, and I''d just be there, mortified, crying about it."

    "But I stopped¡ªI swear I did! I got over it years ago! Now I make sure to use the bathroom every single night before I go to sleep, just to be safe...There''s no way it was me please, you''ve got to believe me!"

    Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her face twisting into a pitiful, imploring look as she clasped her hands together, practically begging him to take her side.

    Cassius let her words hang in the air for a moment, his smile softening into something almost sympathetic, though the mischief still danced in his eyes.

    Then he uncrossed his arms, leaning forward slightly as he tilted his head. "Oh, I want to believe you, Skadi." He said, his tone teasing. "But then what about that puddle next to your bed? That little wet spot right by your hips? Who else could''ve done it, hmm?" He pointed a finger down towards the room, his grin sharpening. "Don''t try pinning it on Julie or Aisha¡ªthey were way over on the other side of the bed, fast asleep. You were the one right there, nice and cozy next to it."

    "...So, what''s your excuse for that?"

    Skadi''s mouth opened, then closed, her tail drooping as her mind raced.

    The puddle¡ªit was, plain as day, soaking into the sheets where she''d been lying as she didn''t know what to say about it, which made her ears flatten further, her brow furrowing as doubt crept in, gnawing at her certainty.

    "I...I don''t..." She mumbled, her voice trailing off as she stared into the distance, her thoughts spiraling. Then, in a dazed, almost resigned tone, she spoke again. "Maybe...maybe it''s true. Maybe I didn''t realize what I did. I was dreaming¡ªdreaming of swimming in a river, all cool and refreshing, and...maybe that''s why. Maybe I just...let go without knowing it." She blinked slowly, her shoulders slumping as the idea took hold, her own logic turning against her.

    But then her eyes snapped back to Cassius, wide with sudden panic as she lurched forward, grabbing at his arm with both hands.

    "Please, Master¡ªplease!" She cried, her voice trembling with urgency. "You can''t tell anyone what you saw! Not the legion, not anyone! If they find out if word gets around I''ll be ruined! Skadi''s name, Skadi''s pride, everything Skadi''s built as a knight¡ªit''ll all go down the drain! I won''t be able to show my face anywhere, ever again! Please, I''m begging you¡ªkeep this between us!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile shifting into something sly and knowing as he gently pried her hands off his arm, holding them for a moment before letting go.

    "I don''t know, Skadi." He said, his voice lilting with feigned indecision as he tapped a finger against his chin. "It''s tempting to keep it quiet, sure¡ªbut it''d be hilarious to tell Aisha. Can you imagine her face? That smug little cat would have a field day with this."

    "I bet she''d bring it up every chance she got¡ªjust picture her smirking at you over breakfast, ''Oh, Skadi, careful with that juice, wouldn''t want another accident!"" He chuckled, his eyes glinting with wicked delight as he watched her reaction.

    Skadi jolted upright, her tail shooting straight up as she let out a horrified yelp.

    "No¡ªno, anything but that!" She squeaked, her hands flailing again as she stepped closer, her voice rising in a frantic plea. "Not Aisha¡ªplease, Master, not her! That cat''ll never let it go¡ªshe''ll torment me forever!"

    "She already made fun of me today, teasing me about peeing my pants as a child, saying I smelled like a wet dog! If she finds out about this, I''ll never hear the end of it¡ªshe''ll rub it in my face every single day!"

    "...I''ll do anything, anything to keep her from knowing! Just name it, please!"

    Cassius''s grin widened, his eyes narrowing as a dark, playful gleam sparked within them.

    "Really?" He said, his voice dropping into a low, suggestive purr as he leaned closer, his face inches from hers. "Anything? You''ll do anything for me, Skadi?" He let the question hang, his gaze boring into her, the air between them crackling with a sudden, dangerous tension.

    Skadi froze, her breath catching as she registered the shift in his tone, the evil glint in his eyes.

    But her desperation outweighed her wariness, and she nodded vigorously, her tail wagging slightly despite her nerves. "Yes¡ªyes, anything!" She said, her voice firm despite the tremor running through it. "As long as that cat doesn''t find out as long as no one knows what happened¡ªI''ll do whatever you ask, Master! Just...please, keep it quiet!"

    Skadi''s desperate plea hung in the cool night air, her voice trembling with fear and hope as she stared up at Cassius, her tail wagging faintly despite her nerves.

    And seeing this, Cassius''s smile widened, a slow, satisfied curl of his lips as he watched her tumble headfirst into the trap he''d so neatly laid out. He''d hooked her, reeled her in with barely a tug, and now she was floundering right where he wanted her.

    Leaning back against the chimney, he let out a long, exaggerated sigh, his eyes glinting with a playful mischief that belied the darker glee simmering beneath.

    "Fine..." He said, dragging the word out as if it pained him to concede. "Because I''m such a good master¡ªgenerous, benevolent, all that nonsense¡ªI''ll let this little matter slide. Your secret''s safe with me, Skadi." He waved a hand dismissively, his tone dripping with mock magnanimity, as if he were granting her some grand favor.

    Skadi''s face lit up instantly, her ears perking as a wave of relief washed over her. "Oh, thank you, Master!" She started, her voice bubbling with gratitude as she clasped her hands together, her tail giving an excited little twitch.

    But before she could finish, Cassius raised a finger, cutting her off mid-breath, his smile sharpening into something more calculating.

    "But of course..." He interjected, his voice taking on a sly edge. "...since I''m keeping this quiet, I''m missing out on the sheer joy of spilling it to Aisha."

    "You should''ve seen it¡ªher smug little grin, those sharp quips she''d sling your way. That''s gone now, thanks to your begging. So..." He paused, letting the words dangle like bait, his eyes narrowing as he watched her reaction. "...You''ve got to make up for that lost entertainment, don''t you think? Compensate me for my sacrifice."

    Skadi blinked, her innocent gaze locking onto his as she nodded without a hint of hesitation. "Of course!" She chirped, her voice bright and eager, oblivious to the undertow pulling her deeper. "Anything for you, Master¡ªI''m so happy you''re letting this go! Just tell me what you want, and Skadi will do it!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin stretching into something downright wicked as he echoed her words with a slow, deliberate drawl.

    "Really?" He said, his tone heavy with implication. Then he leaned in closer, his blood-covered face catching the moonlight as he revealed his request. "Even if what I want..."

    "...Is to clean up that spot you probably soaked through by now?..."

    "...You know, the very place you peed from¡ªget it all nice and tidy. Would you still allow me to do it?"

    Suprisingly, unlike most people, who''d flush red and stammer at such a vulgar, invasive suggestion and slap the person who uttered it on the face, Skadi''s innocent mind veered off in a completely different direction.

    Her brow furrowed in confusion, and she glanced down at her crotch, then back up at Cassius with a puzzled tilt of her head.

    "Why...Why would you want to do that, Master?" She asked, her voice genuinely curious, tinged with a hint of disbelief. "Why would you want to clean such a dirty place? Skadi would never do something like that¡ªit''s all gross and messy down there!"

    Cassius''s grin softened, shifting into something almost caring as he adopted the tone of a concerned, doting master.

    "Oh, Skadi." He said, his voice warm and reassuring. "It''s not about wanting to¡ªit''s about looking out for you."

    "You see if you pee your pants and just leave it there, let it sit and fester, you could get a rash. And trust me, Skadi, that''s no small thing...It''d itch like mad, maybe even get infected could be real trouble down the line."

    "I care about my knights well-being more than anything else, you know that. So, I just want to make sure you''re all cleaned up, no spots missed, so you don''t have to deal with that...It''s for your own good."

    Hearing this atrocious lie, Skadi''s eyes widened, her trust in him so absolute that not a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. His words sank in, and she nodded slowly, her tail giving a little wag as she processed his explanation.

    "Ohhh!~" She said, her voice softening with awe. "You''re so good, Master! So different from those other nobles¡ªall they care about is themselves, their gold, their fancy titles. But you¡ªyou''re always looking out for us! You''re the best master ever, truly!" Her face lit up with a beaming smile, her admiration for him glowing as bright as the moon overhead.

    Cassius felt a tiny pang of guilt twist in his chest¡ªher earnestness, her blind faith in him, was almost too pure to toy with.

    Almost.

    But before he could savor the moment, Skadi''s expression shifted.

    A sudden memory flickered in her eyes, and she tilted her head, her voice taking on an innocent, thoughtful tone.

    "Wait, though...my mama told me something once." She said, her brow furrowing slightly. "She said that part of my body¡ªdown there¡ªit''s sacred, you know? That I shouldn''t show it to anyone except my husband someday."

    "She said it''s special, like my chest and my butt, and if anyone tries to touch those spots, I should deal with them right away...No hesitation whatsoever."

    She paused, then grinned sheepishly, her claws flexing as she continued.

    "One time, this guy at a tavern got drunk and tried to grab my chest¡ªthought he''d get a feel, I guess. And then I remembered what Mom said, so I didn''t even think¡ªI just cut his hands off, clean through!...Blood everywhere, and he was screaming, but I figured he had it coming."

    She giggled, a little proud of herself, oblivious to the way Cassius''s grin faltered for a split second, a shiver running down his spine at the casual ferocity in her tale.

    But he recovered quickly, though, his courage bolstered by the challenge of her trust. Clearing his throat, he leaned in with a serious nod, his voice cool and convincing.

    "Your mother was right, Skadi." He said, his tone grave but warm. "Those parts are sacred, meant only for a husband to see¡ªthat''s true enough."

    "But here''s the thing: a master''s position...It''s higher than a husband''s, isn''t it? Above all else, really. I mean, I''m the one who commands you, protects you, keeps you safe."

    "...So, by that logic, I''ve got every right to look out for you there too, don''t I? It''s not about breaking the rules¡ªit''s about bending them for your own good."

    Skadi''s eyes widened again, her innocent mind latching onto his reasoning like it was gospel. She nodded slowly, then more firmly, her tail wagging with renewed confidence.

    "Oh...That makes sense!" She said, her voice brightening as she pieced it together. "You''re above all, Master of course you are! If anyone''s allowed, it''s you...Alright then!"

    Before Cassius could react, she shifted her stance, pushing her hips forward slightly and thrusting her crotch out toward him with an earnest, guileless trust.

    "Go ahead¡ªhelp me clean up, Master! Skadi doesn''t want a rash or anything, and I know you''ll do it right!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius blinked, caught off guard by her sudden, shameless compliance, her complete gullibility to his twisted little game laid bare before him. Her wide, trusting eyes stared up at him, her tail wagging eagerly as she waited for him to make good on his ''caring'' offer.

    For a moment, he just stood there, his grin frozen as a flicker of something¡ªperplexity, disbelief, maybe even a touch of guiltflashed through him.

    But then he chuckled, low and wicked, shaking his head as he stepped closer, his eyes glinting with delight and mischief.

    "Well, Skadi." He murmured, his voice a velvet purr. "Let''s get you sorted then."

    "...Can''t have my favorite puppy suffering, can I?"

    Cassius''s grin morphed into a predatory smirk, his eyes blazing with a raw, insatiable hunger as Skadi pushed her hips forward, offering herself up with that guileless trust that set his blood aflame.

    And then without hesitation whatsoever, he sank to his knees before her, the cold rooftop tiles biting into his skin, a sharp contrast to the heat pulsing through him as he drank in the sight of her.

    His hands, still covered with drying blood, trembled with anticipation as they brushed the waistband of her pants and with a slow, sensual tug, he peeled them down, the fabric rasping against her skin like a lover''s whisper, unveiling the thick, powerful curves of her thighs¡ªtaut with muscle yet plush with a softness that begged to be gripped.

    The moonlight bathed her pale flesh in a silvery sheen, shadows pooling in the dips and valleys of her form, igniting a primal ache in his core.

    His breath grew even more ragged as he hooked his fingers into her blue underwear, the thin cotton clinging to her hips like a teasing veil.

    He dragged them down with agonizing slowness, savoring the way they slid over her skin, the cool night air kissing her bare flesh as her pussy emerged, glistening wetly under the moon''s sultry glow.

    Cassius''s gaze locked onto it immediately, his throat tightening as desire surged through him, hot and unrelenting.

    Her pussy''s lips were pale and swollen, plump with a succulent fullness that parted slightly to reveal a slick, fleshy pink interior¡ªripe and glistening, a vision of raw, untouched beauty that pulsed with an almost hypnotic allure.

    And above it, a dense tuft of silver hair crowned her mound, wild and thick, its fluffiness a stark, adorable counterpoint to the primal heat below, curling like a wolf''s pelt under the lunar light...

 Chapter 117 - 117: Its All Wiggly Inside!

    Skadi stood unshaken, her innocence a shield against the weight of his ravenous stare. A soft, throaty chuckle spilled from her lips, her tail swaying slowly as she shifted her weight.

    "It''s cold, Master!" She purred, her voice a husky murmur that danced on the edge of a moan. "It tickles down there with the breeze. I don''t usually bare it like this under the stars so it feels so...strange, so alive."

    Her fingers slid into his wet hair, stroking his scalp with a slow, loving caress, her touch igniting sparks along his nerves.

    "Master..." She teased, her tone light but laced with curiosity. "Why''re you staring at Skadi''s pee-hole like it''s some treasure? It''s just there. Every girl''s got one...It''s nothing to gawk at like you''re doing now."

    Cassius''s smirk deepened, his hands rising to claim her hips, fingers digging into her soft flesh as he let them drift lower, tracing the edges of her pussy with a touch that was both tender and possessive.

    His fingertips grazed her outer lips, stroking the plump, silken curves before delving inward, brushing the swollen ridge of her labia and circling the throbbing bud of her clitoris with a slow, deliberate pressure.

    "Oh, my adorable little puppy..." He growled, his voice a low, molten rumble that seemed to seep into her skin. "This isn''t just any hole. These lips¡ªfuck, they''re gorgeous, glistening like that under the moonlight. Pale and full, dripping pink inside...I could drown in them and never come up for air."

    His fingers moved with a sensual rhythm, teasing her folds, coaxing a slick heat to pool beneath his touch as he worshipped her with every stroke.

    Skadi giggled, a high, ticklish sound that broke the spell of his words, her body squirming slightly under his touch. "Master, that''s so weird!" She said, her voice bubbling with innocent amusement as she shifted her weight, the sensation of his touch sparking something new and unfamiliar. "No one''s ever touched me there before¡ªit tickles so much! You''re exaggerating, though¡ªit''s not that pretty. I mean, Aisha''s pee-hole is way cuter¡ªtiny and neat, like a little flower."

    Cassius froze mid-stroke, his fingers still pressed against her as he snapped his head up, his eyes narrowing with a sudden, burning curiosity. He spread her lips gently, exposing more of her to the moonlight as he fixed her with an intense stare.

    "Wait¡ªwhat?" He said, his voice sharp with intrigue. "How do you know what Aisha''s looks like?"

    Skadi tilted her head, blinking down at him with a guileless grin, completely unfazed by his question. "Oh, I see it all the time!" she chirped, her tail wagging a little faster. "When we bathe together¡ªyou know, me, Aisha, Julie, all the girls¡ªwe''re always splashing around in the tubs. Aisha''s got this cute little thing, all dainty and pink, and she''s so smug about it too. But the captain''s?" She leaned down slightly, her voice dropping into a whisper as her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Julie''s got the plumpest, juiciest lips I''ve ever seen¡ªbig and soft, like they''re begging to be nibbled on."

    "...There''ve been so many times I''ve wanted to just¡­ take a bite, you know? Just a little taste!"

    Cassius''s imagination ignited, a flood of vivid, lascivious images flashing through his mind¡ªJulie''s voluptuous form dripping with bathwater, Aisha''s pert little frame teasingly exposed, Skadi caught between them in a steamy tangle of limbs.

    His breath quickened, his fingers tightening slightly against her skin as the heat in his chest flared hotter. He shook his head to clear the haze, then grinned up at her, his voice low and sultry.

    "Don''t sell yourself short, pup." He said, his tone dripping with admiration as he resumed his slow, sensual stroking. "Yours is just as pretty¡ªgorgeous, even. And this?" He brushed his thumb across the thick tuft of silver hair atop her mound, marveling at its softness. "I wasn''t expecting all this fluff."

    Skadi tilted her head, a playful pout tugging at her lips as she glanced down at the silvery patch.

    "Oh, that?" She murmured, her voice a sultry hum as she shifted her hips, pressing herself closer to his touch. "It''s because cause I''m Fenrir-kind, Master. We''re all hairy and fluffy¡ªmy tail''s the same, thick and wild."

    "...Down there''s no different and it just grows like that."

    Her pout then deepened as she thought about something, a flicker of worry shadowing her eyes as she met his gaze. "Master...You...You don''t...don''t hate it, do you? All that hair?"

    Cassius''s eyes flared, a possessive heat surging through him as he shook his head, his voice a low, guttural rasp.

    "Hate it? Fuck no, Skadi¡ªI crave it." He said, his tone thick with desire as he pressed his face forward.

    His cheek grazed the soft, silvery tuft, the plush hair brushing against his skin like silk as he nuzzled into it, his chin scraping her tender flesh in a delicious friction.

    He then buried his nose in the thick patch, inhaling deeply, the faint, musky scent of her arousal mingling with the crisp night air¡ªa cocktail that set his senses ablaze.

    And then finally, his hands gripped her hips tighter, pulling her closer as he smushed his face against her, rubbing and nuzzling with a feral, unrestrained need, his lips brushing the edge of her lips as he lost himself in her warmth.

    "Ahhh!?~ Noo!?~"

    Skadi''s laughter erupted, a trembling sound that danced between embarrassment and ecstasy as her body arched under his assault.

    "Master!?~" She moaned, her voice breaking into a sultry giggle as she grabbed at his head, her claws grazing his scalp. "That''s¡ªoh no, it''s so embarrassing! It tickles so much, and it''s making Skadi...making Skadi all hot and weird down there! Stop it¡ªyou''re driving me crazy!?~"

    Her hips bucked slightly, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as the heat of his touch coiled tighter within her, her innocence unraveling thread by thread under the weight of his desire.

    Cassius pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes smoldering with a primal fire, his lips glistening with the faintest sheen of her essence.

    "Driving you crazy, huh?" He rasped, his voice a dark, velvet promise as he slid a finger along her slit, teasing the slick heat within. "Good thing I''ve got all night to ruin you, Skadi¡ªnice and slow, until you''re begging for more." His grin was wicked, his touch unrelenting, and then immediately dove back in, determined to unravel her completely under the moon''s lustful watch.

    Cassius''s restraint shattered like a fragile toy under the weight of his feral desire, the primal heat surging through him too fierce to cage any longer.

    With a low, guttural growl, he surged forward, his hands clamping onto her hips with a possessive grip as his mouth claimed her, his tongue plunging into her slick folds with a fierce, unrestrained hunger.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    He licked her in long, slow strokes, tasting the hot, tangy dew that coated her, his lips pressing against her plumpness as he devoured her with a savage need.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    Skadi squeaked, a high-pitched, startled sound that broke the night''s stillness as her body jolted under the sudden, molten assault.

    Her little hands grabbed at his hair, clutching his head with a clumsy, desperate grip as her thighs wobbled, the wet heat of his tongue sparking something big and funny inside her.

    "M-Master!" She yelped, her voice a soft, shaky chirp, all wide-eyed and confused. "What''re you doing? It''s¡ªeek! your tongue''s all wiggly in my pee-hole! It feels so funny!"

    Cassius pulled back just enough to flash her a wicked, dripping grin, his lips shiny with her juices as he met her big, bewildered eyes.

    "Cleaning you up, Skadi." He growled, his voice a dark rumble that thrummed against her skin, thick with lust. "Just like I said¡ªgetting every messy bit of you nice and tidy." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Your mama licked you clean when you were dirty, right? I''m just doing it better¡ªtasting you all over, making you sparkle."

    His tongue darted out again, plunging into her with a slow, possessive thrust, swirling against her inner folds as he sucked her sweetness with a greedy fervor, his teeth grazing her swollen lips in a tease that made her squeal.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Skadi''s breath caught in her throat, a tiny, giggling whimper slipping out as her knees wobbled, her fingers tugging at his hair like a kid with a toy.

    "Mommy...she did lick me!" She said, her voice all trembly and high, full of wonder and a little worry. "But not¡ªnot down there! Not all tickly and hot like this! It''s making my tummy feel all fluttery and weird¡ªI don''t know this feeling, Master!?~"

    Her words turned into a soft, squeaky cry as he sucked harder, his tongue curling against her in a naughty dance, lapping at her warm, wiggly bits as her tail flopped around like a happy puppy.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Cassius''s hunger roared, a animalistic need driving him as he sank his teeth into her plump lips, biting down with a gentle ferocity before sucking them into his mouth with a wet, hungry pull.

    Her taste¡ªsharp and wild, tinged with that faint pee-tang¡ªset his senses ablaze, and he groaned against her, the sound vibrating through her flesh.

    "Tell me, Skadi." He snarled, his voice a guttural command as he nipped at her again, his breath scorching her slick skin. "What''s it feel like? I want every word¡ªtell Master how my tongue feel inside of you."

    His tongue plunged back in, deeper, hungrier, sucking and licking with a savage intensity as he urged her to spill her little thoughts.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Skadi''s head tipped back, her squeaks and giggles bubbling up into big, happy noises as she wiggled in his grip. "Oh, Master¡ªit''s so nice!?~" She chirped, her voice a shaky, childish sing¡ªsong that bounced across the rooftop. "It''s all warm and squishy down there¡ªlike a big, happy hug inside!?~"

    "It tickles lots too, like little sparkles dancing around, and my tummy''s all tight and jumpy¡ªlike when I eat too many sweets!?~"

    "...Your tongue''s so slippy and soft, going all over¡ªit''s the best feeling ever, Master!?~"

    Her hips wiggled against his mouth, her little hands tugging his hair as she bounced on her toes, caught up in the funny, tingly joy he was giving her.

    Cassius''s chuckle was a throaty growl, dripping with wicked delight as it buzzed against her pussy, making her squeal again.

    "Good Skadi." He rasped, as he licked her in long, greedy strokes, slurping up her sweetness like a treat. "I''m glad you''re having fun because Master''s loving this."

    "...Your pussy''s so tasty and yummy. It tastes so wild that I could lick you forever."

    His tongue swirled around her entrance, plunging in with a wet, possessive thrust, his lips smacking against her as he feasted, lost in her hot, messy heat.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Skadi''s cheeks puffed out, a big blush spreading across her face as she wiggled harder, her voice turning into a pouty whine.

    "Nooo, Master¡ªdon''t say that!?~" She cried, her tone all fussy and shy as she tugged at his hair with her little fists. "My pee''s yucky¡ªdon''t talk about it! It''s so silly and embarrassing¡ªstop it, please!?~" Her protests melted into a tiny whimper as his tongue pressed deeper, her body shivering with every lick despite her fussing.

    Cassius''s grin turned downright devilish, his hands sliding to her thighs to yank them wider, spreading her open like a juicy little prize as he bared her completely to his greedy eyes.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    His fingers then parted her lips, showing off the tiny, glistening hole where she peed, and he dove in, his tongue lashing against it with a slow, naughty flick that made her yelp.

    "This bit right here?" He purred, his voice a teasing growl as he sucked at her pee-hole, tasting the sharp, salty zing with a filthy relish. "This needs extra love, Skadi¡ªgot to lick it clean, make it all shiny." His tongue swirled and poked, lapping at her with a wet, hungry slurp, his lips sealing around it as he drank her down.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Skadi''s body jumped, a big, squeaky "Eep!?~" bursting out as her hands flapped around, unsure whether to push or pull.

    "Nooo!?~ Master, that''s too much!?~" She whined, her voice a pouty, flustered cry as her thighs shook like jelly. "That''s my yucky pee spot¡ªit''s all dirty!?~ Don''t lick there! That''s too wierd and making me feel strange feelings!?~" Her words tumbled into a little sob, her body wiggling as the peculiar, hot feeling got bigger and bigger inside her.

    Cassius pulled back just enough to look up at her, his tongue darting out to lick his lips, tasting her all over them as he gave her a grin soaked in naughty fun.

    "Dirty?" He rasped, his voice a growly tease as he leaned up, dragging his tongue across her lips in a slow, wet lick that made her giggle and squirm. "No way, Skadi¡ªit''s the yummiest thing ever. All primal and wild¡ªI could eat it all night!"

    His mouth crashed back to her pussy, sucking and biting with a fierce, messy hunger, his tongue plunging into her little hole with a slick, relentless thrust as he lost himself in her, her squeaky cries and pouty pleas only making him hungrier for more...

 Chapter 118 - 118: A Whole Litter Of Puppies

    Cassius''s tongue delved deeper, a relentless tide of molten desire, his lips worshipping her pussy with a fervent, loving hunger that consumed him whole.

    Each slow, sensual stroke was a vow, each teasing suck a promise, as he drank in her essence, his hands cradling her hips with a tender possessiveness.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Skadi''s soft gasps melted into trembling moans, her innocent frame quaking under the flood of pleasure he unleashed, her body yielding to a sensation too vast, too exquisite to comprehend.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Her thighs shivered, a delicate dance of surrender, as a deep, pulsing heat coiled within her, blossoming into something urgent and overwhelming.

    Her wide, shimmering eyes fluttered shut, her breath spilling out in ragged, love-soaked whispers as her fingers wove tighter into his hair, clinging to him like he was her anchor in a storm of bliss.

    "M-Master!?~" She breathed, her voice a soft, trembling melody laced with awe and adoration. "I...I feel so funny down there¡ªso warm, so full! It''s...oh, it''s like something''s coming, something big!?~"

    "...I think I think I might pee all over your face, Master¡ªI don''t wanna make you messy! Please...move away before I do!?~"

    Her words quivered with a sweet, flustered panic, her love for him shining through as she tried to shield him from her body''s wild unraveling, her tail swaying in a frantic little rhythm.

    But Cassius only growled, a low, reverent sound that rumbled against her slick folds, his devotion to her deepening with every shudder she gave.

    He pulled her closer, his hands spreading her thighs wider with a gentle, insistent strength, opening her up to him like a sacred offering under the moon''s tender glow.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    His tongue plunged deeper, tracing her inner walls with slow strokes, caressing the silken heat within as he savored every pulse, every twitch of her trembling core.

    "No, Skadi." He murmured, his voice a husky, loving rasp that vibrated against her, thick with desire and care. "I don''t mind¡ªnot one bit. As your Master, it''s my duty¡ªmy privilege to take all of you, every drop, every sweet mess you make."

    "...So go ahead and pee on my face, love¡ªlet it all go...Go on. I want it."

    Skadi''s heart raced, her protests dissolving into a soft, ecstatic moan as his words wrapped around her heart, his love igniting a fire that burned away her shame.

    "But...but I can''t¡ªoh, Master!?~" She whimpered, her voice trembling with a mix of innocence and surrender, her hips rocking against him as the pleasure surged higher, a tidal wave she couldn''t hold back.

    He didn''t relent¡ªhis mouth sealed over her pussy, sucking with a fierce, adoring intensity, his tongue swirling and thrusting as he coaxed her closer to the edge, his lips glistening with her essence.

    That is until finally her body tensed, a sharp, shuddering cry broke from her throat as the dam within her shattered.

    "No...No!?~ Master, it''s coming!?~" She gasped, her voice a raw, love-drenched plea. "I''m gonna¡ªI''m gonna pee!?~ Ohhh!?~"

    Her words dissolved into a scream of bliss as she unraveled, her pussy clenching and pulsing as she squirted, a hot, glistening flood bursting forth, splashing across Cassius''s face in a wild, unrestrained torrent.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    The liquid gushed over him, warm and sweet, washing away the blood that streaked his skin in rivulets, her release a baptism of their shared ecstasy.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    Skadi''s knees buckled, her legs trembling as she leaned into him, her hands gripping his head for support, her panting breaths filling the air with a soft, ragged melody of love and awe.

    And after a few seconds, as the waves of pleasure ebbed, Skadi''s eyes widened, a flush of realization creeping over her sweat-dampened face.

    She immediately looked down at her master, and to her shock her squirt still dripped from his chin. "Oh no!...M-Master, I''m so sorry!" She cried, her voice a flustered, pitiful whimper as she waved her hands in a panic. "I didn''t mean to¡ªl peed all over your face! It just...It just came out, and I couldn''t stop it! My body did it all by itself¡ªI''m so, so sorry!"

    Her tail drooped, her eyes shimmering with tears as she apologized again, her love for him laced with a sweet, innocent guilt.

    But Cassius rose to his feet, his face glistening with her release, droplets tracing paths down his jaw as he gazed at her with a look of pure, unbridled affection.

    He wasn''t angry¡ªnot even close.

    Rather his grin was warm, radiant, a lover''s smile that melted her fears away.

    "Don''t apologize, Skadi." He said, as he reached out, brushing a thumb across her flushed cheek. "I don''t mind¡ªnot one bit. This...It''s your body''s song, a natural, beautiful thing."

    "When you feel like that when you let go like that¡ªit''s because you want me, deep down. Like animals mark their mates with their scent, you marked me with yours."

    "...It means you want me for yourself, want me to fill you with my seed, to carry my children, so it''s nothing to be ashamed about."

    Skadi''s eyes widened, a cascade of soft, breathy¡ª "Oh, oh, oh, oh!"¡ªspilling from her lips as realization dawned, her blush deepening into a rosy glow.

    "So...That''s what it was?" She murmured, her voice a quiet, relieved sigh as she tilted her head, her tail giving a slow, happy wag. "I didn''t do anything yucky? So, it''s...It''s okay?"

    She then paused and blinked up at him, her mind catching up to his words, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

    "So...T-That means Skadi wants your babies, Master? Oh..." She considered it for a moment, her gaze drifting as she pondered, then flicked back to him, her eyes shimmering with a tender, bashful light.

    "Skadi...Skadi actually wouldn''t mind that, Master. Bearing your children¡ªyou''re so good, so strong, the best ever."

    "...Our babies would be strong too, wouldn''t they? That''d be...really nice." Her voice softened, a quiet yearning threading through it as she peeked up at him. "But...W-Would you want that? With me? I''m just a little puppy from the street, and you''re all fancy and a noble."

    "...Would you even bother for a stray like Skadi?"

    Cassius''s heart swelled, his grin softening into something achingly tender as he stepped closer, his hand sliding to her head, rubbing her hair with a slow, loving stroke before patting her gently.

    "Of course I would, Skadi." He said, his voice a warm promise as he gazed into her eyes, his touch brimming with devotion. "I''d give you my children in a heartbeat¡ªlet them carry the Holyfield name, make them the most adorable, fiercest little Skadis this world''s ever seen and I genuinely can''t wait to see them our babies, yours and mine."

    His words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, his love for her shining through every syllable.

    Skadi''s face lit up, a burst of joy erupting as she bounced on her toes, her tail wagging furiously as she clapped her hands.

    "Oh, yay!" She squealed, her voice bubbling with delight as she spun in a little circle. "A strong family¡ªbeautiful, tough puppies I can wrestle with all day!"

    "...They''ll be the best sparring buddies ever!"

    Her excitement spilled over, her antics drawing a deep, affectionate chuckle from Cassius as he watched her dance under the moonlight. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But then, her spinning slowed, a sudden memory flickering in her mind, and her cheeks flushed a deeper red. She stopped, turning to face him with a hesitant, bashful look, her ears twitching as she nibbled her lip.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile softening as he stepped closer. "What''s wrong, Skadi?" He asked, his voice gentle and curious. "Why''re you looking at me like that?"

    But before he could finish, Skadi rose onto her tiptoes, her movements quick and shy, and shockingly pressed her lips to his in a soft, tentative lick, her tongue brushing his mouth with a delicate, loving touch.

    Lick~ Lick~

    Cassius froze, startled, his fingers drifting to his lips as he blinked at her, tasting the faint sweetness of her kiss. "What...?" He murmured, his voice a quiet rumble of surprise.

    In response to what she had done, Skadi ducked her head, her blush deepening as she twisted her fingers together, her voice a coy, trembling whisper.

    "Um...Master...Now that you''re gonna give Skadi babies." She said, peeking up at him through her lashes. "You''re kinda my husband too, right? And...my mama used to lick my daddy''s lips like that, all sweet and nice. So I thought...I should too, you know?"

    "...Like a good wife would?"

    Her tail gave a nervous little wag, her eyes shimmering with love and embarrassment as she stood there, utterly vulnerable.

    Cassius''s heart thudded, a rush of warmth flooding him as he gazed at her this adorable, fierce creature who''d just bared her soul to him.

    "Fuck, Skadi." He breathed, his voice a husky, loving growl as he stepped closer, his hands framing her face with a tender reverence. "You''re too damn cute¡ªtoo perfect andI can''t wait anymore."

    "...I want to breed you right now, fill you up with every bit of me."

    His hands slid to her waist, pulling her close with a hungry, loving grip, but Skadi squeaked, her blush flaring as she wriggled free in a flustered panic.

    "Nooo!~ Noo!~ You looks so scary, Master!~"

    She yelped, her voice a shy, giggling protest as she dodged his grasp, scampering back toward the bedroom window and then jumping down with her tail tucked between her legs, while Cassius chuckled, a warm sound that echoed across the rooftop as he watched her flee, her silhouette disappearing into the shadows.

    "Run all you want, Skadi."

    He called after her, his voice a playful, loving promise as he brushed the lingering love juice from his face, his grin wide and bright.

    "Sooner or later, I''m gonna catch you and you''ll give me a whole litter of Skadis, every one as wild and beautiful as you."

    And then, with a satisfied hum, he turned toward his room, the night air still humming with the echo of her love, his heart racing with the sweet, fierce joy of what was to come...

 Chapter 119 - 119: Blood Straight From The Source

    Cassius slipped into his room, the heavy window clicking shut behind him as he hummed a low, contented tune. His mind buzzed with lustful delight, replaying the taste of Skadi on his tongue, as well as her trembling moans echoing in his ears.

    He pictured her fluffy tail¡ªso soft, so irresistible¡ªtwitching under his hands as he''d tease her in the days to come, imagining how he''d wrap it around his fingers, tug it just enough to make her squeal. His cock twitched at the thought, a hungry grin curling his lips as he stepped toward the bathroom, eager to wash off the blood and other juices still clinging to his skin.

    But then a voice sliced through his reverie¡ª"Young Master!"¡ªsharp and sudden, freezing him mid-stride and making him stop as if a ghost had whispered in his ear.

    His heart thudded, his lustful haze snapping cold for a split second...that is until he turned his head slowly, cautiously, toward the sound and relief washed over him like a wave as his eyes landed on Isabelle, sat on a chair beside his bed, her curvy frame outlined by the dim moonlight.

    She sat there, her face etched with concern, her bright blue eyes wide as she watched him. "Oh, it''s just you, Isabelle...I thought a ghost snuck into my room at night." He muttered, exhaling a shaky laugh as his shoulders relaxed, the primal heat in his veins simmering down to a warm, steady pulse. "What''re you doing here anyway? I told you to go home already, didn''t I?"

    Isabelle blinked, her grip loosening on the paperweight she''d clutched like a makeshift weapon, her tense posture softening as she confirmed it was him and not some blood-soaked intruder.

    She then set it down with a quiet clink and hurried over, her steps quick and light, her maid''s skirt swishing around her knees. "That''s what you said, Young Master." She began, her voice soft but insistent, laced with a quiet worry. "But I couldn''t just leave. If all the maids went home or fell asleep, who''d look after you? I...I didn''t see you eat dinner as well today, and I couldn''t rest knowing you might need something¡ªfood, a blanket, anything."

    "...I had to make sure you were okay."

    A soft grin spread across Cassius''s face, a warmth blooming in his chest as he reached out, his hand settling gently on her head.

    "Isabelle..." He murmured, his voice tender, though with a firm undercurrent, his fingers threading through her silky hair. "You don''t always have to be so fiercely...dutiful. You push yourself until you''re nothing but bone and weariness, and I see it. Every damn day. So, just...stop for a moment, alright? Breathe."

    "...You''ve earned a break a hundred times over."

    Her lips parted, a sad little sound escaping as she shook her head, her eyes shimmering with a quiet devotion. "A break''s no good to me, Young Master." She murmured, her voice trembling faintly with emotion. "You''re my priority and always have been. I can''t sleep, can''t rest, not knowing if you''ve eaten, if you''re safe in bed...It''d keep me up all night, worrying." Her gaze flicked up to his, earnest and unguarded, her loyalty laid bare.

    Cassius''s heart thudded, a rush of affection surging through him at her words, her adorable fucking stubbornness lighting a spark in his chest.

    "Goddamn, you''re too cute." He growled playfully, his hands darting to her cheeks, pinching and tugging them gently as she giggled under his touch. "How''d I get so lucky, huh? A maid this sweet, this gorgeous, all mine. I must''ve done some saintly stuff in a past life to deserve you. Look at you, fretting over me like I''m the only thing that matters."

    His voice dropped, warm and teasing, as he stretched her cheeks just enough to make her laugh harder, her soft squeaks filling the room.

    But as he toyed with her, Isabelle''s eyes sharpened, catching the red staining his hands, the stains smudged across his neck.

    Her giggles faded, concern creasing her brow as she grabbed his wrists, her touch light but urgent. "Young Master¡ªwhat''s this?" She asked, her voice tight with worry as she studied the mess. "Is that...blood?"

    Cassius froze, his grin faltering as he realized he was still a walking canvas of gore and squirt. "Uh¡ªpaint." He blurted, forcing a casual shrug as he waved a hand dismissively. "Just some paint and it spilled it all over me with how clumsy I am."

    But Isabelle''s deadpan stare cut through his bullshit like a knife, her brow arching in silent disbelief.

    He sighed, dropping the act with a low chuckle. "Alright, yeah¡ªit''s blood. But don''t freak out, okay? It''s not mine. It''s...someone else''s and I''m fine."

    He braced for it¡ªa flinch, a grimace, maybe a flicker of repulsion in those soft eyes since he had just admitted to something atrocious.

    But to his surprise, Isabelle just let out a long, quiet breath, her shoulders easing as relief washed over her.

    She then looked up at him, her lips curving into a gentle, unwavering smile, her gaze locking onto his with a warmth that knocked the wind out of him. "Oh, thank the stars." She murmured, her hands still resting lightly on his wrists. "As long as it''s not yours, Young Master¡ªl was so worried for a second there."

    Cassius blinked, thrown off by her calm, his head tilting as he studied her.

    "Wait...You''re not freaked out?" He asked, his voice rough with disbelief, a faint red glow sparking in his eyes as he leaned closer. "Most people''d lose their shit seeing me like this¡ªcovered in blood, looking like I just butchered half the countryside. Doesn''t it scare you even a little?"

    Isabelle''s smile deepened, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she shook her head, stepping closer until her warmth brushed against him.

    "Scared? Why would I be scared, Young Master?" She said, her tone soft and melodic, brimming with a trust that felt like sunlight on his skin. "It''s just you¡ªmy Young Master."

    "It''s similar to how I''ve seen soldiers come home from war, drenched in blood, their swords still dripping, and how their wives don''t run screaming. Instead they rush to them, arms open, smiling through tears because they''re alive."

    "It''s the same for me as well. You''re here, you''re safe and that''s all that matters. The blood? It''s just...a part of you coming back to me."

    Cassius snorted, a smirk tugging at his lips as he crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing as he pushed her a little harder, testing that unshakable faith. "Those soldiers killed enemies¡ªearned that mess fair and square. But you don''t know about what I did. You don''t even know whose blood this is, Isabelle."

    "...It could be from some poor fellow I gutted for no reason. Doesn''t that make you flinch, even a bit?"

    His voice dropped, dark and teasing, his grin sharpening as he let the red in his eyes flare, trying to spook her.

    But she didn''t blink. Her smile held steady, bright and fearless, as she reached up, her small hands pressing against his chest, her touch warm through his blood covered shirt.

    "My Young Master wouldn''t do that." She said, her voice a quiet, unshakable certainty that sank into him like a blade. "You''re kind, merciful¡ªthe best man I know and I trust you with everything I am you only do what''s right, what''s good. I''d even stake my life on it." She paused, her gaze softening, a quiet promise shimmering in her eyes. "And even if you did something bad¡ªif you ever stumbled¡ªI''d want you to tell me so that I could carry it with you, Young Master." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "...Your sins, my sins¡ªwe''d bear them together. I''d pray for you, repent for you, anything to keep your heart whole. That''s what I''m here for."

    Cassius''s heart stopped, his eyes widening as her words crashed over him, each one a fucking hammer to his chest. She stood there, her beautiful face glowing with a faith so pure, so fierce, it stripped him bare¡ªan angel in a maid''s dress, her trust a light piercing through the dark corners of his soul.

    The love in her eyes, the unwavering devotion in her voice, it hit him like a storm, a raw, overwhelming tide of heat and need surging through him and he couldn''t hold back anymore¡ªnot with her looking at him like that, like he was her entire world.

    So, with a rough, desperate growl, he stepped forward, his hands seizing her face with a fierce, trembling tenderness as he crushed his lips against hers in a deep, passionate kiss.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    Isabelle gasped into his mouth, a soft, startled sound that melted into a quiet moan as her body stiffened, then softened, yielding to him with a trust that set his blood on fire.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    His tongue plunged past her lips, tasting her¡ªsweet, warm, a purity that clashed with the blood and squirt still clinging to him¡ªhis hands sliding into her hair, tangling in the soft strands as he pulled her flush against him.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    He kissed her hard, hungry, pouring every shred of his lust, his love, his raw fucking adoration into her, his lips bruising hers as he claimed her with a need that shook him to his core.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    Her hands fisted in his shirt, clutching him tight as she pressed herself closer, her breath stuttering in little gasps, her quiet, trembling moan vibrating against his tongue as he devoured her, the world narrowing to the heat of her mouth and the fire of their bond.

    Finally, after he got his fill of her lips, Cassius pulled back from the kiss, his hands still cradling Isabelle''s face as he caught his breath, his lips tingling with the warmth of hers.

    Her flustered expression hit him like a shot to the chest¡ªcheeks flushed a deep pink, eyes wide and shimmering, her breath coming in soft, uneven puffs as she stared up at him, caught somewhere between shock and delight.

    "That...That was a rather passionate kiss, Young Master." She stammered, her voice a trembling whisper as she ducked her head, her fingers twitching against his chest. "I wasn''t ready for it!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin softening into something teasing as he brushed a thumb across her cheek, feeling the heat radiating off her. "What, you didn''t like it?"

    Isabelle''s head snapped up, her eyes widening in a frantic panic as she waved her hands in front of her, her voice tumbling out in a rush. "No¡ªno, of course I liked it! I loved it, Young Master, really, I did! It was...s-so wonderful!" She paused, her blush deepening as she bit her lip, her gaze darting away before flicking back to him, shy and adorably uncertain. "It''s just...It was so fast, and it caught me off guard! I didn''t know what to do."

    "...I just stood there like a silly goose, all flustered and shaky! I''ve never...I mean, I didn''t expect it, and my heart''s still going thump¡ªthump¡ªthump!"

    He chuckled, a warm sound that filled the room as he slid his hands down to her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze.

    "You''re too damn cute, Isabelle." He said, his voice softening with affection as his grin turned tender. "You don''t need to do a thing in moments like that you already do so much for me every day. Cooking, cleaning, worrying yourself sick over me¡ªyou''re a goddamn saint."

    "So, when it''s just us, like this, you can let me take the lead. I''ll handle it¡ªsatisfy you, slow and thorough, till you''re melting in my hands. How''s that sound?"

    Her blush flared brighter, a rosy tide creeping up her neck as she fidgeted under his gaze, her hands twisting together in front of her. "Oh¡ªoh my." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she peeked up at him through her lashes, her lips parting in a shy, trembling smile. "That...That sounds...um, very nice, Young Master. Very, very nice." She licked her lips absently, a quick, nervous flick of her tongue. But then paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she tilted her head.

    "But...That kiss...It tasted a little sweeter than normal. Different, somehow. Sweeter and...I don''t know, kind of wild?"

    Cassius''s grin faltered for a split second, a flash of realization hitting him¡ªSkadi''s love juices, still smeared across his face, mingling with the blood and sweat. He could still taste her, sharp and tangy, clinging to his lips like a secret.

    But he masked it with a quick laugh, leaning back as he rubbed his jaw, his voice casual. "Yeah, uh¡ªthat''s probably the blood." He said, nodding toward the crimson lines on his neck. "Must''ve sweetened up on me makes it taste funny, I guess."

    Isabelle blinked, then nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up with innocent belief as she clasped her hands together. "Oh, that makes sense! I didn''t know blood could taste so sweet¡ªI always thought it''d be all bitter and salty." She said, her tone bright and curious. Then she giggled, a soft, bubbling sound as she tilted her head, her smile turning playful. "No wonder vampires like it so much! If it''s this tasty, I''d be sipping it all day too!"

    Cassius laughed, as he leaned closer, his grin sharpening with a mischievous edge. "Oh yeah? Then, what if your Young Master was a vampire all along, huh?" He asked, his voice dropping into a low, teasing growl as he loomed over her, his eyes glinting with a dark, playful hunger. "What if I wanted your blood for dinner¡ªwould you let me sink my fangs in?"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, but she didn''t hesitate, her smile blooming into something sweet and earnest as she tilted her head back, baring her slender neck with a little flourish.

    "Of course I would, Young Master!" She chirped, her voice bubbling with adorable conviction as she pressed a hand to her chest, her tone serious. "It''s my duty as your maid to offer myself up¡ªblood and all! Take as much as you wan and I''d be happy to feed you!" She giggled again, her neck still arched invitingly her innocence shining through the playful gesture.

    Seeing this, Cassius decided to tease her even more and see to what lengths she was willing to go, so he stepped closer and his gaze dropped from her neck to the soft swell of her breasts, barely contained by the low neckline of her maid''s dress.

    "Oh, if I were a vampire, my dear maid, I wouldn''t go for the neck." He said as he let his eyes linger on her cleavage, the creamy skin peeking out like a invitation. "Too predictable, boring even, so I''d go straight for the source¡ªdrink that sweet blood right from your heart." His hand twitched, itching to reach out as he stared at her chest, imagining the heat of her skin under his lips.

    Isabelle''s gulped, her cheeks flushing a deeper red as she caught his meaning, her hands fluttering to her chest in a flustered panic.

    "Oh¡ªoh, you mean....here?" She stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and curiosity as she glanced down at her breasts, then back up at him.

    But then, to his delight, she straightened, her blush warring with a shy determination as she pushed her chest out, her large breasts straining against the fabric, the wide expanse of her cleavage on full display.

    "W-Well...If that''s what you want, Young Master, you can take it from me! Right here, I''d let you have a taste, honest!" She cupped her breasts, lifting them slightly as if offering them up, her voice a flustered squeak as she tried to match his tease, her innocence making the gesture all the more enticing.

    Cassius''s grin turned downright feral, a low, rumbling chuckle escaping him as he stepped closer, his eyes locked on the lush curve of her cleavage, his cock stirring at the sight.

    "Fuck, Isabelle." He growled, his voice thick with lust as he reached out, brushing a finger along the edge of her neckline, just grazing the soft skin above her breasts. "If I were a vampire, I''d suck that big, juicy ''heart'' of yours dry every damn day. Sink my fangs right in and drink you down until your breasts go pale." He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered. "I bet you''d taste sweeter than anything I''ve ever had."

    "Young Master!" Isabelle''s blush exploded, her voice a high, shaky whine as she peeked at him through her fingers, her mind clearly spinning with the vivid, naughty image he''d painted. "Every day? That''s¡ªthat''s so much! I doubt I even have that much blood in my body." She squirmed, her cleavage still thrust out as she giggled nervously, caught between her avid curiousity and the heat his words sparked in her.

    Cassius laughed again, as he pulled back, his hands itching to grab her but settling for a playful tug on her hair instead.

    "You''re too perfect, Isabelle." He said, his voice a warm, teasing growl, his eyes glinting with a promise of more. "Just keep blushing like that, and I might just turn into vampire tonight¡ªstart with that ''heart'' and work my way everywhere else."

    He winked, stepping back toward the bathroom as her flustered figure followed him, the air between them crackling with a tender, electric heat leading to something spicy...

 Chapter 120 - 120: Can I Join Your Bath, Young Master?

    Cassius paused just as he reached the threshold of his private bathroom, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the room as he turned back to Isabelle, his hand resting on the doorframe.

    "You know, Isabelle." He said, his voice low and rough, tinged with a faint weariness. "I''m not really in the mood to eat right now. Not with all this blood on me kinda kills the appetite, so you can head back and get some rest. I''m just gonna wash this mess off and sleep and do nothing else tonight." He tilted his head, his eyes softening as they met hers. "I don''t wanna see any dark patches under those pretty eyes of yours because you''re staying up late worrying about me."

    He stepped back, one foot crossing into the bathroom''s cool tiled floor, the promise of a hot bath tugging at him¡ªuntil a sudden, gentle grip on his arm stopped him dead.

    He froze, surprise flickering through him as he turned, his gaze dropping to where Isabelle''s small hand clung to his sleeve. Slowly, he looked down at her and saw face flushed a deep, rosy pink, her lips parted in hesitation, her eyes shimmering with something unspoken, something she was clearly too shy to voice.

    She looked like a deer caught in torchlight, trembling and uncertain, and it made his chest tighten with curiosity. "What''s up?" He asked, his brow furrowing as he stepped back toward her, his tone gentle but probing. "If this is about dinner, I told you I ate a hearty lunch today, stuffed myself silly. I''m not hungry, so you don''t need to play mother hen and nag me into eating like I''m some kid who forgot his supper."

    Isabelle shook her head quickly, her grip tightening on his arm as she swallowed hard, her blush deepening. "N-No, Young Master, it''s not about dinner." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with nerves as she worked up the courage to speak. She then took a shaky breath, her eyes darting away before locking onto his again, wide and vulnerable.

    "I...I was just wondering...um...could l...could I join you? To...To help you take a bath?"

    Cassius blinked, his head tilting as surprise rippled through him, his grin faltering into something more curious, more intrigued. Isabelle¡ªhis Isabelle, the shy one who''d bolt from the room at the mere mention of bathing duties among the maids¡ªwas asking this?

    "Wait, hold up." He said, his voice dropping into a slow, teasing drawl as he crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "You''re suddenly all eager to hop in with me? What''s gotten into you, huh? You''re usually the first one out the door when the girls start yapping about bath time."

    Her cheeks burned brighter, and she ducked her head, her fingers twisting together in front of her as she shifted her weight, her voice coming out in a soft, coy rush. "I...I''ve actually wanted to do for a long time, Young Master." She admitted, her words spilling out like a confession she''d held too long. "To bathe with you, to...To be close like that, all those intimate moments and have my final moment with you¡ªI''ve thought about it so much. But...But you''re always with the other maids, all of them together, laughing and chatting, and it''s just...It''s too much for me! I get so embarrassed¡ªI can''t stand being in a group like that, not for something so...so private and I''d run off every time because I couldn''t bear it, not with everyone watching!"

    Cassius''s brow shot up, realization dawning as her words sank in, a slow, wicked grin spreading across his face.

    ''So that''s why she''d always vanished...'' His shy little Isabelle had been nursing a secret craving all this time, too flustered to join the fray.

    "Oh, I get it now." He said, his voice low and amused, his eyes glinting with a playful heat as he straightened, stepping closer to her. "You''ve been a naughty little maid, haven''t you? Hiding all these dirty thoughts about your Young Master, dreaming of getting me all to yourself. What kind of fantasies you been cooking up in that pretty head, huh?"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, a flustered squeak escaping her as she waved her hands in front of her, her voice rising in a frantic protest. "No¡ªno, I''m not naughty, Young Master! I''m not¡ªI swear! It''s not like that!" She paused, catching her breath as she met his gaze, her blush warring with a quiet, earnest determination. "It''s...It''s only natural, isn''t it? To feel this way about you?"

    "...You''re so handsome, so amazing¡ªirresistible, really! Any girl who gets near you can''t help but swoon¡ªyou''re strong and kind and...and everything! It''s not naughty¡ªit''s just...just how it is!"

    Cassius chuckled, as he nodded, his grin softening into something understanding, though the mischief never left his eyes. "I see, I see." He said, his tone smooth and warm as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing purr. "So, all this time, you''ve been pining for me, huh? Fair enough you''re not wrong, I''m pretty damn swoon-worthy. But tell me, what''s this ''final moment'' you''re talking about? You''ve got me curious now¡ªwhat''s the big finish you''ve been dreaming of?"

    Isabelle''s blush flared anew, her hands flying to her cheeks as she squirmed under his gaze, her voice a flustered whine. "Young Master, stop teasing me!" She cried, her eyes darting away before flicking back to him, pleading and embarrassed. "You know what I mean¡ªyou have to know! Don''t make me say it!"

    He tilted his head, his grin sharpening as he crossed his arms, playing dumb with a wicked glint in his eyes. "No, I don''t know, Isabelle." He said, his voice a low, taunting growl. "I''m clueless, really. You''re gonna have to spell it out for me. What''s this final moment all about? Come on, don''t leave me hanging."

    Isabelle opened her mouth, then closed it, her lips trembling as she struggled, but Cassius stopped himself mid-tease, a better idea sparking in his mind.

    His grin turned darker, as he uncrossed his arms and lifted a hand toward her, palm up, his eyes locking onto hers with a quiet, commanding heat. "Wait¡ªscratch that." He said, his voice dropping. "Don''t tell me. Show me. Take my hand, Isabelle and put it right where this final moment happens. Let me feel it."

    Her breath hastened, her eyes widening as she stared at his outstretched hand, the weight of his words sinking in. He wasn''t joking¡ªhis gaze was steady, expectant, his fingers waiting for her touch.

    She hesitated, her hands trembling as she bit her lip, but then, with a shaky resolve, she reached out, her small fingers brushing his before wrapping around them.

    And then, slowly, she guided his hand downward, her movements hesitant but charged with a quiet, erotic tension.

    His breath caught as she slid his hand past the hem of her skirt, the fabric rustling softly as she pushed it up, revealing the smooth expanse of her thighs.

    Her fingers then trembled as she tugged at the edge of her underwear, slipping his hand beneath the thin cotton until his palm settled against the warm, slick slit of her pussy and the moment she did Cassius''s eyes darkened, as his fingers brushed her, feeling the soft, damp heat of her folds, the delicate pulse of her arousal against his skin.

    Isabelle then looked up at him, her limpid eyes shimmering with a mix of vulnerability and desperate longing, her voice a soft, trembling whisper. "This...This is it, Young Master." She murmured, her breath stammering as his hand pressed against her, her body quivering under his touch. "This is the part I want you to take¡ªto make me yours, only yours. I''ve wanted it for so long."

    "...To belong to you here, completely."

    Cassius''s lips curled into a dark, grin, his eyes glinting with lust and something deeper as he stepped closer, his hands sliding deeper down to her hips. And then with a slow motion, he spread her folds wide, his touch firm and possessive, exposing her glistening slit to the cool air as she gasped, a soft, startled sound escaping her lips.

    "You sure about that, Isabelle?" He growled, his voice a low, teasing rumble thick with challenge and desire. "Sure you wanna be mine? I''m one hell a depraved bastard, you know¡ªtwisted as hell, always hungry for more. And you''re just a sweet, helpless little maid, all soft and innocent."

    "...So, what if one day I get bored of you down the line, huh? Decide I don''t need you anymore and toss you out like some...used-up toy? Do you really want this, knowing I could play with you and leave you behind?"

    Isabelle''s breath caught, her eyes widening as his words sank in, but there was no flicker of doubt in her gaze¡ªonly a tender, unshakable devotion that made her heart thud hard against her ribs.

    She leaned into him, her hands clutching his shirt as she pressed her body closer, her voice soft but resolute despite the faint tremor running through it.

    "Even if that happened, Young Master." She said, her tone laced with a quiet, aching sincerity. "I''d still be happy. Happy I got to be with you like this to feel you, to have these moments with you, even if they''re all I ever get...That''s more than I could ever ask for." She paused, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears as she tilted her head up, her vulnerability raw and unguarded. "But...If that day ever comes, if you do cast me away...I''d only ask one thing."

    "...Please, give me your child¡ªlet me carry a part of you, raise them as yours. So I''d always have something of you with me, something to hold onto, no matter where I end up."

    Her words struck him like a thunderbolt, the pure, selfless love in her voice and the tenderness in her shimmering eyes cutting through his rough exterior like a blade.

    She was offering him everything¡ªher body, her soul, her entire future.without a hint of fear, accepting even the worst he could do with a grace that left him breathless. This made his chest tighten, a fierce, overwhelming heat surging through him as he stared into those blue depths, her beauty and devotion unraveling every shred of his control.

    "Damn Isabelle." He said, his voice rough with emotion as he cupped her cheeks, his hands trembling slightly as he pulled her close, his thumbs brushing the soft skin beneath her eyes. "Don''t you ever worry about that¡ªnot for a second. I''m yours, all the way to the goddamn end. There''s no way in hell I''m letting go of a maid this sexy, this beautiful¡ªthis fucking perfect."

    "...So, just know that you''re mine, and I''m keeping you forever whether you like it or not."

    Her lips quivered into a radiant smile, a soft, joyous glow spreading across her face as happiness bloomed in her chest, her hands sliding up to rest against his wrists.

    "Oh, Young Master." She whispered, her voice trembling with delight as she pressed herself closer, her body melting into his touch. "I''d stay with you forever...gladly, all the way to the end. I''m just so...so happy you''d keep me." Her eyes sparkled, her blush deepening as she leaned into his hands in a trusting surrender.

    Cassius''s grin softened, a flicker of mischief dancing in his eyes as he pulled back just enough to let his hands roam, his fingers brushing the edge of her maid dress with a slow, deliberate intent.

    "But you know after touching that sweet little pussy, where our final moment happens, I can''t stop thinking about it." He said, his voice dropping into a low growl as he stepped closer, tugging at the fabric.

    "I need to see it all of you, every fucking inch...I''ve been dying to peel this off you myself." He started to undo the laces, his movements slow and purposeful as Isabelle''s eyes widened in surprise, a soft gasp escaping her lips.

    "Y-Young Master!" She squeaked, her hands darting up to her chest as she took a half-step back, her voice a flustered rush. "I can undress myself! It''s my job to undress you, not the other way around I''m supposed to serve you!" Her cheeks burned a bright red, her gaze flicking away as she clutched at the hem of her dress, torn between her duty and the sudden intimacy of his touch.

    Cassius chuckled, as he caught her hands, gently prying them away to intertwine his fingers with hers. "Not tonight, my dear maid." He said, as he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin. "Right now, I wanna cherish you¡ªcoddle my beautiful little maid, treat you like the fucking treasure you are."

    "...Let me do this, huh? Let me take care of you for once." His eyes locked onto hers, soft but insistent, a quiet plea woven into the heat that made her heart flutter. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Isabelle bit her lip, her blush spreading down her neck as she hesitated, but then gave a shy, reluctant nod, her hands falling limp at her sides as she surrendered to him. "O-Okay, Young Master...I-If that''s what you want."

    "Damn right it is." He said, his grin widening as he stepped closer, his hands moving to the laces of her maid dress with a slow, reverent care.

    He tugged them loose, the fabric parting inch by inch as he peeled it down her shoulders, revealing the smooth, creamy expanse of her skin.

    "Now that''s quite the sight." He said, his voice full of lust as the dress slipped lower, baring her breasts¡ªfull and plump, the soft mounds trembling with her shaky breaths, her nipples hardening under the cool air and his heated gaze. "Look at these perfect fucking tits, so round, so goddamn sexy. I could suck on them all night." His hands brushed the sides of her breasts, a featherlight touch that made her gasp, her body arching faintly toward him as he slid the dress further down.

    The fabric caught at her hips, and he tugged it free with a slow, deliberate pull, letting it pool at her feet as his eyes raked over her ass¡ªround and firm, the plush curves begging to be gripped.

    "And this ass..." He growled, his hands sliding around to cup her cheeks, squeezing them with a possessive hunger as he pulled her closer, his cock twitching hard against his pants. "So damn plump, so juicy¡ªshit, it''s begging for me to sink my teeth in, mark it up real good."His fingers kneaded her flesh, drawing a soft, flustered whimper from her lips as she squirmed, her shyness melting under the heat of his touch.

    He then knelt slightly, sliding the dress down her legs, his gaze drinking in the long, graceful lines of her thighs, the smooth muscle flexing beneath her skin as she shifted nervously. "These legs as well..." He murmured, as he ran his hands up their length, tracing the curves with a slow, reverent hunger that made her shiver. "So long, so gorgeous¡ªI could wrap them around my waist and fuck you till you scream, Isabelle." He stood, stepping back to take her in as the last of her clothes fell away, leaving her fully naked before him, her body glowing in the dim light¡ªsoft, curvy, and utterly bare.

    Isabelle stood there, her arms crossing shyly over her chest as she ducked her head, her blush spreading down to her shoulders, her bare skin prickling under his gaze.

    "Young Master..." She whispered, her voice a trembling plea as she peeked up at him through her lashes, her blue eyes wide and glistening with a mix of embarrassment and trust.

    "I¡ªI feel so...so naked. Do I...Do I look alright like this?"

    Her hands twitched, hovering uncertainly as she fought the urge to cover herself, her vulnerability making her all the more irresistible.

    Cassius''s eyes darkened, his grin turning feral as he stepped closer, his hands reaching out to gently uncross her arms, baring her fully to him once more.

    "Alright?" He said, as he drank her in, his cock straining painfully against his pants at the sight of her trembling form. "You''re fucking breathtaking, Isabelle every curve, every soft little inch. Sexy as sin, beautiful as hell."

    "...And the best part is that your completely mine and I''m gonna worship every goddamn part of you to show you how happy I am to have you."

    His hands slid to her hips, pulling her flush against him as he leaned down, his lips crashing into hers in a deep, hungry kiss, a vow of possession and adoration sealed in the heat of their touch.

 Chapter 121 - 121: Maid Over A Princess

    Cassius''s hands lingered on Isabelle''s hips, his lips still tingling from their kiss as he gazed down at her naked form, her shy beauty stirring a warmth in his chest that went beyond mere desire.

    And with a sudden, playful grin, he slid one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back, lifting her into his arms like a princess in a single, smooth motion.

    Isabelle let out a startled squeak, her hands flying to his shoulders as her wide blue eyes blinked up at him, surprise and delight flushing her cheeks.

    "Young Master!" She exclaimed, her voice a soft, breathless laugh as she clung to him, her bare skin warm against his shirt. "What...What are you doing?" But even as she spoke, a happy, gleeful smile spread across her face, her heart fluttering at the tender way he held her, cradling her close as he turned toward the bathroom.

    He chuckled, a low, gentle sound as he carried her across the threshold, the faint steam from the waiting bath curling into the air. "Taking my princess to get cleaned up." He said, his tone warm and teasing as he glanced down at her, his eyes softening. "Can''t have you all sticky and messy, can I?"

    Isabelle''s smile widened, a soft giggle bubbling up as she nestled into his arms, her fingers brushing his collar. "Princess..." She murmured, her voice glowing with quiet joy as she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. "You called me a princess...Oh, Young Master, that makes me so happy!" She paused, then tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing with a curious little frown. "But...Why aren''t you taking your clothes off too? You''re the one who needs a bath the most!"

    Cassius grinned, stepping into the bathroom as he adjusted his hold on her, her weight light and precious in his arms. "I''ll get to that later, Isabelle." He said, his voice calm and reassuring as he crossed the tiled floor. "First, I''ve gotta take care of my princess¡ªmake sure there''s not a single stain on you."

    "...You''re the priority tonight."

    Her cheeks flushed at his words, a delighted little hum escaping her as she relaxed into him, her trust in him absolute.

    He set her down gently beside the tub, the hot water within steaming faintly, its surface rippling with the promise of warmth. Isabelle''s bare feet touched the cool tiles, and she steadied herself with a hand on his arm.

    Cassius then reached for a wooden bucket on the side, dipping it into the tub to fill it with steaming water and then turned back to her, holding the bucket aloft as he tipped it slightly, letting a small stream of water cascade over her breasts, the droplets glistening as they traced her skin.

    "How does that feel?" He asked, his voice gentle as he watched her reaction, his gaze focused on her comfort rather than his own wants.

    Isabelle shivered faintly, a soft sigh escaping her as the warmth kissed her skin. "It''s perfect, Young Master." She murmured, her voice a tender whisper as she glanced up at him, her smile shy but content. "Just right¡ªnot too hot, not too cold."

    "Good." He said, his grin widening as he tilted the bucket further, letting the rest of the water pour over her in a sudden, gentle rush. It drenched her fully, cascading down her shoulders, her breasts, her stomach, and pooling at her feet, her skin gleaming as the droplets slid over every curve. "Look at that." He said, his tone warm and admiring, his eyes tracing the path of the water with a quiet reverence. "So beautiful, the way it slides down you, all wet and shining...You''re like something out of a dream, Isabelle."

    She giggled, a soft, flustered sound as she brushed a damp strand of hair from her face, her body glistening in the dim light. "You really just can''t stop your compliments when you''re around girls, Young Master..." She murmured, her voice trailing off as she watched him pick up a bar of soap from the edge of the tub, his fingers curling around it with a purposeful ease.

    Her eyes widened slightly, and she reached out a hand, her tone quick and earnest. "Oh, you don''t need to do that! I can wash myself¡ªI''m not a child, you know!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius paused, tilting his head as he flashed her a playful, knowing smile, the soap held firmly in his grip. "Maybe so." He said, his voice light but firm, laced with a gentle insistence. "But I made this soap myself, Isabelle and I know how to use it better than anyone. So, tonight, I''m gonna show you how it''s done¡ªwash you proper, make you feel every bit of it."

    "...Let me take care of you, alright?"

    Isabelle hesitated, her lips parting as if to protest, but the sincerity in his eyes softened her resolve. She nodded slowly, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she lowered her hand. "Alright, Young Master."

    Cassius smiled gently, his gaze soft as he reached for her hand first, taking it in his with a careful tenderness that made her breath catch. He dipped the bar of soap into the water, lathering it between his palms until soft bubbles formed, the faint scent of lavender wafting up as he began to wash her hand.

    His then fingers moved slowly, tracing the lines of her palm, scrubbing gently between her knuckles as the warm water trickled over her skin. Isabelle sighed softly, her eyes fluttering half-closed as she savored the soothing sensation, a small, content smile playing on her lips.

    He tilted his head, studying her hand as he worked, his brow furrowing slightly with a mix of surprise and admiration. "You know, Isabelle." He said, his voice low and thoughtful. "I was expecting these hands to be all smooth and soft¡ªdelicate, like some dainty little thing. But they''re rougher than I thought, calloused here and there. Didn''t see that coming."

    Isabelle''s smile faltered, a reluctant, almost sheepish curve replacing it as she glanced down at her hand in his, her cheeks flushing faintly. "Oh...I suppose that''s from the kitchen." She murmured, her voice tinged with a quiet apology as she flexed her fingers slightly. "Chopping, stirring, scrubbing pots¡ªit''s hard work, Young Master, and it''s made my hands like this. I didn''t mean for them to get so...unrefined."

    Cassius''s eyes softened, his grip on her hand tightening gently as he shook his head, cutting off her explanation with a warm, earnest tone. "Hey, no¡ªdon''t you dare apologize for that." He said, his voice firm but kind as he met her gaze. "If anything, I should be thanking you. These hands cook for me every single day¡ªevery meal, every bite I''ve had, it''s because of them."

    "...They''re a gift, Isabelle, and I''m grateful for them."

    He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a tender, lingering kiss to her roughened palm, his breath warm against her skin.

    "They''re more beautiful than any princess''s hands¡ªsome spoiled girl who''s never lifted a finger in her life. These hands have heart, and that''s worth everything."

    Her blush deepened, a soft, delighted giggle escaping her as her eyes sparkled with happiness, her free hand fluttering to her chest. "Young Master...Oh, you''re too sweet." She said, her voice a joyful hum as she beamed up at him, her heart swelling at his words. "That makes me so happy knowing you think that, almost as if there isn''t a imperfection about me that you won''t love."

    He grinned, a quiet satisfaction settling in his chest as he set her hand down gently, moving behind her to begin washing her back.

    His hands glided over her smooth skin, the soap lathering into a soft foam as he scrubbed with a slow, careful rhythm, tracing the gentle curve of her spine. "Because there isn''t, Isabelle." He said, his tone light and conversational as he worked. "There''s nothing that you could possibly do that would make me make me hate you and even if there was, I''d learn to love for my princess."

    Isabelle tilted her head slightly, a cheeky little glint flashing in her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at him, her voice taking on a playful edge. "Well, since we''re talking about princesses...Tell me, Young Master¡ªif you had to choose, would you pick a princess or a maid like me for a wife?"

    Cassius scoffed, like even asking that question was rather stupid as his hands paused, his grin widening with exasperation. "A princess?...Over you?...Not a chance, Isabelle." He said, his tone teasing but genuine as he resumed washing her back, his fingers kneading gently into her skin. "Some spoiled, needy girl who doesn''t know a thing about the world? Please¡ªI''d take a maid like you any day."

    "...You''re capable, strong, lovely in every way that matters and a princess couldn''t possibly hold a candle to you ever."

    And before she could respond, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her from behind in a warm, enveloping hug, his chest pressing against her soapy back as his hands slid to her soft abdomen, scrubbing slowly with the lather.

    "Honestly, though." He murmured, his voice dropping into a tender, thoughtful tone as he rested his chin lightly on her shoulder. "It doesn''t matter what my partner is¡ªa princess, maid, whatever. Strip all that away, take off the clothes and the titles, and she''s just a girl underneath."

    "...And me? I like my girls plump and thick¡ªlike you. None of those fragile, twiggy princess types for me."

    His hands slid upward, cupping her full, heavy breasts with a bold, hungry grip, his fingers sinking into their plush softness as he groped them in a slow, erotic rhythm. "And, my god, Isabelle, you''ve a body that any man would die for. Especially these breasts..." He said, as he kneaded her flesh, his palms pressing against her hardening nipples. "I love these¡ªfucking love them."

    "...So big, so soft¡ªI could play with them every damn day and never get tired." His touch was firm, possessive, his fingers tracing the curves of her breasts with a reverent heat that made her breath hitch, her body arching into him as a soft moan slipped from her lips.

    Then, with a sudden shift, his tone turned lighter, a playful grin tugging at his lips as he bounced her breasts gently in his hands, watching them jiggle like a amused child. "Look them¡ªbouncing like they''ve got a mind of their own!"

    "And not mention, every time I catch a glimpse of that cleavage of yours, it''s like they''re calling out to me¡ªteasing me, turning me on until I can''t think straight. Tell me, Isabelle¡ªare you doing that on purpose? Showing off these gorgeous things to seduce me?"

    Isabelle''s cheeks flared a bright red, her hands flying up to cover her face as a flustered squeak escaped her. "Of course not, Young Master!" She protested, her voice a high, trembling rush as she peeked at him through her fingers, her embarrassment warring with a shy smile. "It''s not like that¡ªI swear! It''s just...They''re so big, I can''t help it! They always end up showing a lot of cleavage, no matter what I wear¡ªI don''t mean to tease you!"

    "Oh, I believe you." He said, his tone dropping back into a low, sultry growl as his hands stilled on her breasts, his fingers brushing her nipples teasingly. "But next time we''re alone, Isabelle, I want more. I wanna see that cleavage pushed up¡ªright up so yahy those pretty little nipples are just peeking out, teasing me. Not the whole thing, mind you just enough to get my imagination running wild, picturing what''s underneath."

    Her eyes widened, a soft gasp spilling from her lips as she turned her head to stare at him, her blush deepening to a crimson tide. "Young Master! You''re so naughty¡ªthinking such dirty things!...How can you say that so easily?"

    He grinned, a wicked, unrepentant glint in his eyes as he pressed himself closer, his chest flush against her soapy back.

    "It''s your fault, you know."

    He said, as his hands tightened on her breasts, groping them more sensually now, his fingers digging into her flesh with a hungry, aggressive edge.

    "You''ve got this naughty body¡ªprovoking me every damn day, walking around with these thick curves, these sexy tits. How am I supposed to resist?" His thumbs rolled over her nipples, pinching them lightly as he squeezed, his touch rougher, more insistent, sending a jolt of heat through her core.

    "Do you like that, Isabelle?" He murmured, his lips brushing her ear as he groped her harder, his hands kneading her breasts with a passionate, unrestrained fervor. "Like how I play with them? How I squeeze these perky nipples?" His fingers pinched and tugged, rolling her sensitive peaks between them as he pressed his body against hers, his arousal evident in the tightening grip of his hands.

    Isabelle squirmed, a soft, reluctant whimper escaping her at first as she bit her lip, her hands clutching at his wrists. "Young Master¡ªI¡ªI don''t..." She stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of hesitation and rising pleasure, her body betraying her as it arched into his touch.

    But as his groping grew stronger, his fingers teasing and squeezing with a relentless, fiery passion, her resistance melted, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

    "Oh...oh, yes." She finally admitted, her voice breaking into a soft, needy moan as she leaned back against him, her eyes fluttering shut. "I-I really like it...I love how your hands move across my breasts, Young Master. It feels...so good, so warm¡ªI can''t help it!?~"

    Cassius''s grin widened, a fierce, triumphant heat flaring in his chest as he heard her confession, his hands never slowing as he kneaded her breasts with a deep, sensual rhythm, his fingers pinching and tugging her nipples until they stood stiff and aching.

    "That''s my girl." He growled, as he nuzzled her neck, his lips grazing her skin. "I just love hearing you say that, love feeling you give in like this."

    "...And these tits, they''re mine to play with, mine to worship, and I''m gonna make sure you feel every second of it."

    His hands squeezed harder, his palms pressing her breasts together as he rolled her nipples between his fingers, drawing another trembling moan from her lips as he lost himself in the heat of her body and the sound of her pleasure.

 Chapter 122 - 122: Why Does It Feel So Good?!

    Cassius''s hands lingered on Isabelle''s hips, his fingers still slick with soap as he savored the warmth of her trembling body pressed against him, her soft moans echoing faintly in the steamy bathroom.

    He then pulled back just enough to let his gaze rake over her, a dark, hungry glint sparking in his eyes as his hands slid lower, tracing the lush, generous curve of her ass with a slow, deliberate reverence. "Next..." He said, his voice dripping with a raw, sultry edge that sent a shiver racing down her spine. "I''ve got to clean the place that''s probably the dirtiest...I''m gonna scrub it so thorough it''ll be pristine."

    Isabelle tilted her head, her damp hair clinging to her flushed cheeks, her breath still uneven from the pleasure he''d already coaxed from her. "What place, Young Master?" She asked, her words a soft, innocent whisper, her blue eyes shimmering with curiosity as she glanced back at him, her full lips parted slightly in anticipation.

    In response, he leaned in, his breath hot against the delicate shell of her ear as his hands sank into the plump, fleshy mounds of her ass, squeezing them with a bold, possessive grip that made her gasp, her spine arching instinctively.

    "Your butt, Isabelle." He murmured, his words laced with a wicked promise as his fingers kneaded her cheeks, digging into the soft, yielding flesh until it dimpled under his touch. "This gorgeous, filthy little ass¡ªit needs my attention, and I''m gonna give it everything."

    Her eyes widened to saucers, a sharp, flustered squeak bursting from her throat as a fiery blush erupted across her face, staining her cheeks and neck a deep, rosy red. "M-My butt?!" She stammered, her voice quivering with shock and mortification as she twisted in his arms, her small hands flying up to shield her face. "Young Master¡ªNo, that''s...That''s too much! It''s so¡ªso private, so dirty! You can''t possibly mean that!"

    Cassius let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating through his chest as he pressed himself closer, his broad frame looming over her petite one, his hands never leaving her ass.

    He squeezed harder, his palms molding to her curves as he spread her cheeks just enough to tease her with the sensation, his touch radiating a commanding warmth.

    "Oh, I mean it, Isabelle." He said, his eyes glinting with a fierce, playful hunger as he massaged her flesh, his fingers sinking deeper into the plump, juicy mounds. "This ass is stunning too stunning¡ªso thick, so round, so damn delicious and I can''t possibly leave it all neglected. It''d be a crime."

    "...So, come on now¡ªspread it wide for me. Let me clean you proper, make it feel so good you''ll melt."

    Isabelle''s breath caught in her throat, her body stiffening as a torrent of reluctance flooded her senses, her mind spinning in a chaotic whirl of shame and forbidden intrigue.

    ''My...My ass? Spread it for him?'' She thought, her heart hammering against her ribcage as her hands hovered uncertainly. ''It''s too much¡ªtoo embarrassing! He wants to touch me there, see me there¡ªit''s so naughty, so wrong!''

    Her knees pressed together, her thighs quivering as she shook her head, her voice muffled and shaky. "No-No, Young Master, I can''t! It''s too...Too strange¡ªI''ll wash it myself, please, don''t make me!"

    But Cassius didn''t back off, his hands working her ass with a slow, coaxing rhythm, his fingers kneading the soft flesh with a tender insistence that sent tingles racing up her spine.

    He then nuzzled her neck, his lips brushing her skin as he spoke, his words soft and persuasive, wrapped in a quiet, adoring warmth.

    "Hey, don''t be shy now." He urged, his breath fanning over her ear as he squeezed her cheeks gently, his thumbs tracing the edges of her crack. "Your butt''s a masterpiece, Isabelle¡ªso plump, so sexy and I''ve been aching to get my hands on it."

    "...So, just let me take care of you, Isabelle. I swear it''ll feel amazing¡ªjust trust me, alright? You''re too beautiful to hide from me."

    Her resolve wavered, his praise sinking into her like a warm tide, stirring a hesitant flicker of heat beneath her embarrassment.

    ''He thinks it''s...sexy? That part of me is a masterpiece?''

    She thought, her mind reeling as she peeked at him through the gaps in her fingers, his intense gaze locking onto hers with a sincerity that made her stomach flutter.

    ''He''s so gentle, so sure¡ªmaybe...maybe it''s not so bad?''

    Her throat went dry, her hands trembling as she slowly lowered them, her voice a faint, quivering whisper. "O-Okay, Young Master...If...If you really want to..."

    "That''s my girl." He said, his grin stretching wide with a mix of triumph and unrestrained desire as he guided her hands to her own ass, his fingers brushing hers with a gentle nudge. "Go on¡ªspread it wide. Show me every inch."

    Isabelle''s heart pounded, her breath shallow as she swallowed hard, her fingers sinking into the soft, pliant flesh of her cheeks. And with a slow, reluctant grace, she pulled them apart, spreading her ass wide, her thick, juicy mounds parting to reveal the tight, pink ring of her anus, glistening faintly in the steamy light.

    The cool air kissed her exposed skin, sending a shiver racing through her as Cassius''s eyes darkened, his breath catching audibly in his throat.

    "Just, look at that." He gasped, his voice full of spicy, primal hunger as he grabbed the bar of soap, lathering it between his hands until thick, creamy bubbles dripped from his fingers. "So dirty, so damn naughty¡ªthat tight little hole''s begging for me to clean it up, isn''t it? And it''s my duty as your master to keep your clean isn''t it, Isabelle?"

    He pressed a soapy finger against her anus, the slick lather coating her sensitive rim as he began scrubbing in slow, deliberate circles, his touch firm yet tantalizingly sensual.

    "Stroke!?~ Rub!?~ Slide!?~ Glide!?~ Press!?

    Isabelle''s body jolted, a sharp, trembling moan spilling from her lips as the sensation hit her like a bolt of lightning, her anus clenching instinctively against his finger.

    ''O-Oh gods, he''s really doing it!'' She thought, her mind a chaotic swirl of shock and rising ecstasy as his finger teased her tight, puckered hole, the soap slippery and warm against her skin. ''It''s so...so hot, so strange¡ªI shouldn''t feel this, but it''s burning me up inside!''

    "Flick!?~ Roll!?~ Tap!? Push!?~ Stretch!?~"

    Her thighs quaked, her hands tightening on her cheeks as she held herself open, her breath escaping in short, ragged bursts that fogged the air.

    "Feel that?" Cassius murmured, his eyes locked on her anus as he scrubbed harder, his finger pressing with a slow pressure that circled her rim, the soap bubbling thickly around her pink flesh. "So filthy, so tight¡ªI love how it looks, Isabelle, all pink and needy, twitching under my hands. I gotta clean every bit of this naughty little hole¡ªmake it gleam for me."

    "Swipe!?~ Brush!?~ Slip!?~ Slick!? Swirl!?~"

    His other hand gripped her cheek, spreading her wider as he rubbed the soap deeper, his finger sliding along her anus with a slick, erotic friction, pressing just enough to hint at breaching her without slipping inside, the sensation raw and overwhelming.

    "Ahhh!?~ Stop!?~ Mmph!?~ You shouldn''t!?~ Nnn!?~ Oooh!?~"

    Isabelle''s moans grew louder, her reluctance dissolving into a haze of molten pleasure as her body surrendered to the fiery, forbidden touch.

    Her back arched, her plump ass pushing back against his hand as her anus pulsed under his scrubbing, the soap''s warmth mingling with the roughness of his finger to send waves of heat crashing through her. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''He''s...He''s touching me so deep¡ªso wild!'' She thought, her mind spiraling as her body betrayed her, her pussy clenching with every stroke, a slick wetness dripping down her thighs. ''It''s dirty, it''s wrong, but¡ªoh, I can''t stop it! It''s too good too much!''

    "Young Master!" She cried, her voice breaking into a high, needy whimper as she rocked against him, her embarrassment swallowed by the tidal wave of pleasure flooding her senses. "It''s¡ªit''s so intense!?~ I...I didn''t know it''d feel so...so hot!?~ Ahh!?~"

    He chuckled, as he pressed his finger harder against her anus, circling it with a slow, erotic insistence that made her moan louder, her body betraying her resolve. "Too much, huh?" He teased, his lips brushing her neck as he nipped at her skin, his free hand squeezing her cheek to spread her even wider. "You''re moaning like you''re begging for it, Isabelle¡ªthis tight little ass is loving every second. Bet it''s never felt this good, has it? All filthy and hot, just for me."

    "Rub!?~ Tap!?~ Slide!?~ Press!? Twist!?~"

    Her knees buckled slightly, a sharp cry spilling from her lips as she rocked back against him, her anus clenching under his scrubbing, the sensation overwhelming her senses. "Young Master¡ªwhy!??~" She whimpered, her voice breaking into a desperate, trembling plea as she turned her head to look at him, her blue eyes wide and shimmering with confusion and need. "Why do I feel like this? My body¡ªit''s...It''s reacting so much, getting all hot and tingly! It shouldn''t¡ªI shouldn''t like this, it''s so...so wrong!?~"

    Cassius''s grin widened, his eyes glinting with a naughty, unrestrained delight as he leaned in, his lips grazing her ear as he whispered. "Oh, Isabelle, that''s because your body knows what it wants¡ªeven if your sweet little head''s too shy to admit it."

    "...You''re getting all worked up because this dirty hole''s been craving me¡ªcraving something filthy and deep. It''s begging me to fuck it, to make it feel alive¡ªand I''m gonna give it exactly that." His words dripped with a spicy, lascivious heat, his finger pressing harder against her anus as he teased her with the promise of more.

    Her breath came in short, ragged gasps, a flush of shame and pleasure warring across her face as she fought to hold onto her restraint, her mind screaming at her to pull away.

    ''No-No, I can''t let it feel this good!'' She thought, her heart racing as she clenched her eyes shut, trying to summon her usual modesty, to push back the tide of ecstasy threatening to drown her. ''It''s too dirty and he''s too much...Ishould stop him!''

    But her body defied her, her anus twitching eagerly under his touch, her pussy dripping with a slick, undeniable arousal that coated her thighs.

    "Your little hole...it''s still too dirty, Isabelle." Cassius said, his voice a low, commanding rumble as he pulled his finger back, lathering it with more soap before returning it to her anus. "I have to clean you deeper¡ªmake sure it''s perfect." And without another word, he pressed his finger against her tight ring, pushing past the initial resistance as he slid it inside her asshole, the slick soap easing his entry as her walls clenched around him, hot and impossibly tight.

    "Ahhhh!?~ Nooo!?~ Huaghh!?~"

    Isabelle''s head snapped back, a loud, shuddering moan tearing from her throat as her body jolted, the sudden intrusion sending a white¡ªhot bolt of pleasure racing up her spine.

    "Y-Young Master¡ªno!?~" She cried, her voice a raw, trembling blend of protest and bliss as she squirmed against him, her hands faltering on her cheeks as she struggled to keep them spread. "I shouldn''t¡ªoh gods, I shouldn''t feel this!?~ It''s...It''s so wrong, but¡ªoh, it feels so good!?~" Her anus gripped his finger tightly, the slick heat pulsing around him as he began to thrust, slow and deep, his knuckle brushing her rim with every stroke.

    "That''s it." He growled, his eyes blazing with a fierce, passionate intensity as he fingered her asshole, his movements steady, stretching her tight hole with a sensual, naughty motion. "Feel that, Isabelle? That''s your body screaming for me¡ªloving how I fuck this dirty little ass. You can''t fight it¡ªdon''t even try. Let Iit feel good¡ªlet me make you mine right here." His finger curled slightly, stroking her inner walls as he pumped deeper, the soap slicking his way as her anus quivered around him, her moans growing louder, more desperate.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Ahnn!?~ Aughh!?~"

    "Pat!?~ Smooth!? Tug!?~ Pull!?~ Shift!?~"

    And finally, after the relentless assault on her hole, her resolve shattered, her conservative facade crumbling under the relentless pleasure as she rocked back against his hand, her thick ass bouncing faintly with every thrust.

    ''I can''t¡ªI can''t stop it!''

    She thought, her mind a haze of conflicting emotions as her body surrendered, her anus clenching and unclenching around his finger with every stroke, the heat pooling in her core too intense to deny.

    ''It''s so filthy, so bad¡ªbut oh, it''s incredible! He''s...he''s making me feel things I didn''t know I could!''

    "Young Master!" she sobbed, her voice breaking into a high, needy wail as she surrendered, her hands spreading her ass wider while she pressed back against him, her pussy dripping onto the tiles below. "It feels so good¡ªI feel so good! Is it¡­ Is it okay for me to feel this good from my ass? Am I a perverted girl for liking it there?"

    He chuckled, as he thrust his finger deeper, working her asshole with tender swirls around her rim that sent shivers through her entire body. "Oh, you most definitely are, Isabelle. Only a select few get off on having their anus stuffed like this¡ªyou''re one of the rare ones."

    "...But lucky for you, I love perverted girls like you. So go ahead, let loose as much as you want as your young master is here to provide and not to judge."

    His finger slid in and out, the soap lathering thickly as he stretched her, his other hand gripping her hip to keep her steady while she moaned and writhed, her body a trembling, pleasure-drenched wreck in his hold.

 Chapter 123 - 123: I Need You To Fill Me Up!

    Cassius''s finger thrust deeper into Isabelle''s tight, soapy asshole, the slick lather easing his aggressive, relentless pumps as her plush, voluptuous cheeks quivered in her shaky hands, her soft flesh trembling under the force of his passion.

    He pressed himself closer, his chest melding with her slick, heated back, his breath hot and ragged against her neck as his eyes blazed with an insatiable, passionate fire, his hands claiming her with a fierce, unrelenting desire.

    "Shluck!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Lick!?~ Glorp!?~ Smack!?"

    "Not enough." He growled, as he fingered her harder, his thrusts growing faster, deeper, his finger plunging into her anus with a wet fervor that made her gasp and writhe. "These fingers¡ªthey''re nothing, Isabelle. I want my cock in there¡ªwanna stuff it deep, ram this sweet asshole until I feel every inch of you with the tip. I wanna mark you¡ªfuck, I wanna leave a big, hot load inside, claim you from the inside out." His words dripped with a primal hunger, his finger curling inside her, stretching her tight walls as he drove her closer to the edge.

    "Sip!?~ Gulp!?~ Shloop!?~ Gluck!? Lick!?~"

    "Young Master¡ªno!" She cried, her voice quivering with a frantic blend of protest and ecstasy as her anus clenched around his finger, the sensation a searing, pulsing wave that threatened to unravel her completely. "You can''t¡ªI''m already...oh, your fingers are too much! If you put something so big inside, I''d I''d be left gaping!"

    "...I-I don''t even know if I could close up again!"

    Her mind spun with vivid, wild images¡ªher anus stretched wide around his thick cock, a hot, gaping void pulsing with his presence, the thought sending a shiver of both fear and forbidden thrill through her lower body.

    Cassius''s grin widened, his eyes glinting with a fierce, possessive heat as he leaned in, his lips brushing her ear with a rough, passionate kiss. "Gaping, huh? Well, I don''t care if you can''t close, Isabelle." He said, as he thrust his finger even harder, his knuckle slamming against her rim with every plunge. "I''ll make you an anal plug¡ªstuff it in there, keep you ready for me. Whenever I want this ass, I''ll yank it out and plunge my cock in deep¡ªfuck you as you''re screaming my name, over and over."

    His words were a dark promise, his finger pumping relentlessly as he painted a picture of their future, his desire for her burning through every syllable.

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, a soft, excited whimper escaping her as the filthy, passionate vision ignited a fresh wave of heat in her belly, her anus pulsing around his finger with a desperate, needy grip.

    "Oh my!?~" She gasped, her voice breaking into a high, pleading moan as her body arched, her thick thighs trembling with the intensity of her arousal. "That''s...That''s so bad...so naughty! You''d...You''d really do that? Keep me open, just for you?"

    Her pussy clenched, a slick rush of wetness dripping down her legs as the thought of him claiming her so thoroughly sent her spiraling, her restraint crumbling under the flood of pleasure.

    "Damn right I would." He snarled, his finger slamming into her asshole with a fierce, passion, his other hand sliding around to grip her hip, pulling her back against him as he ground his hardening cock against her lower back. "I''d fuck this tight little ass every chance I get¡ªstuff it full of my cock, feel you squeeze me until I burst. I want to ram it so deep you''ll feel me in your soul, Isabelle¡ªleave you dripping with me, marked as mine." His voice was a rough, his finger curling and thrusting as he drove her higher, her moans mingling with his dirty talk in a heated peak.

    "Mwah!?~ Glurp!?~ Slurp!? Glop!?~ Sluuurp!?~"

    "Yes¡ªoh, yes, Young Master!?~" She cried, her voice a trembling wail of surrender as she gave in fully, her hands spreading her ass wider as she pushed against him. "F-Fuck me there...S-Stuff me with your cock, make me yours! I want it...I want you so bad!"

    The words spilled from her lips in a rush of passion, her mind alight with images of him plunging into her, filling her with his heat, the sensation a fiery dance that consumed her entirely.

    "Smack!?~ Ahhh!? Schlurp!?~ Sip!?~ Shlick!?~"

    Cassius groaned, his eyes flashing with a lustful gleam as he fingered her harder, his thrusts growing wilder, more aggressive, his finger plunging deep into her asshole.

    "That''s my girl¡ªbegging for it like you were born for my cock." He said with adoration and desire as he pressed his lips to her neck, sucking hard enough to leave a mark. "I''m gonna ram this ass so hard¡ªfuck you so good you''ll never forget who owns you."

    "...You ready for that, Isabelle? Ready for me to stretch you wide and fill you up?"

    Her moans escalated, her body trembling as the pleasure surged, a hot, coiling pressure building in her core with every thrust, every filthy word.

    "Oh¡ªYoung Master, please!?~" She sobbed, her voice breaking into a desperate, passionate plea as she rocked against him, her anus clenching around his finger in a frantic manner. "Stretch me fill me! I need it¡ªI need you inside me, marking me!?~ Oh, it''s...It''s too good!?~" Her pussy throbbed, her entire body alight with a blazing, erotic heat as she teetered on the edge, her thoughts a whirlwind of him claiming her, owning her in the most intimate, primal way.

    "Fuck, Isabelle¡ªgonna stuff you so full!" He growled, his finger plunging deeper, faster, his thrusts a relentless, passionate assault that pushed her over the brink. "Take it¡ªtake me gonna ram this ass and dump everything I''ve got inside you, make you mine forever!" His voice was a fervent snarl, his finger curling inside her as he drove her to the peak, her moans echoing wildly as her body surrendered completely.

    "Ohhh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Unghhh!?~ Mmmm!?~ Nnnm!"

    ...That is, until finally, Isabelle''s head snapped back, a loud, shuddering scream tearing from her throat as her body convulsed, the pleasure exploding through her in a searing, uncontrollable wave.

    "Young Master¡ªoh, I''m¡ª!" Her words dissolved into a cry of ecstasy as she came, her pussy clenching hard as she squirted, a hot, forceful gush bursting from her, splashing across the tiles in wild, glistening arcs.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her anus spasmed around his finger, her thick thighs trembling as the orgasm ripped through her, her slick release pooling beneath them as she bucked and writhed, her hands slipping from her cheeks to grip his arm for support, her breath coming in ragged, sobbing gasps.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    Cassius held her tight, his finger still buried in her asshole as he slowed his thrusts, drawing out every last shudder of her climax with a gentle, loving care, his lips pressing soft kisses to her shoulder as she trembled in his arms. "That''s it, Isabelle." He murmured, as he nuzzled her neck, his eyes glowing with a fierce, possessive adoration. "So fucking beautiful¡ªcoming for me like that, squirting all over. You''re mine, my sweet treasure¡ªevery inch of you, forever."

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    His words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, his finger easing out as she slumped against him, her body a quivering, pleasure¡ªsoaked mess, glowing with the aftermath of their passionate, erotic union. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Her breath came in soft, uneven pants, her chest rising and falling as she nestled into him, the warmth of his strong embrace grounding her in the haze of ecstasy.

    But as the waves of her orgasm subsided, a new sensation stirred¡ªa restless, pulsing throb in her pussy that refused to quiet, a yearning that tugged at her core and left her aching for more.

    And almost as if he could sense that ache, Cassius''s hands slid down her hips, his touch firm yet tender as he spread her pussy wide, his fingers parting her swollen, glistening folds with a slow, deliberate grace.

    Her wetness coated his hands, a slick, shimmering testament to her earlier release, and Isabelle''s breath stuttered as she felt him play with her, his fingers gliding through her sensitive slit, teasing her clit with a gentle, circling stroke that sent a fresh spark of heat racing through her.

    "Look at this, Isabelle." He murmured, as he toyed with her, his touch igniting her nerves anew. "So damn wet¡ªlook how much you squirted, all over the place. You''re such a naughty little thing, aren''t you? So wild and dirty, making a mess like that just for me."

    Her cheeks bumed, a flush of embarrassment mingling with a quiet thrill as she shifted in his arms, her hands gripping his forearms for support. "Young Master!...I-It''s not like that!" She gasped, her voice a trembling whisper, soft and flustered as the sensation of his fingers sent shivers cascading through her.

    ''He''s...He''s looking at me like that again¡ªlike I''m some beautiful, untamed thing.'' She thought, her mind swirling with shame and delight.

    The way her pussy responded throbbing and slick under his touch¡ªfelt like a secret she couldn''t hide, a wild pulse that betrayed her usual restraint.

    "I-I couldn''t help it!" She finally stammered, her tone a blend of protest and surrender as she pressed herself closer, her body humming with need. "It''s all because of you your thick fingers, the way you....You made me feel back there. You pushed me to do something so naughty and I didn''t even mean to let go like that!"

    Her thoughts raced, the memory of his fingers in her anus flashing through her mind¡ªthe searing stretch, the overwhelming pleasure that had unraveled her so completely.

    It was so intense¡ªso forbidden, she mused, her heart pounding as she recalled how her body had betrayed her, squirting in a wild, uncontrollable burst.

    "I shouldn''t have liked it so much...but he made it feel so right, so necessary.''

    The ache in her pussy grew sharper, a desperate, pulsing need that contrasted with the satisfied glow in her butt, and she tilted her head back, her blue eyes shimmering with a loving, pleading glow as she gazed up at him.

    "And because of you, my backside feels so...so full, so complete." She murmured, her voice softening with a tender ache. "But my front¡ªoh, Young Master, my front''s still throbbing, like it''s begging for something."

    "...Something big and thick to fill it up. I can''t stop wanting it!?~"

    Cassius''s eyes darkened, a fierce, passionate hunger flaring in them as he leaned in, his lips brushing her forehead with a warm, teasing kiss. "Oh, is that so?" He asked as he slid his fingers deeper, stroking her slick folds with a slow, deliberate rhythm that made her whimper. "What''s it craving. Isabelle? What big, thick thing''s got this sweet pussy all desperate? Tell me ask for it yourself. I need to hear it from you, my little treasure."

    His words were a gentle command, laced with a deep, adoring heat that sent a shiver down her spine, his fingers pausing just enough to leave her aching, her body trembling with anticipation.

    Isabelle''s breath caught, a soft, nervous giggle bubbling up as she shifted against him, her hands sliding down his chest with a loving touch.

    ''He wants me to say it to ask for him.'' She thought, her mind a whirl of excitement and shy longing as her fingers brushed the waistband of his pants, trembling with a boldness and uncertainty.

    The throbbing in her pussy was insistent, a deep, pulsing call that drowned out her usual modesty, and because of that she felt a surge of courage as she slipped her hands inside, her heart racing as she encountered the hard, pulsing heat of his massive cock.

    And then with a slow motion, she tugged his pants down, freeing his thick, throbbing length, her small hands wrapping around it as she began to rub him, her touch a blend of awe and eager desire.

    The weight of him in her palms, the rigid, veined surface, sent a thrill through her, and she looked up at him, her eyes glowing with love and need.

    "This..." She whispered, her voice a soft, fervent plea as she stroked his cock, her fingers tracing its length with a trembling reverence. "I want this Inside me, Young Master¡ªyour thick, baby-making shaft. I want it filling my pussy up, stretching me so it doesn''t feel left out after...after what you did back there."

    "...Please I need it so much, that I can''t stand it anymore!?~"

    Cassius groaned, as her hands worked him, his cock twitching eagerly in her grip, the heat of her touch stoking the fire in his veins. And in response, slid his hands under her, lifting her slightly as he positioned his cock beneath her pussy, the thick, swollen tip brushing her slick folds, teasing her entrance with a slow, tantalizing glide that made her moan softly.

    "You sure about this, Isabelle?" He murmured, as he pressed himself against her, his tip nudging her clit with every shallow thrust, sending sparks of pleasure through her. "Look how big I am could stretch this tight little pussy wide, maybe even tear through you if I go too deep."

    "...Are you willing to take that risk? Let me fuck you raw, fill you up with my cock?"

    Her breath quickened, a soft, trembling moan spilling from her lips as she felt his cock rub against her, the heat and thickness of it igniting a wildfire of need in her core.

    ''He''s so...so huge.''

    She thought, her mind reeling as she imagined him plunging into her, stretching her pussy to its limits, the sensation a vivid, pulsing promise that made her heart race.

    ''It''s risky¡ªdangerous, even¡ªbut oh, I want it. I want him so badly it hurts.''

    The throbbing in her pussy was a desperate, aching drumbeat, drowning out any flicker of doubt, and she leaned forward, bracing herself against the edge of the tub, her hands gripping the rim as she pushed her ass out toward him, her thick, plush cheeks swaying invitingly.

    She then glanced back at him, her blue eyes shimmering with a fierce, loving intensity, her voice a fervent, trembling whisper. "I don''t care, Young Master." She said, her tone raw with passion as she pressed herself back against him, her slick folds brushing his tip in a needy, desperate plea. "After what you''ve done¡ªafter how you''ve made me feel I want your cock. I want you to make me yours, to fill me so deep I feel awned by you¡ªby my Young Master."

    "...I want every man who looks at me to know my body, my pussy, everything belongs to you. Please¡ªcan you grant your little maid''s request? Can you make me feel like I''m truly yours?"

    Her thoughts surged with a wild, romantic fervor, the image of him claiming her¡ªmarking her as his with every thrust, filling her with a dizzying sense of belonging.

    ''I want them to see it to know I''m his, body and soul.''

    She mused, her pussy clenching at the thought of his cock stretching her, filling her with his heat, the risk only heightening her desire.

    ''It''s more than want it''s need. I need him to take me, to make me whole.''

    Cassius''s grin turned fierce, his eyes blazing with a possessive, passionate heat as he gripped her hips, his fingers sinking into her soft flesh as he steadied her against the tub.

    "Goddamn, Isabelle." He growled, as he slid his cock along her pussy, coating it in her wetness with slow strokes that made her whimper. "You''re begging so sweetly, so how could I ever deny you?"

    "...And just because of that I''m going to stuff this pussy full and fuck you deep until you''re mine in every way and everyone knows you belong to me."

    And finally, he pressed the tip against her entrance, nudging it inside with a slow, teasing thrust, stretching her tight walls as she gasped, her body trembling with the intensity of her need, her thoughts a swirling dance of love and surrender as she gave herself to him completely...

 Chapter 124 - 124: Ruin The Family Peace

    Cassius pushed deeper, the thick length of his cock sliding into her with a steady, relentless pressure, stretching her further with every inch.

    Isabelle''s breath caught, her eyes widening as she felt a sharp, fleeting sting, and then a warm trickle¡ªa stream of blood seeped out, staining the tiles beneath her, a vivid sign that her virginity had just been broken.

    ''It''s happening.'' She thought, a wave of satisfaction pouring over her as she glanced down, seeing the crimson mark of her transition. ''I''m not a girl anymore¡ªI''m a woman now, his woman.''

    The realization filled her with a deep, glowing pride, her body tingling with the sense that she had truly become his in this moment, irrevocably bound to him.

    But just as she thought he might stop, assuming the act was complete, she felt a jolt of surprise¡ªhis cock pressed even deeper, stretching her tight walls further, the massive rod sinking into her with a slow, unyielding force that made her fluster and tense.

    ''He''s...he''s still going?''

    She thought, a flicker of fright mingling with her arousal as her pussy stretched to accommodate him, the sensation both overwhelming and intoxicating.

    She bit her lip, her breath shaky as she glanced back at him, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and nervousness. "Young Master...A-Are you still going deeper? Mmm!?~" She asked, her eyes wide, her body quivering under the strain.

    Cassius met her gaze with a wry, knowing smile, feeling a blend of concern and unrestrained desire as he watched her react. "I''m not even halfway in, Isabelle." He said, his mind marveling at her tightness, the way she clung to him. "There''s still a lot more to go." He paused, his hands softening on her hips as he took in her trembling form, a pang of worry cutting through his lust. "Are you alright? Should I stop right here? I can see you''re shaking¡ªit''s only natural, taking something this big. I don''t wanna hurt you."

    Isabelle''s heart fluttered at his care, her blue eyes shimmering with a pitiful, determined glow as she hesitated, then shook her head slowly, a soft, pleading look crossing her face.

    ''It hurts...but it''s him.'' She thought, the sting fading into a strange, thrilling warmth as she felt him inside her, filling her so completely. ''I want all of him¡ªI want to feel every part of him, no matter what.''

    "No, it''s fine." She murmured, her voice soft and shaky but resolute. "I want to take you whole¡ªI want to feel all of you, Young Master."

    "...Just please, tell me how much you love me while you do it. That''s all I ask."

    A swell of adoration surged through Cassius, his chest tightening with love as he leaned closer, his hands steadying her with a gentle, possessive grip.

    "I love you, Isabelle." He said, feeling the truth of it in every fiber of his being as he pushed deeper, his cock sinking further into her tight, welcoming heat. "I love you with all my heart¡ªI''ll love you forever, and I promise, I''ll love our children, every single one of them, just as much." His words flowed with a fierce, heartfelt promise, his mind picturing a future with her, their bond sealed in this moment.

    Isabelle''s heart raced, the pain of his penetration softening under the warmth of his words, her body relaxing as love washed over her.

    ''He loves me...He''ll love our children.'' She thought, the thought a soothing balm that made the stretch of his cock feel less like an intrusion and more like a union, a joining of their souls.

    "Hnnn!?~ Ahhh, yes!?~ Mmm!?~"

    She moaned softly, her pussy clenching around him as he went deeper, the massive length sliding all the way in until she felt the bulbous tip press against her womb, a sharp, electric jolt that drew a gasp from her lips.

    "Young Master¡ªyou''re...You''re full of me!?~" She whimpered, her voice trembling with awe and joy as she felt him inside her, the veins of his cock pulsing against her walls, his tip nudging her deepest core. "I can feel you¡ªevery curve, your thick tip poking me so deep. I''m so happy...I''m finally one with you!?~"

    Cassius felt a rush of joy, his mind alight with the realization that they were truly connected now, and he leaned forward, meeting her gaze as she glanced back at him. "I''m happy too, Isabelle." He said, his chest swelling with love as he pressed himself closer, their breaths mingling. "So damn happy to be with you like this."

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a fierce, tender clash of tongues and heat, her soft moans vibrating against his mouth as they poured their longing into each other, the world narrowing to the point where their bodies joined.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    After a few breathless seconds, he pulled back slightly, feeling a sense of anticipation and care as he looked into her eyes. "You ready?" He asked, his hands steadying her hips, his mind focused on her comfort even as his desire urged him onward.

    Isabelle nodded, her face lighting up with an adorable, trusting smile, her thoughts a swirl of love and readiness.

    ''I''m his...and he''s mine.'' She thought, her pussy pulsing around him, eager for more despite the lingering ache.

    Seeing that she was ready, he started slow, pulling his cock out of her tight pussy inch by inch, groaning as he felt her walls cling to him like they didn''t want to let go. "Goddamn, Isabelle, you''re so tight." He said, marveling at how she gripped him, almost like she was pulling his insides out with her. "Feels like you''re trying to keep me in there forever." Then he thrust back in, slow and deep, stretching her again, filling her up completely.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Isabelle shuddered, a soft moan slipping from her lips as she felt him push back in. "Ohhh...Young Master!?~" She whimpered, her voice trembling as the sensation hit her. "It''s...It''s so big¡ªit feels like you''re stuffing my whole belly!?~"

    Her plush body quivered, her hands gripping the tub as he moved, the fullness overwhelming but so good she couldn''t help but lean into it.

    Cassius kept it slow at first, moving back and forth, back and forth, his thick cock sliding in and out of her dripping pussy with a steady rhythm that made her shake. "Mmm, you''re taking me so good." He said, feeling her heat wrap around him, his hands kneading her hips as he watched her react. Isabelle''s breaths came in little gasps, her body starting to adjust to the deep, steady thrusts, her thoughts spinning with,

    ''It''s so much...but I love how he fills me...I''m getting used to it.''

    But just as she settled into the movement, Cassius suddenly picked up the pace, slamming his hips into her ass with a hard, relentless thrust, pulling back and pounding in again, the wet clap of skin against skin echoing in the steamy air.

    "Aaaah!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mmmmm!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmmm!"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, a loud, ecstatic moan bursting from her lips. "Ohhh! Young Master¡ªwhy...Why so fast-" She cried, her voice shaking with whimpers and moans as he hammered into her, her plush ass jiggling with every hit. "It''s too intense!?~...It feels like you''re going to break me!?~"

    Cassius grinned, feeling a wild surge of lust as he watched her ass bounce, his hands gripping her tighter. "I can''t hold back, Isabelle." He said, lost in the sight of her perfect curves. "With this beautiful ass right in front of me so fat, so perfect¡ªI can''t help but pound it with everything I''ve got." He kept clapping her cheeks, the relentless rhythm driving him deeper, his cock slamming into her pussy over and over.

    "Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ooooh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Nnnmm!"

    He slid his hands down to grope her ass, squeezing the soft, juicy flesh as he thrust, leaning in to suck on her neck, leaving little red marks.

    "It''s all your fault." He murmured against her skin, feeling her ass jiggle in his palms. "This fat ass¡ªplump and juicy¡ªanyone would wanna fuck it hard. Look at it moving...goddamn, it''s begging for it."

    "Ohhh!?~ Mmmh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhh!?~ Nnnmmm!?~"

    Isabelle whimpered, her body trembling as the pleasure surged through her, his deep thrusts hitting her just right.

    "Ohhh...It feels so good!?~" She moaned, her voice soft and needy as she felt him stretch her, the heat building fast. "It''s not my fault I''ve got a big ass...all the women in my family have it¡ªmy mother especially!?~ She''s so plump too!?~"

    ''He''s so deep...It''s intense, but I want more...It''s amazing.'' She rocked back against him, starting to love the way he filled her, her thoughts shifting.

    Cassius smirked, a playful, wicked glint in his eyes as he kept pounding her, feeling her pussy squeeze him tighter. "If your mother''s got an ass like this." He said, groping her harder. "Maybe I should pay her a visit. Spend some quality time with her in the bedroom."

    "...Maybe even give you a sibling or two."

    His mind flashed with the dirty idea, teasing her as he clapped her cheeks again.

    Isabelle''s head snapped back, her eyes narrowing with a flash of spite as she looked at him, her voice firm despite her moans. "No way, Young Master¡ªyou''re mine!" She said, leaning back to kiss him hard, her lips claiming his with a fierce, possessive hunger.

    ''He''s not going anywhere...He''s mine alone.'' She thought, her pussy clenching around him as she pressed herself closer, determined to keep him.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    Cassius kissed her back, his hands sliding up to grope her full breasts, squeezing them as he thrust deeper, whispering hot against her ear.

    "Look at you, my possessive little maid¡ªtrying to keep me all to yourself." He felt a rush of amusement and desire, loving how she fought for him. "For that little sin, I''m gonna make you bring your mother to me¡ªmake you watch while I fuck her right in front of you." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Nnnn!''

    Cassius kept Isabelle pinned against the tub, his thick cock buried deep in her dripping pussy, slamming into her with a relentless rhythm that made her plush ass jiggle and clap against his hips.

    "Ooooh!?~ Smack!?~ Mmmmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhhh!?~ Nnnnn!"

    Her body trembled under him, her curvy frame slick with sweat and soap, the steamy air heavy with the raw, musky scent of their lust.

    His wild, dirty threat¡ªfucking her mother right in front of her¡ªshould''ve scared her, but instead, it sparked a dark, forbidden fire inside Isabelle, her mind spinning with a shocking, taboo thrill.

    ''Me and Mother...Both with him?''

    She thought, imagining them sharing his massive cock, their bodies writhing together under the same wild pleasure, and it made her pussy clench tighter, dripping even more as her arousal spiked hard.

    She couldn''t help it¡ªthe naughty curiosity burned through her, setting her nerves alight with a twisted, delicious heat.

    She glanced back at him, her blue eyes wide and glinting with lust and mischief as he pounded into her, his thrusts shaking her whole body. "Ohhh...Young Master!?~" She moaned, her voice trembling with need as she felt him slam deep, stretching her pussy wide. "What...What about my father? There''s no way he''d let another man touch his wife¡ªhe''s so strict!"

    Cassius grinned wickedly, feeling her get wetter around him, and he slid a finger down to tease her tight anus, circling the puckered hole as he thrust harder. "I''m a noble, Isabelle." He said, his mind buzzing with the power he held, the thrill of doing whatever he damn well pleased. "I lord over this realm¡ªI can fuck whoever I want, whenever I want, and no one can stop me."

    "...Not even your father. I could fuck your mother right in front of him, make him watch while I take her." He pushed his finger into her ass just a little, stretching her there too, loving how she shuddered under his touch.

    "Aaaah!?~ Slap!?~ Slap!?~ Slap!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mmmmm!?~ Unghhh!?~ Bang!?~ Nnnmm!"

    Isabelle''s gulped, her mind exploding with the image¡ªCassius plunging his thick cock into her mother, her mother screaming in ecstasy while her father stood there, helpless and dismayed, watching his wife get ruined by this noble beast.

    ''Ohhh...That''s so wrong...But why does it make me feel so hot.'' She thought, her pussy soaking his cock as the filthy vision made her tremble, her ass clenching around his finger.

    "Ohhh...Young Master!?~" She whimpered, her voice high and needy as he slammed into her, the pleasure mixing with the dark thrill of her imagination. "Y-You''d...You''d really do that? You''d really push my father aside and take my and my mother!??~"

    He chuckled, feeling her reaction, and softened his tone just a bit, though his lust still burned fierce. "I most definitely could if I want to...But since it''s your family, I''ll play nice." He said, pulling his finger out of her ass to grip her hips again, pounding her pussy harder. "Instead of directly taking her away I''ll just have you bring your mother to the mansion¡ªtell her you wanna show her where you work. Then lead her to my room, and I''ll handle the rest."

    He grabbed one of her thick legs, lifting it up high, spreading her wider as he thrust deep, steering her body with every slam, his cock hitting new spots that made her moan louder.

    "Mmmm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Bang!?~ Ooooh!?~ Unghhh!?~ Bang!?~ Nnnmm!"

    Isabelle''s body shook, her pussy stretched wide around him, and she hesitated, her voice quivering as she looked back at him. "Ohhh...What...What are you gonna do in there?!?~" She asked, her thoughts spinning with naughty, taboo possibilities. "How...How will you take care of her? She''s not some woman who''ll just obey because you''re a noble¡ªshe''s strong!?~"

    Her pussy pulsed around him, the idea of her mother resisting, then breaking, sending a shiver of dark excitement through her.

    Cassius smirked, lifting her full breasts in his hands, squeezing them hard as he leaned in to suck on her nipples, his tongue flicking over the stiff peaks.

    "No matter how strong she is." He said, feeling her pussy tighten as he sucked. "She''ll surrender after I fuck her for hours¡ªhours on end with this cock. She''ll go crazy for it, feel empty without it stretching her out." He bit her nipple lightly, thrusting deep, his cock slamming into her pussy with a wet, slapping sound that echoed in the room.

    "Ohhh!?~ Slap!?~ Mmmh!?~ Slap!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughhh!?~ Nnnmmm!?~"

    Isabelle moaned loud, her body quaking as he fucked her hard, spreading her pussy wide with every thrust, his hands groping her breasts and ass like he owned every Inch of her.

    "Ohhh...Young Master, you can''t-" She whimpered, her voice trembling with a mix of protest and wild arousal. "That''s...That''s ruining her¡ªshe''s married! It''d destroy my family''s peace!"

    But her thoughts betrayed her, racing with, ''Mother...fucked senseless by him...craving him like I do...ohhh, it''s so bad, but I can''t stop wanting it!''

    He laughed low, feeling her get wetter, and pounded her pussy harder, spreading her wide as he groped her curves like a man possessed.

    "I won''t ruin her." He said, his hands squeezing her ass as he thrust deep, his cock filling her completely. "I''ll let her go back after I''m done¡ªjust make a few visits to your house now and then. And when I do, you''ll stand guard at the door, keep watch for your father while I fuck her brains out."

    His dirty words sank into her, his cock slamming into her pussy with a relentless rhythm.

    "Ohhh...Young Master!?~" She moaned, her voice shaking with excitement as the pleasure surged, her body trembling. "I...I feel it...I''m close!?~ So close!?~" Her pussy clenched tight around him, the heat building fast.

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ Thwack!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhhhh!?~ Thwack!?~ Nnnn!''

    Cassius felt her tightening, her pussy gripping him like a vice, and he thrust even harder, his hands digging into her ass. "Take it, Isabelle." He growled, feeling his own release building as he slammed into her. "Take it all¡ªevery fucking inch in this tight pussy. I''m close too¡ªgonna fill you up!"

    His thrusts turned brutal, the momentum peaking as he pounded her, her plush ass clapping against him, her moans rising higher.

    "Ohhh...Young Master¡ªI''m...I''m coming!?~"

    "Splurt!?~ Splish!?~ Gloop!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    She cried, her voice a desperate, needy whimper as her pussy spasmed around his cock, a hot, wet rush bursting from her as she squirted all over the place, soaking the tiles and his thighs, her body shaking wildly.

    "Squelch!?~ Glug!?~ Thwap!?~ Squish!?~"

    "It''s...It''s so good!?~ You''re so deep!?~ I can feel you breaking me!?~"

    Isabelle''s body quaked as Cassius thrust one last time, his thick cock buried deep inside her trembling pussy. his hot load erupting into her with a force that filled her completely.

    "Fuck, Isabelle¡ªtake it!"

    "Plop!?~ Schlurp!?~ Splat!?~ Slosh!?~"

    He growled, his hands gripping her plush hips tight as he pumped her full, his cum spilling out around his shaft as it overflowed from her stretched, dripping core.

    "Ahhh!?~ Yes, I''m taking it all!?~ My Young Master''s seed, I''m taking it all until my womb!?~ Haughhh!?~"

    She gasped, her voice a soft, overwhelmed moan, feeling every pulse of his release flood her womb, her curvy frame shuddering beneath him as the sensation overwhelmed her...

 Chapter 125 - 125: Ill Be Whatever You Want Me To Be

    Isabelle''s legs gave out, and she slumped down onto the cool, wet tiles, her body too weak to hold her up any longer after the intense fucking.

    Her breath came in ragged, shaky pants, her plush thighs trembling as she lay there, spent and vulnerable.

    "Haaah!?~ Haah!?~ Haaaah!?~"

    After a few seconds, she propped herself up slightly, her blue eyes drifting down to her pussy¡ªred, bruised, and swollen from his relentless pounding, still throbbing like a heartbeat.

    She watched, mesmerized, as a thick stream of his cum poured out of her, pooling beneath her in a sticky, glistening mess.

    A wry, almost dazed smile tugged at her lips. "Oh my, Young Master~" She murmured, her voice soft and tinged with awe. "So much is coming out of me...I might...I might get pregnant from this."

    Cassius knelt beside her, a wave of tender affection washing over him as he reached down to pat her head lovingly, his fingers threading through her damp hair.

    He looked into her pretty, upturned eyes, feeling a deep, protective warmth for her. "Even if you do get pregnant." He said, his voice steady and full of promise. "I''ll take care of our children¡ªbe the best father they could ever have. So, you don''t need to worry about a thing, my sweet Isabelle."

    Isabelle''s heart swelled at his words, the love and care in his voice wrapping around her like a warm embrace.

    ''He''d...He''d do all that for me?'' She thought, her chest tightening with emotion as she gazed up at him, her innocent blue eyes shimmering with adoration.

    A maid like her¡ªsomeone he could''ve used and discarded, yet here he was, pledging himself to her, to their future.

    It made her pussy ache again, a deep, needy throb stirring within her despite the exhaustion.

    ''He''s so good to me...I want to please him more...give him everything.''

    She mused, the thought of serving her master, of being his in every way, lighting a fresh fire in her lower half.

    Cassius leaned back against the tub''s edge, catching his breath after his climax, his body relaxing in the steamy heat.

    But then he felt it a warm, wet sensation wrapping around his softening cock.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    He glanced down, startled, and saw Isabelle, her delicate hands gripping his shaft, her soft lips eagerly sucking on his thick tip.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    She licked along his length, teasing the sensitive head with little flicks of her tongue, then took him deeper, her throat stretching as she swallowed him down.

    Her eyes¡ªthose wide, innocent blue pools, locked onto his, brimming with a tender, loving devotion, the look of a woman who''d give him the world if she could.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked, her tongue swirling around his cock, worshipping every inch with a reverent, almost sacred care.

    "Isabelle..." He groaned, pleasure spiking through him as he felt her warm mouth work him, his mind reeling at the sight. "What...What are you doing? You don''t need to do this¡ªyou''re still hurting from your first time. You should rest."

    His hands hovered over her head, torn between pulling her off and letting her continue, his cock already twitching back to life.

    In response, she pulled back just enough to look up at him, her lips glistening with spit and a trace of his cum, her eyes tender and limpid, like a doe gazing at her protector.

    "I have to, Young Master." She said, her voice soft but firm, dripping with devotion. "If you''re willing to be the father of my children to go so far for me then I need to do my duty as your wife. I have to take care of my husband''s needs."

    "...Even if it means sucking this fat, thick cock all the time." She smiled sweetly, then dove back down, taking him deep again, her throat bulging as she sucked him with a loving, reverent rhythm.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Cassius''s cock hardened fully, the sight of her¡ªhis innocent little maid,.so eager to please him, her mouth stretched wide around his girth, driving him wild.

    "Fuck, Isabelle." He muttered, feeling the pleasure build fast, her dedication making his blood burn.

    And without any warning whatsoever, he grabbed her head with both hands, his fingers tangling in her hair, and yanked her down hard, forcing his cock all the way into her throat.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Gluck!?~ Gluck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    He thrust back and forth, face-fucking her with a sudden, primal intensity, his tip hitting the back of her mouth over and over.

    "Mmmph!?~ Glock!?~ Glock!?~ Ahhh!?~ Glock!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~"

    Isabelle''s eyes widened, caught off guard as his thick cock rammed her throat, the sensation strange and overwhelming.

    She gagged at first, her reflex kicking in as his tip tapped against her tonsils, her breath cut off by his sheer size.

    ''Ohhh...It''s so big...I can''t breathe!'' She thought, her mind spinning as the weird, choking feeling hit her.

    But then¡ªthen it shifted.

    The fullness, the way he filled her mouth completely, the heat of his cock pulsing against her tongue¡ªit turned her on, her pussy dripping again as she realized she loved it.

    ''H-He''s...He''s using me...and it feels sooo good!?~''

    She stopped resisting, her body going limp in his hands, letting him move her head however he wanted, her throat a willing sleeve for his pleasure.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Gluck!?~ Gluck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Cassius groaned louder, feeling her surrender, her soft gags and wet slurps driving him insane as he fucked her face.

    "Fuck, you''re mouth is simply divine, Isabelle." He muttered, his hands gripping her tighter as he thrust, treating her like a toy¡ªhis toy, made to be fucked, born to take him.

    "Mmph!?~ Gluck!?~ Gluck!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Her eyes rolled back, her body slack as she gave herself over completely, every thrust sending a jolt of twisted pleasure through her.

    ''I''m his...just for him to fuck...ohhh, I love it!?~'' She thought, her mind hazy with submission, her pussy aching with need.

    And after a flurry of thrusts, he felt the pressure build again.

    "I''m gonna come, Isabelle." He growled, his voice thick with lust. "Take it all every drop!"

    He shoved his cock deep, all the way to her throat, and erupted, his hot load shooting straight down her gullet, filling her with a thick, sticky flood.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    Isabelle''s gag reflex went wild, her throat spasming as his cum poured into her, and she yanked her mouth off his cock, coughing and gagging hard, spitting out the thick load that coated her tongue and throat.

    "Schlurp!?~ Cough!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Gag!?~ Squish!?~"

    Some of it dribbled down her chin, some already sliding into her stomach, the taste overwhelming her senses.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    She heaved, her body shaking, but then before Cassius could ask if she was okay¡ªshe gathered the cum still in her mouth, swallowing it down with a deliberate, gulping effort, the texture thick and heavy.

    And then to his surprise, she then looked up at him, a gentle smile breaking through her flushed, messy face, her tender eyes glowing with love as cum dripped from her lips.

    "Did...D-Did I do alright, Young Master?" She asked softly, her voice hoarse but sweet. "Was my little mouth good enough for you?"

    The sight¡ªher innocent face smeared with his cum, her loving gaze, her willingness to please sent a fresh surge of lust through Cassius, his cock, moments from going limp, springing back to life, rock¡ªhard again.

    And without a word, he scooped her up in his arms, her weak body light against him, and tossed her into the tub, water splashing everywhere as she landed with a soft yelp.

    Spash!~

    She looked up, startled, her wet hair clinging to her face, and saw him climbing in after her, his massive cock in hand, his eyes burning with hunger as he bent down over her.

    "You''re such a lewd maid." He said, feeling a wild, uncontrollable need as he grabbed her thighs, spreading them wide. "Making me this worked up¡ªit''s your fault, Isabelle. Now you''ve gotta take responsibility."

    His cock hovered over her bruised, cum-soaked pussy, ready to plunge in again. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Isabelle''s heart thundered in her chest, a wild, erratic rhythm that matched the pulsing heat between her thighs.

    Her body was weak, trembling from the relentless pleasure he''d already wrung from her, yet a fresh wave of desire surged through her veins, igniting every nerve.

    She spread her arms wide, her soft, eager smile trembling on her lips as she offered herself completely.

    "Yes, Young Master!?~ Give it to me!?~ Give me your dirty cock that keeps on asking for more!?~"

    She breathed, her voice a fragile, lust-soaked whisper, quivering with adoration and raw need.

    Her pussy ached¡ªsore from his earlier conquests, yet dripping with a desperate hunger for more.

    ''He wants me again...I''ll give him everything.''

    She thought, her mind a hazy whirl of submission and ecstasy as Cassius thrust his thick, throbbing cock back into her, stretching her tender walls with a deep, searing heat that made her cry out.

    "Ooh!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughh!?~ Nnn!"

    The water in the tub erupted around them, splashing in violent arcs as his hips slammed into her with a frantic, primal rhythm. Each thrust sent her body rocking back and forth, her plump ass jiggling against his pelvis, the sound of wet flesh slapping against wet flesh echoing in the steamy air.

    "Aah!?~ Smash!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mm!?~ Unghh!?~ Bang!?~ Slap!?~ Smack!?~ Nnm!"

    Droplets cascaded down her curves, tracing the swell of her heavy breasts and the dip of her waist, mingling with the slickness leaking from her stuffed pussy.

    "Fuck, Isabelle, your body''s so goddamn hot." Cassius growled, his voice a darksnarl laced with unrestrained lust. "This warm water''s nothing¡ªit''s like ice against your heat, and it''s making my dick so fucking hard."

    "...It''s begging for your warmth, craving that tight, warm little pussy of yours¡ªit''s a honey pot, dripping and sweet, and I can''t get enough."

    Isabelle''s moans spilled out, high and broken, her body shuddering as his words sank into her.

    "Mm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Bang!?~ Ooh!?~ Ungh!?~ Slap!?~Slap!?~ Nmm!"

    The water sloshed around her thighs, pooling beneath her as he pounded into her, each thrust driving his cock deeper, stretching her to her limits.

    "Of course, Young Master!?~" She whimpered, her voice cracking with devotion. "You can stay in my pussy as long as you want¡ªforever if you need it!?~ I''ll do anything for you!?~

    "...If my pussy''s what you crave, I''ll give it to you blindly, completely!?~"

    Her trembling fingers slid down her slick body, parting her swollen, glistening lips wider, exposing her tender pink flesh to him. She arched her back, pushing herself onto his cock, inviting him to bury himself even deeper, her walls clenching around him like a velvet vise as he groaned in approval.

    "Ohhh!?~ Slap!?~ Mmh!?~ Slap!?~ Aaah!?~ Ughhh!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Nmm!?~"

    Cassius''s eyes blazed with a feral hunger, his gaze locked on her submissive display. "Stick your tongue out, Isabelle." He commanded, his voice a low, teasing rumble that sent shivers down her spine. "I want to suck on that little tongue that''s dripping with such sweet, filthy words.

    "Like this?" She asked, her tone soft and innocent despite the depravity of the moment. She tilted her head back, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, and stuck out her small, pink tongue in an adorably shy gesture, glistening with saliva.

    Cassius leaned in, his breath hot against her face, and captured her tongue between his lips, sucking on it with a slow intensity.

    "Oooh!?~ Sip!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    He treated it like a delicacy, his tongue swirling around hers, drawing out soft whimpers from her throat.

    "Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~ Sluuurp!?~ Mmph!?~"

    Isabelle watched from above, her vision hazy with lust, mesmerized by the sight of her Young Master devouring her tongue, playing with it as if it were a toy made just for him.

    "Mmm!?~ Nnn!?~ Kiss!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    Her restraint then shattered as she surged forward, crashing her lips against his in a kiss that was all heat and desperation, her arms wrapping around his broad back, nails digging into his skin as if she''d drown without him.

    "Ahhh!?~ Mmmph!?~ Slurp!?~ Ooh!?~"

    His thrusts didn''t falter, each one a brutal, delicious assault that sent jolts of pleasure radiating through her core.

    She then pulled back just enough to gasp, her fat, heavy breasts pressing against his chest, her stiff nipples dragging across his skin in slow, teasing circles. "Your dick''s so thick!?~ So big Young Master!?~." She moaned, her voice a sultry whine. "It''s so tight inside me not even the water. can slip in!?~ You''ve filled me so completely, there''s not a single gap!?~"

    Cassius grinned, a wicked flash of teeth as his hands sild down to grip her ass, squeezing the soft, pliant flesh hard enough to leave marks. "Damn right it''s thick¡ªthicker than any man out there."

    "...That pathetic fianc¨¦ of yours, Edmund? He could never come close to this."

    Isabelle''s eyes gleamed with adoration and delight.

    "Of course not!?~ No man could have a filthy, monstrous cock like yours¡ªit''s made to impale women, to ruin them!?~"

    "...It''s a gift every woman dreams of, and I''m the one who gets it. I''ll be dreaming of this cock every night after this!?~" She purred, her voice trembling as he thrust deeper, his fingers kneading her ass while his tip kissed her cervix.

    "No need to dream." Cassius shot back, his tone dark and dripping with promise. "Whenever you want this cock, just spread that pussy for me, and I''ll ram into you like a beast gone wild...There''s no fucking way I could resist a pussy this sexy¡ªwet, tight, and begging for me."

    His words set her ablaze, her body quaking as his cock plunged into her deepest depths, his fingers slipping back to tease her puckered anus, circling the sensitive rim before dipping inside.

    "If you say that..." She gasped, her voice a broken sob of pleasure. "I won''t be able to work for you I''ll be useless!?~ Ahhh!?~ I''ll only want to be in bed with you all day since it feels soo good!?~"

    Cassius''s smirk widened, his grip on her ass tightening as he thrust harder. "I don''t give a damn about that. Forget being my maid who cooks my meals¡ªbe my adorable little sex slave instead."

    "...I''ll fuck you whenever I want, wherever I want."

    Her eyes widened, sparkling with wild excitement as her pussy clenched around him and his words ignited her further, and she crashed her lips into his, kissing him with a bruising ferocity while his thrusts turned savage.

    "Ooh!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~"

    The water churned violently, her soaked skirt floating up and tangling around them, the tub a mess of heat and lust. Their bodies moved as one, slick and desperate, until the tension snapped¡ªher pussy spasming around his cock, his thick, hot release flooding her as they climaxed together, her screams mingling with his guttural groans.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    As the waves of pleasure ebbed, Isabelle felt him still inside her¡ªrock-hard, unyielding, a pulsing heat that refused to fade and in confusion, she looked up at him, her lips trembling, her eyes wide with awe and a hint of fear.

    "Young Master...W-Why aren''t you limp yet? Why are you still so hard inside me?"

    Cassius smiled, a slow, dangerous curve of his lips as he leaned down, sucking on her panting breath. "No way I''d go soft after just a second round, Isabelle. I''m still raring to fuck you senseless."

    Her lips parted in a dazed, delirious smile.

    "If that''s what my Young Master wants, then it''s my duty¡ªas your wife, your maid, and your filthy little sex slave to give it to you."

    With a surge of renewed energy, she began to move, rolling her hips against him, fucking him back with a wild, unrestrained fervor that matched his own.

    Her pussy gripped him like a glove, her ass bouncing with each thrust, water splashing everywhere as they lost themselves in each other.

    And so the night stretched on, an endless blur of raw, animalistic passion.

    They collided into one another like mad, their bodies slick with sweat and water, their moans and gasps filling the air while the rest of the house slumbered, oblivious to the depraved moment unfolding in the bathroom...

 Chapter 126 - 126: Are You Pregnant?!

    The next morning dawned bright and serene, sunlight spilling through the window in golden streams, painting the room in a warm, gentle glow.

    Birds chirped merrily outside, their cheerful song drifting through the air as Julie stirred from her slumber. Her body felt heavy, languid, every muscle still tingling with the echoes of the wild day she had yesterday.

    Slowly, she sat up, her long platinum hair tumbling over her shoulders as she blinked at the sunny sky beyond the glass. A soft breeze rustled the curtains, carrying the scent of dew¡ªkissed grass, and for a moment, she simply breathed it in, grounding herself in the calm.

    Her fingers drifted to her neck, brushing against the delicate skin, and a wave of relief washed over her as she felt her head still firmly attached to her shoulders. She exhaled a shaky laugh, her mind flickering back to the dark fears that had haunted her before sleep claimed her.

    ''The Patriarch...I was so sure he''d send his assassins under the cover of night.'' She thought, her pulse quickening at the memory of her defiance¡ªher refusal to bend to his iron will.

    It would''ve been the perfect opportunity: swift, silent, efficient. A blade in the dark to end her and her legion for good.

    Yet here she was, alive, bathed in morning light.

    ''Cassius...Did he really do it? Did he keep his promise and shield us?''

    The thought sent a thrill through her and a sense of gratitude and curiosity. She needed to find him, to hear the truth from his lips and confirm that they were all safe.

    She shifted to rise from the bed, her silk sheets slipping off her bare skin, but froze as a sudden sensation jolted her senses.

    Something or someone was pressing into her breasts, kneading them with a firm, rhythmic insistence that sent a flush creeping up her neck.

    She blinked, and she snapped her gaze downward, half-expecting to find some audacious intruder who''d dared breach her sanctuary.

    But instead, she was met with a sight that made her lips twitch into a bemused smile.

    It was Aisha, her lithe, feline little sister, curled up beside her in bed.

    The girl''s small fists were buried in Julie''s ample cleavage, pressing and kneading like a cat making biscuits on a plush cushion and her face was nestled snugly between Julie''s breasts, her cheeks flushed with contentment as she purred soft, cat-like noises¡ªlittle mrrps and mews¡ªher voice muffled as she murmured, "So good...So soft..." in a drowsy, indulgent tone.

    Her ears also twitched atop her head, and her tail flicked lazily beneath the sheets, betraying her utter bliss.

    Julie chuckled, a warm, teasing sound, and reached down to rub Aisha''s velvety ears between her fingers. "What''s this, Aisha? Planning to open a bakery with all those biscuits you''re making on my chest?" She teased, her voice light and playful.

    Aisha, who''d been so lost in her reverie that she hadn''t noticed Julie waking, let out a startled yip at the sound of her voice.

    Her eyes flew open, wide and golden, and she sprang back like a cat whose tail had been trod on, tumbling off the bed in a graceless heap of flailing limbs and tangled sheets. She scrambled to her feet, her face blazing red as she stared at Julie, who reclined against the headboard with a knowing, mischievous grin.

    "N-No! It''s not like that!" Aisha stammered, her words tripping over themselves in a frantic rush. "It wasn''t...I-It was you!"

    "...You were the one shoving those massive breasts in my face while I slept and I-I was just trying to push back because I couldn''t breathe!"

    She nodded vigorously, as if convincing herself of her own story, her tail swishing nervously behind her.

    "Y-Yeah, that''s definitely it! Not because it felt too good or warm or comfy to let go or anything like that!"

    Julie shook her head, her smile widening as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood, stretching her slender arms above her head.

    "Whatever you say, Aisha." She replied breezily, her tone dripping with amusement. "As long as someone''s enjoying these uselessly big breasts of mine, I suppose it''s fine."

    She glanced down at her cleavage, the full, heavy curves straining against the thin fabric of her nightgown, and sighed.

    "Honestly, why did they have to get so big when the rest of me is so...compact?" Her hands skimmed her narrow waist and toned thighs, a faint frown creasing her brow as she pondered the mystery of her own proportions.

    As she straightened, her gaze swept the room, and a flicker of concern crossed her face.

    "Wait...Where''s Skadi?" She asked, noting the empty space on the other side of the bed where her the little puppy slept.

    Aisha, still flustered but eager to shift the focus, tilted her head and pricked her ears. "I think I hear her in the other room." She said, her voice steadier now. "Let''s go check."

    Julie nodded, smoothing her nightgown and brushing a strand of hair from her face. With Aisha trailing behind her¡ªstill muttering faint denials under her breath¡ªthey padded barefoot across the hardwood floor, the morning light guiding them toward the faint sounds echoing from beyond the door.

    Julie and Aisha stepped into the living area of the guest room, expecting to find Skadi engaged in something predictably chaotic¡ªsharpening a blade, pacing restlessly, or perhaps sprawled out napping off last night''s exertions.

    But instead, their jaws dropped in unison, eyes widening as they beheld a sight so bizarre it bordered on the surreal.

    There, sat on the plush sofa with her back to them, was Skadi¡ªtheir own Skadi¡ªcradling a book in her hands, her head bent low as she devoured its pages with an intensity that seemed almost reverent.

    If it had been anyone else, the scene wouldn''t have warranted a second glance.

    Reading a book to pass the time was as mundane as breathing in this day and age.

    But Skadi?

    The girl was a walking tempest, all muscle and menace, with a wild glint in her eye that suggested she''d sooner use a book as kindling than read a single page of it.

    She''d always carried herself like someone who''d never touched a page in her life¡ªrumor had it she was outright allergic to them and whenever Aisha dared to curl up with a novel or even flip through a pamphlet, Skadi would scowl, her lip curling as she muttered.

    "Ugh, so boring." or. "Looking at you with that thing makes me wanna claw my eyes out¡ªit''s depressing."

    Yet here she was, engrossed, her broad shoulders hunched forward, fingers tracing the text as if it held the secrets of the universe.

    Julie and Aisha froze in the doorway, exchanging a glance that screamed disbelief. Julie''s brows shot up, her lips twitching as she leaned in close to Aisha, her voice dropping to a whisper as she asked, "Is she...Is she actually reading?"

    Aisha''s amber eyes blinked rapidly, her tail flicking behind her as she clutched Julie''s arm. "No way." She hissed back, her tone laced with incredulity. "That''s Skadi! She''d rather wrestle a bear than touch a book. Maybe it''s a trick¡ªmaybe it''s not even a real book!"

    Julie stifled a snort, her hand flying to her mouth. "What, like a prop? A hollowed¡ªout one with a dagger hidden inside? That''d be more her style."

    "Or maybe it''s a manual on how to punch things harder." Aisha quipped, her ears twitching as she fought a grin. "She''s probably just skimming for the fight scenes."

    Julie tilted her head, squinting at Skadi''s silhouette. "She''s turning pages, though¡ªlike, really turning them. Look at her! She''s into it. What if she''s possessed or something?"

    Aisha gasped dramatically, her voice a mock squeak. "Oh gods, what if the Patriarch didn''t send assassins but sent a book curse instead? Turn her into a book worm to ruin her!"

    Julie bit her lip to keep from laughing, her shoulders shaking. "A fate worse than death for her. Can you imagine? ''Skadi, Slayer of Ancient Books'' She''d never live it down."

    Their whispered banter bounced between them, until curiosity finally outweighed their amusement. Julie nudged Aisha with her elbow, nodding toward the sofa. "Come on, we''ve gotta see what''s got her so hooked. I need to know what kind of sorcery this is."

    Aisha nodded, her tail still swishing with nervous energy, and together they crept forward, moving as silently as shadows.

    If Skadi had been in her usual state¡ªsharp, alert, a predator attuned to every rustle and shadow¡ªshe would''ve sensed Julie and Aisha creeping up behind her long before they reached the sofa. Her ears would''ve twitched, her head would''ve snapped around, and she''d have fixed them with that feral glare that promised trouble.

    But now, lost in the depths of her book, she was utterly oblivious. The two women slipped right up behind her, perching on the edge of the sofa, their breaths hushed as they peered over her shoulders, catching every muttered word and stolen glance at the pages that held her rapt.

    Aisha, ever the nosy one, was the first to crane her neck, eyes gleaming with curiosity and mischief. She had to know what mysterious book had ensnared her best friend and rival.

    Her tail flicked eagerly as she squinted at the text¡ªand then she nearly choked, a cough catching in her throat as if she''d swallowed her own tongue.

    The book in Skadi''s hands wasn''t some gritty tale of war or a manual on combat tactics.

    ...No, it was a volume on motherhood.

    ...Of all things, motherhood.

    Aisha''s jaw dropped, her mind reeling at the absurdity of it¡ªSkadi, the Fenrir warrior who''d once claimed paper gave her hives, was throwing herself over parenting advice with the intensity of a scholar.

    Julie leaned in beside her, catching sight of the title, and her confusion mirrored Aisha''s shock.

    But it wasn''t just the subject that floored them¡ªit was the page Skadi was fixated on.

    The chapter was a detailed guide to breastfeeding, complete with vivid illustrations: plump, inked breasts with arrows and notes on positioning, a serene mother cradling a babe to her chest. Skadi''s finger hovered over a drawing, tracing the curve of a nipple as if committing it to memory.

    Julie''s brows furrowed, her lips parting in silent disbelief, while Aisha''s tail went rigid, her ears flattening as she struggled to process the scene.

    They exchanged a wide-eyed glance, a silent ''What the hell is happening?'' passing between them.

    But before they could whisper a theory, Skadi''s voice broke the stillness, soft and muttering, as if she were wrestling with some great puzzle.

    "So this is how you feed the child...I see, I see." She mumbled, her tone a blend of fascination and uncertainty. "But how will I do it in the future? This book''s all about humans¡ªhumans with their one or two babies. Fenrirs like me...We have litters."

    "...Three, four, even five pups at once!"

    She glanced down at her chest, cupping her own breasts in her hands, lifting them as if assessing their capacity.

    "And I''ve only got two of these. How am I supposed to feed all of them? Take turns? What if I don''t have enough milk?" Her voice grew fretful, a rare crack in her usual bravado. "This stupid book doesn''t say anything about that! Should I ask mama later? She''d know how to handle pups¡ª"

    Aisha couldn''t handle it anymore.

    Her restraint snapped like a twig underfoot.

    So, with a yowl of indignation, she lunged forward, seizing Skadi''s shoulders from behind and shaking her like a ragdoll.

    "Are you pregnant, Skadi?!"

    She bellowed in a frenzy, unable to believe what she was witnessing, while Skadi jolted, the book nearly tumbling from her lap as Aisha''s claws dug into her.

    "Do you have a baby in your womb right now?! Which bastard did this to you?! Who tricked you into carrying his spawn?!"

    "...Just tell me his name, Skadi¡ªI''ll bury him alive myself for messing with a poor, clueless puppy like you!"

    Skadi who was suddenly caught off guard by the intrusion of her captain and Aisha, whipped her head around, her silver eyes wide with bewilderment.

    "W-What the hell are you talking about, Aisha?! Are you crazy?!" She then twisted to look at Julie, who loomed behind her, hoping for an ally. "C-Captain, look at Aisha! She''s lost it saying that I''m actually carrying puppies with me¡ªdo something about her!"

    But to Skadi''s surprise, Julie didn''t budge. Her gaze was ice-cold, sharp as a blade, cutting through Skadi with the fury of an older sister scorned.

    "What''s his name, Skadi?" She asked, her voice low and lethal. "Tell me who this bastard is, and I''ll chop him into minced meat and serve him to you on a platter for what he''s done to my baby sister."

    Her hands clenched into fists, her protective instincts roaring to life, leaving Skadi gaping in utter confusion.

    Julie then turned to Aisha, her tone clipped and commanding. "We need to find this scum. I don''t care if we use every resource we''ve got¡ªround up the knights, put out a search party. Now."

    Aisha nodded with grim determination, her tail lashing. "I''m on it, Captain. We''ll hunt him down and¡ª"

    "STOP!" Skadi''s shout cut through their fervor as she surged to her feet, grabbing both their wrists with a strength that made them wince. "W-What is wrong with you two?!"

    "...Skadi''s not even pregnant! So, why are you making it as if she is!" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But, sadly no matter how adamant she was that she wasn''t pregnant, the two didn''t believe her and thought that she was simply confused as to what was going on and started treating her like a ignorant victim.

    Julie softened instantly, stepping closer with a gentle, sisterly concern. "Skadi, are you sure you''re alright?...If some bastard took advantage of you, you might not even know you''re pregnant yet. It''s okay to tell us."

    Aisha nodded vigorously, her ears perked. "Yeah, do you even know how women get pregnant? Maybe he tricked you, and you''re clueless!"

    Skadi''s temper flared, her cheeks flushing as she glared at them, insulted to her core.

    "You think I''m some kind of idiot who doesn''t know anything?!" She leapt onto the sofa, standing tall and defiant, her voice booming. "Of course I know how babies are made! It''s when a man''s pee¡ªpee goes into a girl''s pee¡ªpee hole, and they move around together! Am I right or not?!"

    Julie and Aisha blinked at each other, momentarily stunned by her crude, childlike explanation. "

    Uh...Yeah." Julie admitted, scratching her cheek. "That''s...Technically correct."

    "Didn''t think you actually knew." Aisha muttered, her tail drooping slightly.

    Skadi puffed out her chest, a smug grin spreading across her face. "Of course I knew! I''ve known all along about these simple little things!"

    But inside, though, her mind raced with panic¡ªshe''d only pieced it together last night, thanks to that damn book.

    It had started innocently enough: after Cassius''s bold promise to father her children, curiosity had gnawed at her. She''d snatched the motherhood guide from a nearby shelf, desperate to understand how she''d care for a litter of pups and she learnt of several other things as well like the birds and the bees.

    But there was no way was she was letting them know the truth of everything and to prove her point, she yanked up her shirt, exposing a chiseled six-pack that gleamed in the morning light.

    "See? Not swollen at all! Completely flat¡ªno baby in here!"

    Then, with a dramatic flourish, she tugged the fabric higher, baring her plump, pale breasts¡ªfirm and round, capped with perky pink nipples. She squeezed them hard, her fingers digging into the soft flesh.

    "And look¡ªno milk leaking out either! So I can''t be pregnant, at all!"

    Julie and Aisha stared, dumbfounded, as Skadi stood there, half-naked and triumphant, her logic as wild as her spirit.

    The room fell silent, save for the faint chirping of birds outside, as the absurdity of it all settled over them like a bizarre, unspoken truce.

 Chapter 127 - 127: Do You Want To Watch Or Join?

    Julie studied Skadi''s defiant, confident expression, her icy gaze softening slightly as she crossed her arms.

    "So...You''re really not pregnant?" She asked, her tone hesitant, searching for any crack in Skadi''s bravado.

    "Of course not!" Skadi snapped, tossing her head with a huff, her silver hair whipping around her shoulders. "Why in the world would you even think I was pregnant in the first place?"

    Aisha, still leaning on the edge of the sofa, pointed an accusing finger at the book now lying innocently on the cushion. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Because of that! You, Skadi¡ªwho''s never touched a book in her life, who acts like paper''s her mortal enemy¡ªare sitting here reading about motherhood! What else were we supposed to think?!"

    Skadi froze, her confident facade faltering for a split second. She couldn''t deny it¡ªher sudden interest in such a book was bizarre, even to her.

    But there was no way she''d admit the real reason, the spark of curiosity ignited by Cassius''s promise last night.

    She scrambled for an excuse, her mind racing.

    "It''s not what you think!" She blurted, her voice a touch too loud. "I was just...bored this morning, alright? I saw this book on the shelf and got a little curious."

    "...My mama''s always going on about how being a mother''s in my future someday, and I just wanted to know what it''s like how to take care of kids and stuff. That''s it! No other reason!"

    To drive her point home, she straightened up, fixing Julie and Aisha with a challenging stare.

    "What about you two, huh? Don''t tell me you''ve never thought about having kids someday? Never been curious about raising them?"

    The question hit them like a curveball.

    Aisha''s face flared crimson instantly, her tail stiffening as her mind veered not to motherhood itself but to the steamy, sweaty process of making a child. Her heart, and she ducked her head, ears flattening as she mumbled something incoherent, her cheeks burning hotter by the second.

    Julie, meanwhile, tilted her head, her expression shifting to one of quiet contemplation.

    Raising a baby?...She''d practically been doing that her whole life with Skadi and Aisha¡ªtwo wild, unruly forces she''d wrangled through tantrums, fights, and chaos.

    "Wouldn''t be too hard." She mused aloud, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "I''ve already got experience with you two."

    But then her thoughts drifted to the real hurdle: a partner.

    Her smirk faded, replaced by a scowl as her mind hit a wall.

    Who could possibly match her?...Julie, the terror of the continent, a warrior whose name alone sent men fleeing in terror.

    Most men wanted a dainty, obedient wife to tend the hearth, not a towering force like her who could cleave them in two during an argument.

    ''Will I ever even get married?''

    She wondered, a pang of midlife melancholy creeping in. The thought of a future alone, her strength a curse rather than a gift, weighed heavy on her.

    But just as she teetered on the edge of a deeper spiral, Skadi''s voice cut through the haze. The Fenrir turned to Aisha, who was still blushing furiously, and smirked wickedly.

    "I feel bad for your future baby, Aisha." She drawled, her tone dripping with mockery. "You''re so tiny, that poor thing wouldn''t even fit in your tummy¡ªit''d be suffocating in there! And after it''s born?...Good luck feeding it with those." She gestured dismissively at Aisha''s chest, flat as a board beneath her tunic. "The baby could suck all day and get nothing but dust. Flat as a pancake¡ªno milk, just disappointment."

    Aisha''s eyes flashed with fury, her petite frame trembling with indignation. She hated¡ªhated¡ªbeing mocked for her size.

    With a feral yowl, she launched herself onto the sofa, tackling Skadi in a blur of claws and fury. Her hands shot to Skadi''s plump breasts, squeezing and groping them with vengeful force.

    "Take that, you overgrown mutt!" She snarled.

    Skadi yelped, her voice spiking in pain. "Ow! That hurts, you little gremlin!" She retaliated, grabbing Aisha''s nearly nonexistent chest and twisting with equal ferocity, her fingers pinching at the flat expanse.

    "What''s there to even grab, huh? Nothing!"

    Both of them shrieked, a tangle of limbs and insults as they wrestled atop the sofa, their shouts filling the room. Julie snapped out of her brooding, her lips twitching into a wry smile.

    ''Forget future babies.'' She thought, watching the chaos unfold. ''I''ve got these two idiots to deal with right now.''

    With a sigh, she stepped forward, grabbing each of them by the scruff like a pair of unruly kittens. "Enough!" She barked, yanking them apart. "Stop fighting¡ªwe need to go see Cassius and figure out if everything''s alright."

    Skadi and Aisha glared at each other, still panting and bickering under their breath¡ª"She started it!" "No, you did!"¡ªbut they relented, brushing themselves off as Julie herded them toward the door.

    The trio then made their way down the hall, Skadi muttering about Aisha''s "dusty chest" while Aisha hissed back about Skadi''s "overstuffed melons.", while Julie just shook her head, her mind shifting to Cassius and the answers she craved.

    When they reached Cassius''s room, the trio spotted Lucius standing guard at the door, just as he had been last night.

    The ever-so-cute butler looked as exhausted as ever, his delicate features shadowed with weariness, his tousled black hair falling into his eyes.

    His slender frame leaned against the wall, clad in his impeccably pressed uniform despite the faint slump of his shoulders, as if he were perpetually fed up with the debauchery unfolding behind him.

    And just as he noticed the group approaching, Julie hesitated mid-step, memories of last night''s chaos flickering through her mind¡ªCassius''s relentless vigor, the sounds that had seeped through the walls.

    So, to be cautious, she called out from a safe distance. "Lucius, can we come in now, or is Cassius still...tending to his maids?"

    Lucius lifted his gaze, a tired smirk tugging at his lips as he adjusted his stance. "You''re in luck." He replied, his voice smooth but laced with fatigue. "You can come in. My master finished just a few minutes ago¡ªhe''s probably still lounging in bed, recovering."

    Aisha''s ears shot up, her amber eyes widening in disbelief. "He was really going at it with his maids until morning?!" She blurted, her tail flicking wildly. "It''s already so late!"

    Lucius shrugged, his smirk deepening with a hint of dry amusement. "As I''ve said before, my master''s...exceptionally energetic when it comes to bedroom affairs. I wouldn''t bat an eye if he kept it up for two days straight."

    Aisha''s cheeks blazed pink, her hands clenching as she muttered under her breath. "What a pervert...can''t control that thing in his pants..." Her words were a flustered whisper, barely concealing her shock and reluctant awe.

    Skadi, meanwhile, felt a flush creep up her neck as last night''s memories surged back¡ªCassius''s firm hands, his fervent, almost worshipful attention as he''d ''cleaned'' her with a passion that left her trembling.

    "It''s true." She murmured, her voice slipping out unintentionally, her silver eyes glazing over. "He''s really...passionate about taking care of his servants and maids."

    Aisha''s head snapped around, her skeptical gaze narrowing. "And how do you know that?" She demanded, her tone sharp and probing.

    Skadi''s blush deepened, her ears twitching as she fumbled. "It''s¡ªuh¡ªnot your business!" She stammered, then darted forward, shoving through the door before they could press her further.

    Julie and Aisha exchanged a quick, exasperated look¡ªSkadi''s flustered escape only stoking their suspicions¡ªbut with her already inside, they followed reluctantly.

    Lucius remained outside, barred from entering per his master''s rule whenever women were present, his tired frame slumping against the wall as he muttered something about needing a nap.

    They''d planned to cut straight to the chase, to demand answers about last night and the Patriarch''s threat.

    But the scene that greeted them halted them in their tracks, their questions dissolving into stunned silence.

    Cassius was sprawled across the bed, his chiseled frame half-covered by a tangled blanket, his dark hair damp with sweat and clinging to his forehead. And beside him, nestled in the same sheet, was Isabelle¡ªnaked, her pale skin glowing with a post-love making flush, her arms draped around him in a tender, possessive hold.

    The air hung heavy with the earthy scent of their night time activities, and they seemed oblivious to the intruders, caught in a playful, intimate exchange.

    Cassius traced a lazy finger along Isabelle''s chest, his voice a low growl. "Your nipples are so damn pretty, Isabelle¡ªlike little candies I wanna suck on all day." His grin was wicked, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he leaned closer.

    Isabelle giggled, swatting at him with a feeble hand, her voice a teasing lilt. "You''re so filthy, Young Master! These nipples aren''t yours, they''re for our children."

    He smirked, undaunted, his hand cupping her breast with a gentle squeeze. "There''s two of ''em, aren''t there? Plenty to go around. The kid can take one, and I''ll claim the other."

    And before she could argue, he dipped his head, latching onto a rosy nipple with a slow, hungry suck, his tongue flicking over it as she gasped.

    "You''re such a baby." Isabelle moaned, her fingers threading through his hair as her back arched, pressing her chest into his mouth. "Always after my breasts..."

    Her voice dripped with arousal, her body shifting as if ready for another round until¡ª

    ...Her head turned, and her eyes locked onto the trio.

    She stared at Julie, who stood rigid, her face a mask of dismay as she stared at the scene.

    Isabelle of all people caught in such a shameless display?...Julie''s mind reeled, grappling with the dissonance of seeing the prim, proper maid reduced to a moaning, naked mess in Cassius''s arms.

    Beside her, Aisha''s face had turned a brilliant scarlet, her tail stiff as a board, yet her wide eyes didn''t waver¡ªshe gawked openly, curiosity warring with embarrassment.

    Skadi, meanwhile, tilted her head, her silver gaze fixed on Cassius''s mouth at Isabelle''s breast.

    ''That looks like when he was sucking on my pee-hole last night.'' She mused, a flush creeping up her cheeks as she wondered if it''d feel just as good on her own chest.

    Seeing the trio in front of her, Isabelle''s reaction was instantaneous. A mortified squeak escaped her lips, her idolized companions witnessing her in such a debauched state shattering her composure.

    "Oh gods!" She cried, diving beneath the blanket in a frantic scramble, pulling it over her head as if it could shield her trembling, humiliated form from their stares.

    Meanwhile Cassius, who had already noticed their presence before they even stepped in, propped himself up on an elbow, glancing at the trio with a lazy, amused grin.

    "Well, well." He drawled, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "Didn''t expect an audience so soon. What brings you ladies here?"

    "...Come to join the fun, or just watch me and my adorable maid go at it?"

 Chapter 128 - 128: Rising Tower In The Bedsheet

    Skadi and Aisha stood frozen, their eyes darting around the bed¡ªa mess of twisted sheets, damp stains, and crumpled pillows, undeniable evidence of the wild, naughty escapades that had unfolded through the night.

    The air was also thick with the musky scent of sweat and lust, and they couldn''t tear their gazes away, enthralled by the sheer debauchery laid bare before them.

    Julie, however, snapped out of her stupor with a jolt, her composure returning as she averted her eyes from the scene.

    Clearing her throat, she bowed her head slightly toward Cassius.

    "I-I apologize, Cassius." She stammered, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "We thought you were done and that we could speak with you." Her gaze flicked briefly to the trembling lump beneath the blanket where Isabelle hid, then back to Cassius. "But it''s clear you''re...not finished yet and it seems you''ve still got more in you. We''ll just...leave you to it." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She turned, reaching to grab Skadi and Aisha by the arms, intent on dragging them out as her mind raced.

    ''Assigned to the most lustful master on the continent, no doubt about it.'' She thought bitterly, her lips pressing into a thin line.

    But just as she took a step toward the door, Cassius''s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

    "Stop."

    The trio froze, their heads swiveling back in unison, surprise etched across their faces as they waited to hear what he''d say next.

    Cassius lounged back, a lazy smile curling his lips as he met their stares. "You know, I was about to go for another round with my adorable little maid and her sexy little body." He said, his tone dripping with relish as his hand slipped beneath the blanket. His fingers then found Isabelle''s breast, groping it with a firm squeeze that drew a muffled moan from her hidden form.

    But then smile faltered into a frown as he continued saying, "But thanks to you three barging in, my mood''s taken a hit."

    Julie opened her mouth to apologize again, her instincts urging her to flee this increasingly uncomfortable situation, but Cassius cut her off with a dismissive wave.

    "But what''s done is done." He said, his grin returning, sly and unrepentant. "No point in dwelling on it."

    "...So, why don''t we just take advantage of this situation by you just going ahead and saying what you came here for, while I''ll listen in bed, tending to my needs at the same time."

    Julie blinked, an eerie premonition creeping up her spine as his words sank in. "You mean..." She began slowly, her voice faltering as she tried to process the implication.

    But Cassius didn''t let her finish. He glanced down at the quivering lump beneath the blanket, his tone casual yet firm.

    "Isabelle, you don''t need to mind our three visitors. Go on with what you were about to do."

    "...Please your young master like the good maid you are."

    Isabelle''s head popped out from under the blanket, her face a vivid scarlet, her golden hair disheveled as she stared at him in flustered disbelief.

    "M-Master, that''s impossible!" She squeaked, her voice trembling. "There''s no way I can do that with them watching!"

    Cassius shrugged, his expression unyielding. "I don''t care. You''re my maid and you do what I ask."

    "...And I currently need your help right now, so I would appreciate it if you get to it."

    His eyes glinted with authority and mischief, leaving no room for argument.

    Aisha, still grappling with the absurdity of it all, tilted her head, her ears twitching as she muttered. "What help does he even want¡ª"

    But her words cut off abruptly as her gaze snagged on something bizarre.

    Right where Cassius''s waist lay beneath the blanket, a pole-like shape surged upward, stretching the fabric taut until it rose high, like a flagpole staking its claim.

    Her brows furrowed in confusion at first, her mind slow to connect the dots.

    Then realization hit like a thunderclap¡ªthe understanding of the male human anatomy clicking into place and her hands flew to her eyes, a strangled yelp escaping her lips as she flushed crimson.

    "Oh gods, that''s his¡ª!"

    Even Julie, ever the pillar of composure, faltered at the sight.

    Her jaw slackened, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks as she stared at the towering bulge.

    She couldn''t believe it¡ªher master, hiding a veritable sword beneath that blanket, its length and girth brazenly defying the fabric. It was absurd, almost comical, yet she couldn''t look away, her eyes locked on the spectacle despite her better judgment.

    Meanwhile, Skadi, with her innocent, unfiltered curiosity, piped up, oblivious to the tension. "Master, what''s that standing up there?" She asked, pointing at the blanket with wide silver eyes. "Is a ghost making it do that? Should I catch that ghost for you?"

    Hearing this absurd reasoning, Aisha''s hand clamped over Skadi''s mouth, her fingers trembling with a panic and mortification as she hissed.

    "Don''t ask about that filthy thing! Shut up right now, you ignorant mutt!"

    Her grip was iron-tight, her amber eyes darting back to Cassius''s erection despite her protests, unable to fully wrench her gaze away from the obscene tent rising beneath the blanket. Her tail also lashed wildly, betraying the storm of flustered fascination raging within her.

    Seeing their reactions, Cassius''s dark eyes gleamed as he surveyed them, his lips curling into a smug, commanding smile.

    "You do know that you''re all under my control right?" He said, his voice a low brood that brooked no defiance. "You follow what I say and no matter how much you squirm or want to run away, you''re bound to me as I''m your master."

    His words hung heavy in the air, an unshakable truth that sank into their bones. Julie''s jaw tightened, her mind racing with the bitter realization that he was right¡ªthey were trapped by loyalty, by duty, with no escape from this twisted scene. Aisha also gulped, and even Skadi''s innocent curiosity flickered with a hint of unease.

    Cassius then turned his gaze to the trio, his tone deceptively casual.

    "So, since it''s come to this, go on¡ªask what you came here for."

    Then his attention shifted to Isabelle, who cowered beneath the blanket, her face a mask of scarlet shame.

    "And you, my pretty little maid..." He purred, his hand sliding beneath the fabric to grasp his throbbing cock, stroking it slowly as it strained against the sheet. "Do what you''re meant to."

    He moved it deliberately, the thick outline swaying tauntingly, making Isabelle''s breath catch in her throat.

    Isabelle hesitated, her wide, trembling eyes flicking to the trio¡ªJulie, Aisha, and Skadi, her idols, the women she''d always revered as paragons of strength and grace.

    The thought of performing such a depraved act under their watchful stares twisted her stomach with humiliation.

    How could she, a noble maid, stoop so low in front of them?

    But then her gaze drifted back to Cassius''s boner, jutting up like a lewd monument, pulsing with raw, primal need and something shifted inside her¡ªa magnetic pull, dark and irresistible, ignited by the sight of that towering shaft.

    Her body, conditioned by the night of surrender to his relentless desire, betrayed her and a flush of heat surged between her thighs, her pussy clenching with a sudden, shameful ache.

    Slowly, the embarrassment that had gripped her melted away, replaced by a perverse thrill¡ªthe idea of being watched by them, of their eyes on her as she debased herself, sent a shiver of wicked excitement down her spine.

    Her eyes darkened with lust, pupils dilating as she licked her lips unconsciously and then with a slow motion, she slipped back under the blanket, her movements fluid and purposeful, like a predator closing in on its prey.

    The trio watched, frozen in horror and fascination, as the blanket shifted, outlining her descent until finally her head hovered over Cassius''s waist, the fabric clinging to her form as she parted her lips and after glancing at them through the sheets one more time like she was confirming their presence, she took him into her mouth.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    The wet, rhythmic sound of her sucking filled the room¡ªa slick, taboo symphony of slurps and muffled moans as her head bobbed beneath the blanket, the shape of her mouth working his thick cock unmistakable.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    Cassius groaned low in his throat, his head tipping back slightly as he savored her eager submission. "That''s it, Isabelle." He murmured, his voice a husky drawl, thick with pleasure. "Show them how good you are for your Young Master."

    His hand rested atop the blanket, guiding her pace, the outline of his shaft disappearing into her throat with each downward plunge.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Julie''s composure shattered, her breath catching as she stared at the lewd display.

    The sight of Isabelle¡ªsweet, dignified Isabelle¡ªreduced to this, sucking so shamelessly under their gaze, sent a jolt of heat through her she couldn''t suppress.

    Her cheeks burned, her thighs pressing together instinctively as she fought the unwanted stirrings of arousal.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Aisha''s hands fell from Skadi''s mouth, her own lips parting in a silent gasp as she watched, her face a blazing red. The wet sounds, the faint gagging as Isabelle took him deeper, made her tail twitch erratically, her curiosity morphing into something darker, something she couldn''t name.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    Skadi on the other hand, still innocent in her confusion, tilted her head, her silver eyes tracing the bobbing motion. "Is she...eating it?" She whispered, more to herself than anyone, her voice tinged with awe.

    "Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~"

    Isabelle''s moans vibrated through the blanket, muffled but undeniable, as she lost herself in the act. The shame was gone, replaced by a depraved pride¡ªshe wanted them to see her like this, to witness how thoroughly she belonged to him.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Her tongue swirled around his tip. tasting the salty heat of him, before she plunged down again, her throat stretching to accommodate his girth.

    The blanket even slipped slightly, revealing a glimpse of her flushed face, her lips stretched wide around his cock, saliva glistening as it dribbled down her chin.

    Witnessing all of this, Cassius''s grin widened, his eyes locking onto the trio with a predatory glint. "Well?" He prompted, his voice steady despite the pleasure coursing through him. "You''ve got my attention and Isabelle is paying attention to her own business, so tell me what you''ve come here for."

    Julie''s breath caught in her throat as crimson eyes turned even brighter, his steady voice cutting through the haze of Isabelle''s fervent sucking.

    "Come one now. You''ve got my attention¡ªspeak."

    He urged once again seeing that she wasn''t responding, his tone unshaken by the pleasure rippling through him, while Julie clenched her fists, her composure teetering on the edge as the lewd sight bore down on her.

    The wet slurps, the faint gagging as Isabelle''s head bobbed beneath the blanket¡ªit was a struggle to keep her own resolve from crumbling under the weight of such brazen debauchery.

    And if it was this hard for her, a seasoned captain hardened by battle, she could only imagine the chaos it was wreaking on Skadi and Aisha.

    Her gaze flicked downward, and just as she''d feared, the two were utterly ensnared.

    Aisha''s eyes shimmered with shock and reluctant fascination, wide and enamored, as if she couldn''t fathom the filthy spectacle unfolding before her. Her tail twitched erratically, her flush deepening with every muffled moan that escaped the blanket.

    Skadi, on the other hand, stared with innocent wonder, her silver gaze tracing Isabelle''s movements like a child peering at a new toy. Her head tilted slightly, lips parted, as if she were itching to try it herself, to mimic the taboo act with the same guileless curiosity she brought to everything.

    Julie''s stomach twisted.

    ''They''re practically babies when it comes to this.'' She thought, a fierce protectiveness surging within her.

    She couldn''t let her sisters¡ªher reckless, naive subordinates, see this depraved sight, couldn''t let them be tainted by this any longer. So, steeling herself, she straightened and fixed Cassius with a resolute stare, ignoring the obscene sounds filling the room.

    "Only I came to speak with you, as captain, Cassius." She declared, her voice sharp and commanding. "So, there''s no need for my subordinates to be here." And with a swift pivot, she seized Skadi and Aisha by the arms and shoved them toward the door. "Out¡ªnow."

    Skadi stumbled, her silver hair bouncing as she whirled back, protesting with a pout. "But I wanna watch too! It''s not fair!" Her words were pityful, but the moment her eyes met Julie''s icy glare¡ªcold and unyielding, like a blade poised to strike¡ªshe shrank back, a flicker of fear replacing her bravado.

    She scampered off with a yelp, her tail between her legs.

    Aisha followed, still dazed, muttering under her breath. "So dirty...I can''t believe I saw that..." as she shuffled out, her face a blazing scarlet.

    The door clicked shut behind them, leaving Julie alone with Cassius and the writhing mess beneath the blanket. She turned back to him, forcing her voice to remain steady despite the sucking sounds and the faint outline of Isabelle''s head moving with renewed vigor.

    "I''m here to talk about last night." She said, her tone clipped as she fought to ignore the scene. "What happened with the Patriarch¡ªwhat did you¡ª"

    But before she could say anything, Cassius raised a hand, cutting her off mid-sentence, his expression shifting to one of false frustration.

    "Hold on, Captain." He said, his voice laced with exaggerated strain. "I can barely hear you over all this noise Isabelle is making."

    He then leaned down, and then to Julie''s surprise delivered a sharp slap to Isabelle''s ass beneath the blanket, the sound cracking through the room.

    "Slap!~ Kyaaa!?~" Isabelle yelped, her sucking faltering for a moment as he chuckled darkly.

    "Such a naughty maid, sucking me so hard I can''t even hear our belover Captain speak." He teased, his tone dripping with lewd delight. "Now, be quiet about it, will you? Lick me nice and soft so I can focus."

    Isabelle whimpered in response, a muffled sound of submission, and the aggressive slurping softened into delicate, wet licks¡ªquieter, but no less obscene.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    The blanket shifted slightly, revealing the faintest glimpse of her flushed face, her tongue gliding along his shaft with careful precision, her eyes half-lidded with reluctant obedience.

    Cassius''s then grin returned, sly and predatory, as he patted the empty space beside him on the bed. "Come here, Julie." He purred, his voice a dangerous invitation as he gazed at her figure that was still wrapped in her night gown. "Sit down and speak so I can hear you properly."

    "...Let''s have a nice, proper conversation with one another."

    His lewd smile widened, his eyes glinting with a debauchery that sent a chill racing down her spine.

    Julie froze, her heart pounding as the full weight of his depravity settled over her.

    This wasn''t just a master indulging his whims¡ªthis was a man reveling in his power, in the taboo thrill of bending them all to his will and in response her instincts screamed at her to flee, to drag herself out of this den of lust.

    But duty anchored her in place, her mind racing as she faced the lascivious beast lounging before her...

 Chapter 129 - 129: Life Worse Then Death

    Julie stood rooted to the spot, her heart pounding as Cassius''s lewd invitation hung in the air.

    The faint, wet sounds of Isabelle''s tongue lapping at his cock beneath the blanket echoed in her ears, a relentless reminder of the debauchery unfolding before her.

    Her mind churned with inner turmoil¡ªduty clashed with revolt, loyalty warring with the primal heat stirring in her core. She wanted to flee, to preserve her dignity and escape this den of sin, but the weight of Cassius''s authority pressed down on her like a physical force.

    ''He''s my master.'' She thought bitterly, her fists clenching at her sides. ''I have no choice.''

    With a shaky breath, she forced her legs to move, each step heavy with reluctance as she approached the bed and lowered herself onto the edge, sitting stiffly beside Cassius and the writhing form of Isabelle.

    The mattress dipped slightly under her weight, and she felt the heat radiating from Cassius''s body, his bare skin glistening with a sheen of sweat.

    And seeing that she finally succumbed, Cassius tilted his head to look at her, his dark eyes glinting with amusement and something darker, more predatory.

    "Did you have a good night''s sleep, Julie?" He asked, his voice a smooth, teasing purr. "I want to make sure all my guests are perfectly comfortable in my mansion."

    Julie swallowed hard, her gaze flickering to Isabelle''s bobbing head beneath the blanket before snapping back to Cassius.

    "Everything was...fine." She replied, her tone clipped but steady. "We slept well enough."

    Her eyes then narrowed as she glanced down at Isabelle again, the wet schlick of her sucking filling the silence.

    "Though it''s ironic you''re so concerned about our comfort..." She added, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "...when you''re making us watch this. Hardly a hospitable sight."

    Cassius chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent an unwanted shiver down her spine.

    "Unfortunate, I''ll admit." He said, his grin unapologetic. "Lucius probably told you I was done with the little fight I was having in bed with Isabelle¡ªI get why you came in. But then..." His gaze drifted to the blanket, where Isabelle''s muffled. moans vibrated against his cock. "Her irresistible body, the way she looks up at me with those needy eyes¡ªI couldn''t help myself. I had to go for another round."

    "...And since you barged in at the same time, well, the two got tangled up and I''m a busy noble, Julie¡ªI have to accommodate both at once since I don''t have much time."

    His tone was regretful, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his delight.

    Julie rolled her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line of exasperation.

    ''Busy noble, my ass.''

    She thought, but before she could retort, Cassius leaned back, his expression shifting to one of wicked intent.

    "I didn''t want this mess either." He continued, like he was guilty in this matter. "And if you''re gonna blame anyone, blame Isabelle¡ªtempting me with that sinful body of hers." He paused, then turned to the blanket. "Show her, Isabelle...Raise those hips high¡ªlet Julie see that sexy little ass of yours."

    Julie''s breath caught as Isabelle obeyed without hesitation.

    Still sucking fervently on Cassius''s cock, her head bobbing beneath the blanket, she arched her back, pushing her hips upward. The fabric slid down her spine in a slow, tantalizing reveal, exposing the plump, fat curve of her ass¡ªpale and glistening with a faint sheen of sweat, the cheeks round and inviting as they jutted into the open air.

    Julie''s eyes widened, a flush creeping up her neck as the sight hit her like a physical blow, raw and taboo in its brazen display.

    Cassius''s hand then moved with a gentle slowness, his fingers caressing Isabelle''s ass in an erotic dance. He kneaded the soft flesh, his touch possessive and reverent, tracing the curve where her cheeks met her thighs.

    "Look at this." He murmured, his voice a husky growl thick with lust. "So fucking erotic, so beautiful¡ªsmooth as silk, plump and perfect. How could I resist this all over me in the morning? It''s a body made to be worshipped."

    His fingers lingered, squeezing gently before sliding lower, and Julie''s pulse quickened as she watched, unable to look away.

    He wasn''t done.

    "And it''s not just her body." He added, his tone darkening with perverse pride. "She''s got a perverted soul to match."

    To Julie''s shock, his hand shifted, his finger circling the tight, puckered ring of Isabelle''s anus before pressing inside. He slid it in slowly, sensually, stretching her as she moaned beneath the blanket, the sound muffled but dripping with wanton pleasure.

    "How''s that feel, Isabelle?" He asked, his voice a taunting caress. "Want me to take it out?"

    Julie''s heart raced, her mind reeling.

    The Isabelle she knew from yesterday and her reports¡ªprim, noble, composed, would recoil from such a vulgar act, demand it stop.

    But to her horror, Isabelle''s voice emerged from beneath the blanket, shaky and lust-soaked.

    "No, Master!?~" She whimpered, her words punctuated by the faint slurp of her tongue on his cock. "Keep it inside...It feels so good, so amazing!?~"

    Her hips rocked slightly, pushing back against his finger as he worked it deeper, her moans growing louder, more desperate.

    The air thickened with taboo heat, and Julie felt it¡ªa treacherous spark igniting in her lower body, her body betraying her with a flush of warmth that spread from her chest to her thighs.

    Her breath grew shallow, her nipples tightening beneath her nightgown as she watched Isabelle''s depravity unfold.

    ''No!'' She thought, horrified. ''I can''t feel this...Not here, not now.''

    The sight of Isabelle¡ªsucking, moaning, begging for more stirred something primal within her, a dirty, forbidden ache she couldn''t suppress and she knew if she stayed, if she kept watching, she''d drown in it, her own desires clawing to the surface.

    Desperate to escape the pull, she forced her voice out, sharp and abrupt.

    "I came here to know what happened last night." She said, her words a lifeline to pull her from the taboo pull of the scene. "The Patriarch¡ªwhat did you do? Is it over?"

    Seeing that she wanted to know about last night, Cassius tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

    "The Patriarch, huh?"

    He paused, as if savoring the question, his fingers still lazily tracing Isabelle''s curves beneath the fabric.

    And then to Julie''s utter shock and horror, he added,

    "...They should find his body any time now, so you better get ready for the funeral."

    Julie''s breath caught, her eyes widening in shock.

    The Patriarch¡ªdead?

    It was a possibility she''d braced for, but hearing it so casually from Cassius''s lips sent a jolt through her. But before she could process it, his smirk broke into a low chuckle, his eyes glinting with dark amusement.

    "Relax, Julie...It''s a joke. He''s not dead. There''s no way I''d kill my own father. That''d be downright unfilial, and I''m not that much of a monster."

    His tone was light, teasing, but Julie''s relief was short-lived as his expression then shifted, the warmth draining from his face as his gaze turned cold, distant, and merciless¡ªa look she''d never seen before.

    "Though he''s not dead." He continued, his voice dropping to a chilling murmur. "He''s living a life worse than death now."

    "...After last night, he''s probably praying for it¡ªbegging for release from the hell I''ve trapped him in."

    The words hung heavy, laced with a cruel satisfaction that made Julie shudder, goosebumps prickling her skin.

    She''d seen Cassius playful, lustful, even ruthless¡ªbut this icy, unrelenting edge was new, and it unnerved her to her core.

    "What...What did you do?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper, compelled by dread and morbid curiosity.

    Cassius''s cold stare softened into a gentle, almost mocking smile as he met her eyes.

    "Imagine this, Julie." He said, his tone deceptively calm. "You''re strapped to a chair, helpless, unable to move a muscle. And right in front of you, everything you love¡ªyour family, your pride, your honor, your estate, every damn thing a noble cherishes, every scrap a man holds dear¡ªis ripped away."

    "Slowly. Cruelly. Mercilessly. Piece by piece, stripped bare while you watch, powerless, your screams silent behind a gag...How would you feel?"

    He chuckled again, a sound that sent ice down her spine.

    "...That''s what my father''s tasting right now¡ªand he''ll taste it every day from here on out."

    Julie''s stomach twisted, her skin crawling as the weight of his words sank in.

    This wasn''t a jest¡ªCassius had somehow engineered a fate so vicious, so calculated, that even the Patriarch, one of the continent''s most powerful men, was reduced to a broken shell.

    ''What kind of monster did his father create? Is this what happens when a child is neglected and treated like a spawn of the devil?''

    She wondered, her mind reeling at the depths of her master''s cruelty, as she''d known him to be cunning, insatiable, but this this was a darkness she hadn''t fathomed.

    And just as she was getting lost, Cassius interrupted her spiraling thoughts, his tone shifting back to casual ease. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Oh, and in the process of my little takeover, all the knights of the Sacred Order are free. No executions hanging over your heads anymore. You''re all safe."

    The moment she heard this, relief flooded her, a brief reprieve from the horror, but curiosity gnawed at her.

    ''The Eternal Vow¡ªhow had he fulfilled it while he was still alive? Or is it that he had somehow broken through it?''

    She opened her mouth to ask, but a sudden muffled noise from beneath the blanket stopped her cold.

    "Mmm!?~ Gnnnnh!?~"

    Her eyes darted to Isabelle, expecting a gag or choke from her as surely that massive member of his would overwhelm her delicate throat and she nearly spoke up, ready to chide Cassius for pushing her too far.

    But then she caught the look on his face¡ªpure, unadulterated satisfactio and the wet, eager slurping sounds that followed.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her cheeks flushed faintly as realization dawned.

    Isabelle wasn''t choking¡ªshe was relishing in what he had just released.

    "Gulp!?~ Hmmm!?~"

    A faint gulping noise then echoed, sultry and obscene, as if she''d swallowed something thick and heavy whole.

    And before Julie could even compose herself again, the blanket shifted, and Isabelle emerged slowly, her face flushed and glistening with sweat, her lips parted as she opened her mouth wide for Cassius.

    Her tongue rolled out, glistening and empty, not a drop left behind.

    "I swallowed everything, Young Master!?~" She said, her voice soft and obedient, dripping with submissive pride. "There''s nothing left!?~"

    Julie''s gulped, a deep, visceral embarrassment surging through her.

    Isabelle¡ªsweet, noble Isabelle¡ªperforming an act so vulgar, so debased, it rivaled the dirtiest brothel tricks.

    The sight of her sticking out her tongue, showing off her empty mouth like a trophy, sent a jolt of heat through Julie''s core, taboo and unwanted. Her thighs clenched involuntarily, a shameful warmth pooling low in her belly as she stared, caught between horror and a twisted, primal allure.

    Cassius patted Isabelle''s head, his fingers threading through her damp hair.

    "Such a good maid." He purred, his voice thick with approval. "Taking it all like that." His gaze then dropped to his cock, still rigid and pulsing beneath the blanket, and he sighed dramatically.

    "...Sadly, your mouth''s not enough, my dear Isabelle and it looks like we''ll need to go for another round."

    Isabelle didn''t hesitate, her eyes lighting up with eager devotion.

    "Of course, Young Master!?~ Anything for you!?~" She chirped, ducking back under the blanket with a hungry gleam.

    Her head moved toward his cock again, ready to take him in, her lower lips brushing the tip as the fabric shifted.

    Julie''s head spun, panic rising as she pictured the lewd, vulgar spectacle about to unfold¡ªmaster and maid locked in a frenzied, sweaty battle right before her eyes. Her vision blurred, dizziness threatening to topple her as the heat clawed at her senses.

    But before she could spiral further, Cassius glanced at her, his grin sharp and knowing.

    "I''m a bit busy now, Julie." He said casually, as if discussing the weather. "We''ll talk later."

    "For now, go assemble the knights¡ªmeet me on the grounds behind the mansion...I''ll come assess them and help with their abilities."

    His grin widened, a dirty edge to it.

    "And you better hurry, unless you want to sit here and watch me fuck my maid''s tight little ass right in front of you."

    The bluntness snapped her out of her daze like a bucket of ice water and she shot to her feet, her face flaming as she stammered.

    "I-I''ll follow your orders...Sorry for the intrusion."

    She turned to flee, but not before the blanket slid off Isabelle entirely, revealing her naked form¡ªpale skin flushed pink, her plump ass high in the air as she sank down onto Cassius''s cock.

    The sight of her pussy stretching around him, slick and eager, burned into Julie''s vision, her cheeks scorching and ears ringing with heat as she bolted for the door.

    Her body felt hot all over, a confusing blend of shame and arousal chasing her out as she slammed the door shut, the last echo of Isabelle''s moan lingering in her mind...

 Chapter 130 - 130: Unwanted Kitten

    By late morning, the knights had assembled on the sprawling grounds in front of the mansion, their armor glinting under the sun as they clustered together in a lively, buzzing throng. All strong women, their voices overlapped in a chorus of whispers and giggles, speculation and relief rippling through the group like a breeze.

    "Why''d our master call us out here?" One knight muttered, kicking at the grass. "Something big, maybe?"

    "Does it matter?" Another shot back, her grin wide and carefree. "I''m just happy I''ve still got a pulse! I thought we were toast last night."

    "Same!" A third chimed in, stretching her arms with a laugh. "I''m honesty grateful to our new master, no matter how lustful he may be. And that party he threw? Wildest night I''ve had in ages. My legs are still sore from dancing!"

    The group erupted in laughter, their chatter growing louder.

    "The food was also unreal." One said, eyes gleaming. "I snagged some of those pastries for my little ones and seeing that the maids even helped me pack a bunch of sweets for them."

    "And those board games!" Another added, snickering. "The maids let me take one home¡ªmy baby girl is gonna lose it when she sees it. He''s a damn hero for that."

    "A hero who probably broke his bedframe this morning." One quipped, wiggling her brows. "That maid''s getting a workout from all the moans I heard this morning¡ªthose strong muscles of his that threw us around yesterday could crush steel!"

    "Or her pelvis." Another fired back, and the knights dissolved into cackling, their barbaric praise for their master echoing across the field.

    Overseeing the spirited throng stood Julie and Aisha, positioned on a slight rise at the edge of the field.

    Julie''s arms were crossed, her face a practiced mask of calm, while Aisha''s eyes swept over the knights, her tail swaying lazily. The infectious happiness radiating from the women tugged at her, and she tilted her head toward Julie.

    "They all look so excited, Captain, downright giddy."

    Julie nodded, her gaze softening as she watched her knights revel in their survival.

    "It''s only natural." She said, her voice steady but warm with quiet relief. "They''ve got a fresh start¡ªprobably thrilled just to breathe. We were all inches from death last night, and somehow we made it through."

    Aisha''s ears twitched, her expression turning thoughtful.

    "Yeah, that''s true. We were supposed to be corpses by now¡ªbled out or worse¡ªand yet here we are. All thanks to our ''Master''." She paused, then scrunched her nose, a blend of wonder and distaste creeping in. "But I still can''t wrap my head around how the same person who put on that disgusting show this morning managed to wipe out our entire squad yesterday. And how exactly did he manage to deal with his father, especially when the Eternal Vow is being held?"

    Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at Julie, catching the faint blush that flared across her captain''s cheeks at the memory. And seeing this, Aisha''s tail flicked, her curiosity blazing anew.

    "Speaking of that." She pressed, leaning in with a cheeky grin. "You''ve been dodging me all day, Captain. What happened in there? Did he try something? I''m dying to know!" Her voice brimmed with avid interest, her eyes glinting with mischief.

    Julie''s blush deepened, a flicker of panic sparking in her chest as she snapped her head toward Aisha.

    "Nothing happened!" She barked, too quick, too sharp. "We just talked that''s it. Stop asking, Aisha, I''m serious!" She turned away, arms tightening across her chest as if to barricade the vivid images¡ªIsabelle''s tongue, Cassius''s groans, that towering erection from spilling out. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha''s grin widened, her skepticism as bright as the gleam in her amber eyes.

    "Sure, Captain." She drawled, her tail swishing with a teasing flick. "You''re red as a beet so I know something juicy went down, I can smell it. Come on, spill¡ª"

    Julie cut her off with a sharp look, her blush fading into a mask of resolve as she met Aisha''s gaze.

    "Be quiet, I don''t know exactly what happened between him and the Patriarch either." She said, her voice steady but carrying a weight that silenced Aisha''s teasing. "But listen if you ever have children someday, Aisha, never neglect them. Love them all equally, no matter how they come into your life, or you''ll risk a fate like his."

    Her tone grew somber, her thoughts drifting to the Patriarch''s cruel end¡ªdecades of hatred and neglect festering into the devil that was Cassius.

    "All those years of bitterness...That''s what birthed a monster like him."

    Aisha''s playful demeanor faltered, her cheeks flushing a deep pink at the sudden mention of babies.

    "Me? Babies? Never!" She sputtered, puffing out her chest with a prideful huff. "No one on this continent could match my talent and beauty anyway¡ªI''m too good for any partner out there!" Her pride rang loud, a shield of confidence she wielded like armor, and Julie couldn''t help but let a small, fond smile tug at her lips.

    But then Aisha''s expression shifted, the bravado crumbling as a solemn, almost pitiful shadow fell over her face. Her eyes dropped to the ground, her tail slowing to a gentle sway as memories she rarely touched rose to the surface.

    "But the truth is, Captain." She murmured, her voice softening. "I don''t even know if I want kids of my own. I mean, there are so many orphans out there so many kids like...like I was."

    She swallowed hard, her throat tightening as the ache of her past welled up, raw and unbidden.

    "I-I grew up with nothing, you know¡ªno parents, no family, just a hollow space where love should''ve been, so I know how it feels to lie awake at night, staring at the dark, wondering why no one wanted me."

    "...Wondering what I did wrong to be left behind."

    Her voice trembled, a fragile thread of pain weaving through her words.

    "Every day, I''d watch other taken care by their parents, taken home by smiling faces, wrapped in arms that cared. But me?"

    "...I was just there...Invisible...Unwanted and I''d tell myself it didn''t hurt, that I didn''t need anyone. B-But it did...It still does."

    Aisha''s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought the sting in her eyes.

    "I''d see those little ones, younger than me, crying for someone to take them in the orphanage, and I''d think¡ªif I ever got out of this, I''d make sure no kid felt that way again. I''d take them in, all of them, and give them what I never had."

    Julie''s heart ached as she listened, her frown deepening with a sorrowful understanding.

    She knew Aisha''s story¡ªknew the orphanage''s cold walls had shaped her, left scars that her cheeky grin couldn''t fully hide.

    The longing for a parent''s love, the desperate wish to be seen, had carved itself into Aisha''s soul, driving her to protect others from that same lonely fate.

    Julie reached out, resting a gentle hand on Aisha''s back, her touch warm and steady. "It''s alright." She said softly, her voice a quiet balm. "You''ve got a big heart, Aisha."

    "...Someday, when you''re ready, you''ll find a partner who''ll adopt with you¡ªsomeone who''ll love those kids as fiercely as you will."

    Aisha looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as a wry, bittersweet smile curved her lips.

    "Impossible, Captain." She whispered, her voice cracking with doubt. "This world¡ªit''s all about bloodlines, lineage, passing on your name. Finding someone who''d take in kids that aren''t theirs, who''d love them like their own?"

    "...That''s a dream I can''t afford to believe in. Even if I did find them, how could I trust it? How could I know they wouldn''t look at those kids and see...leftovers? Strays no one else wanted?"

    Her tail drooped, her shoulders hunching as the weight of her fears pressed down.

    "I''ve seen too many promises fade¡ªtoo many kids left waiting for love that never came."

    Julie sighed, the truth of Aisha''s words settling like a stone in her chest. In this age, where heritage was everything, Aisha''s hope felt like a fragile thread stretched against a storm.

    But then a spark of hope ignited deep within Aisha as she fought to push back the despair. She wiped at her eyes, forcing a brighter tone as she straightened up.

    "But it''s not a problem, Captain...Not a problem at all." She said, her voice steadier now, a defiant edge cutting through the vulnerability. "I don''t mind being a single mother, you know. Raising a gaggle of little troublemakers on my own? Doesn''t sound half bad."

    She flashed a grin, her cheekiness resurfacing like a lifeline.

    Julie sighed again, exasperation and affection in the sound. "Don''t give up so quickly, Aisha." She said, her tone gentle but firm. "There most definitely will be someone for you¡ªsomeone who''d love you and any kids you choose, blood or not."

    "...Especially when you''re such a cute little kitten. I''m pretty sure every boy out there would stand in a line that reaches all the way to the capital for you."

    Julie said as she gave a gentle smile and pulled on her little sister''s puffy little cheeks.

    Aisha fell silent as she let her soft cheeks get tugged on, her gaze drifting to the knights below as their laughter echoed up the hill.

    In the quiet of her mind, a fragile hope took root.

    Maybe, just maybe, she thought, clinging to the possibility that somewhere out there was a soul who''d see her scars, her dreams, and the children she longed to save, and love them all with a fierceness she''d never known.

    For now, she held onto that whisper of a dream, her heart aching with the weight of her past and the quiet strength of her resolve, as she wondered what her future partner looked like if he truly existed someone out there...

 Chapter 131 - 131: How Is It Like To Be A Mother?

    But just as she was dwelling about her future partner, Aisha''s solemn mood lifted as a playful smile crept across her lips, when her amber eyes caught something on something in the distance.

    She nudged Julie with her elbow, her tail flicking with renewed mischief.

    "Hey, Captain." She said, her voice lightening. "While we''re over here debating kids or no kids, looks like someone else is real excited about the idea¡ªand it''s pretty obvious from what they''re up to."

    Julie blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

    "What are you on about?" She asked, her tone wary as she followed Aisha''s gaze.

    Her eyes landed on the cluster of knights below, and then she saw it¡ªSkadi, weaving through the group like an eager pup, her silver hair glinting in the sun as she chattered away.

    Julie''s lips twitched into a wry smile, amusement and exasperation bubbling up as she realized what Aisha meant as Skadi was currently practically buzzing with curiosity, her hands gesturing wildly as she peppered the knights with questions, her expression so earnest it was almost comical.

    Down among the knights, Skadi had latched onto one of the older women, a grizzled veteran with a scar across her cheek.

    "Hey, you!" Skadi called, her voice bright and commanding as she pointed at the knight. "You''re a mother, right? You''ve had a kid?"

    The knight raised an eyebrow, smirking as she saw the wolf girl coming towards her. "Yeah, I popped one out a couple years back. Why? You need something, chief?"

    Skadi''s eyes widened when she realised she found her target, her tail wagging faintly behind her as she leaned in closer, practically vibrating with curiosity.

    "What''s it like? Having a kid, I mean. Does it hurt a lot? How do you know what to do with it once it''s out? Do they cry all the time? Oh, and how do you feed them¡ªlike, do you have enough milk, or do you have to borrow some from someone else if you run out?"

    The knight burst out laughing, nearly dropping to her knees as the other knights around her snickered.

    "Gods, slow down, chief! It''s not a battle strategy! And yeah, giving birth hurts like hell¡ªimagine pushing a melon through a keyhole. But you figure it out quick. And they cry, sure, but you get used to it. And milk?..." She hefted her chest with a grin. "...Plenty to go around, no borrowing needed¡ªthough the little one back at home is a greedy little beast!"

    Skadi nodded vigorously, her brows furrowing as if she were committing every word to memory and was even going as far as to take some notes. She then darted to another knight, a woman lounging against a crate, her armor scuffed from last night''s revelry.

    "You! You''ve got kids too, don''t you? What''s the weirdest thing they do? Do they ever stop moving? And how do you keep them from running off into the woods or something?"

    The knight chuckled, scratching her head.

    "Got three of the little terrors. Weirdest thing they do? Well, one of ''em keeps eating dirt¡ªsays it tastes like chocolate. And they never stop moving, not even in their sleep¡ªkicking me in the ribs half the night. And keeping ''em from running off? Good luck. I''ve tied bells to mine so I can hear ''em coming!"

    Skadi''s mouth dropped open, her silver eyes sparkling with fascination.

    "Dirt? Really? That''s so weird! What if they eat something bad? Do you have to fish it out of their mouth? Oh, and what about when they''re tiny¡ªdo they fit in your hands, or are they bigger than that?"

    The knights around her were doubled over now, their laughter ringing across the grounds.

    "Gods, chief, you planning a litter or what?" One teased, elbowing her playfully. "You sound like you''re ready to pop one out tomorrow!"

    "Yeah!" Another chimed in, grinning wickedly. "If you want to be a mama so bad, just say it! We''ll set you up with a man in bed¡ªMaster''s got plenty of beds to practice on!"

    Hearing this, Skadi''s face flushed a brilliant red, her ears flattening as she waved her hands frantically.

    "N-No! It''s not like that! I''m just just doing research, okay? Research! I''m curious, that''s all!" Her voice pitched higher, flustered and indignant, but the knights only laughed harder, their teasing relentless.

    "Research, huh?" One knight drawled, waggling her brows. "What, you scoping out how to handle a pack of pups? Bet you''d be chasing ''em around like a headless chicken!"

    "Or howling lullabies at the moon!" Another added, mimicking a wolf''s cry that sent the group into fresh peals of laughter.

    Skadi stomped her foot, her blush deepening as she glared at them.

    "S-Shut up! I''m your superior, you know! Show some respect!"

    But her scolding fell on deaf ears¡ªthe knights just grinned, unfazed, their giggles echoing as they waved her off.

    Overwhelmed, Skadi huffed, spun on her heel, and bolted toward Julie and Aisha, her tail swishing in a flustered frenzy.

    She skidded to a stop in front of them, her chest heaving as she clutched a crumpled scrap of parchment covered in hasty scribbles¡ªher ''notes'' from the knights.

    Aisha''s eyes narrowed instantly, a suspicious glint sparking in them as she leaned forward. "Oi, Skadi." She said, her tone sharp and teasing. "What''s all this about since today morning? Are you really pregnant or something? Should we drag you to a healer to check? I mean, all those baby questions are kind of suspicious!"

    Skadi''s eyes widened, her face turning an even deeper shade of crimson as she flailed her arms.

    "What?! No! Of course I''m not pregnant! I''m not¡ªArgh, mind your own business, Aisha!"

    She clutched her notes to her chest like a shield, glaring at Aisha before turning her attention to the parchment, muttering under her breath as she reviewed her scrawl.

    "Dirt¡ªeating...bells...melon through a keyhole...Ugh, why''s it so complicated?"

    Julie and Aisha exchanged a glance, their dismay mingling with amusement.

    Julie sighed, rubbing her temple as she watched Skadi mutter to herself, clearly still rattled from the teasing.

    "She''s hopeless." Julie murmured, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

    Aisha snickered, crossing her arms.

    "Hopeless and obsessed. I bet she''s already planning how to juggle five kids at once¡ªprobably thinks she can wrestle them into submission!" She shot Skadi a sidelong grin. "You sure you''re not hiding a little pup in there, Skadi? It might be hard to see through that six pack of years that you''re so proud of."

    Skadi whirled on her, baring her teeth in a snarl.

    "I said I''m not pregnant! Stop it, you nosy cat! This is serious research¡ªserious! I''m just...preparing! For the future! That''s all!"

    Her voice cracked with embarrassment, and she buried her face in her notes again, her ears twitching furiously.

    Julie shook her head, her wry smile softening into something gentler.

    "Alright, alright, leave her be, Aisha." She glanced at the flustered Fenrir, then back at the knights still chuckling below. "At least someone''s enthusiastic about the idea of kids¡ªeven if it''s in her own weird way."

    Aisha smirked, her tail flicking as she leaned back.

    "Yeah, weird''s one word for it. I wonder how long til she''s asking us how to change diapers!"

    She laughed, but her eyes lingered on Skadi, a flicker of curiosity still dancing in them as the Fenrir hunched over her notes, oblivious to the world.

    And jjst as Julie was mulling over Aisha''s teasing quip about Skadi, a murmur of voices rippled through the air, pulling her attention¡ªand everyone else''s¡ªtoward the edge of the grounds.

    Heads turned, and a hush fell over the chattering knights as two figures emerged from the mansion''s shadow: Cassius and his ever-so-adorable butler, Lucius.

    And to Julie''s surprise, Cassius looked nothing like the disheveled, lustdrenched man she had fled from that morning.

    Gone was the rumpled, sweat-soaked figure tangled in sheets; now, he strode forward with an effortless grace, dressed in a crisp white shirt tucked into tailored black pants that hugged his frame just right. The fabric stretched subtly over his broad shoulders, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows in a casual yet commanding way that made him look...Well, Julie had to admit it to herself, handsome. Strikingly so.

    His dark hair was swept back, still faintly damp as if he''d just bathed, and the sunlight caught the sharp lines of his jaw, lending him an air of refined nobility.

    The knights around her seemed to notice too¡ªwhispers of "Is that really him?" and "He cleans up nice" fluttered through the ranks, their eyes widening as they took in the man who''d toppled their world the night before.

    It was hard to reconcile this poised figure with the barely-adult devil who''d dismantled their forces with ruthless ease.

    Beside him, Lucius trotted along, his slender frame clad in his usual impeccable butler''s uniform¡ªblack vest, white shirt, and a tie knotted with precision.

    And what was even more surprising was the fact that the two were currently bickering like an old married couple as they approached with Lucious clutching a small compact of makeup in one hand, waving it insistently as he nagged Cassius with exasperation and determination in his tone.

    "Master, please, just a dab of this!" Lucius pleaded, his voice high and frazzled as he gestured at Cassius''s neck. "Those hickeys¡ªgods, they''re glaring! You can''t go out like that in front of your new knights order! It''s indecent! Let me cover them up before you disgrace yourself!"

    Cassius swatted at Lucius''s hand, his grin wide and unrepentant as he sidestepped the butler''s fussing.

    "Oh, come off it, Lucius! I don''t need your powders and makeup¡ªI''m not some sort of actor in a play! And these...?" He tilted his head, proudly displaying the constellation of red and purple marks peppering his neck, courtesy of Isabelle''s fervor. "...These are acts of love, you prude! Isabelle poured her heart into every one, and I''m not about to erase them just to look prim for a bunch of warriors who''ve seen worse!"

    Lucius groaned, clutching the compact tighter as if it were his last lifeline.

    "Acts of love? Master, they look like you lost a fight with a leech! You''re their lord now¡ªhave some dignity! What''ll they think, seeing you stroll up like you just rolled out of a brothel?"

    "They''ll think I''m a man who enjoys his mornings!" Cassius shot back, laughing as he shoved Lucius''s arm away again. "Besides, they''re knights, not nuns¡ªdoubt they''ll faint over a few love bites. Quit hovering, you mother hen¡ªI''m fine as is!"

    Their squabbling carried them closer, Lucius darting around Cassius like an anxious shadow, still brandishing the makeup while Cassius dodged with the ease of someone well-practiced at evading his butler''s fussing.

    The knights watched, some stifling giggles, others exchanging amused glances as the pair finally reached the edge of the assembly.

    And seeing that they were already there, Lucius sighed in defeat, tucking the compact into his pocket with a muttered, "They''re going to think that I''m a useless butler who can''t even do his job possibly because of this." before straightening up to stand at Cassius''s side, his expression smoothing into one of resigned professionalism.

    Julie also snapped out of her daze, the sight of Cassius jolting her back to her role.

    "Line up!" She barked, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "Assemble, now!"

    The knights scrambled into formation, their laughter fading into a disciplined rustle as they fell into neat rows.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi stepped forward, joining the front line to face Cassius and Lucius, their presence a silent bridge between the master and his new legion.

    The air grew taut, a obvious tension settling over the grounds as the two sides stood opposite each other¡ªa freshly forged contract of loyalty and service hanging between them.

    The knights eyes fixed on Cassius, curiosity and wariness mingling in their stares and they braced themselves for the usual noble inaugration¡ªa long-winded speech about his greatness, his lineage, how fortunate they were to serve under such a magnanimous lord.

    It was the standard fare at these inaugurations, a chance for haughty aristocrats to speak and boast.

    Some knights already looked ready to tune out, their shoulders slumping as they anticipated a droning history lesson about his family''s exploits, mentally preparing to doze through the ordeal.

    But Cassius surprised them all.

    As instead of starting to speak about how far the Holyfield estate ranged, he stepped forward, his steady gaze sweeping over the ranks, and after a brief pause to clear his throat, he did something none of them expected.

    He bowed.

    Not a shallow dip, but a deep, respectful bend at the waist, his head lowered in a gesture that radiated genuine deference.

    A collective gasp rippled through the knights, their eyes widening as he straightened, his expression earnest and unguarded.

    "Before I say anything else..." Cassius began, his voice clear and resonant, carrying across the field. "I want to thank you¡ªall of you for your service. I know you might not hear this often, if ever, but what you do...It''s brave. Beyond brave."

    "You stand as shields for the people, risking your lives every day to keep them safe, to uphold what''s right. You put your bodies on the line, your blood, your breath¡ªand that''s not something small. It''s not something anyone should take for granted."

    He paused, letting his words sink in, his eyes meeting theirs with a quiet intensity.

    "I''ve seen knights before¡ªplenty of them¡ªbut I''ve never met a group like you. You''re not just blades for hire or tools to be tossed aside. You''re warriors with heart, with grit, and I''m damn honored to have you under my banner."

    "...Last night, you faced hell and came out the other side, and that''s no small thing. So, from the bottom of my heart¡ªthank you. For what you''ve done, for what you''ll do and I just want to say that I see you, and I respect you."

    Hearing this little speech, the knights stood taller, a swell of pride rippling through them as his words hit home.

    Some blinked rapidly, caught off guard by the lump in their throats, while others squared their shoulders, chests puffing out as a rare sense of recognition washed over them.

    For once, they weren''t just disposable pawns in a noble''s game¡ªthey were seen, valued, and by a lord no less.

    Whispers of "Did he really just say that?" and "He''s...Thanking us?" darted between them, their earlier cynicism melting into something warmer, something genuine. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Julie watched, her own surprise flickering beneath her composed exterior.

    She''d braced for awkwardness, expecting a rocky start to this new alliance¡ªCassius''s brash, lustful nature clashing with the knights guarded loyalty.

    But in mere minutes, with a handful of heartfelt words, he''d bridged that gap, earning their respect with an ease that left her quietly impressed.

    Even Aisha, beside her, tilted her head, he eyes narrowing slightly as she muttered. "Huh...Didn''t think he had that in him. Lustful or not, he''s got a knack for this."

    Skadi, still clutching her crumpled notes, nodded absently, her earlier fluster forgotten as she stared at Cassius. "Master''s really good at talking." She said simply, her voice tinged with awe. "Then wouldn''t that mean our future pups would also be good at speaking as well?"

    Julie didn''t hear Skadi''s commen as her gaze lingered on Cassius, a faint spark of admiration stirring in her chest.

    Whatever else he was¡ªlecherous, ruthless, unpredictable, he knew how to lead, and that, at least, she couldn''t deny...

 Chapter 132 - 132: The Most Ideal Reward

    Cassius''s words had just begun to settle over the knights, their chests swelling with pride and a newfound warmth toward their unexpected master, when he shifted gears with a casual grin.

    "And as thanks for all your years of service." He said, his voice carrying that same earnest tone. "I want to give you a little reward."

    The air shifted instantly.

    Julie''s stomach dropped, a frown creasing her brow as she caught the subtle stiffening of Aisha''s tail beside her. Skadi''s excited scribbling paused, her silver eyes narrowing slightly.

    Across the ranks, the knights smiles faltered, replaced by wary glances and faint scowls.

    A reward...The word hung like a lead weight, souring the mood as whispers rippled through the group.

    They''d heard this song before¡ªnobles loved to toss out "rewards" usually glittering handfuls of gold or gaudy jewelry, as if that could sum up their blood and sweat.

    It wasn''t gratitude; it was a transaction, a cheap pat on the head that cheapened everything they stood for.

    They weren''t here for coin. They fought for their homes, their people, the lives they''d sworn to shield¡ªnot for some noble''s purse strings. Every time a lord dangled gold in their faces, especially the Patriarch with his smug, dismissive handouts, it stung.

    They''d take it, sure, but it left a bitter taste, a reminder that to men like him, they were just hired blades, not protectors.

    Julie''s heart sank as she watched the knights'' expressions harden, their earlier warmth teetering on the edge of resentment. She''d seen this fracture before, the unrest it bred, and she didn''t want Cassius to stumble into that same pit¡ªnot when he''d just started to win them over.

    Her lips parted, ready to step in and steer him away from the humiliation she feared was coming.

    But before she could utter a word, Cassius surprised her yet again. He waved a hand dismissively, his grin widening as if he''d sensed the shift.

    "We can talk rewards later." He said breezily, then paused, his gaze sweeping over the silent ranks. "First, though¡ªtell me something. Do you all like to drink?"

    The question landed like a pebble in a still pond, ripples of confusion spreading through the knights. Julie blinked, caught off guard, while Aisha''s ears twitched in bemusement.

    The knights exchanged puzzled looks¡ªno one answered, the silence stretching awkwardly as they tried to figure out where this was going.

    Cassius cocked his head, his smile turning playful.

    "Come on now, don''t be shy." He called, raising his voice. "Do you like to drink? Be honest¡ªreally honest! From the looks on your faces, I''m starting to think no one here''s ever touched a drop!"

    He chuckled, folding his arms as he scanned the crowd, his tone light but edged with a challenge.

    A beat passed, then one knight¡ªa woman with a red hair shrugged and piped up. "Well, yeah, of course I do! Who doesn''t?"

    Another, a taller figure with a braid slung over her shoulder, nodded. "Aye, love a good ale after a fight¡ªkeeps the blood pumping!"

    "Me too!" A third added, her voice tentative but growing bolder. "Can''t sleep without a mug of something strong!"

    One by one, the affirmations trickled in, hesitant at first, then building as Cassius''s genuine curiosity broke through their wariness.

    "Yes!"

    "Hell yeah!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Love it!"

    The voices overlapped, a chorus of agreement rising from the ranks as they relaxed, grins creeping back onto their faces.

    Cassius cupped a hand to his ear, his grin turning downright mischievous.

    "What''s that? I can''t hear you! Where''s the fire in your voices? Come on, let me hear it¡ªhow much do you love to drink? Shout it like you mean it!"

    The knights caught the spark, their excitement igniting as they fed off his energy.

    "We love it!" One bellowed, fists pumping the air.

    "Can''t live without it!" Another roared, her voice cracking with enthusiasm.

    "Give me a barrel and I''ll drink ''til dawn!"

    A third hollered, and soon the whole group was shouting, their voices overlapping in a chaotic, joyous cacophony.

    "Love it!"

    "Need it!"

    "Best damn thing after a brawl!"

    They laughed and cheered, caught up in the sudden, absurd hype, their earlier tension dissolving into the thrill of the moment.

    Cassius let it build, his eyes gleaming as he watched them, then raised a hand to quiet the din.

    "Good." He said firmly, his tone cutting through the noise with a satisfied edge. "That''s real good¡ªbecause I was planning to build you a little tavern. Unlimited ale, mead, wine¡ªwhatever you want¡ªplus food to go with it, all for you to kick back and enjoy after a hard day."

    "...And it would be a shame if none of you liked to drink after building such a site for you!"

    For a heartbeat, the grounds fell dead silent, the knights frozen as his words sank in. Julie''s jaw dropped slightly, Aisha''s tail went still, and even Skadi''s ears perked straight up.

    Then, like a dam bursting, the crowd exploded.

    "A tavern?!" One knight shrieked, her voice pitching high with disbelief.

    "Unlimited booze?!" Another yelled, grabbing the woman next to her in a bear hug.

    "Food too? He''s a bloody saint!"

    A third cried, and chaos erupted as the knights turned to each other, shouting and whooping, their excitement spilling over.

    Some hugged, others jumped up and down, and a few even started chanting, "Cassius! Cassius!" like he''d just handed them the keys to paradise.

    "He''s serious?!" One knight gasped, clutching her friend''s arm. "A whole tavern just for us? I''m gonna live there!"

    "Unlimited ale? I''ll never leave!" Another laughed, pretending to swoon as the group buzzed around her.

    "Master''s the best damn noble I''ve ever met!"

    Cassius held up a hand again, his grin widening as he rode the wave of their enthusiasm.

    "And that''s not all!" He called over the din, his voice cutting through like a blade. "I''m throwing in board games¡ªchess, dice, whatever you fancy¡ªplus some physical stuff like volleyball, archery targets, maybe a wrestling ring if you''re feeling rowdy."

    "...It''ll be a proper clubhouse for you lot, a place to unwind after you''ve been out there. You deserve it!"

    The knights went wild, their cheers doubling as the vision took shape.

    "Volleyball?!" One shouted, pumping her fist. "I''ll smash you all!"

    "Board games? My son''s gonna be jealous I''m never home!" Another cackled.

    "A wrestling ring? I''m calling dibs on first match!"

    A third bellowed, and the group dissolved into a flurry of hugs, high¡ªfives, and giddy plans.

    Skadi, caught up in the fervor, bounced on her heels, her silver eyes shining as she turned to Julie and Aisha.

    "Master''s amazing!" She exclaimed, clutching her notes like a trophy. "A tavern and games? He''s the best!"

    Julie and Aisha stood there, watching the chaos unfold, their dismay at the knights'' antics melting into quiet awe.

    Julie''s lips parted, her earlier worry replaced by a grudging respect as she took in Cassius''s easy command of the crowd.

    "He...He knew." She murmured, almost to herself. "Gold or jewels would''ve turned them against him, it would''ve made them feel like mercenaries...But this?" She gestured at the jubilant knights, some now miming volleyball spikes in the air. "This is perfect...They''ll love him for it."

    Aisha nodded, her tail flicking as she crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Yeah, Captain, gotta hand it to him¡ªhe''s smarter than he looks. Lustful or not, he''s got them eating out of his hand. A tavern? Free food and alcohol? That''s their dream reward, and he damn well knew it." She glanced at Cassius, her eyes glinting with reluctant admiration. "Keeps them happy and loyal...Sneaky bastard."

    Cassius stood there, his arms crossed, a satisfied gleam in his dark eyes as he surveyed the knights, their cheers still echoing faintly across the grounds. He then let the moment linger, then raised a hand, his grin softening into something more deliberate.

    "There''s one more part to this reward." He said, his voice carrying a quiet weight that drew every gaze back to him.

    The knights perked up, curiosity flickering through their ranks, though a ripple of playful skepticism followed.

    One of them, a rather mischevious knight called out.

    "What, you gonna throw in some chiseled lads to serve us drinks in skimpy clothes at the tavern?"

    Her jest sparked a wave of chuckles, the knights nudging each other with easy laughter, their comfort with Cassius shining through in the casual tease.

    Even Julie''s lips twitched, and Aisha snorted beside her, her tail flicking in amusement.

    Cassius laughed, a rich, rolling sound that mingled with theirs.

    "Tempting, but no¡ªsorry to disappoint." He replied, his grin widening as he shook his head.

    Then his expression softened, his gaze turning gentle, almost reverent, as he looked out at them.

    "This part''s about the children...Your beloved children."

    The laughter died down instantly, replaced by a hush of seriousness. The knights straightened, their faces tightening with focus.

    Children¡ªtheir own, their siblings, their kin¡ªwere the beating heart of their lives, the reason they fought, bled, and endured. Mentioning them wasn''t a jest; it was sacred ground, and they couldn''t help but lean in, their breaths held as Cassius continued.

    "I know you''re more than just knights." He said, his voice steady and warm. "Before you were warriors, before you were anything else, many of you were mothers¡ªor you will be someday."

    "And every mother, every family, wants one thing above all: to protect their kids, to give them the best life possible, a chance to thrive...I see that in you¡ªhell, I feel it standing here."

    "...So, as thanks for your loyal service, I''m making sure that happens..."

    "...Every child in your families¡ªyours, your siblings will get a full education at a noble school. Free of cost, no strings, no hassle. They''ll learn under the Holyfield name, same as any noble brat, with all the doors that opens."

    The words hung in the air, heavy with promise, and for a long moment, the knights didn''t react.

    No cheers, no shouts¡ªjust stunned silence as the weight of what he''d said sank in.

    Julie''s breath caught, her eyes widening as she processed it, while the knights stared, their mouths agape, as if they couldn''t quite believe their ears.

    This wasn''t gold or trinkets¡ªthis was a dream they''d never dared voice, a gift so profound it left them reeling.

    See, they were commoners at their core, no matter how noble their deeds or how high they''d climbed. Their armor and blades earned them respect, but the gates of noble schools¡ªbuildings of privilege and power¡ªremained stubbornly shut to their kind.

    Getting a child in was a pipe dream, a grueling uphill battle of bribes, favors, and luck, and even then, the cost was crushing.

    Every mother among them had lain awake at night, picturing their little ones with books and tutors, a future beyond the mud and toil of their own lives, only to wake to the cold reality that it''d never happen.

    But now, Cassius was handing it to them¡ªfree, effortless, under his name.

    It was staggering, a kindness so rare it felt almost holy.

 Chapter 133 - 133: Master Or Saint?

    One knight, a stocky woman with calloused hands and a toddler back home, snapped out of her daze first.

    She stepped forward, her voice hesitant, almost trembling. "Wait...You mean my baby daughter¡ªshe could go to one of those fancy schools? Like the nobles?"

    Cassius nodded, his smile gentle but firm. "Yes. She can."

    Another knight, her braid swinging as she edged closer, piped up, her tone thick with disbelief. "And my son too? Really?"

    "Yes." Cassius said again, his voice unwavering.

    A third, her eyes glistening, pushed forward. "My little brother¡ªhe''s smart, reads everything he can get his hands on him too?"

    "Yes, yes, yes." Cassius replied, raising his voice to carry over the growing murmur. "Every child here, every one in your families they''ll all go...I mean it."

    The knights fell silent again, but this time it wasn''t shock¡ªit was awe.

    They stared at Cassius, their gazes softening, a reverence settling over them as if he''d just descended from the heavens.

    To them, he wasn''t just a noble anymore, not even just their master¡ªhe was a saint, a figure of impossible grace who''d seen their quietest, deepest hopes and made them real.

    No one spoke, no one cheered; they just looked at him, hearts swelling with a gratitude too big for words.

    Julie, sensing the stillness, stepped forward, her boots crunching softly on the grass. She cleared her throat, her voice steady but laced with sincerity.

    "On behalf of the knights, Cassius." She said, meeting his gaze. "Thank you. Truly. This...What you''re doing for them, for their families¡ªit''s more than we could''ve asked for."

    Cassius waved a hand, his grin returning as he shrugged it off. "It''s nothing, Julie. It''s just what I owe them as their master. Loyal work deserves more than a pat on the back."

    Before she could respond, Aisha surprised them both by stepping up beside her, her eyes locking onto Cassius with an intensity that caught Julie off guard.

    "No, don''t just brush it off." Aisha said, her voice firm, stripped of its usual cheek. "What you''re doing¡ªit''s good. Really good and I sincerely thank you."

    Her words hung there, raw and earnest, a rare crack in her guarded facade.

    Hearing this, Julie and Cassius turned to her, their eyes widening in unison and in response Aisha flustered under their stares, her tail flicking nervously as she crossed her arms.

    "W-What? Why''re you looking at me like that?" She stammered, her cheeks tinting pink.

    Julie blinked, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

    "Well, I just didn''t expect you to thank him, that''s all. You''ve been calling him a pervert all morning and I thought you despised him."

    Aisha huffed, waving a hand dismissively.

    "Oh, I still don''t like him, he''s a total lecher, no question...But this?" She glanced at Cassius, her gaze softening despite herself. "This is different. Seeing you make sure these knights little ones get a good life¡ªit''s admirable. I''ve gotta give credit where it''s due."

    Her voice held a quiet weight, her own orphaned past flickering beneath the words.

    To her, this wasn''t just a reward¡ªit was a lifeline for kids who''d otherwise be left behind, and that struck a chord she couldn''t ignore.

    Hearing her gratitude, Cassius''s grin widened, a mischievous spark lighting his eyes as he leaned toward her.

    "Well, if you really wanna thank me, Aisha, how about letting me touch those fluffy ears and that tail of yours? I''ve been dying to see how soft they are¡ªc''mon, just a quick feel!"

    He stepped forward, hands outstretched, his tone half-teasing, half-serious.

    Aisha''s eyes widened in horror, a squeak escaping her as she bolted behind Julie, clutching her captain''s shoulders like a shield.

    "No way! Never! Especially not a pervert like you!" She yelped, her tail standing as she peeked out. "I don''t even know what you''d do to them¡ªyou''d probably ruin them with those grubby hands!"

    Julie burst out laughing, the sound bright and unrestrained, echoed by the knights who''d caught the exchange. Their earlier awe gave way to easy chuckles, the tension melting into a shared mirth that rippled across the grounds.

    Even Lucius, standing primly at Cassius''s side, cracked a faint smile, shaking his head at his master''s antics.

    Skadi, meanwhile, stood off to the side, her silver eyes drifting between Cassius and the knights as her mind wandered.

    "Hmm." She muttered to herself, tapping her chin. "If my future kids go to noble schools, they could be fancy like Master...But what if they wanna be warriors like me?"

    "...Noble warriors? Is that a thing?"

    She frowned, lost in her own little world, oblivious to the laughter around her as she scribbled a hasty note on her crumpled parchment: Ask Master about noble warrior kids later.

    The knights laughter and chatter still hung in the air, a warm buzz of camaraderie and gratitude, when Cassius raised his hand again, his satisfied grin shifting into something more thoughtful.

    "Hold on, we''re not quite done yet." He said, his voice cutting through the lingering commotion. "I''ve got one more gift for you all."

    A ripple of surprise passed through the ranks, the knights exchanging wide-eyed glances as murmurs broke out.

    "Another one?" A knight near the front muttered, scratching her head.

    "What is this, our birthday or something?" Another chuckled beside her, nudging her elbow.

    "At this rate, I''m gonna need a bigger bunk to stash all these goodies!"

    The teasing tone carried a playful disbelief they''d already been showered with a tavern, free alcohol, and noble educations for their kids.

    What more could he possibly heap on them?

    Even Julie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, while Aisha''s tail gave a skeptical flick, her eyes narrowing as if bracing for another twist.

    Cassius let the murmurs settle, his grin softening as he clasped his hands behind his back.

    "Before I get to that final gift, though, I wanna clear something up¡ªset your minds at ease." He said, his tone earnest. "I know I''m your new master, and that might''ve had some of you worried I''d come in swinging, slapping new rules and schedules on you, turning everything upside down...But I''m not here to do that."

    "You''ve got a system¡ªa damn good one¡ªand I''m not about to mess with it. You can keep doing what you do, how you do it, same as always. No new regulations, no leash."

    "...You''re already running like a well¡ªoiled machine, and I''d be a fool to tamper with that."

    He paused, his gaze sweeping over the knights before landing on Aisha with a nod.

    "And I''ve gotta give credit where it''s due¡ªAisha, I''ve heard your impeccable planning is what keeps this legion running so smoothly. And everything I''ve seen so far? Utterly perfect. I couldn''t possibly ask for better."

    Aisha blinked, caught off guard by the praise and then let out a quick "Hmph!" crossing her arms tighter as if to brush it off, but a faint blush crept up her cheeks, her tail swishing despite her best efforts to look unbothered.

    "Y-Yeah, well, of course it''s perfect." She muttered under her breath, barely audible. "Didn''t need you to tell me that..." The knights around her smirked, a few nudging each other as they caught her flustered reaction.

    Cassius continued, unfazed by her grumbling.

    "And the truth is, I don''t plan on ordering you around much at all. Sure, there might be a few times I''ll need your help, call you in for something specific, but other than that? You''re free to operate as usual...I can handle my own messes just fine."

    A collective sigh of relief rippled through the knights, their shoulders easing as the tension they''d been quietly carrying melted away.

    Julie felt it too, a weight lifting from her chest.

    She''d been steeling herself for a sit¡ªdown with Cassius, ready to fight tooth and nail to keep their routines intact¡ªevery drill, every patrol, every unspoken rhythm they''d honed over years.

    The idea of a new master meddling had gnawed at her, but here he was, handing her that peace without a battle.

    "Thank you." She said softly, almost to herself, her lips curving into a faint, grateful smile.

    The knights nodded among themselves, murmurs of "That''s a relief" and "Thought he''d have us marching in circles" passing through the ranks.

    One piped up, grinning. "So we don''t have to salute you every five minutes? Gods, I like this guy more every second!"

    Cassius chuckled, then leaned forward, his tone dipping into a playful drift that caught them off guard.

    "Now, don''t get me wrong¡ªevery now and then, I might pull a few...let''s call them ''pranks'' on you lot. I mean, I can''t help it¡ªmy love for women''s a bit too strong, and I''m not perfect at reining it in. Might sneak a lewd comment or two, maybe a cheeky stunt. Fair warning!"

    The knights didn''t angry at his statement¡ªinstead, they shook their heads with amused grins, a few rolling their eyes like they''d expected nothing less.

    "Figures." One muttered, laughing.

    "He''s a dog, but at least he''s upfront about it!" Another smirked.

    "Long as he keeps the tavern stocked, he can flirt all he wants¡ªI''ll just dunk him in the ale!"

    The easy acceptance in their laughter showed how much they''d warmed to him, his flaws shrugged off as quirks rather than offenses.

    Julie and Aisha, though, flushed at the comment, their minds flashing back to that morning¡ªCassius''s shameless display, Isabelle''s moans, the towering bulge under the blanket.

    ''Is that what he means?''

    Julie wondered, her cheeks heating as she fought to keep her expression neutral.

    Aisha''s ears twitched, her blush deepening as she hissed under her breath. "If that''s his idea of a prank, I''m locking my door at night."

    Cassius''s grin then faded into something more solemn, his posture straightening as he shifted gears.

    "Alright, enough of that¡ªonto the final gift." He said, his voice dropping to a quieter, more serious note. "I''ll hand it out in a moment, but first, I''ve got a favor to ask. I want you all to show off your skills¡ªduel each other, right here, right now. Let me see what you''ve got."

    The knights blinked, a wave of confusion washing over them.

    "Duel?" One muttered, scratching her neck.

    "What''s he playing at?" Another tilted her head, frowning. "Like...sparring?"

    Cassius nodded, his gaze sharpening.

    "Not just sparring¡ªduel like it''s real. Take it seriously, fight like your life''s on the line. I want to see your full abilities, every ounce of what you can do...No holding back."

    The request hung in the air, unexpected and jarring. Julie''s brow furrowed, her mind racing to piece together his intent.

    ''What''s this about?'' She thought, her instincts prickling.

    She caught his eye, and before she could ask, he turned to her directly. "Julie." He said, his tone curious but firm. "Do all the knights here follow the same training routine? Same skills, same fighting style?"

    Julie shook her head, stepping forward as she answered.

    "No¡ªnot exactly. We''ve got a standard protocol, sure, a baseline everyone trains to once they join...But before that? Everyone''s got their own roots, their own ways."

    "Some came up swinging axes in the hills, others honed swords in city dojos. We''ve got archers, brawlers, spear-wielders each one''s got their own flair, their own weapons. We standardize the basics, but the styles?"

    "...They''re as varied as the lot of us."

    Cassius''s smile widened, a glint of satisfaction sparking in his eyes.

    "Perfect." He said, almost to himself, then raised his voice again. "That''s exactly what I wanted to hear. Here''s what I need: pair up, duel each other¡ªrandomly. Mix it up, switch partners every few minutes. Five minutes a round, then swap. I want everyone to face off with everyone else, show me everything you''ve got."

    The knights exchanged puzzled glances, their murmurs growing.

    "Switch every five minutes?" One said, hefting her sword.

    "That''s...a lot of fighting." Another shrugged, grinning faintly. "Guess he wants a show¡ªbetter not trip over my own feet!"

    Julie still didn''t grasp his endgame, her mind turning over the odd request.

    ''A test? A game? What''s the gift tied to this?''

    But Cassius was her master, and his orders were clear. She straightened her shoulders, her voice ringing out with authority.

    "You heard him¡ªspread out! Pair up, duel like it''s real, five¡ªminute rounds, then switch. Move!"

    The knights hesitated for a split second, then obeyed, their confusion giving way to action.

    They fanned out across the grounds, the clatter of armor and weapons filling the air as they split into pairs. Steel clashed against steel, wood thudded against shields, and grunts of effort rose as they threw themselves into the duels.

    A burly woman with a mace squared off against a lithe archer-turned swordswoman, their styles clashing in a flurry of brute force and quick dodges.

    Nearby, a spear-wielder danced around a dual-dagger fighter, thrusts meeting parries.

    The grounds transformed into a chaotic cluster of combat, each knight unleashing her unique flair with a seriousness that matched Cassius''s command. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Aisha sidled up to Julie, her tail flicking as she watched. "What''s he up to, Captain? This some weird noble whim?"

    She muttered, her eyes tracking Skadi as the Fenrir paired off with a broad-shouldered knight, her wild swings already forcing her opponent back.

    Julie shook her head, her gaze fixed on Cassius. "I don''t know." She admitted, her voice low. "But he''s got a reason¡ªalways does. Let''s see where this goes."

    Cassius stood with Lucius at his side, his arms crossed and his grin steady, watching the duels unfold with an intensity that belied his earlier playfulness.

    Whatever this final gift was, it was tied to this display¡ªand Julie couldn''t shake the feeling that, once again, he was about to surprise them all...

 Chapter 134 - 134: A Cut Above The Rest

    The grounds thrummed with the chaotic clashing steel and shouting voices, the knights fully immersed in their duels as dust kicked up around them.

    Cassius stood at the edge, his keen eyes tracking the flurry of movement, Lucius hovering dutifully at his side.

    His gaze then slid to Julie and Aisha, still standing apart from the fray, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

    "You two." He called over, his tone teasing but pointed. "Why aren''t you joining in? What''s the holdup?"

    Julie met his look with a wry smile, crossing her arms as she tilted her head.

    "The thing is it wouldn''t be fair if I did." She said, her voice dry but steady. "No point in it, really¡ªI''d have to hold back so much it''d be useless. And if I actually went all out?...One swing, and they''d all be flat on their backs, nursing bruises or worse."

    "...I''d rather not risk slicing up my own knights just to show off."

    Cassius chuckled, a sound that carried a hint of challenge. "Tooting your own horn, eh, Captain? Sounds like you''re saying you''re a cut above the rest."

    She shook her head, her smile sharpening.

    "Not at all, I just don''t want to accidentally hurt them. Going full strength against my own people? That''s a mess I''d rather avoid."

    He nodded, conceding the point with an amused hum, then turned his gaze to Aisha, his brow arching.

    "And you? What''s your excuse, cat-ears?"

    Aisha huffed, flicking her tail as she shot him a sidelong glare.

    "I''m a mage, not a brawler." She said, her tone edged with pride. "It wouldn''t exactly be a fair fight since I could just whip up a little earthquake, and they''d all be kissing the dirt. No swords or fists needed."

    "...Kinda overkill for a sparring match, don''t you think?"

    Lucius, standing primly beside Cassius, adjusted his tie and cast a skeptical look between them.

    "So, what you''re both saying..." He drawled, his voice laced with the same dry amusement that he showed to everyone except his master. "...is that you''re too powerful¡ªdownright overpowered¡ªto tussle with your own crew?"

    His eyes drifted to Skadi, who was gleefully darting between five knights in a chaotic 5v1, her wild swings and feral grin making it clear she was having the time of her life.

    "And yet there''s that wolf girl, taking on half a dozen like it''s a picnic. She''s strong too¡ªstronger than most, I''d wager. So why''s she out there mixing it up and not on the side like you two?"

    Julie and Aisha sighed in unison, their exasperation almost tangible.

    "Because she wants to..." Julie said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "She loves fighting¡ªit''s playtime for her. She''s not thinking strategy or fairness; she''s just having fun."

    "Yeah." Aisha added, her tail swishing irritably. "Skadi''s out there bouncing around like a kid in a candy shop. Doesn''t matter if she''s strong¡ªshe''d fight a wall if it swung back. This is just a game to her."

    Lucius''s lips twitched downward, a faint dismay creasing his brow. "Playtime." He muttered, shaking his head. "She really is a carefree mutt¡ªlook at her go. Five against one, and she''s grinning like a fool."

    Cassius laughed, clapping Lucius on the shoulder.

    "She''s a force, alright. But I get it¡ªno point forcing you two in if you''d just steamroll them." His grin faded into something more focused as he glanced at his butler. "Now come on, Lucius¡ªtime to check our new legion''s combat abilities."

    Before Julie or Aisha could process that, Cassius and Lucius stepped forward, striding straight into the chaotic swirl of dueling knights like they were strolling through a light rain.

    The field was a maelstrom¡ªswords flashing, spears thrusting, shields clanging as warriors darted and clashed with fierce intensity.

    Seeing this, Julie''s eyes widened, a jolt of alarm shooting through her.

    "Wait, stop!" She shouted, lunging a step forward. "What are you doing? That''s a madhouse out there! They''re fighting like it''s a damn war¡ªyou''ll get yourselves skewered!"

    She paused, her gaze flicking to Cassius.

    "I mean, you will be fine¡ªyou''ve got the reflexes to dodge a hundred swords. But Lucius?" She turned to the butler, her voice softening with genuine concern. "If he waltzes in there, he''s gonna catch a stray sword or a flying dagger to the face. He''s not built for this!"

    But instead of heeding her word, Lucius straightened, brushing a speck of dust off his vest with a casual, almost smug smile.

    "No need to fret, Captain." He said, his tone dripping with pride. "My beloved Young Master will shield me from whatever comes our way. A blade, a hammer¡ªhe''ll send it flying with a flick of his wrist, and I''ll stroll back without so much as a scratch on my cheek."

    "...He''s got me covered¡ªalways does."

    Julie and Aisha blinked, taken aback by his confidence, but before they could respond, Cassius grinned¡ªa wide, devilish thing¡ªand dropped a bombshell.

    "Nah, I don''t think will." He said, his voice light and utterly casual. "You can fend for yourself, Lucious, I''m not lifting a finger."

    Lucius''s proud smile froze, then shattered into a pout as he whirled on Cassius.

    "What?! Young Master, why not?!" He whined, his voice pitching high with betrayal. "You''re supposed to protect me! What if I get clobbered out there? A spear to the chest, a mace to the head¡ªdo you want your loyal butler''s adorable face to be flattened?!"

    Cassius shrugged, unfazed, his grin unwavering. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "You need to get used to handling yourself, Lucius. I can''t always be there to play babysitter¡ªtime to toughen up a bit. You''ll be fine; you''re nimbler than you look."

    Lucius''s pout deepened, his hands flailing as he trailed after Cassius.

    "Nimble?! I''m a butler, not a bloody acrobat! What if I trip? What if l¡ªoh, gods, a shield''s coming right for me, isn''t it? You''re heartless, Young Master, absolutely heartless!"

    His whining followed them like a shadow as they plunged into the fray, bickering all the way.

    The knights barely noticed at first, too caught up in their duels¡ªsteel rang against steel, grunts and shouts filling the air as they danced their deadly steps.

    But Cassius moved with purpose, his demeanor shifting to a quiet solemnity as he wove through the chaos, his eyes sharp and observant.

    He sidestepped a lunging spearman, ducked a swinging axe, and paused beside a pair locked in a furious exchange of sword strikes.

    His head tilted, studying their forms¡ªthe way one parried low, the other countered with a high slash¡ªlike an artist appraising a canvas.

    And after observing a certain duel enough, he leaned toward Lucius and murmured something, his voice too low to carry over the clamor.

    Lucius, still sulking but ever-dutiful, flipped open a small notebook and scribbled furiously, his pen darting across the page as Cassius spoke.

    They moved on, threading through the battlefield with an almost eerie calm, pausing at each duel to watch, assess, whisper, and note.

    No one could hear what Cassius said¡ªhis words were a secret shared only with Lucius¡ªbut his focus was unmistakable, his gaze darting from stance to swing, from feint to follow-through.

    Julie''s warning also proved prophetic moments later.

    A knight stumbled, her spear knocked free in a fierce clash, and it sailed through the air, spinning straight for Cassius''s head.

    Gasps rose from the sidelines, the knights faltering mid-strike as horror flashed across their faces.

    But Cassius didn''t flinch¡ªhis hand snapped up, catching the spear between his fingertips with a flick of his wrist, as casual as swatting a fly.

    And without breaking his stride or shifting his gaze from the duel ahead, he tossed it aside, the weapon clattering harmlessly into the dirt.

    The knights gaped, a few muttering. "Did he just¡ª?" And "Bloody hell, he''s quick!" and Cassius glanced their way, catching their stares, and waved a hand.

    "Keep going!" He called, his tone firm but unbothered. "Don''t stop¡ªshow me what you''ve got!"

    They hesitated, then obeyed, the rhythm of combat picking back up as swords clashed and shields thudded anew.

    Watching this, Julie folded her arms, her brow creasing as she watched Cassius and Lucius weave deeper into the field.

    "What''s he after?" She murmured, half to herself. "All this watching, those notes¡ªwhat''s the play?"

    Aisha, still peeking out from behind her, shrugged.

    "Beats me, Captain. Guy''s a walking riddle¡ªpervert one minute, mastermind the next. But I bet it''s something big, though¡ªhe''s got that look."

    Skadi, meanwhile, let out a whoop as she dodged a flurry of blows, her silver hair whipping around her as she spun to face her next opponent, utterly oblivious to Cassius''s scrutiny.

    The field churned on, a storm of steel and sweat, and Cassius moved through it like a calm eye, his notebook filling with secrets only he understood, for now...

 Chapter 135 - 135: Words Of Advice

    Cassius wove through the chaotic battlefield with a steady stride, Lucius trailing close behind, his notebook clutched tightly as he scribbled Cassius''s murmured observations.

    The duels raged around them¡ªsteel clashing, grunts echoing, dust swirling¡ªbut Cassius moved with an unshakable calm, his keen eyes darting from fight to fight until he''d seen enough.

    And finally, with a nod to Lucius, he turned and made his way back toward Julie, his expression one of quiet satisfaction.

    "I got all I need." He said as he reached her, brushing a speck of dirt off his sleeve. "Tell them to assemble¡ªwe''re ready for that final gift."

    Julie''s brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion crossing her face, but she didn''t press him.

    "Alright." She said, her voice firm as she raised it over the clamor. "Everyone, fall in! Assemble back here¡ªnow!"

    Her command cut through the noise, and the knights gradually disengaged, sheathing their weapons and trudging back toward the center of the grounds, their breaths heavy and faces flushed from the exertion.

    Cassius walked over to a weathered tree stump and plopped down, crossing one leg over the other as he watched the knights gather in a loose, buzzing throng before him.

    Their voices overlapped in a tired but lively hum¡ªsome groaning about aching muscles, others speculating in hushed tones about what this mysterious "final gift" could be.

    "Gods, my arms are gonna fall off." One muttered, rubbing her shoulder.

    "What''s he got left up his sleeve¡ªgolden armor?" Another guessed, earning a snort from her neighbor.

    Skadi, still buzzing with energy from her 5v1 fight, broke away from the crowd and bounced over to Cassius, her silver eyes glinting with curiosity.

    "Hey, Master!" She said, leaning in close as she pointed at Lucius''s notebook. "What''re you writing in there? What''s all that about?"

    Cassius grinned, tapping the side of his nose with a wink. "It''s a little secret, Skadi¡ªgonna reveal it in a moment. Patience." His gaze flicked to the crumpled wad of parchment sticking out of her pocket, and he arched a brow. "What about you, huh? What''s that you''ve got scribbled down there?"

    Skadi''s face flushed a bright pink, her ears twitching as she clutched the notes to her chest.

    "Uh¡ªit''s a secret too!" She stammered, her voice pitching high. "Can''t tell you yet not ready!"

    Before he could tease her further, she spun on her heel and darted back to Julie and Aisha, her tail swishing nervously as she hid behind them, muttering, "No more questions, nope, nope!"

    Cassius chuckled, a low, amused sound, then turned his attention to the assembled knights, their eyes fixed on him with exhaustion and eager anticipation.

    He stood, brushing off his pants, and raised his voice to carry over the crowd. "I watched you all fight out there." He began, his tone warm but steady. "And I''ve gotta say¡ªI''m impressed. Damn impressed. Your skills? They''re a cut above what I expected, and I had high hopes to start with. You''re a hell of a lot stronger than I figured."

    A swell of pride rippled through the knights, their tired postures straightening as faint smiles broke across their faces. Coming from Cassius¡ªa man whose combat prowess was monstrous, a force even Julie, their grandmaster captain, couldn''t fully match¡ªthe praise hit deep.

    "He''s not kidding, is he?" One whispered, nudging her neighbor.

    "Guy''s a beast¡ªmeans something if he thinks we''re good!" Another puffed out her chest, grinning.

    "Told you my axe work was top-notch!"

    But just as the cheer began to build, Cassius''s expression shifted, his grin fading into a solemn, almost heavy look that silenced the murmurs.

    "But..." He said, his voice dropping. "That''s not enough."

    The knights froze, their smiles faltering as confusion crept in. Julie''s eyes narrowed, a knot of unease tightening in her gut.

    "What''s he mean, ''not enough''?" A knight muttered, her brow creasing. "We just tore it up out there!"

    Cassius paced a step, his gaze sweeping over them with a weight that pinned them in place.

    "The world''s changing¡ªevery damn day." He said, his tone low and solemn. "New dangers are popping up faster than we can count. You''re getting stronger, sure the good side''s growing every moment...But the bad side? They''re working twice as hard, clawing their way up to match us, to overtake us."

    "And there''ll come a day¡ªyou''ll face someone, some thing, stronger than you can handle. And if your skills are just a hair below theirs? You''ll lose."

    "...Not just a fight¡ªyour lives. All because you couldn''t bridge that gap."

    The mood plummeted, the earlier pride souring into a dull, creeping dread. The knights shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting to one another as Cassius''s words sank in.

    "Lose our lives?" One whispered, her voice tight. "He''s talking like we''re walking into a slaughter..."

    Another gripped her sword hilt, her knuckles whitening. "Thought we were tough¡ªnow he''s saying we''re doomed?"

    Julie''s jaw tightened, her mind racing. Even she felt the sting¡ªhe wasn''t wrong. The world was a brutal place, and strength alone didn''t always win the day.

    "Great, now he''s got them spooked. What''s next, a ghost story?" Aisha muttered under her breath.

    But then Cassius''s solemnity cracked, a slow, confident smile spreading across his face as he met their gazes one by one.

    "But that changes today." He said, his voice rising with quiet promise. "This final gift? It''s gonna flip that on its head. After you get it, you won''t just be fighting enemies on your level anymore you''ll take on enemies stronger than you, higher realms than you''ve ever touched, and you''ll win."

    "No more scrabbling to keep up, no more dancing on the edge of danger every damn day. You''ll fight beyond what you thought possible¡ªstarting now."

    The knights went silent¡ªstill, their breaths catching as the weight of his promise hit them. Shock rippled through the ranks, eyes widening, mouths dropping open.

    Fight higher realms? It was unthinkable¡ªimpossible.

    Even Julie, a grandmaster honed by years of battle, felt her heart stutter. She could hold her own against peers, other grandmasters of her level, but taking on a grandmaster who was above her?

    That was a death wish she''d never entertain if she had a choice. The idea that Cassius could gift them that kind of power¡ªit defied everything she knew.

    Aisha bit her lips, her eyes darting to Julie as she whispered. "He''s gotta be bluffing...right?"

    Julie stepped forward, her voice cutting through the stunned silence.

    "What gift?" She asked, her tone sharp with disbelief. "What could possibly make us that strong? What''re you giving them¡ªsome enchanted blade? A secret manual to triple our strength overnight?"

    Her mind raced, grasping for something, anything¡ªevery knight around her was thinking the same, expecting a weapon, a ancient book, some trick to explain this wild claim.

    Cassius let the question hang for a moment, his smile widening as he looked at each of them, his eyes glinting with amusement and certainty. Then, slowly, he said,

    "No, I''m giving you something much better...I''m giving you my advice."

    The words dropped like a stone into a still pond, and for a heartbeat, the knights froze, silence swallowing the grounds.

    Advice?...Julie blinked, her mind stumbling over the word. Aisha''s ears flinches, her jaw dropping slightly.

    The knights stared, uncomprehending, until one finally muttered, "Wait¡ªwhat?"

    Another echoed, "Did he say advice?"

    The confusion erupted into a clamor, voices overlapping as they turned to each other, baffled and incredulous.

    "Advice?!" A knight near the front yelped, throwing up her hands. "What''s that supposed to mean? He''s gonna talk us stronger?"

    "Is he serious?" Another demanded, her voice pitching high. "I swung my axe till my arms screamed, and he''s handing out words?"

    "No way¡ªdid I hear that right?" A third chimed in, laughing nervously. "Advice? What, like ''swing harder''? He''s lost it!"

    The commotion swelled, knights gesturing wildly as they tried to make sense of it.

    "I thought it''d be a magic sword or something!" One shouted over. "Not a damn pep talk!" Another shook her head, muttering, "Can''t fight a higher realm with a lecture¡ªhas he gone mad?"

    Julie''s hands clenched at her sides, her own disbelief warring with a flicker of curiosity.

    Advice?...It sounded absurd¡ªtoo simple, too mundane to match the grand promise he''d just made.

    And yet, Cassius lounged on the tree stump, his gaze sweeping over the knights as their confusion erupted into a chaotic buzz of disbelief and muttered protests.

    Their reactions¡ªranging from incredulous stares to outright laughter¡ªonly seemed to amuse him further.

    He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let out a low chuckle.

    "What''s this?" He asked, his voice laced with playful mockery. "You don''t believe me? Is it really so hard to swallow that a little advice from me could take you that far? Come on now¡ªin academics, a tip on solving a tricky problem or memorizing a long essay can make all the difference. Why''s this any different?"

    The knights shifted, their murmurs growing louder, until an older woman stepped forward from the ranks. She had short brown hair, her weathered face etched with the lines of countless battles, and her stance carried the quiet confidence of a veteran.

    She smiled, a warm but skeptical curve of her lips, and raised a hand to quiet the crowd behind her.

    "Hold on, Master Cassius." She said, her voice rough but steady. "First off, I wanna say thanks¡ªme and everyone here, we''re grateful for what you''ve done. Sparing our lives, the tavern, the schooling for our kids¡ªall of it. You''ve got our respect, no question...But this?" She shook her head, her smile turning wry. "What you''re saying now¡ªit''s absurd. Comparing book-learning to combat? That''s a stretch even I can''t buy. They''re worlds apart."

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin widening as he met her gaze.

    "Really? You think so? To me, they''re the same¡ªtwo sides of a coin. A few pointers, a bit of guidance, and you can leap forward in any field. Combat, studies¡ªit''s all about knowing where to step."

    The veteran crossed her arms, her skepticism deepening.

    "I don''t buy it." She said bluntly. "Fighting across a realm¡ªbeating someone who''d normally crush you just because of some advice? That''s insane. Can''t happen."

    "...No offense, Master, but I''ve been swinging steel longer than most here''ve been alive, and I''ve never seen a few words turn the tide like that."

    Hearing this, he leaned back, his chuckle softening into a thoughtful hum.

    "Oh, it can." He said, his tone firm but teasing. "Seems we''ve got a divide here, huh? You lot saying it''s impossible, me saying it''s not. Two different mindsets, locked horns." His eyes glinted as they locked onto hers, a spark of challenge igniting. "So how about we settle it? Make a little challenge out of this¡ªsee who''s right in the end."

    Her face split into a competitive grin, her eyes flashing with the fire of someone who never backed down.

    "A challenge, huh? I like the sound of that¡ªI''m in. Always up for a good fight, especially if it proves a point. What have you got in mind to back up this wild logic of yours?"

    Cassius waved a hand, his smile turning sly.

    "Nothing too fancy." He said. " Simple, really. You''ll duel someone here¡ªsomeone younger, weaker, less experienced than you. One of the fresh bloods from your ranks. You''ll fight with what you''ve already got, all your years of know-how."

    "...But your opponent? They''ll get a few tips from me¡ªsome advice, a little nudge. And with that, I''m betting they''ll beat you."

    The veteran threw her head back and laughed, a deep, hearty sound that echoed across the grounds.

    "Impossible!" She exclaimed, slapping her thigh. "You''re dreaming, Master! I''ve trained half these greenhorns myself¡ªmolded them from scratch. There''s not a one of them who could take me down, tips or no tips since I''m a tough old bird¡ªask anyone here!"

    She gestured to the knights, who nodded and murmured their agreement, some calling out.

    "She''s a wall!" and "Toughest we''ve got!"

    Julie watched, her lips twitching with a faint smile, while Aisha''s tail flicked in amusement. Skadi, clutching her notes, grinned wide, clearly entertained. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The veteran''s confidence was unshakable, a rock amidst the younger knights awe, and it was hard to argue¡ªshe was one of the strongest among them, a pillar of skill and grit.

    But she wasn''t done. Her laughter faded into a mischievous smirk, and she fixed Cassius with a glinting stare. "Alright, it''s an interesting challenge¡ªI''ll bite."

    "...But let''s make it fun, yeah? How about a bet? Stakes on both sides, just to spice it up."

 Chapter 136 - 136: Absurd Stakes

    Cassius''s grin widened, a gleam of delight sparking in his eyes.

    "A bet? Now that''s more like it¡ªway better than a plain old challenge. I''m game, so what''s your stake?"

    She paused, tapping her chin as if mulling it over, then snapped her fingers, her smirk growing wicked.

    "Alright, here''s mine." She said, leaning in with a whimsical air. "If I win¡ªand I will, then once that tavern''s built, you''ve gotta come serve us for a whole night. Skimpy clothes, like someone joked earlier¡ªlingerie, maybe, or something tight and frilly."

    "...Show off that chiseled body of yours, Master. Bet you''d look damn fine pouring ale in a little outfit!"

    The knights erupted into laughter, the grounds shaking with their hoots and cheers.

    "Oh, gods, yes!" One shouted, clapping her hands.

    "I''d pay gold to see that!" Another whistled, grinning wide.

    "Young Master in a skimpy getup? Best night ever!"

    The idea spread like wildfire, their excitement bubbling over as they chimed in¡ª"Gotta show off those arms!" "Make it pink¡ªpink''d suit him!"

    Even Julie couldn''t hold back a laugh, her hand covering her mouth as she shook her head. Aisha snickered, her tail swishing, while Skadi giggled, muttering. "Master in frills? Weird, but funny!"

    Lucius, standing primly at Cassius''s side, opened his mouth to protest, his face flushing with indignation.

    "Preposterous!" He sputtered, clutching his notebook tighter. "The Young Master in such an undignified, absurd state? I won''t allow it! It''s beneath his station, beneath¡ª"

    He cut off mid-rant, his eyes glazing slightly as a sudden image flickered in his mind: Cassius in a tight, frilly apron, pouring drinks with a shy look on his face.

    Lucius''s lips twitched, a faint blush creeping up his neck, and he snapped his mouth shut, turning away with a muttered, "Never mind." as his resolve crumbled.

    ''That actually wouldn''t be too bad.'' He thought, then shook his head, mortified at himself.

    Cassius shot him a sidelong glance, his brow arching. "What''s with you? Traitor." He muttered, then turned back to the veteran, his grin unfazed. "Fine by me¡ªI''ll take that stake. Wouldn''t mind strutting around in something skimpy if I lose. Fair''s fair."

    He paused, his smile turning devilish as he leaned forward.

    "But since the stakes are that high, I''m raising them too. If you lose..." His voice dropped, slow and steady, his eyes locking onto hers with a lewd glint. "You strip down¡ªright here, right now."

    "...Not a stitch left on you, every bit of cloth gone. And then you do whatever I say."

    The moment his words were out, the laughter died in an instant, swallowed by a stunned silence that blanketed the grounds.

    The knights froze, their eyes widening as the weight of his words sank in.

    Julie''s breath caught, her amusement vanishing as her cheeks flushed faintly, while Aisha''s tail stood, her eyes darting between Cassius and the veteran in shock.

    The veteran herself stood rooted, her smirk faltering for a split second before she recovered, her weathered face hardening with disbelief and defiance.

    "What?!" A knight blurted from the back, breaking the silence. " e said strip?!"

    "No way¡ªdid I hear that right?" Another stammered, her voice pitching high. "Everything off? Here?!"

    "He''s mad!" A third hissed, clutching her sword like a lifeline. "That''s¡ªgods, that''s insane!"

    The knights shocked gasps and nervous laughter hung heavy in the air, a swirl of disbelief and unease that Cassius seemed to relish as he sat perched on his stump.

    And it was only natural they''d react this way¡ªtough as they were, hardened by battles and brushes with death, they were still women in a world where the church''s iron grip demanded modesty and demure grace.

    Stripping bare, not a thread left to shield them, under the open sky and the eyes of their peers?

    It was an outrageous wager, a slap in the face to every sermon they''d ever endured about virtue and propriety.

    Even these warriors, who''d spat in the face of danger countless times, couldn''t help but falter at the sheer audacity of it, their voices rising in a mix of scandalized whispers and uneasy chuckles.

    Avery, the weathered veteran, felt that same jolt of hesitation ripple through her when Cassius laid out his stake. Her stomach twisted, the weight of the bet pressing down like a physical force¡ªstripping naked, here and now, and bending to his whims?

    It was madness, a step beyond anything she''d ever dared.

    But then, as the shock settled, a spark of defiance flared in her chest, fueled by the absurdity of the situation.

    She realised that she would only have to do such a thing if she lost the bet and she knew she had no chance of doing so, so she squared her shoulders, her competitive grin returning as she met Cassius''s gaze.

    "That''s one hell of an expensive bet, Master." She said, her voice rough but steady. "But I''ll take it just to see you prancing around in skimpy frills when I win."

    The knights froze for a heartbeat, their eyes widening at her boldness, then erupted into cheers and whoops.

    "That''s our Avery!" One shouted, pumping her fist.

    "She''s got guts. She''s going to make him strut for us!" Another laughed, clapping her on the back.

    "You''ll have him in lace by sundown¡ªgo get them!"

    Their excitement surged, rallying behind her bravery as they praised her nerve.

    Cassius grinned wider, leaning back on his stump with a nod of approval.

    "Brave woman." He said, his tone warm but edged with challenge. "I like that and I hope you don''t regret it going to be a sight either way."

    Seeing where things were heading, Julie and Aisha exchanged a glance, their amusement fading into unease. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I don''t like where this is headed." Julie muttered, her brow creasing.

    Aisha clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing as she leaned closer. "That pervert''s going to win¡ªI can feel it." She hissed. "He''s got some trick up his sleeve, and it''s going to be a damn treat for him."

    "...Bet''s locked now, though so there''s nothing we can do but watch."

    Julie tilted her head, her voice low. "If it was you, would you have taken it?"

    Aisha snorted, crossing her arms.

    "Me? Hell no...As much as I can''t stand him, I trust his skills¡ªhe''s not the type to throw out a bet like that unless he''s damn sure he''ll come out on top."

    "...He''s got this rigged somehow and I''m sure of it."

    Her blunt assessment left Julie silent, her mind turning over the possibilities.

    ''What was Cassius planning? How could mere advice tip a fight this one sided?''

    And just as she was wondering about what was going to happen, Cassius clapped his hands, drawing their attention as he stood.

    "Fine then¡ªbet''s on." He said, his voice ringing out. He turned to the knights, his grin broadening. "Since we''re doing this, I need a volunteer. Who''s stepping up to fight for me? First knight in this legion to take down someone way stronger¡ªdon''t be shy, now. Who''s got the guts?"

    The knights hesitated, the high stakes casting a shadow over their earlier enthusiasm. Eyes darted, feet shuffled¡ªno one wanted to be the one to test this wild claim, not with Avery''s pride and Cassius''s lechery on the line.

    The silence stretched, tense and heavy, until a figure pushed through the crowd.

    She was younger, her medium-length blonde hair catching the sunlight, her curious blue eyes glinting with a mix of nerves and intrigue.

    "I''ll do it." She said, stepping forward with a carefree smile. "I''ll fight Commander Avery."

    Avery chuckled, recognizing the girl¡ªEmma, a junior who''d joined just last year, still green but a good soldier nonetheless.

    "You, huh?" She said, her tone warm but teasing. "Eager to take a swing at your old commander? What''s this, mutiny already?"

    Emma laughed, a light, nervous sound, shaking her head.

    "Not like that, Commander! I just...I don''t know if I can beat you¡ªhonestly, I doubt it. But it''s interesting, what the Young Master''s saying. I wanna see if it''s true, try it out for myself." She glanced at Cassius, her curiosity outweighing her doubt. "That okay with you? Am I good enough?"

    Cassius''s grin softened into something approving.

    "Perfect." He said, beckoning her over. "You''re exactly what I need. Come here¡ªI''ve got a few things to tell you, some tips to set you up." He gestured toward a nearby tree, a shady spot away from the crowd.

    Emma hesitated, her eyes flicking to Julie.

    "Captain?" She asked, seeking permission. "Is it alright?"

    Julie smiled, a faint but genuine curve of her lips.

    "Go ahead." She said, nodding. "I''m curious too¡ªlet''s see what he''s got up his sleeve. Good luck, Emma."

    With Julie''s blessing, Emma trotted over to Cassius, her steps quick but uncertain. He led her under the tree, his voice dropping to a low murmur as he began speaking, gesturing with his hands while she nodded, her expression shifting from doubt to focus, like a student soaking in a lesson.

    The knights watched, their murmurs growing¡ªsome skeptical, others intrigued as Cassius''s words worked their quiet magic.

    Avery, meanwhile, felt a flicker of unease twist in her gut.

    She''d laughed it off at first, but seeing Cassius so calm, chipped at her confidence.

    ''What was he saying to Emma? What could possibly turn the tide against her decades of experience?''

    Julie also approached, her shadow falling over Avery as she asked. "You alright, Avery? Second thoughts about that bet?"

    Avery shook her head quickly, forcing a grin. "Not a chance, Captain¡ªI''ve got this. No way some whispered tips are taking me down. I''m tougher than that."

    She expected Julie to nod, to back her up with that steady reassurance she always had.

    But Julie''s response caught her off guard. She gave Avery a look¡ªhalf-pitying, half-mischievous and smiled faintly.

    "Don''t be too sure." She said, her voice low. "Even Aisha said she wouldn''t take that bet and you know she doesn''t move without thinking it through a hundred times."

    "...So, you might wanna brace yourself for what''s to come."

    With that, she turned and walked off toward the dueling area, leaving Avery standing there, her confidence wavering.

    Avery''s grin faded, her mind reeling.

    Aisha wouldn''t take it?

    The grand tactician, the one who could outsmart a fox with her eyes closed, had passed on this?

    That meant something¡ªsomething bad.

    Her stomach churned, a cold prickle creeping up her spine. She''d walked into this bet headfirst, all bravado and bluster, but now?

    Now she wasn''t so sure.

    Stripping bare in front of everyone¡ªher knights, her captain, her master¡ªthe thought made her skin crawl. She didn''t want to be that vulnerable, that exposed, a wretched spectacle for Cassius''s amusement.

    But it was too late to back out now¡ªthe stakes were set, the crowd was gathering, and all she could do was shake off the doubt and follow the others to the makeshift arena, praying she wouldn''t regret it...

 Chapter 137 - 137: Predicting Every Move

    Avery stood firm in the center of the dueling ground, her boots planted in the dirt as the knights formed a loose circle around her, their murmurs a low hum of anticipation.

    Julie, Aisha, and Skadi lingered at the sidelines, their eyes fixed on her¡ªJulie with a measured calm, Aisha with a skeptical frown, and Skadi clutching her notes like a talisman, her silver eyes darting with curiosity.

    The air buzzed with tension, the weight of the bet pressing down on Avery''s shoulders like a physical burden. She bit her lip, her grip tightening on her sword as she steadied her breathing.

    ''Don''t take chances.'' She told herself, her mind racing. ''This is the Young Master we''re dealing with¡ªhe''s not some fool to underestimate. Finish it fast, clean¡ªdon''t let it drag.''

    The thought of stripping bare before them all, her dignity shredded under Cassius''s smirking gaze, fueled her resolve. She wasn''t about to let a junior¡ªany junior, turn this into a humiliation.

    Her focus sharpened just as Cassius and Emma emerged from the shade of the tree, their footsteps crunching softly on the grass as they approached.

    Cassius wore that infuriatingly casual look, his hands tucked in his pockets, his grin lazy and assured¡ªlike he''d already seen the end and was just waiting for it to play out.

    Emma, though, was a different story.

    The blonde junior strode beside him with a newfound fire in her blue eyes, her stance radiating determination and a strange, almost glowing confidence. It wasn''t just nerves or bravado¡ªthere was an enlightenment there, a spark that hadn''t been present before, as if whatever Cassius had whispered to her had lit something deep within.

    That look sent a shiver of unease down Avery''s spine, but she shoved it aside, steeling herself.

    ''I can do this.'' She thought, steadying herself. ''She''s still green¡ªtips or no tips, I''ve got decades on her.''

    Cassius joined Julie at the edge of the circle, his presence drawing every eye as Emma took her place opposite Avery, her sword drawn and her stance steady. He raised a hand, his voice cutting through the murmurs with easy authority.

    "There''s no need to drag this out with rounds or fancy rules." He said, his tone light but firm. "Duel like it''s a battlefield¡ªlike your life''s on the line. First to land a fatal blow wins. But..." He chuckled, his grin widening. "...let''s not follow through, yeah? Stop short of the kill as I.don''t wanna lose one of my precious knights over a bet."

    Avery nodded slowly, her jaw tight, while Emma piped up with a quick, "Yes!"¡ªher voice full of excitement and nerves that echoed across the grounds.

    The knights around them shifted, their anticipation spiking as side bets began to ripple through the crowd.

    "Ten coppers on Avery¡ªshe''ll flatten her in a heartbeat!" One whispered.

    "Nah, I''m betting on Emma¡ªMaster''s got something up his sleeve!" Another shot back.

    Cassius''s gaze flicked between the two combatants, his smile lingering as he asked,

    "Ready?"

    Avery gave a curt nod, her eyes narrowing as she locked onto Emma. "Ready." She said, her voice low and steady.

    "Yes!" Emma blurted again, her blade trembling slightly in her grip, but her stance firm.

    The crowd held its breath, every eye trained on the dueling ground as Cassius''s voice rang out, sharp and final.

    "Then...Let the match start!"

    The instant the words left his mouth, Avery exploded forward, her boots kicking up dirt as she closed the distance in a blur.

    She wasn''t holding back¡ªnot a bit. Her sword arced down in a vicious slash, aimed straight for Emma''s waist, a blow meant to end it fast and clean. She could already hear the jeers in her mind

    "Overkill for a junior!"

    "Taking it too serious!"

    But she didn''t care.

    She wasn''t here to play nice or save face; she was here to win, to avoid that wretched fate Cassius had dangled over her. The blade sang through the air, a fatal strike that should''ve landed square, dropping Emma before she could blink.

    But it didn''t. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    To Avery''s utter shock and the crowd''s collective gasp¡ªEmma moved.

    Not a clumsy stumble or a panicked flinch, but a swift, precise dodge, her body twisting just enough to let the sword whistle past her waist. And in the same breath, she countered¡ªher own blade flashing up in a quick, sharp slash that grazed toward Avery''s arm, missing by a hair.

    It wasn''t random luck; it was targeted, aimed at a spot Avery knew too well¡ªher left side, a blind spot she''d guarded for years, a weakness she''d trained to mask.

    Emma had gone straight for it, like she''d known.

    Avery jerked back, dodging the counter by a inch, her heart hammering as she stumbled a step, her eyes wide with disbelief.

    The crowd erupted, their gasps turning to shouts.

    "She dodged it?!" One knight yelped, clutching her head.

    "Avery''s fastest swing¡ªhow?!" Another gaped.

    "And that counter¡ªdid you see that? She almost had her!"

    Avery stared at Emma, her breath catching as she registered the girl''s stance¡ªsteady, focused, her eyes glinting with that same eerie confidence.

    ''She dodged me.'' Avery thought, her mind reeling. ''And parried¡ªlike she saw it coming.''

    Her strongest opening strike, one that had felled seasoned foes, had been brushed aside by a junior with barely a year under her belt.

    The knights around them buzzed, their disbelief mirroring her own, while Julie''s brow furrowed, Aisha''s tail stopped moving, and Skadi tilted her head, muttering, "Huh, that was fast..."

    But Emma didn''t gloat or hesitate¡ªshe reset her stance, her sword raised, ready for the next move.

    And Avery braced herself, her sword raised as she locked eyes with Emma, expecting the junior to falter after that first exchange¡ªhoping, at least, that she could seize control and end this quickly. She''d underestimated Cassius once already; she wouldn''t do it again.

    But what came next shattered her expectations entirely.

    Shockingly, Emma didn''t hesitate or shrink back¡ªshe took the lead.

    With a sudden burst of motion, the blonde lunged forward, her sword flashing as she launched an all¡ªout assault, her strikes coming fast and fierce.

    Avery''s instincts kicked in, her veteran reflexes snapping to life as she raised her blade to parry. She''d faced countless foes¡ªbandits, mercenaries, beasts¡ªand honed her ability to dodge and block with a precision born of decades.

    This should''ve been easy, a dance she could lead with her eyes closed against a junior like Emma.

    But to her utter disbelief, it wasn''t.

    Each swing from Emma came at her like a storm, and Avery found herself struggling¡ªbarely parrying the relentless barrage. Her arms strained, her footing slipped, and her breath hitched as she realized something impossible: Emma wasn''t just swinging wildly.

    She was targeting every weak point, every blind spot Avery had her left collarbone, the heel of her right leg, the subtle shift in her stance that left her off-balance.

    Places no one noticed, flaws she''d buried under years of practice, were being exploited with surgical precision.

    At first, Avery chalked it up to coincidence¡ªa lucky hit, a fluke. She got past me once, fine, she thought, gritting her teeth as she deflected a strike aimed at her shoulder.

    But then it happened again. And again.

    Emma''s blade darted toward her feet, forcing her to pivot awkwardly, then slashed at her ribs when she overcorrected¡ªeach move hitting a spot Avery couldn''t easily guard.

    The crowd''s gasps grew louder, their shock apparent as Avery was pushed back, step by grudging step, under the junior''s onslaught.

    It wasn''t luck. Emma knew her weaknesses, striking them with a confidence that bordered on uncanny, as if she''d mapped out every chink in Avery''s armor before the fight even began.

    Worse still, Avery tried to counter¡ªtried to turn the tide. She knew Emma''s habits too; she''d sparred with her enough times to spot the girl''s tells: a slight overreach on her lunges, a tendency to leave her left side open after a heavy swing.

    Avery aimed for those flaws, slashing at Emma''s exposed flank, thrusting at her overextended arm¡ªblows that should''ve landed, should''ve staggered her.

    But to her horror, they didn''t.

    Emma twisted away from the flank strike, her footing steady where it used to falter, and pulled back her arm just in time to parry the thrust. It was like she''d scrubbed her fighting style clean overnight¡ªno blind spots, no sloppy habits, just a tight, careful precision that countered every move Avery made.

    ''How?'' Avery''s mind screamed, her pulse pounding as she blocked another strike, this one grazing her thigh where her guard dipped too low. ''She''s fixed everything¡ªeverything I knew about her!''

    The crowd couldn''t believe it either. Their murmurs swelled into a chorus of disbelief, eyes wide as they watched Avery¡ªthe unshakeable veteran falter under Emma''s relentless advance.

    "She''s pushing her back!" One knight hissed, clutching her neighbor''s arm.

    "Avery''s on the ropes¡ªhow?!" Another shook her head, gaping.

    "Emma''s hitting every weak spot¡ªdid you see that? It''s like she''s reading her!"

    Skadi, standing beside Julie and Aisha, tilted her head, her silver eyes narrowing as she watched the duel unfold.

    "Huh." She muttered, her voice tinged with rare surprise. "That junior''s impressive. She''s doing really good...really good."

    Aisha blinked, turning to her with a frown. "You''re impressed?" She asked, her tail flicking. "You don''t compliment people, Skadi¡ªyou''re too busy growling at your own shadow. What''s got you so worked up?"

    Skadi shrugged, her brow furrowing as she struggled to put it into words.

    "Dunno how to explain it right." She said, tapping her chin. "But it''s like...she knows exactly how Avery''s gonna strike¡ªlike she''s ready for it before it even happens. She''s moving ahead of the attacks, setting up blocks and counters like she''s seen them a hundred times."

    "...And the way she''s hitting Avery''s blind spots? It''s spot-on¡ªshoulder, arma, that weird stance twist Avery does. Like she''s fought her forever and knows every trick."

    Julie and Aisha nodded slowly, their own observations aligning with Skadi''s.

    "She''s right." Julie murmured, her voice low. "Emma''s anticipating her¡ªpreempting every move. And those strikes¡ªthey''re too precise, too tailored."

    "Yeah." Aisha added, her eyes narrowing. "And she''s not leaving openings anymore. I''ve seen her spar¡ªshe used to make mistakes, drop her guard after a swing...That''s gone too."

    "...She''s tightened up everything, like she''s fixed her flaws in¡ªwhat, five minutes?"

    She paused, then turned her gaze to Cassius, who lounged on his tree stump, one leg crossed over the other, watching the fight with that same infuriatingly calm grin.

    "It''s him." She said, her tone sharp. "He''s behind this¡ªwhatever he told her, it''s working."

    Skadi nodded, her confusion deepening.

    "If I fought Avery, I''d spot her weaknesses quick¡ªmy instincts are sharp, y''know? Takes me a swing or two to figure someone out...But this kid? A junior pulling that off? I don''t get it¡ªhow''s she doing it?"

    Her tail swished, her silver eyes flicking between Emma and Cassius as she grappled with the puzzle.

    Avery, meanwhile, felt the ground slipping out from under her¡ªliterally and figuratively. Her arms burned, her footing faltered, and sweat stung her eyes as she parried yet another blow, this one aimed at her knee¡ªa spot she''d always kept guarded, until now.

    ''She knows.'' Avery thought, panic creeping into her chest. ''She knows every damn weakness I''ve got, and I can''t touch her.''

    Her counters fell short, her strikes met air or steel, and Emma pressed on, relentless, her blade a blur of calculated fury.

    The crowd''s disbelief mirrored her own, their shouts fading into a stunned hum as the veteran¡ªtheir veteran¡ªteetered on the edge of a defeat no one had seen coming.

    And Cassius just watched, his grin unshaken, like a man who''d already called the end before the first blow fell...

 Chapter 138 - 138: Making Women Moan, Rather Then Wanting The Throne

    Avery''s chest heaved, sweat dripping down her brow as she parried yet another of Emma''s relentless strikes. Her arms ached, her legs trembled, and the realization hit her like a hammer:

    ''If this keeps up, I''m done.''

    Exhaustion was creeping in, sapping her strength with every dodged blow, every countered thrust. She couldn''t let it drag on, she''d lose to sheer stamina if nothing else.

    ''No choice.'' She thought, her jaw clenching. ''One final strike¡ªeverything I''ve got.'' She had to end it now, before Emma''s uncanny precision wore her down completely.

    So, as Emma''s sword clashed against hers, Avery seized the moment.

    With a surge of strength, she parried hard, the force sending Emma stumbling back a step.

    Now!...Avery lunged forward, planting her foot deep in the dirt, and raised her sword high overhead. She brought it down in a brutal arc, aiming to slash from Emma''s shoulder to her abdomen¡ªa lethal, unstoppable blow, one she''d used to cleave through seasoned foes.

    There was no way Emma, a junior, could block or dodge this.

    The match would be over, the bet won, her dignity intact.

    But it didn''t land.

    To Avery''s utter shockand the crowd''s collective gasp¡ªEmma turned the stumble to her advantage.

    Instead of flailing, she bent low, her body twisting with a fluid grace that belied her exhaustion. The sword whistled over her head, missing by inches, and in that same motion, she swept her leg out.

    Avery''s eyes widened as she felt the strike¡ªright at her ankles, her weakest point when she overcommitted to a high swing.

    Her base, already unstable from the force of her attack, gave way. She hit the ground hard, her sword clattering beside her as dust billowed around her sprawled form.

    And before she could scramble up, a shadow loomed overhead. Cold steel pressed against her throat, and she looked up to see Emma standing over her, sword steady, her face flushed and breathless but resolute.

    The junior''s eyes glinted with exhaustion and triumph, and in that moment, Avery knew¡ªshe''d lost.

    The crowd held its breath, the silence deafening as she lay there, pinned by the blade and her own disbelief.

    Then, with a reluctant, weary smile, she sighed.

    "I concede." She said, her voice rough but genuine, tinged with both surprise and a flicker of pride.

    The moment those words were utteres, the silence shattered.

    The knights exploded into shouts and cheers, the grounds trembling with their commotion as they stormed the dueling area.

    "She won?!" One yelped, clutching her head.

    "Emma beat Avery¡ªhow?!" Another laughed, incredulous.

    "That sweep¡ªdid you see it? Took her down like nothing!"

    Two groups formed in the chaos: one swarmed Emma, seniors ruffling her blonde hair and praising her with hearty slaps on the back¡ª"That was insane, kid!" "How''d you pull that off?!"¡ªwhile she ducked her head, shyly accepting their awe with a flustered grin.

    The other clustered around Avery, hands pulling her up as they reassured her. "Don''t sweat it, Commander¡ªyou''re still a beast!" "She was just too damn good today!"

    Avery brushed off the dirt, her smile widening as she waved them off.

    "No worries." She said, her tone light despite the sting of defeat. "Honestly, I''m impressed¡ªdidn''t think she had that in her. She''s got skills, and I''m damn glad for it. That''ll carry her far in a real fight."

    Her humility shone through, no trace of ego in her words, just a veteran''s pride in her junior''s growth.

    From his little seat on the stump, Cassius watched silently, a faint nod of approval crossing his face¡ªher grace in loss impressed him more than she''d ever know.

    Emma, catching Avery''s words, broke away from her admirers and hurried over.

    "Commander!" She called, her voice earnest. "Thank you for being my dueling partner. But I''m not that impressive, really¡ªif it weren''t for what the Young Master told me, I''d have gone down in the first second...No question."

    Her words drew Julie, Aisha, and Skadi closer, their curiosity piqued. Aisha stepped forward, her tail flicking as she fixed Emma with a sharp gaze.

    "Alright, spill it." She said, her tone brimming with intrigue. "What exactly did he tell you? What''s the trick?"

    Emma glanced at Cassius, her eyes seeking permission and he gave a casual nod, his grin widening as he leaned back, hands behind his head.

    "Go ahead." He said. "Tell them¡ªit''s no secret now."

    Emma took a breath, then turned to the group, her voice steady despite the crowd''s eager stares.

    "It wasn''t a spell or magic or anything like that." She began, surprising them all. "It was really just advice¡ªlike he said."

    "He told me how to beat her, how to fix my own fighting. He pointed out my mistakes¡ªevery single one, down to the tiniest slip¡ªlike how I overreach on my swings or drop my guard after a parry."

    "Then he told me how to clean it up, step by step, so I wouldn''t leave openings. And for Commander Avery..."

    She hesitated, then pressed on.

    "He gave me everything about her¡ªher weaknesses, her strengths, her attack patterns. Every detail, like he''d crawled inside her head and mapped it out."

    "He told me where to strike¡ªher left shoulder, her ankles when she swings high, the way she shifts her weight and how to dodge her moves before she even made them. It was...perfect."

    The knights leaned in, their murmurs growing as Emma reached into her pocket and pulled out a few crumpled sheets of paper.

    "Here." She said, handing them out. "This is what he gave me¡ªLucius wrote it down while he talked."

    Aisha snatched one, the crowd surging forward to peer over shoulders as they unfolded the pages.

    What they saw made their eyes widen, their breaths catching in stunned awe.

    The papers were a marvel¡ªline after line of meticulous notes, detailing Emma''s and Avery''s fighting styles with a precision that bordered on supernatural.

    Every micro-movement was there: Emma''s tendency to lunge too far, corrected with a note on timing; Avery''s subtle heel weakness when she overextended, paired with a sketch of her stance mid-swing.

    Strengths, flaws, habits¡ªdown to the way Avery favored her right side after a parry or how Emma''s grip loosened on a backswing¡ªwere laid bare, illustrated with tiny diagrams of their forms.

    It was as if Cassius has seen them battle thousands of times, dissecting their every clash with flawless accuracy, then distilled it into a battle plan tailored to Emma''s hands.

    "Holy..." One knight muttered, tracing a finger over an illustration.

    "He''s got her ankle thing¡ªnever even noticed that!" Another gaped.

    "Look at this¡ªEmma''s wierd stance, fixed with one line. How''d he see that?"

    The crowd buzzed, their shock deepening as they passed the pages around, Aisha''s eyes narrowing as she studied the notes, her tail stiff with disbelief.

    Julie''s voice cut through the crowd, low and tense.

    "No one''s this good." She said, her gaze flicking to Cassius. "Not even a battle-honed master could pick out every flaw like that¡ªnot this fast, not this deep. It''s like he''s micro-analyzing them in real time."

    Skadi nodded, her usual bravado replaced by rare bewilderment.

    "I can spot weaknesses quick¡ªcouple swings, I''d know Avery''s tricks." She said, her silver eyes wide. "But this? Every tiny move, every habit, down to the angle of her grip? I couldn''t do that¡ªnot like this. How''s he doing it?"

    Aisha''s jaw tightened, her voice sharp as she stared at Cassius. "It''s him." She said, pointing at the lounging noble. "He''s some kind of freak¡ªthose notes, that fight? He turned Emma into a mirror of Avery''s worst nightmare in minutes."

    The knights turned as one, their eyes locking onto Cassius and Lucius, who stood proudly at his master''s side, his chest puffed out like he''d orchestrated the victory himself.

    Cassius met their stares with that same easy grin, unruffled, as if he''d expected every gasp, every wide-eyed glance. The crowd''s shock hung thick in the air, their questions unspoken but burning¡ªHow? What are you?, as they waited, breathless, for him to explain the impossible.

    But it was Julie who broke the spell, stepping forward from the sidelines with a measured stride, her presence commanding silence as the knights turned to her.

    Her pretty green eyes locked onto Cassius, still lounging on his stump with that infuriatingly calm grin, and she took a deep breath, her voice cutting through the hum.

    "To be honest..." She began, her tone steady but tinged with a rare vulnerability. "I didn''t trust you at first, Cassius. What you said about advice making them strong enough to fight beyond their realm¡ªit sounded absurd...Utterly impossible."

    "...Even for a grandmaster like me, pulling that off so easily? I couldn''t fathom it."

    She paused, her gaze flickering to Emma and Avery, then back to him.

    "But after seeing this duel, after watching what you did with Emma, and reading those notes...I concede. I believe you now. And I''m sorry for doubting you before."

    A murmur rippled through the knights, their heads nodding as her words echoed their own shift.

    They''d been skeptical too¡ªhow could they not be?¡ªbut the proof stood before them, undeniable and staggering. Julie''s admission carried weight, and it tipped their collective doubt into reluctant faith.

    She stepped closer, her curiosity sharpening her. features as she fixed Cassius with an intense stare. "

    But I''ve got to know¡ªhow? How did you do it? How did you note down every single detail, every stance, every flaw, like you''d peered into their future and mapped it out?"

    The crowd surged forward, their own questions bubbling up as they pressed in around the stump.

    "Yeah, how''d you see all that?!" One knight called, clutching a page of notes.

    "It''s like you knew them better than they knew themselves!"

    Another added, her voice thick with awe. Their eyes burned with a mix of wonder and demand, all trained on Cassius.

    He leaned back, his grin softening into something almost sheepish as he waved a hand.

    "It''s not that big a deal." He said, his tone light. "I just did what anyone would''ve watched the fights earlier and used that to give Emma what she needed to win."

    The knights blinked, confusion creasing their brows. Julie''s eyes narrowed, and Aisha stepped up beside her, her tail flicking sharply.

    "What do you mean, ''watched the fights''?" Aisha asked, her voice edged with skepticism.

    Cassius straightened slightly, his grin turning sly as he met their stares. "Well, the reason I had you all duel at the start¡ªpairing up, switching around? The thing was I wasn''t just passing time."

    "...I was observing¡ªtaking in every move, every habit, every strength and weakness. That''s what I was doing when I walked through the field with Lucius, noting it all down."

    Aisha''s ears twitched, her frown deepening.

    "Okay, I get that you were scouting their styles. Figured as much....But that doesn''t explain how. How''d you catch every single aspect¡ªevery tiny detail¡ªwhen you were watching what, dozens of duels at once? That''s not normal."

    The crowd murmured their agreement, their curiosity spiking as they realized the scale of it. He hadn''t just watched one fight¡ªhe''d tracked all of them, simultaneously, amidst the chaos of clashing steel and shouting voices. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    How could anyone, even a skilled commander, process that much at once?

    Cassius shrugged, his casual air unshaken. "Simple." He said. "I watched them really watched them. Took in every detail, every swing, every stance, and locked it in my head since I''ve got quite the decent memory."

    "Then I ran simulations¡ªhundreds of them¡ªin my mind. Pictured how each fight would go if one knight faced another, every possibility, every outcome. Avery winning, Emma winning, both going down¡ªI played it all out, over and over."

    "...I then used that to figure out the best path for Emma to beat her, then gave her the notes to follow that path. Told her to stick to it, nothing else."

    The knights froze, their jaws dropping as his words sank in. Aisha''s eyes widened, her voice bursting out in disbelief.

    "Impossible!" She snapped, stepping forward. "Y-You''re not a machine¡ªyou can''t just run hundreds of simulations in your head like that! You''re human, not some...some calculating monster!"

    But then she faltered, her words trailing off as a memory flickered yesterday''s fight, Cassius tearing through their enemies with a speed and precision that defied reason, his movements bordering on the demonic.

    Her ears twitched, her eyes narrowing as realization dawned. He wasn''t like them¡ªnot fully.

    He was something else, something beyond the bounds of ordinary humanity, a mind and body honed to an unfathomable edge.

    The crowd felt it too, a collective gulp rippling through them as they stared at him, their awe tinged with a creeping unease.

    They weren''t just facing a noble or a master¡ªthey were in the presence of something incomprehensible, a force that could see through them as easily as glass.

    Julie''s mind raced, her thoughts spiraling as she pieced it together.

    If he could do this, dissect a dozen fighting styles in minutes, simulate countless battles in his head, and craft a perfect strategy from it¡ªthen what else could he do?

    An army under his command, each soldier honed with advice this precise, this tailored...It''d be unstoppable.

    Kingdoms would fall, empires would crumble.

    A shiver ran down her spine as she imagined it: Cassius, with that mind, building a force no one could match. The throne itself wouldn''t be out of reach¡ªnot for someone like him.

    And yet, as she watched him lean back on his stump, grinning lazily like the bet was just a game, she felt a strange relief.

    His lustful antics, his carefree demeanor¡ªmaybe that was a blessing.

    If he lusted after women Instead of power, if he stayed this way, chasing skirts rather than crowns, then the world might dodge a disaster.

    Because if he ever turned that mind to conquest...

    She swallowed hard, hoping¡ªpraying¡ªthat he''d keep his focus on making women moan, rather then the throne...

 Chapter 139 - 139: The Way Fenrirs Kiss

    The knights stood frozen, their minds still reeling from Cassius''s revelation, the weight of his inhuman abilities sinking in like a stone.

    But amidst the stunned silence, Skadi broke the spell, hopping forward with her usual boundless energy, silver hair bouncing as she bounded toward Cassius.

    Ignoring the crowd''s shock, she planted herself in front of him, her eyes sparkling with unabashed admiration.

    "Master, that was amazing!" She exclaimed, her voice bright and loud, cutting through the tension like a blade. "You''re so cool! You figured out everything¡ªjust one look, and you knew it all! That''s totally expected from you, since you''re the best master ever!"

    Cassius chuckled, leaning back on his stump with a casual wave. "Thanks, Skadi, I appreciate it. It''s not a big deal, though, really."

    Before he could say more, Lucius stepped up beside him, his chest puffing out as he adjusted his tie with a flourish.

    "Indeed, it''s nothing to the Young Master!" He declared, his voice swelling with exaggerated pride. "He''s God''s own child¡ªblessed beyond measure! There''s nothing he can''t do, no feat too grand, no task too mighty! Why, he could pluck the stars from the sky if he fancied it, or¡ª"

    Skadi turned her head, fixing Lucius with a flat, deadpan stare, her silver eyes narrowing.

    ''What a bootlicker...''

    She thought, her tail flicking irritably as his praise droned on. She didn''t have time for his theatrics¡ªher focus was on Cassius.

    Ignoring Lucius entirely, she leaned closer, her expression shifting to something softer, almost pleading, her wide eyes glinting with an adorable, expectant look.

    "Master..." She said, her voice dropping to a hopeful lilt. "You did that for Emma, right, found all her weaknesses, gave her tips to fight better. So, could you...do that for me too? Tell me my weaknesses, my stances, how to get stronger?"

    "...It''d help me so much in battle¡ªmake slashing through enemies way easier!"

    She clasped her hands together, bouncing slightly, her tail wagging like a pup begging for a treat.

    Cassius''s grin softened, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

    "Of course, Skadi, I''ve already got you covered. I''ve already noted every bit of your fighting while I was out there¡ªways to improve, how to handle any foe: archers, mages, spear¡ªwielders, you name it." He turned to Lucius, nodding. "Hand her the papers."

    Lucius, still basking in his own praise, snapped to attention and rifled through the stack in his hands. He pulled out a small bundle¡ªseveral sheets covered in tight, precise script and held them up with a flourish.

    "Behold, the Young Master''s genius!" He proclaimed, offering them to Skadi.

    Her eyes lit up like stars, practically glowing as she stared at the papers like they were a priceless treasure.

    The crowd leaned in too, their curiosity reignited as they caught glimpses of the notes¡ªeach page a promise of power, a key to unlocking their own potential. Whispers rippled through them:

    "He''s got hers too?"

    "I want mine¡ªimagine what I could do!"

    Julie watched from the sidelines, a pang of regret twisting in her chest. She hadn''t fought with the others, hadn''t given Cassius a chance to dissect her style.

    Those notes¡ªtailored, perfect were something she''d kill for, a grandmaster''s dream. Aisha''s tail flicked beside her, her eyes darting between Skadi and the papers, while the knights edged closer, their own longing plain.

    Skadi reached out, her fingers trembling with excitement.

    "Thank you, Master!" She chirped, ready to snatch the bundle and devour every word.

    But to her surprise and everyone''s¡ªCassius pulled the papers back at the last second, tucking them against his chest with a wounded look.

    "Hold on now." He said, his voice dripping with exaggerated betrayal. "I was gonna give these to you from the start¡ªthat''s the whole point of this gift."

    "...But after seeing how you didn''t back me up, didn''t believe I could pull this off? That hurt, Skadi. Really stung. Now I''m wondering if I should hand them over at all."

    Skadi''s face fell, panic flashing in her silver eyes as she flailed her arms.

    "No, no, no! I''m sorry, Master!" She yelped, her voice pitching high with desperation. "Skadi didn''t mean it¡ªit''s just, what you said was so wild, so absurd, I couldn''t wrap my head around it!"

    "...But I believe you now¡ªtotally, completely! Please, I''m so sorry¡ªgive me the papers, please!"

    She clasped her hands together again, her tail drooping as she begged, her pitiful pout almost comical in its sincerity.

    Cassius smirked, letting her squirm for a moment before his expression softened.

    "Well..." He said, drawing out the word. "Since you''re asking so nicely, and I''m a great, merciful Young Master, I''ll let it slide¡ªjust this once."

    Skadi''s eyes brightened, a joyous squeak escaping her as she bounced in place.

    But then his smirk widened, a mischievous glint sparking as he added, "But of course, you''ve gotta give me something in return."

    Her head tilted, her excitement pausing as she blinked at him. "What is it?" She asked, her voice eager but wary.

    He leaned forward, his grin turning downright devilish.

    "Not much." He said, his tone deceptively light. "For all this info¡ªyour skills, your path to greatness."

    "...I just want a little kiss. Right here."

    He tapped his cheek, his eyes glinting with playful challenge.

    Skadi''s face flared a bright crimson the moment Cassius''s request sank in, her eyes widening as a flustered heat crept up her neck.

    The crowd around them also erupted, their shock bursting out in a wave of gasps and incredulous whispers.

    "Did he just say a kiss?!" One knight stammered, clutching her chest.

    "Of all the things¡ªgold, jewels, anything¡ªand he picks that?!" Another yelped, her voice pitching high with disbelief.

    "Lustful Young Master strikes again!" A third laughed, shaking her head. "Anyone else would''ve demanded a fortune for notes like those, but nope¡ªhe''s after a smooch!"

    Julie groaned, her hand rising to cover her face in a weary facepalm.

    "I should''ve seen this coming." She muttered, her tone a full of exasperation and resignation.

    Aisha, meanwhile, stood frozen, her eyes wide and her mouth agape, too stunned to muster a retort. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The knights murmurs swelled, their amusement tinged with awe at Cassius''s brazen predictability¡ªhe lived up to his reputation with a shamelessness that was almost admirable.

    Skadi recovered from her initial shock, her blush deepening as she turned a coy glance toward Cassius.

    "A k-kiss?" She asked, her voice soft and hesitant, a shy edge cutting through her usual bravado. "Really? That''s what you want, Master? B-But it''s...too embarrassing." Her eyes darted to the crowd, their stares boring into her, and she fidgeted, her tail swishing nervously.

    "Especially with everyone here..."

    Cassius leaned closer, his smirk widening as he dropped his voice to a low mutter, just loud enough for her to hear.

    "More embarrassing than last night?" He teased, his tone dripping with mischief. "We''ve already kissed and done way worse...What''s a little peck compared to that?"

    Hearing this, her eyes widened in panic, a strangled squeak escaping her as she lunged forward, clapping a hand over his mouth.

    "Shh! Quiet¡ªplease, please be quiet!" She hissed, her voice trembling with mortification. She shot a frantic glance at the crowd, praying no one had caught his words. Her tail bristled, her face burning as she held his gaze, silently pleading with him to drop it.

    He relented, his grin muffled behind her hand as he gave a slight nod, his eyes glinting with amusement.

    But Aisha, unable to stay silent any longer, stormed forward, her tail lashing as she planted herself beside Skadi.

    "Don''t do it!" She snapped, her voice sharp with indignation. "He''s just being a pervert! Twisting this into some sleazy game! You don''t need those notes¡ªyou''re already strong as hell, Skadi. Tell him to shove it!"

    Aisha expected her to nod, to back off with that fierce pride she always carried.

    But to her utter shock, Skadi turned to her with a shy, almost bashful look, her silver eyes glinting softly.

    "No..." She said quietly, her voice trembling but firm. "I-I''ll do it. I''ll give him the kiss. It''s...not that big a deal to me." She ducked her head, her blush deepening as she added. "And I''m getting something way better in return, so I don''t mind at all."

    Aisha''s jaw dropped, her tail freezing mid-flick.

    "What?!" She sputtered, reeling back as if Skadi had sprouted wings.

    Julie also stepped in, unable to believe what Skadi was saying, her protective instincts flaring as she laid a hand on Skadi''s shoulder.

    "Skadi, listen..." She said, her tone gentle but insistent. "You don''t have to do this. Your first kiss¡ªit''s important, something special. Don''t let him trick you into tossing it away like this."

    Hearing these innocent words, the knights around them softened, their eyes turning to Julie with a surprise and endearment.

    "Aw, Captain''s so sweet." One whispered, smiling.

    "She still thinks that a first kiss should be treasured!" Another cooed, her voice tinged with affection.

    Seeing her legion mocking her, Julie''s cheeks flushed faintly, and she coughed, trying to regain her composure.

    "I mean." She added, more firmly. "It''s something to treasure, not to lose over some notes. You should value it more."

    Aisha nodded vigorously, her ideals aligning with Julie''s innocent take on love.

    "Exactly!" She said, pointing at Skadi. "Don''t waste it on this hooligan¡ªsave it for someone who deserves it!"

    But to their surprise, Skadi''s expression shifted after hearing their words, a haughty glint sparking in her eyes as she straightened, looking down at them with a smug air that caught them off guard.

    "Hmph!...I''m not like you two." She said, her voice dripping with superiority. "So innocent, so inexperienced¡ªyou''re both clueless about stuff like this, aren''t you?"

    "...And as for my first kiss? Gone ages ago. Doesn''t matter if I kiss Master now¡ªit''s not a big deal."

    She smirked, her tail swishing with a newfound swagger even though she only has her first kiss last night.

    Julie and Aisha froze, their eyes widening in unison as the bombshell hit.

    "W-What?!" Julie blurted, her voice cracking with shock.

    "You already had your first kiss?! Who¡ªwhen¡ªwhat?!" Aisha''s tail stood, her hands flying to her hips as she leaned in. "Who was it?! Spill it, Skadi¡ªwho''s the bastard that took it? We need details¡ªnow!"

    Skadi waved them off with a dismissive flick of her hand, her tone turning cool and estranged.

    "None of your business." She said flatly. "Talk to me about kisses when you''ve had your own¡ªuntil then, you don''t get it."

    She turned away, leaving them gaping, their dismay palpable as they exchanged stunned looks.

    ''She''s already so experienced?...That dumb pup of theirs already had her first kiss?''

    Their minds raced, piecing together the implications, but Skadi wasn''t giving them an inch.

    Skadi then faced Cassius again, her confidence returning as she softened her gaze.

    "Anyway." She said, her voice warming. "I really like Master. He lets me ride on his back, gives me sweet treats, pets my head all the time¡ªhe''s so nice...A kiss isn''t much to give him for that."

    And before anyone could protest further, she stepped forward, her tail wagging faintly.

    With the crowd''s eyes locked on her, she bent down, her shy blush returning as she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. Her lips brushed his skin, soft and fleeting, and she pulled back fast, her face a brilliant red.

    Chu!?~

    The knights eyes bulged, their gasps turning to murmurs as they watched the fierce Fenrir warrior turn into a blushing mess.

    "She did it!" One whispered, clutching her friend''s arm.

    "Look at her¡ªshe''s all shy!" Another grinned.

    "It''s like a damn play¡ªdidn''t see that coming!"

    Julie and Aisha recoiled, their protective instincts warring with the surreal sight of Skadi¡ªSkadi, the battle-hardened wildcat, kissing someone with such a timid flush.

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin widening as he touched his cheek. "Wow..." He said, his tone teasing but pleased. "That felt good, Skadi, but how about a real Fenrir kiss?"

    "...The way your kind does it?"

    Hearing this shameless request, Skadi''s blush flared as she hesitated, her silver eyes flickering between the crowd and Cassius before settling on him with a determined glint.

    And then, with a shaky breath, she leaned in, her tongue slipping out to brush his cheek in a slow, sensual lick.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Her movements were sensual, intimate¡ªher tongue gliding over his skin with a teasing, velvet softness, tracing his jaw in a lingering caress that sent heat pulsing through her.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    Each stroke grew bolder, her warm breath fanning his face as she pressed closer, her lips grazing him between licks, tasting the salt of his skin with a sultry hunger that made her tremble.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Her eyes fluttered shut, her tail swaying as the act turned primal, electric, her blush burning as she surrendered to the moment.

    The crowd''s reaction was instant¡ªgasps turned to stunned silence, then flustered coughs and blushes as the knights averted their eyes or stared in slack-jawed awe.

    "Oh gods." One muttered, fanning herself.

    "That''s...uh...something!" Another turned red, stammering. "Didn''t think it''d go there!"

    Julie''s hand flew to her mouth, her cheeks flaming as she muttered, "That''s not what I meant by treasuring it."

    Aisha''s ears froze, her voice a choked squeak. "T-That''s how the members of the Fenrir race kiss one another?!"

    After licking his cheeks thoroughly, Skadi pulled back, her face a furnace of embarrassment as she wiped her mouth, avoiding everyone''s gaze, while Cassius just grinned, unfazed, licking his lips as if savoring the moment.

    "Now that''s a kiss."

    He said, his voice low and smug, his eyes glinting with victory and dominance as he held up the papers¡ªher prize, earned in full view of a crowd who were too flustered to look away.

 Chapter 140 - 140: A Small Price

    Cassius leaned back on his stump, wiping Skadi''s lingering kiss from his cheek with a smug, satisfied grin as she clutched her precious battle notes like a lifeline.

    His eyes then flicked up, sweeping over the knights still gathered in a stunned, buzzing circle around him. Their gazes darted between awe and unease, locked on the bundle of papers in Lucius''s hands¡ªa stack of meticulously crafted secrets that promised to elevate their skills beyond anything they''d dreamed.

    He then raised a hand, pointing lazily at the bundle as his grin widened.

    "Oh, don''t think I forgot about the rest of you." He said, his voice light and teasing. "I''ve got your papers ready too, every last one of you...Right there with Lucius."

    The knights heads snapped toward the stack, a collective gulp rippling through them as their eyes widened.

    They wanted it¡ªgods, they wanted it bad.

    Those notes were power, survival, a chance to face down threats that would''ve buried them before. But the memory of Skadi''s sultry lick flashed in their minds, and a bad feeling twisted in their guts.

    They knew Cassius¡ªknew his games and the cost was coming.

    Sure enough, his smirk turned devilish as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

    "But just like Skadi did..." He said, his tone dripping with playful challenge. "...if you want your papers, you''ve gotta give me a kiss too. Gotta make up for all that distress you caused me earlier, doubting me like that. Broke my poor heart, really."

    He clutched his chest in agony, his eyes glinting as the crowd erupted in shock at what he was asking for.

    "What?!" A knight near the front yelped, her voice cracking. "A kiss? Another one?!"

    "He''s shameless!" Another hissed, clutching her sword like it could fend off the suggestion. "Those notes are worth a fortune and he''s trading them for kisses?!"

    Aisha''s tail lashed, her eyes blazing as she stormed forward, planting herself between Cassius and the knights.

    "Don''t you dare take that deal!" She snapped, her voice sharp with indignation. "He''s a hooligan¡ªa damn pervert twisting this into some sleazy trick!"

    "...You don''t need his scraps¡ªyou''ll get stronger on your own, later, without selling your dignity to him!"

    She turned towards Julie, her glare demanding backup.

    "Captain, tell them! Order them not to do it¡ªhe''s taking advantage of them, and you know it!"

    Julie stood silent, her arms crossed, her gaze dropping to the ground as a storm of conflict churned behind her eyes.

    She hated it¡ªhated the idea of Cassius preying on her knights, turning their trust into a game.

    But those notes...They weren''t just scraps.

    They were a lifeline, a way to sharpen every blade, to drop the mortality rate that haunted her sleepless nights.

    One kiss¡ªa fleeting price for a guarantee that fewer of her sisters would die in battle?

    So, she swallowed hard, her voice low and strained. "It''s...Their choice, Aisha." She said finally, avoiding Aisha''s incredulous stare. "They can decide what they want to do."

    Aisha''s jaw dropped, her fluffy ears fluttering in disbelief.

    "What?! Captain, you can''t be serious!" She sputtered, reeling back. "You''re letting him get away with this?!"

    The knights shifted uneasily, caught in a tug-of-war between temptation and pride. They eyed the papers¡ªthose tantalizing stacks of power, then glanced at each other, their faces full of longing and hesitation.

    "I want it." One muttered, biting her lip. "But I can''t just give in..."

    Another shook her head, her voice tight. "I''ve got a husband back home...Ican''t just go kissing some lord, no matter how good those notes are."

    That sparked a voice from the crowd¡ªa sturdy knight with auburn hair, stepping forward with a frown.

    "Master Cassius." She said, her tone firm but nervous. "Some of us can''t do that. I''ve got a family ¡ªa husband, kids. Kissing you...It wouldn''t be right. It''d feel wrong, and it''d be bad for them, for me. Can''t you ask for something else?"

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin softening into something almost harmless as he waved a hand.

    "Relax..." He said, his voice light. "I''m not asking for anything wild¡ªjust a kiss, that''s all. Look at me¡ªI''m the youngest one here, barely an adult, right? It''s not like it''s some grand betrayal."

    "...Think of it like...giving a kid a peck on the cheek. No big deal, no harm done."

    The knights blinked, their murmurs shifting as his words sank in.

    "He''s...not wrong." One said slowly, glancing at him.

    "He''s what, nineteen? Barely out of boyhood." Another nodded, her frown easing. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yeah, when you put it like that...It''s not like kissing some lecherous old man. He''s just a kid, really."

    The mood tilted, their reluctance softening as they sized him up¡ªhis youthful face, his easy grin, the way he lounged like a cocky teenager despite the power he''d shown.

    "Maybe it''s not so bad." A knight mused, her voice low.

    "A kiss for all that? That''s a steal." Another smirked, her eyes glinting.

    "He''s pretty handsome up close¡ªwouldn''t kill me to peck him once." A third laughed, leaning closer to her friend.

    "Did you see him yesterday? That power he threw around. I was actually kinda turned me on, not gonna lie. A kiss might be worth it."

    Hearing this outrage, Aisha''s ears flattened, her dismay mounting as she caught their whispers.

    "Are you serious?!" She hissed, spinning to face them. "You''re actually buying this?! He''s playing you¡ªdon''t fall for it!"

    But the tide was turning.

    The auburn-haired knight who''d spoken up hesitated, her resolve wavering as she glanced at Cassius, then at the papers and then with a sigh, she stepped forward towards him until she stood right in front of him.

    "Fine..." She muttered, her voice tinged with shy reluctance. She then bent down, her eyes darting to his face¡ªcloser now, she couldn''t deny he was handsome, all sharp jaw and mischievous charm¡ªand pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

    Chu!~

    Her lips lingered a heartbeat longer than she meant, soft against his skin, before she pulled back, her face flushing as she straightened.

    Cassius grinned, tilting his head as he met her gaze. "See? Not so bad, was it?" He teased, his tone warm.

    She ducked her head, a shy nod her only answer as she murmured.

    "No...guess not." Up close, his charm hit harder those pretty eyes, that easy confidence and as Lucius handed her the papers, she walked away clutching them, a faint thought flickering: That...felt kinda nice.

    Skadi, still buzzing from her own exchange, clapped her hands, her tail wagging as she jumped in.

    "C''mon, why''re you all hesitating?!" She called, her voice bright and insistent. "Kissing Master''s great feels good, and you get this!" She waved her notes like a trophy, grinning wide. "Don''t miss out¡ªit''s worth it, trust me! Line up already!"

    Her words¡ªcoming from their fierce, battle-crazed Fenrir lit the spark they needed. The knights exchanged glances, their doubts crumbling under Skadi''s eager push.

    "She''s right." One muttered, stepping forward.

    "If Skadi''s cool with it..."

    Another followed, then another, until they were crowding Cassius one by one, their hesitation giving way to a mix of nerves and excitement.

    Aisha watched, her dismay morphing into outright horror as the line formed.

    "No-No way!" She choked, her voice rising. "Even Skadi''s betraying me?! You''re all insane!" She spun to Julie, pleading. "Captain, do something¡ªthey''re falling for it!"

    Julie''s sigh hung in the air, her gaze still locked on the ground as the knights resolve wavered and then cracked, their longing for those precious battle notes outweighing their initial shock.

    And just like that, one by one, they shuffled forward, drawn to Cassius like moths to a flame, their hesitation melting under the weight of Skadi''s encouragement and the promise of power.

    The scene unfolded into a line forming around the tree stump where Cassius sat, his grin widening with every step they took. Lucius stood beside him, clutching the bundle of papers like a proud herald, his chest puffed out as he handed them out with a flourish.

    Most of the knights approached timidly, their faces flushed with embarrassment as they bent down, pressed a quick, silent kiss to his cheek, and darted off with their notes clutched tight.

    "There done!" One muttered, her voice a hurried whisper as she scampered away, her cheeks blazing.

    "Not so bad." Another said under her breath, snatching her papers from Lucius and vanishing into the crowd.

    Their kisses were fleeting, chaste¡ªa peck and a retreat¡ªleaving Cassius chuckling softly as he watched them scatter.

    But not all were so quickly and shy.

    A few lingered, their boldness turning the exchange into something more intimate, each moment a spark that flared under the crowd''s stunned gazes.

    Like with young knight, her light hazel hair tied back in a messy bun, her wide green eyes glinting with innocence as she stepped up. She fidgeted, her hands twisting together as she looked at Cassius, her voice trembling with nerves.

    "Um...Young Master." She said, barely above a whisper. "I...I don''t know how to kiss. I''ve never ¡ªum¡ªdone it before. Could you...help me?"

    The crowd softened, a few cooing at her shy confession, while Cassius''s grin turned gentle, almost tender.

    "Of course...It would be my honour." He said, his voice low and warm as he beckoned her closer. "Now, come here now...Don''t be scared."

    Hearing him call her, she edged forward, her blush deepening as he reached out, his hand brushing her cheek with a featherlight touch.

    "Just relax." He murmured, guiding her down until their faces were close, his breath warm against her skin. He then tilted his head, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, loving kiss¡ªsoft, chaste, but lingering just enough to make her heart stutter.

    His fingers lingered on her jaw, steadying her as he pulled back, his eyes glinting with a quiet warmth.

    "See? Easy."

    She stumbled back a step, her face a furnace of red as she touched her lips, a dazed smile breaking through her embarrassment.

    "Oh...Wow." She breathed, her voice shaky but awed as Lucius handed her the papers. "T-Thank you..."

    She hurried off, her steps light, the crowd murmuring their approval at the wholesome exchange¡ª "So sweet!" "Look at her blush!"¡ªas she disappeared into their ranks, clutching her prize.

    Next came a bolder figure¡ªa tall, raven-haired knight with a swagger in her step and a glint of mischief in her dark eyes. She strode up to Cassius, her armor clinking faintly as she planted herself before him, her lips curling into a smirk.

    "Heard all about you, Young Master." She said, her voice husky and teasing. "Those lustful tales¡ªseducing every woman who crosses your path, rocking their worlds with those so-called skills in bed and I''ve been dying to test it out myself." She leaned closer, her breath hot against his ear as she added. "I want it on the lips¡ªfull passion, no holding back. Impress me. Right here, under everyone''s eyes."

 Chapter 141 - 141: A Very Light Kiss

    The crowd gasped, a few whistling as Aisha''s indignant sputter¡ª"What the hell?!"¡ªcut through the noise.

    Cassius''s grin turned wicked, his eyes flashing with delight.

    "Challenge accepted...But don''t complain if you get addicted later on."

    He said, his voice a low growl as he stood, closing the distance between them and she too bent down, her hands bracing on his shoulders, and he cupped her face, his fingers firm against her jaw as he pulled her in.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    Their lips crashed together, fierce and hungry, his tongue darting out to tease hers in a swirl that made her gasp into his mouth.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    He took the lead, his movements wild and precise¡ªtwisting, sucking, drawing her tongue deep into his mouth as he kissed her with a fervor that sent shudders rippling through her frame.

    And in response, her knees buckled slightly, her grip tightening on him as he devoured her, his lips slick and relentless, until he finally released her with a wet, audible pop.

    He pulled back, his breath ragged as he grinned up at her. "Good enough?" He asked, his voice thick with satisfaction.

    She swayed, her face flushed a deep crimson, her dark eyes glazed as she struggled to catch her breath.

    "Y-Yeah..." She managed, her voice a dazed whisper, her body still trembling from the intensity. "Holy...Yeah, that''ll do."

    Lucius handed her the papers, and she staggered off, the crowd''s murmurs erupting into shocked laughter¡ª"Did you see that?!" "She''s gone weak¡ªkneed!"¡ªas she vanished, her smirk replaced by a flustered, awestruck grin.

    Finally, a younger knight stepped up, her blonde hair cropped short, her blue eyes shadowed with hesitation as she approached. She stopped a few paces away, wringing her hands as she spoke, her voice soft but firm.

    "Young Master...I recently got married¡ªjust a few months and I don''t wanna betray my husband too much. So...I won''t kiss you."

    "...But if you kiss me, I won''t feel as guilty. That''s okay, right?"

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin softening as he nodded.

    "Fair enough." He said, his tone easy. "But if I''m doing the kissing, you''ll need to come closer¡ªcan''t reach you standing there. Sit on my lap; it''ll be easier."

    Her eyes widened, a flicker of panic crossing her face as the crowd murmured, Aisha''s sharp "Oh, come on! He''s obviously playing with you!" ringing out.

    "S-Sit on your lap?" She stammered, her blush flaring. "I...uh..." She hesitated, then sighed, her resolve crumbling as she edged forward.

    With a shaky breath, she lowered herself onto his lap, perching stiffly as his hands settled lightly on her hips, steadying her. "Just...make it light, okay?" She pleaded, tilting her head to offer her cheek. "Really light¡ªplease."

    "Sure..." He murmured, his voice a low hum that sent a shiver through her.

    But to her utter shock¡ªand the crowd''s collective gasp, he didn''t aim for her cheek.

    Instead, he leaned in, his lips brushing the soft curve of her neck, warm and steady.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    He pressed a slow, sucking kiss against her skin, his tongue flicking out to tease the tender flesh as he nipped lightly, then sucked harder, drawing a faint, involuntary moan from her throat.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    The sensation jolted her, her body tensing as heat flooded her senses, his mouth working her neck with a passionate, erotic fervor that left her trembling under his grip.

    "W-What are you doing, Young Master?!" She gasped, her voice high and panicked as she squirmed, her hands hovering as if to push him away. "I said light a-and on my cheek! Not my neck! Even my husband hasn''t kissed me there before!"

    Cassius pulled back just enough to meet her wide eyes, his lips glistening as he smirked.

    "You said a kiss, but didn''t say where." He purred, his voice thick with mischief. "And this is fine, right? I''m just kissing your skin which is less intimate then on your lips, so I''m basically doing your husband a favour."

    Before she could protest, he dove back in, his kisses trailing lower, sucking and nibbling along her collarbone as his hands tightened on her hips.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    The crowd watched in stunned dismay, Aisha''s outraged, "He''s a monster!" clashing with the knights'' flustered murmurs¡ª"Gods, her neck?!" "That''s not light!"

    She froze, her throat feeling dry as his touch sent shivers racing down her spine. "S-Stop..." She murmured, her voice weak, but her hands didn''t push¡ªcouldn''t push.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    The way he held her, firm yet coaxing, the heat of his lips igniting her skin¡ªit felt too good, a guilty thrill that drowned her protests.

    Then, to everyone''s shock, his hand slid lower, slipping beneath the waistband of her pants, his fingers brushing the curve of her ass with a bold, groping squeeze.

    "Ahh!?~"

    She yelped, her body arching against him as he kneaded her flesh, his kisses growing hungrier, wetter, leaving faint red marks along her neck.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    The young knight''s yelp echoed softly as her body arched involuntarily against Cassius, her skin igniting under his touch. His hands kneaded her ass with a bold, possessive grip, his fingers sinking into her naked flesh¡ªa sensation that should''ve been reserved for her husband alone.

    "Grope!?~ Squeeze!?~ Grope!?~ Caress!?~"

    She could feel every press, every squeeze, the heat of his palms searing her bare skin as he explored her curves with shameless relish.

    Guilt flared in her chest, a sharp pang of resistance urging her to pull away, to preserve the vows she''d made just months ago. But that resolve melted, drowned by the overwhelming pleasure cascading through her his lips on her neck, hot and wet, kissing and sucking with a tender ferocity that left her trembling, paired with the groping that sent shivers racing up her spine.

    It felt too good, too loving, and she surrendered to it, her murmurs of protest fading into soft, helpless gasps as she let him take her where he pleased.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    Cassius didn''t hold back. His hands roamed deeper, tugging at her pants with a deep pull until they slid down her thighs, baring her tanned, rounded ass to the cool air and the stunned eyes of the knights.

    The fabric pooled at her knees, leaving her exposed, and he kept groping, his fingers digging into her flesh with a hunger that made her whimper.

    "Grope!?~ Squeeze!?~ Grope!?~ Caress!?~" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The crowd''s murmurs turned to hushed, scandalized whispers, their voices thick with shock and arousal.

    "Gods, look at that ass¡ªso fat and plump." One knight breathed, her eyes wide as she stared.

    "He''s got it all out¡ªso fucking erotic." Another added, her voice low and husky, her gaze locked on the way Cassius''s hands molded her curves.

    A third leaned closer, her whisper barely audible but dripping with heat. "You can see everything¡ªe-even her asshole''s right there, he''s playing with it so much..."

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    The knight squirmed in his lap, her breath hitching as his kisses grew hungrier, his lips sucking harder along her neck, leaving a trail of wet, red marks that bloomed against her skin.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    His hands squeezed and spread her, teasing her limits as she arched further, caught in a haze of pleasure and shame.

    The crowd watched, transfixed, their gasps mingling with the faint rustle of armor as they shifted, some blushing, others biting their lips at the brazen display.

    Finally, he slowed, his groping easing as he pulled back from her neck, his breath hot against her skin.

    He cradled her dazed face in his hands, her blue eyes glassy and unfocused, her lips parted as if she''d been transported to some blissful nirvana. She stared at him, lost in the afterglow, her body still tingling from his touch.

    Cassius then met her gaze with a loving, almost tender look that belied the wildness of what he''d just done.

    Then, to her shock, he leaned in again, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips¡ªa gentle contrast to the fire he''d stoked moments before.

    Chu!~

    He then pulled back, his voice a low, teasing murmur as he brushed a thumb across her cheek.

    "You might wanna cover that neck up." He said, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Got a lot of hickeys there and we wouldn''t want your husband asking questions about where they came from."

    She nodded slowly, her mind still swimming in a dreamy fog as she slid off his lap, her legs wobbly beneath her.

    "Y-Yeah...I should." She mumbled, her voice faint and distant as she stumbled away, clutching her papers from Lucius.

    Her pants hung low, her tanned ass still bare and swaying with each step, but she didn''t notice¡ªdidn''t care.

    His warmth lingered on her skin, a phantom touch she could still feel in her bones, and a taboo thought flickered through her haze: no matter how her husband touched her in the days to come, she''d never shake this sensation, this illicit thrill that turned her on more than she''d ever admit.

    She drifted off, lost in her reverie, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement at the scene they''d just witnessed.

    The knights were worked up, their faces flushed and their breaths uneven as they whispered among themselves.

    "That was...Insane." One muttered, fanning herself with a shaky hand.

    "He''s got some nerve...and skill." Another added, her voice thick with reluctant awe.

    Even Julie and Aisha couldn''t escape the heat that had settled over the grounds.

    Aisha''s face burned a deep red, her amber eyes wide and unblinking as she replayed every sultry detail the groping, the kisses, the bare flesh¡ªher throat so dry she couldn''t muster a word, her usual fire snuffed out by sheer shock.

    Julie stood rigid, her own flush creeping up her neck as the scene dragged her back to what she witnessed this morning with Isabelle.

    ''Is this my fate?...Watching him play with every woman in sight?'' She wondered, dread and reluctant fascination at Cassius''s shameless display.

    Lucius, ever the loyal shadow, also blushed profusely beside his master, his prim demeanor crumbling as he tried to avert his gaze.

    Yet his eyes kept darting back, sneaking glances at Cassius''s brazen lovemaking skills, his hands fidgeting with the remaining papers as he muttered under his breath, "Such...vigor...As expected of Young Master."

    Skadi, though, was unfazed¡ªher silver eyes gleamed with genuine awe as she watched, her tail wagging faintly.

    "Master''s so good at this."

    She said to herself, her voice a quiet marvel as she scribbled notes in her crumpled papers¡ªnot of battle stances this time, but of how the girls kissed him, plotting how she''d impress him later with her own tricks.

    To her, it was just another skill to admire, another reason to hold him high in her feral heart.

    The line also slowly dwindled, the last of the knights collecting their papers with kisses ranging from shy pecks to lingering caresses, until only one figure remained untouched by Cassius''s lips.

    ...Avery.

    She stood apart, her face pale beneath a creeping blush as she felt his gaze settle on her, dark and heavy with intent. The crowd had claimed their rewards, but for her, it was different¡ªshe''d lost the bet, and the stakes loomed over her like a shadow.

    Cassius locked eyes with her, his grin turning sharp, almost evil, a glint sparking in his depths as he leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand.

    "Your turn, Avery." He called, his voice smooth and taunting, dripping with promise. "Can''t forget our little wager, can we?"

    Avery gulped, her hands clenching at her sides as the reality crashed down. She''d seen what he''d done¡ªSkadi''s licks, the innocent girl''s blush, the bold knight''s shudder, the married one''s bare surrender, and she knew what was coming wouldn''t be a simple kiss.

    Her blush deepened, her heart pounding as she met his stare, the crowd''s murmurs fading into a dull roar.

    "Oh gods." She muttered under her breath, her voice trembling with dread and something she couldn''t name. "I''m in for it now..."

    His eyes promised more than a peck¡ªsomething raw, something that would strip her bare in more ways than one and she braced herself, knowing there was no escaping the fate she''d gambled on...

 Chapter 142 - 142: Sweat, Blood, And Steel

    Julie''s gaze flicked to Avery, catching the flicker of hesitation etched across the veteran''s face as she stood there, her hands clenched at her sides.

    The weight of the lost bet hung over her like a storm cloud, her eyes darting between Cassius''s grin and the crowd''s expectant stares.

    Even though the wager had been fair¡ªAvery''s own pride had led her into this trap¡ªJulie couldn''t shake the unease twisting in her gut. She''d seen what Cassius could do, how he turned simple kisses into spectacles of raw intimacy, and the thought of Avery baring herself completely under his gaze felt like a step too far.

    So, steeling herself, she stepped forward as she faced him, her voice steady but laced with a quiet plea.

    "Cassius..." She began, her tone measured. "I know Avery lost the bet fair and square, but...can you let the stakes go? Just this once? Stripping down in front of everyone¡ªit''s too much for her, too humiliating."

    "...I''ll vouch for her instead¡ªdo something else in her place, whatever you want. Please, for her sake, let it slide."

    The crowd murmured, their eyes shifting between Julie and Cassius, waiting for his response.

    He als opened his mouth, his grin twitching as if he were about to speak, but before he could, Avery''s voice cut through the tension, sharp and resolute.

    "Captain, stop." She called, stepping forward with a wry smile tugging at her lips. "You don''t need to bail me out. I got myself into this mess¡ªI''ll get myself out."

    "...I lost, fair and square, and a knight''s nothing without her honor. I''m not running from this."

    Julie turned to her, her brow furrowing as she protested.

    "Avery, you don''t have to force yourself. If you don''t want to do it, I can speak for you¡ªthere''s no shame in that."

    Avery shook her head, her smile softening but unwavering.

    "No, Captain. This is on me. I was too cocky, too damn proud thought I had it in the bag without even considering what could happen...Fair''s fair, and I''ve gotta face the consequences. A knight keeps her word, even when it stings."

    Her voice carried a quiet strength, a resolve that silenced Julie''s objections and drew a flicker of respect from the crowd.

    Cassius leaned back on his stump, his grin widening as he crossed his arms, his eyes glinting with genuine admiration.

    "Well, damn." He said, his tone warm and approving. "I''m impressed, Avery¡ªreally impressed. That attitude? That grit? Takes a hell of a woman to stand tall in a spot like this. Most''d break, blushing and begging their way out, but you...You''re something else."

    Julie''s breath caught, a flicker of hope sparking as she thought¡ªprayed¡ªhe might relent, might spare Avery out of respect for her strength. The crowd seemed to sense it too, their whispers softening as they watched him.

    But then his grin twisted, that devilish edge creeping back as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low, teasing drawl.

    "And that''s exactly why I''m not letting this go. Strong women like you? I like them too much to miss a single second of this. So come here¡ªright in front of me."

    "...I want the front-row seat to witness every bit of your naked self."

    The crowd''s dismay rippled outward, a collective groan of "Oh, gods, he''s relentless!" And "Poor Avery!" mingling with nervous laughter.

    Julie''s shoulders slumped, her hope snuffed out, while Aisha muttered a sharp. "Pervert!" under her breath.

    But Avery didn''t flinch. She''d already accepted her fate, her blush deepening but her stance steady as she took a slow, steady step forward.

    The knights parted for her, their eyes wide with pity and a reluctant curiosity as she came to stand directly before Cassius, her slender but sturdy frame silhouetted against his lounging form.

    He glanced at her, his grin softening for a heartbeat as he took in her resolve, then flicked his gaze to Lucius, who hovered dutifully at his side, papers still in hand.

    Cassius opened his mouth, about to dismiss his butler¡ªlikely to spare him the sight of what was coming.

    But before the words could escape, Lucius acted.

    With a swift, practiced motion, he pulled a black silk blindfold from his pocket, slipping it over his eyes with a bright, almost manic smile.

    "No need to send me away, Young Master!" He chirped, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "The problem was me seeing you with these women in their most intimate moments right, right? Well, now I can''t!"

    "...This blindfold solves it and I''ll be able to stay right here by your side, no matter what!"

    Cassius blinked, caught off guard. He then waved a hand in front of Lucius''s face, testing the blindfold''s effectiveness.

    "You...really thought of everything, huh?" He said, his tone a blend of amusement and exasperation as Lucius''s grin widened.

    "Of course!" Lucius exclaimed, practically vibrating with pride. "I''d do anything to stay with you, Young Master¡ªanything! Besides..." His voice dropped to a dreamy murmur, his blindfolded head tilting as if lost in a vision. "Why would I want to see some woman bare or tangled up with you when I could see you instead?"

    "...Your glorious form, stripped down to the flesh¡ªoh, it''d be a sight so marvelous it''d blind me all on its own, more dazzling than any star!"

    Hearing this scandalous statement, the crowd''s murmurs erupted into a chaotic buzz, knights whispering among themselves with wide-eyed shock.

    "Wait¡ªdid he just say...?" One stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

    "Stories about the butler and the master¡ªin bed?!" Another hissed, her blush flaring as she elbowed her neighbor.

    "Damn, so he doesn''t even leave men behind. What a beast!..." A third muttered, her tone half-scandalized, half-intrigued.

    Seeing that his reputation was being tarnished by his damn butler, Cassius''s scowl deepened, his hand snapping out to smack Lucius across the face with a sharp thwack.

    "Shut up, you idiot!"

    He barked, his voice a full of irritation and embarrassment as Lucius yelped, rubbing his cheek but still beaming beneath the blindfold.

    Cassius glared at him a moment longer, then sighed, settling back onto the stump with a shake of his head.

    "Goddamn weirdo."

    He muttered under his breath, his gaze shifting back to Avery, who stood waiting, her blush steady but her eyes resolute.

    Her gaze also dropped to her young master, sprawled on his stump with that unrelenting grin, and a whirlwind of thoughts churned through her mind.

    She steeled herself, trying to rationalize it.

    ''He''s just a boy.'' She thought, her lips pressing into a thin line. ''Barely out of his teens, still wet behind the ears, smelling of his mother''s milk...I''m pushing forty in a few years¡ªstripping for him shouldn''t be a big deal, not compared to what I''ve seen, what I''ve done.''

    It was a flimsy shield, a way to dull the edge of her nerves, but as she met his eyes, that reasoning crumbled.

    His crimson gaze locked onto her, sharp and piercing, raking over her body with an intensity that felt like he was already peeling away her armor, her tunic, every stitch of fabric clinging to her skin.

    It wasn''t the look of a boy¡ªit was a man''s stare, hungry and commanding, unraveling her layer by layer before she''d even lifted a finger.

    Her breath hitched, a flush creeping up her neck as she realized the sheer power he held¡ªnot just the strength she''d witnessed in battle, the way he''d dismantled foes with ease, but the control he wielded now, sitting there like a king on a throne, dictating her fate with a flick of his wrist.

    He wasn''t some kid; he was a force, a presence that dwarfed every man she''d known, and the weight of that made her heart pound harder, her resolve wavering as a new worry gnawed at her.

    She swallowed, her throat dry, and decided she couldn''t let it pass unaddressed.

    "Young Master..." She called out, her voice hesitant but steady, a wry smile tugging at her lips as she met his gaze. "Look, I don''t mind stripping down since I lost the bet fair and square, and I''ll do it."

    "But...can I ask you for a favor first? Let me step away for a few minutes¡ªjust a quick break¡ªand I''ll be right back, standing here, ready to strip down like I promised."

    "...I swear I''m not running off or anything; there''s just something I need to do first. For your sake, really."

    Cassius tilted his head, his grin softening into something curious as he leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand.

    "Oh?" He said, his voice a low, intrigued drawl. "For my sake? Now you''ve got me hooked¡ªwhat''s this thing you''ve gotta do that''s so important? Come on, elaborate. I wanna know."

    Avery shifted on her feet, her smile faltering as a flush crept up her cheeks. It was a private matter, one she''d never aired out¡ªnot to men, not even to her closest female comrades. It felt brutish, embarrassing, a raw piece of herself she kept buried.

    But his eyes held a sincerity, an honest glint that promised no judgment, and that cracked her reluctance. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    She took a breath, her voice dropping as she spoke.

    "Well, if you give me a little time..." She said, hesitating. "I''d...go take a bath and come right back here. That''s all."

    Cassius raised a brow, his grin twitching with amusement. "A bath?" He echoed, leaning back. "Okay, I get that you might want to take a bath after a workout? But why''s that for my sake?"

    Her wry smile returned, tinged with a self-conscious edge as she rubbed the back of her neck.

    "Well, it''s...more than that." She said, her voice softening. "I sweat a lot¡ªalways have. After a fight, a duel, even a bit of exercise, I get drenched, and it''s not just sweat. I get...stinky."

    "Even now, standing here, I''m probably reeking¡ªsmell''s strong enough to knock a horse flat. And that''s the thing¡ªthere''s no way I can let myself strip down in front of you like this, all rank and nasty."

    "...You''re a noble, Young Master. You shouldn''t have to breathe in something this bad, not from me."

    He chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Okay, so you stink a little, everyone does after some workout. What''s wrong with that? It''s natural."

    "Of course there''s something wrong with it!" She shot back, her tone sharpening with frustration and embarrassment. "I can''t stand here next to you, my lord, smelling like a damn barn! You''re highborn¡ªused to fine things, clean air, perfumes maybe."

    "...I''d be mortified if you had to choke on my stench while I''m baring it all. It''s not right."

    Her voice faltered, a pitiful look crossing her face as she glanced down, her bravado giving way to something softer, sadder.

    "You know, even my ex-husband...he never liked it either. Always hated how I smelled when I came home from patrol or a fight¡ªsweat, blood, whatever it was. He''d push me away, tell me not to come near him till I''d bathed, said it made him sick."

    "E-Even in bed, sometimes, he''d turn me out¡ªsaid I was too rank to touch, too unattractive like that."

    "...Hurt more than I let on, but I got used to it. So...I just don''t want you to feel that way too, Young Master. Don''t want you disgusted by me."

    The crowd fell silent, a wave of empathy rippling through the knights as her words sank in. Several women sighed, their faces softening with shared pain.

    "Gods, I''ve been there." One murmured, her voice low.

    "My husband would also move away if I came in smelling of steel and sweat¡ªtold me to wash it off like it was filth." Another nodded, her eyes distant.

    "Mine said the blood on my hands made him queasy¡ªnever mind I''d spilled it for him, for our home."

    Their whispers carried a quiet hurt, a sting they''d buried under duty¡ªaccepted because it made sense at the time, even as it chipped away at them, made them feel less than the soft, perfumed women who never lifted a blade.

    Avery''s confession laid it bare, and they felt it echo in their own bones. She then forced a laugh, a brittle, self-deprecating sound.

    "It happened more times than I can count¡ªhim shoving me off, saying I stank so bad it turned his stomach...Guess I got it in my head I''m some ogre when I''m like this, too foul for anyone to stand."

    "...So that''s why I need a bath. I don''t wanna put you through that, Young Master. Don''t wanna see that look on your face too."

    The knights'' murmurs grew, their pity mingling with a shared ache as they nodded among themselves.

    "Poor Avery." One whispered, her voice thick.

    "She''s tougher than steel, and still..." Another sighed.

    "It''s rotten¡ªfighting for them, and they can''t even take us as we are."

    Julie''s jaw tightened, these women bled for their homes, their people, and yet their lovers couldn''t stomach the cost of it, couldn''t love the sweat and steel that defined them. It was a quiet tragedy, one she hasn''t felt herself, but still could understand.

    Aisha scoffed, breaking the hush with a sharp edge. "Pathetic." She spat, her tail flicking as she crossed her arms. "Men like that¡ªcan''t handle a little sweat from their own wives? Weaklings, the lot of them. I''d claw their eyes out before I''d let them push me away for that."

    Skadi tilted her head, her eyes blinking in genuine confusion as she scratched her ear.

    "Why''s it a big deal?" She asked, her voice light and puzzled. "I smell stuff a hundred times stronger then you humans¡ªFenrir nose, you know? And sweat, blood, whatever that comes after a good fight, it''s refreshing! Like...the battle''s still on you, alive and kicking. Don''t get why they''re fussing."

    Her tail wagged faintly, oblivious to the weight of it all, her innocence a stark contrast to the crowd''s heavy empathy.

    Avery glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the ache in her words.

    "Wish everyone thought like you, Skadi." She said softly, then turned back to Cassius, her eyes pleading but resolute. "So...just a few minutes, Young Master. Let me wash up¡ªfor you, so you don''t have to suffer me like this. Then I''ll be back, clean and ready to pay up."

    The crowd held its breath, their gazes shifting to Cassius, waiting for his answer as Avery stood there, bared not just by the bet but by the raw honesty she''d spilled¡ªa knight stripped to her soul before her flesh even hit the air...

 Chapter 143 - 143: Hes Humiliating Her!

    Avery stood there, her mind a tangle of anticipation and dread. The knights around her held their breath, their eyes darting between her and their young master, certain of what would come next.

    After spilling her raw, vulnerable confession¡ªlaying bare her insecurities about her sweat, her stench, the way it had driven even her ex-husband away¡ªthey all braced for the inevitable.

    ''He''ll push her off.'' One knight thought, her brow creasing with pity. ''Tell her to scram and scrub herself clean¡ªnobody wants that smell up close.''

    Another winced, whispering to her neighbor. "Gods, after that? He might gag right here¡ªpoor Avery."

    Even Julie, who''d seen Cassius defy expectations time and again, felt a flicker of doubt.

    ''He''s different, sure.'' She mused, her arms crossed tight. ''But he''s still a noble¡ªborn to silks and perfumes, a life of luxury...Sweat, blood, steel? That''s a stench he won''t stomach, no matter how much he plays at being one of us.''

    They all waited, half-expecting him to wave her away with a grimace, maybe even retch at the thought of her ''pungent'' scent.

    But Cassius didn''t move. He didn''t speak.

    He just sat there, his crimson gaze fixed on Avery, a frown creasing his brow¡ªnot disgust, not mockery, but something deeper, something unreadable.

    The silence stretched, heavy and taut, and Avery felt a chill crawl up her spine.

    That look¡ªit wasn''t the playful mischief she''d grown used to, nor the teasing glint of a lustful boy. It was intense, predatory, like a wolf sizing up its quarry, and it pinned her in place. Her hands trembled faintly at her sides, her breath shallow as she met his stare, suddenly unsure.

    ''What''s wrong?'' She thought, her heart thudding. ''Did I say too much?''

    She opened her mouth, her voice wavering as she started. "Young Master, if if I''ve offended you, I can just go take that bath now¡ª"

    "Avery..." He cut in, his voice low and steady, each syllable rolling off his tongue like a command. He then leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want you to kneel down...Right here."

    She froze, her words catching in her throat as her mind scrambled to process it.

    "Kneel...down?" She echoed, her voice faint, disbelief threading through it.

    ''Did I hear that right?'' The crowd murmured, confusion rippling through them.

    But Cassius''s gaze simply hardened, unwavering.

    "You heard me." He said, his tone firm, edged with authority. "Kneel. Right now. That''s an order from your master."

    The knights exchanged baffled glances, their whispers growing. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Why''s he making her kneel?"

    "What''s this about?"

    But Avery couldn''t question it. That stare, those crimson eyes boring into her, carried a weight she couldn''t resist. It wasn''t just an order; it was a pull, a force that sank into her bones and bent her will.

    She gulped, her throat dry, and slowly¡ªalmost against her own volition, she lowered herself to her knees, the dirt cool against her shins. She settled directly in front of him, her face level with his as he sat on the stump, leaning forward, their breaths mingling in the small space between them.

    Her heart also raced, her mind spinning as she caught the full brunt of his gaze up close.

    ''Gods, his eyes.'' She thought, a fleeting awe cutting through her nerves. ''Blood-red, beautiful¡ªlike they could swallow me whole.''

    He held her there a moment, silent, letting the tension coil tighter, then spoke again, his voice steady and commanding.

    "Lift your arms. All the way up."

    Avery blinked, her confusion deepening as her pulse quickened. "Lift my...What?" She stammered, her hands hovering uncertainly. "Young Master, I-I don''t mind doing whatever you say, it''s part of the bet, but...can I just take that bath first? Please, before¡ª"

    "No questions." He interrupted, his tone sharpening as his eyes flared, bright and unyielding. "Raise your hands...Now."

    She flinched under that gaze, embarrassment flooding her as her insecurities roared to life. "But...under my arms." She protested, her voice small and shaky. "It''s really sweaty¡ªreally sweaty. If I lift my arms, it''ll...I''ll stink even worse. I don''t want you to¡ª"

    "I don''t care." He said, cutting her off again, in a tone that brooked no argument. "Do it. Now."

    His eyes blazed, a commanding fire that seared through her hesitation, and she felt her resistance crumble, her body submitting before her mind could catch up.

    Her face burned, a deep flush spreading as she bit her lip, mortified and slowly, trembling with embarrassment, she raised her arms, inch by agonizing inch, until they stretched high above her head.

    The motion bared her armpits¡ªsoft, tender, glistening with sweat from the day''s exertion.

    A single bead of perspiration rolled down her side, catching the light in a way that, despite her shame, looked almost erotic¡ªher skin succulent and flushed, the curve of her underarms unexpectedly alluring in their vulnerability.

    Avery squeezed her eyes shut, her breath hastening as she braced for the disgust, the recoil, the inevitable rejection she''d known too well.

    The crowd watched, their confusion morphing into unease. Aisha''s gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowing as she clenched her fists.

    "That hooligan" She hissed under her breath, fury simmering. "He heard her¡ªheard how much it hurts her and now he''s using it against her? Making her show off her armpits like some damn taunt? I''m gonna¡ª"

    She took a step forward, ready to storm over and tear into him, but Julie''s hand shot out, grabbing her arm.

    "Wait..." Julie said, her voice low and firm, her eyes locked on Cassius. "Don''t. Something''s off¡ªI don''t think it''s what you''re thinking. Just watch."

    Aisha faltered, her anger wavering as she glanced at Julie''s steady gaze. "What do you mean, ''off'', Captain?" She snapped, her voice tight. "He''s humiliating her¡ªlook at her face! I won''t let him mock one of ours like this!"

    Julie''s grip tightened, her tone calm but insistent. "I know it looks bad, but...I''ve seen him pull twists before. This doesn''t feel like cruelty¡ªnot yet...Hold back till we see what he''s doing."

    Her eyes flicked back to Cassius, searching his expression for a clue, a hint of his intent.

    Aisha huffed, her tail lashing, but she relented, stepping back with a scowl. "Fine." She muttered, crossing her arms. "But if he so much as smirks at her wrong, I''m breaking his face¡ªnoble or not."

    Her eyes stayed glued to the scene, ready to pounce if Cassius crossed the line she''d drawn.

    Avery knelt there, her arms trembling faintly as they stretched high above her head, her sweaty armpits bared to the cool air and Cassius''s unrelenting gaze. Her heart thudded in her chest, shame and dread swirling in her gut as she braced herself for the worst.

    ''He''s going to mock me.'' She thought, her breath shallow, echoing Aisha''s suspicions. ''He''s seen it now¡ªsmelled it and he''ll laugh, just like the others...Just like him.''

    Her ex-husband''s sneers flashed through her mind, the way he''d recoil and shove her away, and she felt small, exposed, waiting for Cassius to twist the knife deeper into her insecurities.

    And just as she thought, he smiled a slow, easy grin that spread across his face as he tilted his head, his eyes glinting as they fixed on her armpits.

    "Well, damn, Avery." He said, his voice light but steady. "You weren''t kidding. After that workout, you''ve really sweated up a storm¡ªlook at that." He nodded at her underarms, where a glistening sheen coated her skin, catching the light like a thin, shimmering layer. "It''s practically shining¡ªmoist as hell down there."

    Her face burned, a deep flush creeping up her neck as she ducked her head, shame curling tight in her chest.

    ''He''s pointing it out¡ªrubbing it in.'' She thought, feeling smaller with every word. The knights around her shifted uncomfortably, their murmurs softening with pity as Cassius kept going, undeterred.

    "See those little droplets?" He continued, his tone almost marveling as he leaned closer, his eyes tracing the beads of sweat forming beneath her armpit. "They''re just hanging there, ready to drip. And that smell¡ªtangy, sharp¡ªI can catch it from here. You''re a real sweater, alright. No joke about that."

    Avery''s gaze dropped further, her shoulders hunching as embarrassment swallowed her whole.

    ''This is it.'' She thought, her throat tightening. ''He''s making fun of me dragging it out so everyone can hear.''

    The crowd''s whispers grew¡ª"He''s teasing her now." "Poor Avery, she didn''t need this"¡ªand Aisha''s patience snapped.

    Her tail lashed, her eyes blazing as she unclenched her fists, ready to lunge.

    "That''s it!" She snarled, her voice cutting through the air. "He''s humiliating her¡ªmocking her right to her face! I''m done watching this¡ªI''ll claw that smirk off him myself!"

    She took a step, claws flexing, but Julie''s hand shot out again, gripping her arm with a quiet urgency. "Hold on." Julie said, her voice low and steady, her eyes locked on Cassius. "It''s not what it looks like¡ªsomething''s coming. Wait."

    Aisha''s glare whipped to her, incredulous. "Wait?! He''s tearing her apart¡ªlook at her!" She hissed, gesturing to Avery''s bowed head. "What else could this be?"

    Julie''s grip didn''t waver, her tone firm. "Trust me. He''s not done there''s more. Just watch."

    Aisha huffed, her tail still twitching, but she froze, her eyes narrowing as she turned back to the scene with Cassius''s smile vanishing.

    His face shifted, the playful glint replaced by a solemn, almost stern expression as he straightened, his crimson gaze locking onto Avery with a weight that made her flinch.

    "Hey..." He said, his voice low and commanding. "Don''t look down. Look at me straight in the eyes."

    Startled, she obeyed, lifting her head slowly until her hazel eyes met his. His stare was serious, piercing, and it pinned her in place, her breath catching as she waited, unsure what he''d do next.

    He held her there a moment, then spoke, his tone steady.

    "Tell me, Avery, If your husband¡ªex-husband was sitting here instead of me, looking at you like this, right up close...What would he do?"

    Avery didn''t hesitate, the answer etched into her memory like a scar. A wry, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she answered, her voice soft but steady.

    "He''d scold me¡ªsay it''s disgusting, a filthy sight. Tell me to go wash it off right then and there. Probably cover his nose, turn away like it was poison. He hated it...always did."

    The crowd murmured, a ripple of sympathy passing through them as they imagined it¡ªhis pinched face, his sharp words.

    And very braced herself, expecting Cassius to nod, to agree with a laugh, to pile on the mockery she''d feared.

    ''Here it comes.'' She thought, her heart sinking. ''He''ll say it''s gross too¡ªmake it a joke just like how all nobles do.''

    But he didn''t.

    His frown deepened, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low, cutting edge that stunned the air into silence.

    "What a pathetic husband." He suddenly said to her shock, each word laced with disdain. "Leaving a treasure like this¡ªpushing it away like it''s nothing."

    "...What a disgrace of a man."

    Avery blinked, her breath catching as his words sank in...Treasure?

    But before she could process it¡ªbefore anyone could¡ªCassius moved.

    He lunged forward, closing the distance between them, and to everyones shock buried his face in her armpit, pressing his nose and cheeks against her sweat-slick skin.

    He rubbed against it, slow and steady, inhaling deeply as if she were a bouquet of roses, his hands braced on her shoulders to hold her steady. The tangy, musky scent filled his lungs, and he nuzzled closer, his breath hot against her as he took it in, unashamed and unrestrained.

    The crowd gasped, a collective jolt of shock rippling through them as their jaws dropped.

    "What the¡ª?!" One knight choked, her voice cracking.

    "He''s...He''s sniffing her?!" Another stammered, her face flushing red.

    Aisha''s eyes widened, her tail freezing mid-lash as she gaped, speechless. Julie''s brow shot up, her calm facade cracking as she muttered. "Gods above..."

    Even Skadi tilted her head, blinking in surprise, though her tail wagged faintly as if intrigued.

    Avery froze, her arms still raised, her mind blank with disbelief.

    ''He''s...What?!'' She thought, her flush deepening as his face pressed into her, his face grazing her tender skin, his breath tickling the damp hollow of her armpit.

    The sensation was overwhelming¡ªintimate, bizarre, and strangely electric and she trembled, caught between mortification and a flicker of something she couldn''t name...

 Chapter 144 - 144: The Devil Who Knows The Way To A Womans Heart

    Avery knelt there, her arms still raised high, her mind a swirl of confusion as Cassius pressed his face into her sweaty armpit. She had no idea what was happening¡ªwhy he was doing this, what it meant. But a strange mix of sensations washed over her.

    His breath tickled her skin, warm and soft, and the faint brush of his cheek felt oddly nice, almost comforting. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Up close, his handsome features struck her anew¡ªthose sharp lines, those crimson eyes glinting with something she couldn''t place and for a fleeting moment, she felt an urge to pull him closer, to cuddle him like some oversized pup.

    But then reality snapped back, cold and jarring.

    ''He''s...sniffing me.'' She realized, panic flaring as her face flushed hot. Her arms twitched, instinct urging her to yank them down, to hide the damp, musky shame she''d bared.

    She started to lower them, her voice a flustered stammer. "Y-Young Master, wait¡ª"

    But before they could drop, his hand shot out, his voice cutting through her protest with a firm edge.

    "Keep ''em up." He ordered, his tone sharp and unyielding. "That''s an order, Avery."

    Her hands froze mid-motion, trembling as his command sank in, binding her like invisible chains. She couldn''t disobey, not under that gaze, not with the weight of his authority pressing down.

    But she couldn''t stay silent either, her words tumbling out in a rush. "What¡ªwhat are you doing, Young Master?! I''m dirty down there, all sweaty and gross."

    "...You shouldn''t be near me like this! My body''s filthy right now, you don''t¡ª"

    He pulled back, just enough to meet her eyes, his face still hovering close as he echoed her question, almost to himself.

    "What am I doing?" His gaze locked onto her flustered, wide-eyed stare, searching it for a moment before he spoke again, his voice low and thoughtful. "Tell me, Avery¡ªif someone abandoned a treasure, tossed it aside because they didn''t see its worth, would you pick it up? Keep it for yourself?"

    She blinked, thrown by the sudden shift, her brow furrowing as she tried to follow. "I...uh..." She hesitated, her mind scrambling for an answer to a question she didn''t understand.

    "Yeah, I guess I would." She said finally, her voice uncertain but honest. "If they really didn''t want it anymore¡ªif they couldn''t see its value¡ªI''d take it. Use it, cherish it myself. Why...?"

    His smile returned, soft and knowing, a glint of satisfaction sparking in his eyes.

    "That''s exactly it." He said, his tone warm with approval.

    And before she could respond¡ªbefore she could even process what he meant, he leaned back in, his face pressing into her armpit again, rubbing against it with a slow relish that sent her reeling. His nose brushed her skin, inhaling deeply, savoring the scent she''d spent years despising.

    Avery''s flush deepened, her voice rising in a flustered squeak. "Young Master¡ªwhat are you talking about?! I-I don''t understand!"

    Her confusion mirrored the crowd''s, their murmurs swelling as they leaned in, baffled their eyes darting between the two, searching for meaning in his cryptic words.

    "What treasure?"

    "What''s he on about?"

    But despite her protests, Cassius didn''t stop. His hands slid up, gently spreading her arms wider, his fingers tracing the slick, sweaty flesh of her armpits with a reverence that bordered on worship.

    The dampness coated his fingertips, glistening In the light as he admired her, his touch slow and deliberate, like he was handling something precious.

    "Still don''t get it, huh?" He said, his voice a low murmur, tinged with amusement. "Guess I''ll spell it out. The treasure I''m talking about it''s you, Avery."

    "...This body, right here, the one you''re calling dirty. It''s a damn masterpiece, Avery and something I''d fight tooth and nail to claim."

    Her breath caught, her eyes widening as his words hit her like a thunderbolt. The crowd gasped, a ripple of shock spreading¡ª"Her body?!" "He''s serious?!"¡ªas they gaped at him, their disbelief palpable.

    Avery shook her head, her voice trembling with incredulity. "H-How can this be a treasure?! It''s sweaty, it stinks¡ªit''s full of grime and muck! There''s no way that''s possible, no way anyone could¡ª"

    But before she could finish, he pulled back again, one hand lifting to cradle her face, his fingers brushing her cheek with a tenderness that stole her words. His touch was gentle, like he was holding a rare gem, and his crimson eyes softened as they locked onto hers.

    "You know, even leaving your body aside..." He said, his voice dropping to a warm hum. "...your face alone''s a treasure, Avery. You''re beautiful¡ªgods, so beautiful it stops me cold."

    "Those eyes, sharp and steady like a hawk''s, carrying every battle you''ve won. That jaw, carved tough as stone but soft when you smile. The way your scars trace your skin like a map of every fight you''ve survived every line''s a story, every mark a victory."

    "...You''re a warrior, a brute, sure¡ªbut you''re a damn work of art too."

    Hearing this, her face flared red, her breath hitching as his words washed over her, each one a sweet, unfamiliar sting. No man had ever spoken to her like this...never praised her with such worship, such care.

    She''d spent her life as a soldier, a rough-edged blade, her hands calloused and her body scarred. Men saw her as a comrade, a fighter¡ªnever a beauty, never something to cherish.

    Her ex-husband had recoiled from her sweat, her strength; others kept their distance, intimidated or indifferent. But Cassius''s voice, low and earnest, wove a picture of her she''d never imagined, and it hit her like a blow, leaving her flustered and small, a little girl caught off guard by a compliment she didn''t know how to take.

    The crowd softened, their murmurs shifting, some knights blushing, others smirking as they watched.

    "He''s...sweet-talking her?"

    "Gods, listen to him go!"¡ª

    "Quite the pleaser, huh?" One whispered, nudging her neighbor with a grin.

    "Knows how to charm ''em¡ªlook at her face!" Another sighed, her voice tinged with envy. "Never had a man say that to me¡ªmakes her sound like a damn queen."

    Avery''s hands wavered, still raised, her armpits glistening as she stared at him, her voice a shaky whisper.

    "Young Master...I..." She couldn''t find the words, her heart pounding as his hand lingered on her cheek, his thumb brushing gently over her skin.

    His gaze held hers, steady and warm, and for the first time, she felt seen¡ªnot as a brute, but as something precious, something worth fighting for.

    Cassius held Avery''s gaze, his hand still resting gently on her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin as he continued, his voice a low murmur that wove through the air like silk.

    "And with a face this beautiful, Avery..." He said, his eyes glinting with a fierce sincerity. "...I wouldn''t care if it was drenched in the blood of your enemies¡ªspilled fighting for your country, protecting your people."

    "...I''d kiss that pretty little face of yours anyway, all fierce and wild, and I''d do it with every ounce of passion I''ve got."

    Avery''s breath hitched, a flush creeping up her neck as his words sank in, painting a vivid, dizzying picture that sent her heart stuttering.

    For a fleeting second, she let herself bask in it¡ªthe idea of him pressing his lips to hers, undeterred by the gore of battle¡ªbut then doubt crashed in, sharp and cold. Her blush faded into a wry, disbelieving smile as she shook her head.

    "N-No, there''s no way that''s true." She said, her voice soft but firm, tinged with a bitter edge. "You''re just saying pretty words, Young Master...I mean my even ex-husband couldn''t even stand me coming home from training¡ªsweaty, a little bloody, nothing like that."

    "...While you yourself are a noble¡ªhighborn, used to luxuries and clean silk. There''s no chance you''d kiss me covered in blood. Impossible."

    Hearing this refusal, Cassius''s gaze didn''t waver, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her, a flicker of something¡ªpity, maybe anger¡ªcrossing his face.

    "It''s only natural you''d think that, Avery." He said, his tone steady but laced with a quiet bite. "That ex-husband of yours, that blind bastard, he treated you like dirt, made you feel like you''re less than you are and it''s not your fault he was too blind to see what he had."

    "...But me?"

    His lips curved into a smirk, sharp and confident.

    "I can prove it''s not just false words I''m uttering but the truth I stand by."

    Before she could process what he meant, he turned his head, his voice ringing out.

    "Emma!"

    The call cut through the murmurs, drawing every eye to the corner where the young blonde knight stood, her face already flushed from watching the scene unfold, her body warm with a mix of embarrassment and something she couldn''t name.

    At his summons, she jolted, her blue eyes wide as she hurried forward, stumbling slightly in her haste.

    "Y-Yes, Young Master?" She stammered, reaching their side and glancing down at Avery''s kneeling form, Cassius''s proximity, the erotic tension thick in the air. Her blush deepened, her hands fidgeting as she tried not to stare.

    And before she could ask what he wanted, suddenly Cassius moved¡ªswift and decisive. His hand darted out, snatching the dagger from her belt with a fluid grace that left her gasping.

    The crowd froze, a collective breath held as he raised the blade, and then to everyone''s utter shock, without a flicker of hesitation.

    ...He slashed it across his palm.

    And immediately, a deep, jagged cut bloomed red, blood welling up and spilling over in a steady stream that dripped onto the dirt below.

    Seeing this, Avery''s eyes widened, a cry bursting from her lips.

    "Young Master, w-why''d you do that?! You''re hurt¡ªstop, we need to treat it!"

    She lunged forward, her hands reaching for his, panic overriding her confusion as she tried to staunch the flow.

    "Stop..."

    He suddenly snapped, his voice firm and commanding, freezing her in place. He then held up his bleeding hand, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as knights surged forward, their voices overlapping¡ª"Get a bandage!" "He''s bleeding bad!"¡ªalong with the trio Julie, Aisha, and Skadi stepping closer, concern flashing in their eyes.

    "All of you, stop." He barked, his tone cutting through the chaos. "Stay where you are as I''m completely fine and I just gave myself a little cut to prove my point."

    They halted, uncertain, as he turned back to Avery, his expression softening slightly.

    "Sorry about this." He said for some reason, his voice low, almost tender. "Gonna ruin that pretty face for a sec."

    And before she could process his confusing words, to her shock, he pressed his bloodied palm to her cheek, smearing the warm, sticky crimson across her skin in broad, tribal-like streaks.

    He painted her¡ªhere, there, a slash under her eye, a curve along her jaw¡ªuntil her face gleamed with his blood, transforming her into something fierce and regal, a warrior queen from some ancient tale.

    The warmth of it seeped into her, her pulse racing as if it bound them together, his life mingling with hers in a way that made her heart thud wildly.

    Then, before she could catch her breath, he leaned in and his lips crashed against hers, fierce and deep, a passionate kiss that stole the air from her lungs.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    His tongue slipped past her lips, roaming with a hungry, erotic dance¡ªteasing, swirling, claiming her in a way she''d never felt before.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    The taste of him, the heat of his blood on her face, the press of his mouth¡ªit overwhelmed her, her body melting into the sensation as ecstasy flooded her senses.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    Her knees weakened, her mind blanking as she succumbed, the kiss lifting her to a plane of pure, heavenly bliss she''d never known.

    He then pulled back slowly, leaving her dazed, her lips tingling as she stared at him, her breath ragged and his smug grin returned, his crimson eyes glinting with triumph as he tilted his head.

    "Proved you wrong, didn''t I?" He said, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Bloody, sweat, it doesn''t matter to me as with a gorgeous face like yours? I''ll kiss it every damn time."

    "...And if you were my wife, Avery, I''ll just tell you that I wouldn''t stop¡ªcouldn''t stop kissing your little lips. You''re too beautiful for that."

    Her face¡ªalready streaked with his blood, flushed an even deeper red, the heat rising as his words sank in.

    ''He meant it...He meant what he said.''

    The truth of it hit her like a wave, stirring feelings she couldn''t name¡ªfluster, awe, a flicker of something dangerously warm for her young master.

    The crowd gaped, their disbelief echoing hers their murmurs swelling with a mix of shock and reluctant admiration.

    "He actually did it!"

    "My husband wouldn''t even touch me after a spar!"

    No man they''d known would''ve done this, not for a sweaty, bloodied warrior like her.

    And Emma, still hovering beside them, snapped out of her own daze, her eyes locking onto the gash in his palm.

    "Young Master!" She cried, her voice trembling with worry. "Your hand¡ªyou need to treat it, now! It''s deep¡ªit could get infected!"

    But Cassius only scoffed, waving her off with a casual flick of his uninjured hand.

    "This?..." He said, glancing at the dripping wound with a smirk. "It''s nothing¡ªjust a scratch."

    He looked up at her, his gaze softening into something sincere, almost reverent.

    "And compared to you to Avery and every brave knight here..." He nodded at Avery and the ladies all watching in anticipation. "...using your bodies as shields, bleeding for your hone, for the people you love?...This cut''s a joke. Doesn''t even register."

    Emma gulped, her heart stuttering at his words, and the knights around them felt it too¡ªa swell of warmth, of pride, rippling through their ranks.

    "Gods, listen to him." One whispered, her voice thick.

    "He gets it¡ªreally gets what we do." Another nodded, her eyes shining.

    "Never have I heard praise like that makes it feel so...worth it."

    His simple words, raw and honest, struck a chord deep within them, soothing scars they hadn''t realized still ached.

    Julie and Aisha stood apart, their disbelief mirroring each other as they watched him weave his spell.

    "Just like the reports." Julie muttered, her voice low and wary. "He''s got them swooning¡ªevery damn onewith a few sweet lines."

    Aisha looked around, her face still flushed from the kiss she''d witnessed, her throat dry as she forced out a scoff.

    "He''s dangerous." She said, her tone sharp but unsteady. "Too good at this, too good at twisting words till they''re hooked."

    "...We can''t get close, Captain. He''ll try it on us next, and I''m not falling for that crap."

    Julie nodded, her jaw tight, but a flicker of curiosity betrayed her.

    ''What would he say to me?'' She wondered, the thought slipping through unbidden before she shoved it down.

    Aisha caught it too, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Cassius, her own mind drifting despite herself, ''What''d he pull to snag me?'' before she shook her head in frustration for even having such a thought.

    "Keep your distance, Captain." She then muttered, more to herself than Julie. "He''s a damn menace...A devil who knows the way to a woman''s heart."

 Chapter 145 - 145: Lick Me All Over

    Cassius''s gaze lingered on Avery, his crimson eyes tracing her blood-streaked face with a reverence that deepened as he spoke.

    "It''s not just your face, though." He said, leaning closer, his tone rich with appreciation. "The rest of your body¡ªit''s a treasure too. In this day and age, where every woman''s chasing that petite, nimble look, all dainty and fragile like the nobles want?...Your body''s a damn revelation."

    "...Look at it¡ªcurves that hit just right, muscles honed and strong, sitting perfect in all the places that matter. It''s damn exciting, Avery, seeing a frame like yours¡ªfit, powerful, a warrior''s build that''s rare as hell."

    He then scowled suddenly, a flicker of frustration crossing his face as he gestured at her still-clothed form.

    "And a body like that shouldn''t be hidden¡ªburied under all this armor and leather like some shameful secret. I wanna see it, every inch, nothing covering it up."

    His gaze flicked up, landing on Emma, who stood nearby, her face still flushed from the heated scene she''d witnessed.

    "Emma..." He called, his voice firm but edged with a grin. "Take her top off¡ªeverything. Let me see the treasure in full."

    Emma froze, her hands hovering uncertainly as her wide eyes darted to Avery. "I-I can''t do that to the Commander." She stammered, her blush deepening. "It''s not¡ª"

    "She lost the bet." Cassius cut in, his tone casual but unyielding. "She agreed to it¡ªright, Avery? It''s fine, right?"

    Avery met Emma''s gaze, her own face warming with a blush that wasn''t just from embarrassment anymore.

    After everything he''d said¡ªevery word that had stripped away her hesitance, her shame, she felt different. She felt closer to him, like a wall had crumbled between them.

    The idea of him seeing her, all of her, didn''t spark the dread it once had; it felt...Intimate, almost welcome, so she nodded slowly, her voice soft but steady.

    "Go ahead, Emma...I-It''s alright."

    Emma''s bit her lips, her own flush mirroring Avery''s as she steeled herself. She then stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she knelt beside Avery, who still held her arms high.

    The crowd watched, their murmurs a low buzz of anticipation as Emma''s fingers worked at the heavy armor. She unfastened the clasps with care, peeling the metal away to reveal the leather beneath, taut against Avery''s skin.

    Then, with a slow motion, she tugged at the leather, sliding it off to expose the sweat-slicked expanse of Avery''s naked body, leaving only the bandages wrapped tight around her chest, binding her breasts in place.

    Cassius''s eyes gleamed, his grin widening as he took her in. "Goddamn." He breathed, his voice a mix of awe and heat. "Look at you¡ªbeautiful and strong as hell. That body''s a masterpiece, Avery¡ªmuscles carved like a sculptor''s dream, curves that could start wars."

    "...It''s poetry and fire all at once, and I''m just dying to see more."

    Avery''s chest heaved, her breasts rising and falling beneath the bandages with each heavy breath, her skin prickling under his praise.

    The words¡ªbeatiful, erotic, dripping with admiration, sent a thrill through her she hadn''t expected, her body warming as she knelt there, exposed and vulnerable yet strangely empowered.

    Emma the hesitated, her hands hovering over the bandages, ready to finish the task, but Cassius raised a hand, stopping her mid-motion.

    "Wait." He said, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. "That part''s mine...Like unwrapping a present, I wanna do it."

    He then leaned in, his fingers deft and careful as they found the edge of the bandages, unraveling them with a slow, teasing pull.

    The fabric loosened, then fell away, and her breasts spilled free¡ªplump, upright, glistening with sweat that had pooled beneath the tight wrap.

    The sight was raw, erotic, her skin flushed and slick, droplets of perspiration tracing paths down her curves.

    Ans seeing this, Cassius''s grin turned hungry, his hands moving instinctively to cup them, his fingers sinking into the soft, firm flesh as he stretched and kneaded them gently.

    "Hmmm!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Avery moaned, a soft, involuntary sound slipping past her lips as he tugged lightly at one breast, then the other, his touch igniting sparks across her skin.

    The crowd''s murmurs swelled "Holy hell, look at that!" "She''s...moaning?!"¡ªtheir eyes wide with a mix of shock and fascination.

    Cassius''s voice also rumbled low, thick with desire.

    "So damn erotic¡ªthese are perfect, Avery. Hiding treasures like this under all that armor?...Shameful."

    "...You oughta wear something that shows them off¡ªlet these beauties breathe, give the world a glimpse of what I''m seeing right now."

    Her mind spun, the idea planting itself as she blushed harder, her breath ragged.

    ''Something revealing...next time I see him? Maybe something low cut like he likes.'' She thought, dazed but intrigued.

    His hands, his words¡ªthey were rewriting her, stripping away years of doubt.

    She also knew now, deep down, that this man¡ªthis strange, bold noble would love her body no matter its state, sweat or blood or scars. He was different, a breed apart from the men who''d recoiled from her, and that certainty burned bright.

    But she craved more¡ªmore of his praise, more proof of his desire. So she pushed back, her voice shaky but defiant as she glanced down at herself.

    "You...You might like my body normally Young Master." She said, her tone testing him. "S-Since for some reason you''re not like the rest who drool over tiny waists and frail arms."

    "...But right now? It''s sweaty¡ªlook at it, glistening all over."

    She nodded at her chest, her breasts slick and heaving.

    "Especially these, underneath my breasts, they''ve been wrapped up all day, practically drowning in sweat. There''s no way you''d like them like this, all messy and wet."

    Hearing this, Cassius''s grin widened, his eyes flashing with a heat that made her pulse race.

    "What are you talking about?" He said, his voice a low growl of delight. "The sweat doesn''t ruin a damn thing it makes you more."

    "You look like you just stepped out of an oil bath, all sleek and sexy, glistening like some goddess fresh from a fight and I''ll just tell that I''m turned on as hell right now, Avery¡ªyour body''s driving me wild."

    "...I wanna ravish you, every sweaty inch, and I''d do it right here if I could."

    Her blush exploded, a furnace of heat flooding her face as his words sank in¡ªnot disgust, not mockery, but raw, unabashed want. And instead of recoiling, she felt a thrill, a shiver of excitement that matched the crowd''s rising buzz.

    "He''s serious!" One knight whispered, her voice thick with awe.

    "Sweaty and bloody and he''s still into it!" Another fanned herself, muttering, "Gods, I''m getting warm just watching this..."

    Their excitement fed off his, the air crackling as they stared, caught up in the brazen, electric display unfolding before them.

    Cassius''s hands then slid lower, his fingers tracing the hard, chiseled lines of Avery''s abs, the sweat clinging to her skin glistening under his touch. He dragged his fingertips through it, lifting them to his lips as he licked the salty sheen off with a slow flick of his tongue.

    "And this sweat..." He murmured, his voice a husky growl. "It''s not what you think¡ªnot some flaw, not dirt. It''s pure essence, Avery¡ªyour essence and I want to lick it off so bad it''s driving me crazy."

    His eyes glinted with a raw, primal hunger as he met her gaze, his words hanging heavy in the air.

    Avery''s breath caught, her eyes widening in shock as his declaration sank in, a flush creeping up her neck.

    Beside her, Emma''s face burned an even deeper red, her hands fidgeting as she stammered.

    "L-Lick her? You really....Want to lick her?" Her voice trembled with embarrassment, echoing Avery''s own disbelief. "There''s no way that''s possible¡ªno way you''d..."

    "Of course I do." Cassius cut in, his smirk widening as he leaned closer, his tone dripping with desire. "I wanna taste that salty body of hers so bad¡ªI''ve already pictured it, dragging my tongue over every inch, not leaving a single drop of sweat behind...I''d savor it, every bit of her."

    His words were a vivid, heated promise, and they hit Avery like a bolt, igniting a fire deep within her.

    Her body reacted before her mind could catch up¡ªher pussy growing wet, her nipples hardening beneath his gaze, a tingling rush of arousal she couldn''t suppress.

    Noticing this subtle change, he smirked wider, reading her like an open book, and cradled her face in his hands, pulling her closer with a tender, loving grip.

    Their faces hovered inches apart, his breath warm against her lips as he murmured,

    "And if you want me to prove it¡ªprove I''d lick every bit of that sweat.off you without a care¡ªjust say it." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He tugged her nearer still, their lips brushing, barely touching, a tantalizing tease as he whispered.

    "Ask me, Avery...Tell your Young Master to lick your body all over¡ªtell me what you want, and I''ll do it, just like you say."

    Emma''s jaw dropped, her blush flaring as she glanced at the crowd, who mirrored her shock¡ª"He''s not serious!" "She''d never!"¡ªtheir murmurs buzzing with disbelief.

    They were certain Avery would recoil, refuse such a taboo, humiliating act in front of them all.

    Even Aisha tensed, her tail flicking as she muttered. "No way she''d go for that too far."

    Julie''s brow furrowed, her own doubts swirling, both expecting Avery''s pride to hold firm.

    But Avery''s mind spun a different tale.

    The thought of him¡ªher Young Master dragging his lips across her skin, tasting the sweat she''d always loathed, the body her ex-husband had shoved away with disgust¡ªit set her alight.

    She craved it, that validation, that worship, and the heat pooling between her thighs only grew as she imagined it. Her hesitation melted, replaced by a bold, reckless want.

    She met his gaze, her eyes coy and hesitant but burning with need, and whispered,

    "I...I want you to do it."

    "What?!"

    "She said yes?!"

    The crowd gasped, a collective jolt of shock rippling through them as Emma''s hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk turning playful as he feigned confusion. "Hm? Don''t think I caught that." He teased, his voice low and coaxing. "Make it clear, Avery¡ªwhat do you want me to do?"

    Her face flamed, embarrassment warring with her resolve, but she steeled herself, pushing her body forward until her bare chest nearly pressed against him. Her voice trembled but grew firm with a desperate edge.

    "I-I want you, Young Master..." She said, her words spilling out. "..I want tto treat my body like the treasure you say it is."

    "...Lick it all over¡ªevery sweaty inch and show me you mean it, t-that you''re not just joking. Prove it to me."

    Cassius chuckled, a rich, delighted sound as he leaned back. "Of course." He said, his tone warm and eager. "Where do you want me to start? Where are you the sweatiest...Tell me."

    She paused, her breath hastening as she glanced down at herself, her mind racing. Then her gaze settled on her breasts, still glistening from the bandages release.

    "Underneath...here." She said, her voice soft but sure, nodding at them. "They''re the sweatiest¡ªalways covered, heavy, humid under all that weight. Lick me there...please."

    He grinned, a knight''s honor sparking in his eyes.

    "Your word''s my command." He said, and to everyone''s disbelief, he moved.

    His hands slid to her chest, gently lifting one plump breast, revealing the damp, tender skin beneath¡ªslick with sweat, flushed and warm from hours of confinement.

    The sight was raw, intimate, and he didn''t hesitate. He leaned in, his tongue darting out to lap at the salty sheen, slow and tender at first, tracing the curve with a reverent touch.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    Then he pressed deeper, sucking lightly, his lips gliding over the moist flesh as he licked away every drop, savoring it like it was the sweetest nectar.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nnnn!?~"

    Avery moaned, a sharp, joyous sound bursting from her as pleasure rippled through her, her body trembling under his mouth. His tongue swirled, teasing the sensitive skin, dragging along the crease where her breast met her chest, leaving a wet, glistening trail.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    He then pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes blazing with adoration and raw hunger, his breath hot against her skin.

    "Gods, your breasts are delicious, Avery."

    He said as he dove back in, his mouth latching onto one hardened nipple. He sucked hard, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak, teasing it with slow flicks before pulling it between his lips with a wet, smacking sound.

    "Mmm, they''re like a feast." He murmured against her flesh, his words muffled but fervent. "This little bud here? Salty, sweet, a sharp tang that hits my tongue just right¡ªlike a burst of you, all raw and real."

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    Avery moaned, her head tipping back as the sensation jolted through her, her nipple throbbing under his relentless attention. He grazed it with his teeth, a gentle bite that turned sharp and playful, chewing lightly as he groaned.

    "These nipples¡ªleast taste of all, but so damn chewy, so fun to play with. I could nibble on ''em all day, feel them harden up under my tongue."

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Her moan deepened, a ragged cry spilling from her lips as her body arched into him, her pussy pulsing with a wet, desperate need she couldn''t stifle.

    He then released her nipple with a soft pop, his lips glistening with spit and sweat as he slid his mouth to the outer curve of her breast, the plush, curvaceous flesh yielding under his touch.

    "Nnn!?~ Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Mmmph!?~"

    He kissed it tenderly at first, then sank his teeth in with a hungry edge, sucking the soft skin into his mouth as he groaned low in his throat.

    "This part..." He said, his voice a filthy purr. "...so fucking soft, so pleasant¡ªmelts in my mouth like warm honey, all smooth and tender. I could bite these curves, play with ''em all night¡ªsuck and tease till you''re begging me to stop."

    His tongue dragged along the swell, lapping at the faint sheen of sweat, his hands kneading her as he devoured her, leaving faint red marks where his teeth grazed.

    "Mmmph!?~ Ahhh!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck!?~"

    Avery''s breath hitched, her chest heaving as pleasure coiled tighter, her nipples stiff and aching, her pussy soaking through her trousers with every dirty word, every possessive touch.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Then he moved lower, his hands lifting her breast again to expose that damp, hidden crease underneath¡ªthe sweatiest, saltiest spot of all.

    He grinned, evil and unrestrained, and dove in like a starved dog, his tongue flattening against her skin as he licked with wild, passionate abandon.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    He slurped at the sweat, sucking it off her in long, greedy strokes, his lips smacking wetly as he pressed his face deeper, nuzzling into the humid warmth.

    "Here..." He rasped, his voice thick with lust. "This is it¡ªthis is where you''re sweatiest, saltiest, the best damn taste of you, Avery."

    "...So rich, so raw¡ªI could live right here, Avery, buried under your tits, licking you clean until I drown in it."

    Avery''s moan turned into a keening cry, her body shuddering as his tongue worked her over, the heat of his mouth igniting a pleasure she''d never dreamed of.

    Her pussy throbbed harder, a slick, pulsing ache that soaked her thighs, her mind reeling, ''This can''t be real, this can''t feel this good'' as she melted under his worship.

    The crowd erupted, their disbelief crashing into a wave of flustered arousal.

    "He''s¡ªwhat?!" One knight choked, her voice trembling as she clutched her chest.

    "Living under her boobs?! That''s so¡ªso perverted!" Another fanned herself, her face flushed as she muttered.

    "Gods, I''m sweating just watching¡ªhe''s utterly filthy, and I just can''t look away!"

    Emma''s hands twisted in her skirt, her own breath uneven as she stared, caught between shock and a strange, burning envy.

    Aisha''s tail lashed as well, her voice a strangled hiss. "He''s a damn animal¡ªlicking her like that, talking like that?!"

    But her eyes betrayed her, wide and gleaming with a heat she couldn''t hide.

    Julie stood rigid, her jaw tight, her own pulse hammering as the scene seared into her¡ªCassius''s tongue dragging over Avery''s sweat, his dirty praise ringing out, Avery''s moans echoing like a siren''s call.

    "He''s too much...I didn''t think he was this much of a deviant."

    She muttered, her voice low, but her body betrayed her too, a flush creeping up her neck as she fought the pull of his raw, unfiltered desire.

 Chapter 146 - 146: Warrior Princess

    Cassius''s mouth lingered beneath Avery''s breast, his tongue dragging slow, wet trails across her skin as he savored the last of her sweat there, his hands still kneading her flesh with a possessive hunger.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Suck!?~"

    But he wasn''t done¡ªhis lips slid lower, tracing the taut lines of her abs, licking the faint sheen that clung to her chiseled frame. He moved with purpose, a hungry edge to his movements, until he reached her navel¡ªa shallow dip where sweat had gathered, glistening like a secret prize.

    He grinned against her skin, his tongue darting out to dip inside, swirling around the tiny hollow as he lapped at the salty droplets stored there.

    "Mmm!?~ Ahhh!?~ Slurp!?~ Nnn!?~"

    Avery gasped, her body jolting with excitement as the sensation sparked through her, her voice trembling with shock and pleasure.

    "Oh, gods, Young Master!?~" She cried, her hands twitching above her head as she fought the urge to pull away. "That''s¡ªthat''s so embarrassing! It''s dirty there, all sweaty a-and gross!"

    He pulled back just enough to look up at her, his lips wet and gleaming, his crimson eyes glinting with a delight.

    "Dirty?" He echoed, his voice a low, filthy growl. "Not at all this is a treat, Avery. A little stash of your sweat, dripping all the way down here, waiting for me like a reward."

    "...Tastes sharp and sweet, like you''ve been saving it just for me."

    He dipped back in, sucking lightly at her navel, his tongue probing deeper as he groaned.

    "Damn, I''d pour wine in here every night¡ªred, rich, warm and slurp it right out of you, licking it clean untilyou''re shaking...Be my little chalice, wouldn''t you?"

    She bit her lips, a flush exploding across her face as his words painted a vivid, erotic picture that sent her reeling. Her pussy throbbed harder, wet and aching, her excitement mounting as she imagined it¡ªhis lips on her navel, wine spilling over her skin, his tongue chasing every drop.

    "Young Master..." She whimpered, her voice a shaky blend of embarrassment and need, her body trembling under his relentless worship.

    He chuckled and moved lower still, his hands sliding down her sides as his mouth trailed a hot, wet path over her lower abdomen.

    "Ahh!?~ Suck!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~"

    His tongue flicked out, tasting the faint salt that lingered there, but then he paused, his brows furrowing as he hit the barrier of her pants. The fabric clung tight, blocking his descent, and he scowled, a flicker of impatience crossing his face.

    He then glanced up, his gaze landing on Emma, who stood frozen beside them, her face a furnace of red as she watched the scene unfold so close she could feel the heat radiating off them.

    "Emma..." He called, his voice sharp but edged with a grin. "Help her up¡ªget those pants off. I need to see all of her."

    Emma gulped, her hands trembling as she stepped forward, her wide eyes darting between Cassius and Avery.

    "I-I...Yes, Young Master." She stammered, her voice barely audible as she moved to Avery''s side. She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the waistband, then steeled herself with a shaky breath.

    "Commander...uh...here."

    She mumbled, gently grasping Avery''s arms to help her stand. Avery rose unsteadily, her legs wobbling from the onslaught of sensation, her bare breasts swaying as she straightened, still glistening with sweat and the faint marks of Cassius''s mouth.

    "He''s stripping her now?!"

    "Gods, her ass, look at it!"

    The crowd murmured, their tension spiking as Emma''s hands slid to Avery''s pants, tugging them down with a slow, careful pull.

    The fabric peeled away, revealing the plump, tanned curve of her ass, barely contained by the thin underwear beneath and Avery''s breath stopped, a flush creeping up her neck as she felt every eye on her¡ªher juniors, her seniors, all watching as she stood there, exposed and vulnerable.

    Shame should''ve drowned her; she knew it, knew how mortifying it was to bare herself like this in front of them all.

    But with Cassius right there, his gaze locked on her, his presence steady and unyielding, that shame didn''t take root. Instead, a strange bravery surged within her, a wild, reckless thrill at sharing this moment with him.

    ''He''s my support.'' She thought, her heart pounding. ''My Young Master...he''s here and he wants me.''

    The excitement outweighed the embarrassment, her body tingling with anticipation as she stood before him.

    Her breasts hung above him, full and heavy, as he sat on the stump, his face level with her hips, his eyes fixed on her underwear with an intensity that made her pulse race.

    She braced herself, expecting him to tug them down, to strip her bare right then and there¡ªhis stare promised it, his hunger palpable.

    But then he caught her off guard, and the crowd with her, as his hands shot out, grabbing the firm, round swell of her ass from behind.

    And then, with a sudden, forceful pull, he yanked her forward, her hips crashing against his face until her pussy¡ªstill clad in the thin fabric of her underwear...smooshed against his mouth. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Hyaa!?~"

    Avery yelped, a sharp, startled cry that melted into a moan as his lips pressed into her, his mouth digging into the crevices of her pussy through the cloth.

    "Mmm!?~ Nnn!?~ Ahnnn!?~"

    His nose nudged her clit, rubbing against it with slow, steady movements that sent jolts of pleasure shooting through her. He groaned into her, the sound muffled but primal, his tongue pressing against the fabric as he licked at the faint outline of her folds, his nose grinding her clit in a rhythmic, erotic dance.

    "Mmph!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Avery''s body quaked as Cassius''s mouth pressed against her through the thin, soaked fabric of her underwear, his tongue teasing her folds, his nose grinding her clit in a relentless dance that sent shockwaves through her.

    "Young Master, what are you doing?! It it feels so weird!" Her voice trembled, a mix of shock and exhilaration, her thighs twitching as the strange, electric pleasure overwhelmed her senses.

    Cassius chuckled, the sound vibrating against her pussy as he rubbed his face deeper into her, his cheeks brushing her inner thighs, his nose nuzzling her clit with a teasing, possessive edge.

    "When I saw these panties..." He murmured, his voice muffled but dripping with mischief. "...all drenched and clinging to you, I figured it was sweat like the rest of your body and I thought I''d get a deep sniff of that sweet essence down here."

    He inhaled sharply, a long, steady breath that made her shiver, his eyes glinting as he looked up at her.

    "Made me happy as hell, you know, smelling you like this, my little warrior?...It''s a privilege."

    Her face burned, a chaotic swirl of happiness and embarrassment flooding her as his words sank in.

    ''He''s smelling me¡ªmy pussy¡ªand he wants it?''

    The Young Master, a noble, craving her scent¡ªit was too much, too surreal, and it sent a fresh wave of heat pooling between her legs.

    But then his gaze sharpened, his smirk turning sly as he pulled back just enough to meet her eyes.

    "But here''s the thing." He said, his tone teasing, almost taunting. "The fluid down here, it''s not just wet¡ªit''s sticky too. Real sticky."

    "...So, what''s this, Avery? What''s this mess soaking your underwear?"

    Her flush exploded, her heart slamming against her ribs as mortification seized her, as she knew what it was her love juice, leaking from her pussy ever since he''d started his relentless assault on her body, her arousal spilling out beyond her control.

    She stammered, her voice a flustered mess. "I-I¡ªit''s¡ªuh¡ª" But no words came, her shame choking her as she squirmed under his grip.

    Cassius also didn''t let up. His hands plunged deeper into her ass, fingers sinking into the plump flesh with a firm, commanding squeeze as he held her tight against his. face.

    "I''m not letting you off until you tell me." He said, his eyes glinting with playful menace. "C''mon, Avery¡ªwhat''s this sticky stuff? Tell your Young Master, or..."

    He tugged her underwear upward with a sudden jerk, the fabric wedging between her cheeks, baring the full, tanned swell of her ass to the crowd behind her.

    The sight was raw, erotic¡ªher cheeks jiggling slightly from his grip, the damp fabric cutting into her flesh, as they framed the taut line of her thong-like wedgie.

    The knights gasped, their voices erupting in a flurry of shock and heat.

    "Gods, look at her ass!" One cried, her tone a mix of awe and disbelief.

    "He''s playing with her like a toy¡ªpulling her panties up like that, showing off those cheeks!" Another shook her head, her face flushed as she muttered.

    "Never thought I''d see the day¡ªour Commander, a demon when it comes to battle, turned into this? He''s got her butt out for all of us!" A third knight bit her lip, her voice low and husky.

    "And those curves¡ªplump and firm, jiggling every time he squeezes...I didn''t know she was hiding that under her armor."

    Avery teetered on the edge of shame, her body trembling as she felt their eyes boring into her exposed ass, Cassius''s hands kneading her flesh, tugging her underwear higher until the fabric strained against her skin.

    ''They''re all staring.''

    She thought, her mind spinning, watching him play with me like this and she was about to crack, to spill the truth in a reluctant, mortified rush¡ªanything to end the teasing display.

    But then Cassius shifted, his tactics flipping in an instant. His hands softened, sliding over her ass in a smooth, caressing motion, his fingers tracing her curves with a tender reverence that caught her off guard.

    He then looked up at her, his crimson eyes warm and sincere, a stark contrast to the wicked glint they''d held moments before.

    "My little warrior princess..." He suddenly said, his voice a gentle rumble that wrapped around her like a caress. "You''re not gonna tell me the truth? Not willing to give your Young Master something so simple?"

    Her breath caught, her heart stuttering at the title.

    "W-Warrior...princess?" She repeated, her voice a shaky whisper, disbelief threading through it. "Me? You just called me a princess?"

    Cassius''s smile widened, soft and earnest as he held her gaze.

    "Of course I did...What''s wrong with that?" He said, his tone rich with conviction. "I mean when people think of princesses, they think of beauty, right?...Gorgeous, delicate, all that."

    "...And warriors? They''re strength itself¡ªunbreakable, fierce, cutting down anything in their way..."

    "...And putting those together, it''s basically you, Avery¡ªyou''re both. Beautiful as hell and strong enough to crush armies..."

    "...If that''s not a warrior princess, then I don''t know what is."

    His hands slid up her hips, resting there as he stared into her eyes, his words sinking deep.

    "You''re the real deal¡ªgorgeous and tough and a treasure I''d fight for...even though I''m sure you can fight your own battles and don''t need a prince to save you."

    Hearing his words that took her breath away, her heart thudded, her pussy clenching as his praise washed over her, a tidal wave of emotion and arousal that left her dizzy.

    Princess...The word echoed in her mind a dream she''d never dared to dream, a title so far from the brute she''d always been. She''d swung swords, spilled blood, lived rough and raw, the opposite of dainty royalty.

    But Cassius¡ªCassius, a noble who''d seen real princesses, real queens called her that, saw her as that, and it set her aflame.

    Her body flourished, her underwear darkening further as a fresh squirt of love juice soaked through, her arousal spilling out in a rush she couldn''t contain.

    "Squirt!?~ Squirt!?~ Quelch!?~"

    Cassius noticed of course he did his eyes flicking to the damp, sticky patch with a knowing smirk. But she was too overwhelmed, too lost in the moment to care.

    Her hands, still trembling from being raised so long, then dropped instinctively, threading through his hair as she looked down at him, her gaze soft and loving, her breath ragged with need.

    "Young Master..." She whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she decided to reveal the truth he wanted to hear. "T-The fluid that had soaked my underwear...I-It¡ª"

    "...It''s my love juice..."

    Once it started, the confession tumbled out, her shame burned away by the heat of his words, his touch.

    "...I-I just couldn''t hold it back¡ªwhat you were doing to me, how you were treating my body¡ªit''s too much. A-And from the start my pussy''s been leaking for you, drenching my underwear because I can''t stop wanting you..."

    "...I''m sorry¡ªit''s so wet, so sticky, all because of you. I''m sorry for acting like a girl in a brothel when I''m supposed to be a honourable knight."

 Chapter 147 - 147: Has He Ever Kissed You Down There?

    Hearing her apologise, Cassius gazed up at Avery, his eyes softening with a tender warmth. Her confession¡ªraw, trembling, dripping with erotic honesty hung between them, and he reached up, brushing a thumb across her flushed cheek as he spoke, his voice low and soothing.

    "Don''t apologize for that, Avery." He murmured, his tone rich with affection. "No need to say sorry for your body leaking like it''s meant to when you''re feeling so much pleasure?"

    "...That''s just your way of showing how much you love it, every damn second of what''s happening here...It''s beautiful, Avery."

    He then tilted his head, his gaze locking onto hers, searching her wide, dazed eyes.

    "And you like it, don''t you?" He asked, his voice a gentle nudge, coaxing the truth from her. "Tell me...Do you like the way I''m treating your body?"

    Hearing this she didn''t hesitate anymore as her lips parted, nodding her head.

    "Yes..." She admitted, her tone coy and unguarded, a blush creeping up her neck. "I''ve...I''ve never felt pleasure like this before."

    "...At the start, I was scared¡ªterrified, even. Didn''t know what to think, what to feel. But now..." She paused, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she looked at him, her eyes glinting with a brazen want that stunned the crowd. "...Now I can''t help it. I want more...So much more."

    "She said what?!"

    "She''s begging for it now?!"

    The knights gasped, their murmurs swelling their disbelief mingling with a reluctant awe at her honesty, while Cassius''s smile widened, a flash of delight sparking in his eyes as he chuckled.

    "My god, you''re cute when you''re honest like that." He said, his voice dipping with a teasing edge that made her blush deepen. "That cute little face deserves some love c''mere, bend down for me."

    Avery didn''t hesitate. Her body moved on instinct, drawn to him like a moth to flame, and she leaned forward, her bare breasts swaying as she brought her face level with his. He surged up to meet her, his lips capturing hers in a deep, passionate kiss that stole her breath.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    His tongue plunged into her mouth, hot and insistent, and she responded with equal fervor, kissing him back like he was her lover¡ªher everything, her tongue tangling with his, letting him claim her mouth however he pleased.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    The crowd watched, their breaths uneven, as the wet, smacking sounds of their kiss filled the air, a intimate symphony that left them reeling.

    And ay the same time, his hands moved, sliding her soaked underwear down her hips as the fabric peeled away, revealing her plump, dripping pussy¡ªglistening with love juice that ran in rivulets down her thighs, her clit throbbing visibly under the cool air and the heat of his gaze.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    She moaned into his mouth, her body shuddering as the kiss deepened, the sensation of being bared to him of being kissed by this man who''d carved a place in her heart no one else had touched¡ªpushing her to the edge of ecstasy.

    Her ex-husband''s cold rejection was a faded shadow; Cassius was her sun, her fire, and she burned for him.

    Cassius then pulled back slowly, their lips parting with a soft, wet sound, their faces so close their breaths mingled. His voice dropped to a whisper, husky and intimate, as he held her gaze.

    "I don''t just want these lips, Avery." He said, his eyes flicking down to her sopping wet pussy, the little tuft of hair above it matted with her arousal. "I want to kiss your lower lips too¡ªgive them the love they deserve for being so fucking beautiful."

    Avery''s eyes widened, a jolt of surprise cutting through her haze.

    "You¡ªyou''d kiss me there?" She stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief as a fresh blush flared across her face. "Is that...allowed? It''s it''s where I pee from, Young Master, and it''s dirty. And..." She hesitated, her coy gaze dropping as she admitted. "...It''s where I squirted from too. It''s not just sweat¡ªit''s...messier."

    He grinned, his hand sliding up to caress her cheek, his touch gentle but his words filthy as he pushed two fingers into her dripping pussy, slipping through her folds with a slow, steady thrust that drew a sharp moan from her lips.

    "Your whole body''s the same to me." He said, as he fingered her, his thumb brushing her clit as her hips bucked instinctively. "Every part''s a treasure, Avery...This pussy, soaked with all that juice you squirted out, running down your legs like a goddamn river?"

    "...I want it. I''ll kiss it, lick it, love it."

    His hand then slid back, trailing wetness as he stroked her ass, his fingers brushing her tight, twitching anus¡ªa move that caught her off guard, her breath hitching as he teased the sensitive ring.

    "Even this dirty little asshole back here..." He added, his tone thick with lust. "...twitching like it''s begging for me¡ªI''d kiss that too and it doesn''t matter where, as long as it''s you¡ªmy beautiful warrior, as long as you I''d worship every inch."

    "Squirt!?~ Quelch!?~ Squirt!?~"

    Hearing this statement, her body jolted, a small squirt suddenly bursting from her pussy at his words, splattering onto the ground as she shuddered, overwhelmed by the sheer, filthy devotion in his voice.

    The sensation of his fingers, his promise¡ªit was too much, and she melted into it, her moans rising as her arousal soaked him further like her pussy was a broken faucet trying to drench Cassius just from his words alone.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Seeing this sultry sight of their comrade releasing herself, Julie and Aisha flinched, their heads whipping away in unison, their faces burning with overwhelming shock and discomfort.

    "W-What is she doing?...Why is she leaking d-down there?!" Julie choked, her voice low and strained, her hands clenching at her sides.

    "A-Avery, that same Avery who once tore her a bandits arm off just with her bare hands i-is soaking him like that...I-I can''t watch this!"

    Aisha''s tail stood in fright, her eyes darting aside as she muttered.

    "Too much¡ªway too much for me. She''s a warrior, not...This!"

    Their innocent minds recoiled, the sight of Avery¡ªtheir proud, battle-hardened comrade, unraveling into a squirting, moaning mess under Cassius''s touch shattering their composure.

    Skadi, though, tilted her head, her silver eyes gleaming with amusement as she watched, unfazed.

    "Huh..." She mused, her tail wagging faintly. "She''s trying to mark him, claiming her territory on Master even though she failed...Smart move if I have to say."

    A grin tugged at her lips as she crossed her arms, nodding to herself.

    "I gotta do that too¡ªlet them all know he''s mine. Maybe a good lick will do it."

    Her thoughts drifted, plotting her own possessive play, oblivious to the flustered chaos around her.

    Cassius chuckled, as he glanced down at the wet splotches on the ground, her love juice dripping from where she''d squirted onto him.

    He then looked up at her, her flushed face framed by strands of sweat-dampened hair, her eyes wide and dazed with a shame and ecstasy.

    "Well, damn, Avery..." He said, his voice a teasing growl. "Looks like you really want me to kiss those lower lips seeing as to how you''re trying to spread your love all over me like this, squirting just from the suggestion of it."

    His hands slid to her pussy, fingers caressing the slick, fleshy folds as he spread them gently, his touch slow and steady, grazing the tender inside as she watched it all.

    "So, tell me, Avery, where do you want it, huh?" He asked, his tone soft but commanding, his crimson eyes glinting with hunger. "Where do you want my love the most...tell me."

    Avery''s gaze dropped, her breath ragged as she watched him spread her pussy open, his fingers exposing her dripping, throbbing core. The sensation was overwhelming, a pulsing ache that radiated through her, and she zeroed in on where it burned hottest.

    Her eyes settled on her clit¡ªtwitching, swollen, practically begging for him and she lifted a trembling hand, pointing at it as her voice quavered with need.

    "There..." She whispered, her tone thick with lust and vulnerability. "P-Please, kiss me there, Young Master¡ªthat little bean. I-It''s where I want you most."

    "...I''m so excited it hurts¡ªit''s aching, and I need something to make it stop, to relieve it...Please."

    Cassius''s grin softened, a flicker of adoration crossing his face as he squeezed her ass, his hands firm and possessive.

    "There''s no need to ask me twice."

    He murmured, as he pulled her forward by her hips, guiding her dripping pussy closer to his face.

    "She''s begging for it!"

    "Her little bean?!"

    The crowd held its breath, their murmurs a low hum as he leaned in, his lips hovering just above her twitching nub, so close she could feel his breath teasing her.

    But then he stopped, his mouth a heartbeat away, and looked up at her, his eyes narrowing with a sudden curiosity.

    "Wait...your husband." He said, his tone shifting to a slow, steady drawl. "Has he ever kissed you down here? Right here on your sweet little cunt?"

    Her blush deepened, a shy flush spreading as she shook her head, her voice quiet but firm.

    "No...not at all." She admitted, her gaze dropping. "He never even brought his face near it¡ªnever wanted to."

    Cassius tilted his head, his brow arching as he pressed. "Why, because you squirt so much and he didn''t like getting wet?"

    She shook her head frantically, her voice rising in a flustered rush. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "No¡ªno, not at all! I was never like this with him¡ªnever this wet, never squirting. In fact, most of the time, I was dry as a bone¡ªhe wasn''t...he wasn''t good in bed, didn''t know how to touch me right."

    She lifted her eyes to his, her look turning lustful, loving, raw with a devotion that stunned him.

    "I-It''s only you, Young Master ¡ªyou''re the only one who''s made me squirt, made me feel like this. No man''s ever treated my body the way you do."

    His smirk widened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he squeezed her ass harder, his fingers digging into her flesh.

    "Glad to hear it." He said, his voice a low, pleased rumble. "I might not have been able to get your first kiss up top, but I''ll damn sure take the first kiss down here as your lower lips are mine."

    "H-He''s gonna do it!"

    "Right there?!"

    The crowd''s anticipation spiked, their gasps sharp as he spread her pussy wider, his fingers parting the slick folds until her clit popped out, swollen and glistening, begging for him.

    Then, with a slow, steady lean, he pressed his lips to it a deep, passionate kiss that sent a jolt through her.

    "Kiss!?~ Ahhhhh!?~"

    Avery moaned, a loud, unrestrained cry as the sensation hit her, her clit throbbing under his mouth as a fresh squirt burst from her, splattering his chin.

    He didn''t flinch...Didn''t pull back.

    Instead, he sucked, his lips closing around her clit as he pulled it into his mouth, his tongue flicking and teasing as he sucked harder, like he was trying to draw it inside him.

    "Slurp!?~ Mmm!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Her hands flew to his head, gripping his hair for support as her knees buckled, her moans rising into a desperate wail.

    "Oh¡ªgods¡ªYoung Master!?~"

    She gasped, her voice breaking with pleasure, her body trembling as he worked her clit with a relentless, worshipful hunger.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Another squirt followed, soaking his pants, and he groaned into her, the sound primal and approving as he lapped at her, unfazed by the mess.

    "Nnn!?~ Slurp!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    The knights watched, their own breaths quickening, their pussies aching as they stared, a collective realization dawning.

    "He''s...sucking her clit?!" One whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of shock and envy.

    "My husband''s never¡ªnever even touched me like that!" Another, older and weathered, clenched her fists, her face flushed as she muttered.

    "Bastard I married wouldn''t dare¡ªlook at her, she''s in heaven! Why didn''t he ever worship me like that?"

    Their own arousal stirred, wet heat pooling between their thighs as they imagined it¡ªCassius''s mouth on them, giving their neglected pussies the love they''d never known.

    Avery thought she''d peaked, her body alight with a satisfaction so deep her nipples stood rock¡ªhard, her clit pulsing under his lips as she floated in ecstasy.

    But then he pulled back, his face slick with her juices, his grin smug and teasing as he looked up at her.

    "Avery, if he never kissed you down here..." He said, his voice a dirty murmur. "...then he''s never eaten you out either, right?"

    She blinked, her haze clearing just enough for confusion to creep in, her voice shaky with anticipation.

    "E-Eaten...me out?" She asked, her tone hesitant but eager, sensing the filth in his question. "What¡ªwhat does that mean?"

    Cassius''s grin turned evil, his eyes glinting as he leaned closer, his breath hot against her dripping pussy.

    "Eating you out..." He said, his voice low and dripping with erotic promise. "...means I bury my face right here¡ªsuck your pussy, lick it deep, shove my tongue inside your sweet little hole until you''re screaming."

    "...Tasting every drop you give me, fuck you with my mouth until you can''t stand it¡ªuntil you''re squirting down my throat and begging for more..."

    "...That''s what eating you out means."

    His words painted a picture so vivid, so dirty, it sent a fresh shiver through her, her pussy clenching as arousal flooded her anew.

    She''d never imagined it¡ªnever thought a man would go that far and the idea alone turned her on beyond reason.

    Her voice quavered, coy and trembling as she admitted. "No...h-he never did that. Never even tried." Her blush deepened, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and longing.

    Cassius''s smile softened, a glint of triumph sparking in his gaze.

    "Then I''ll have the honor." He said, his voice a husky vow. "Your first time...I''m gonna show you what it''s like to be eaten out proper."

    Before she could respond, he dove back in, his mouth crashing against her pussy with a hungry edge.

    "Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn!?~ Mmmph! ?~"

    His lips sucked at her folds, his tongue plunging into her dripping hole, licking deep and thorough as he fucked her with it, his nose brushing her clit with every thrust.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmph!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck! ?~"

    He slurped at her, loud and shameless, his tongue swirling inside her as he drank her juices, his hands gripping her ass to hold her steady.

    Avery''s moans escalated, a wild, keening cry that echoed across the grounds as pleasure tore through her, her body shaking as he devoured her.

    "Oh, nooo, Young Master!?~ Noo, that feels so unbelievably good!?~" She gasped, her hands clutching his hair tighter, her hips bucking against his face as he sucked and licked, his tongue relentless, his lips smacking wetly against her.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    Another squirt burst from her, soaking his mouth, and he groaned into her, lapping it up like it was nectar, his hunger only growing.

    The crowd also gaped, their disbelief morphing into a raw, electric heat.

    "He''s he''s eating her down there?! I-Is that even a thing?" A younger knight stammered, her voice trembling as her own pussy throbbed.

    "Never even dreamed of that¡ªgods, look at her go!" An older knight, her face with scars by years of battle, bit her lip, her voice husky with envy.

    "My man wouldn''t touch me down there with a pole¡ªlook at him, sucking her like she''s a feast! I should''ve had that¡ªdamn him for holding out!"

    Their own wetness seeped through, their thighs clenching as they watched, arousal warring with shock at the sight of their proud Commander reduced¡ªor elevated to this moaning, squirting mess under Cassius''s filthy, adoring mouth.

    "Mmph!?~ Ooooh!?~ Suck!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    Avery''s world spun, her body a live wire of pleasure as Cassius ate her out, his tongue plunging deep, his lips worshipping her pussy with a fervor that shattered her.

    "Nnn!?~ Slurp!?~ Ahhh!?~ Mmph! ?~"

    She''d never known this, never thought it possible and as he devoured her, she felt herself ascend, her moans a symphony of bliss that left her and the knights watching forever changed...

 Chapter 148 - 148: Like A Sweet Fruit Bursting With Flavour

    Avery floated on cloud nine, her world a dizzying haze of bliss as Cassius''s tongue roamed her pussy, sucking and licking with a fervor that left her trembling.

    "Ooooh!?~ Mmph!?~ Lick!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    His mouth was relentless, plunging deep into her folds, teasing her clit, lapping at her dripping love juice as if it were the sweetest wine.

    "Nnn!?~ Slurp!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    Her moans spilled out, raw and unrestrained, as she clutched his head, her voice breaking with ecstasy.

    "Y-Young Master¡ªI feel so good!?~" She gasped, her words tumbling out in a breathless rush. "I''ve never never felt this before, this pleasure!?~ My pussy¡ªit''s so warm, so wet¡ªI didn''t even know it could feel like this!?~"

    "...I''m wetter than I was as a kid when I''d wet my pants, gods, i-it''s unreal!?~"

    She shuddered, her thighs quaking as his tongue swirled inside her, and she looked down at him, her eyes wide with awe.

    "W-When I was with my partner, it was nothing like this, ever...It''s a whole different world with you¡ªI didn''t know that the act of making love could be this good!?~" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "...If I had known I would''ve settled to become a obedient housewife who gets her s-secret garden licked out every night, then the warrior that I am!?~"

    Her voice softened, thick with wonder and gratitude, her body singing under his touch.

    Hearing this, Cassius sucked her clit harder, a wet, smacking sound echoing as he pulled back just enough to grin up at her, his lips glistening with her juices.

    "That husband of yours was a damn fool." He said, his voice a low growl of satisfaction. "Missing out on this? This beautiful little pussy? Shit, I''d eat you out right after dinner every night."

    "...I''d crawl under the table while you''re still sipping your wine, suck you so hard you''re convulsing in your chair, legs shaking unti lthe table''s rattling."

    His words were filthy, making her imagine a scene that sent a fresh jolt of excitement through her, her pussy clenching at the thought¡ªhim beneath a grand dining table, his mouth buried between her thighs, her body writhing as the servants pretended not to notice.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmph!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck! ?~"

    He slid his tongue deeper, probing her hole, and groaned against her.

    "Especially this sweet spot¡ªmeant to birth babies, and it''s so fucking gorgeous, so erotic. How''d that idiot not want to explore this? Look at it¡ªtight, wet, calling for my tongue to treat it right."

    He thrust his tongue inside, licking her inner walls with slow, steady strokes, tasting her depths as she gasped, the sensation stirring a taboo thrill.

    ''This hole¡ªmeant for life, for babies and he''s using it to please me.''

    She thought, her mind spinning as pleasure and shame tangled together, making her squirt a little more against his neck, not even realising that she was slowly drenching him entirely.

    Avery them stared down at him, her Young Master, his face pressed into her most intimate place, and her voice trembled with lust and doubt.

    "Would you...really do this every day?" She asked, her tone soft, hesitant. "Kiss me here, eat me out down there¡ªwouldn''t you get tired of me, If you did it all the time?"

    Cassius pulled back, his tongue slipping from her hole as he looked up, his eyes glinting with a fierce sincerity.

    "Tired of you?..Hell no." He said, as he caressed her thighs. "This pussy''s like a fruit¡ªsweet, juicy, bursting with flavor. I could bite into it every day, sink my teeth through this sweetness, and I''d still crave it, still be hunger for more."

    He leaned closer, his breath hot against her clit as he held her gaze.

    "So, if you want it, Avery if your pussy''s ever aching, throbbing like it is now, needing something to satisfy it, you can just come to my mansion. We''ll have a damn feast, a splendid meal, and after?"

    "...I''ll eat you out like I promised¡ªlick you so hard my tongue leaves its mark on you, an imprint you''ll feel for days. You''ll never have to deal with that ache alone again."

    His words¡ªdirty, loving, dripping with promise, pushed Avery over the edge.

    Suddenly, her body ignited, her pussy throbbing, her breasts rigid as something deep and primal swelled within her. She gripped his head tighter, her voice a desperate cry.

    "Y-Young Master!...S-Something''s coming! It''s...It''s coming so hard!!"

    And then it hit¡ªa wave of pleasure so intense it shattered her, her pussy clenching as she squirted, a gushing flood of love juice that drenched his shirt, soaking him from chest to waist.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    Her moans turned to screams, her body convulsing as she rode the peak, her juices splattering him in a wild, unrestrained burst.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    The knights gasped, some stumbling as their knees buckled, clutching each other for support as the sight seared into them.

    "She¡ªshe soaked him!" One cried, her voice trembling with heat, her own pussy aching as she watched.

    "Gods, it''s so hot¡ªI can''t stand it!" Another, older and grizzled, gripped her comrade''s arm, her face flushed as she muttered.

    "Look at that...drenching him like a storm. Never had a man make me feel that."

    Their arousal spiked, their thighs clenching as they stared, turned on beyond reason by the erotic display.

    Cassius then stood up slowly, his shirt clinging to his chest, the fabric dark and sodden with her juices. He chuckled, a deep, amused sound as he plucked at it, glancing down with a grin.

    "Well, shit..." He said, his tone light and teasing. "You made it look like I just walked through a damn rainstorm, princess. Soaked me good that you basically made my shirt see through."

    The wet cloth stuck to his skin, outlining every muscle, dripping faintly as he shook his head, still laughing.

    And seeing her Young Master completely drenched, Avery snapped out of her blissful daze, her eyes widening as she saw the mess she''d made.

    Panic seized her, and she lunged forward, grabbing his shirt with trembling hands, her voice a flustered rush.

    "Oh gods¡ªYoung Master, I''m so sorry!" She cried, her fingers clutching the fabric like it was a ruined treasure. "I didn''t mean to¡ªI swear, I''ll wash it for you! Let me take it off¡ªI''ll clean it, I''ll buy you a new one! The most expensive shirt on the continent, I''ll get it for you, I promise¡ªjust don''t be mad!"

    But Cassius caught her hands, his grip firm and gentle as he stopped her frantic tugging, his eyes locking onto hers with a tender intensity.

    "Hey, hey, calm down." He said, his voice soft but commanding. "No need for that. Don''t look at it like you''ve ruined something." He lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, his tone turning warm and reverent. "Just think of it as this shirt being covered in your love, Avery¡ªyour precious, warrior princess love. You poured it all over me, and now it''s a treasure."

    "...And from now on, every time I wear it, I''ll feel you¡ªyour heat, your passion, your...you. I''m keeping this, and I''ll damn well cherish it."

    Hearing this statement, her heart slammed against her ribs, a wild, thundering beat that threatened to burst from her chest. His words¡ªerotic, loving, impossibly sweet, hit her like a tidal wave.

    No man had ever turned her shame into something sacred, her mess into a gift, and it set her aflame.

    Her pussy ached again, throbbing with a fresh, desperate need, her eyes turning lustful and adoring as she stared at him, overwhelmed by the urge to please him.

    ''He''s been giving me everything.'' She thought, her breath hitching. ''...and I''ve just been receiving it all...it''s time to show my love too.''

    And then after bracing her thoughts, to everyone''s shock, Avery gripped his shirt tighter and yanked him down, pulling him into a fierce, passionate kiss.

    "Mmm!?~ Mmm!?~ Kiss!?~ Mmm!?~ Slurp!?~"

    She then took the lead this time, her lips crashing against his with a hunger that stunned him, her tongue plunging into his mouth as she claimed him, tasting herself on him in a wild, possessive dance.

    "Kiss!?~ Kiss!?~ Mwah!?~ Kiss!?~ Nibble!?~"

    "S-She''s kissing him?!"

    "She''s leading him, look at her go!"

    The crowd gasped, their voices a chaotic buzz, their eyes wide as their proud Commander flipped the script, her passion a blazing force.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    Avery then pulled back, her breath ragged, her eyes glinting with a fierce resolve as Cassius blinked, still reeling from her sudden fire.

    "Young Master..." She said, her voice low and thick with need. "...I don''t wanna just be the one getting pleased anymore¡ªI''ve had so much, and now I wanna satisfy you...To treat you with all the love you deserve, give back to my master who''s made me feel like this."

    Before he could respond, she sank to her knees in a reverent, fluid motion, her hands trembling but sure as they reached for his pants. The crowd held its breath, their shock palpable as she unzipped him, tugging the fabric down with a swift pull.

    And the moment she did, his cock sprang free¡ªmassive, thick, a towering length that rivaled her forearm, hanging heavy and reaching nearly to his knees.

 Chapter 149 - 149: Its Getting Way Too Hot!

    Avery froze, her eyes widening in awe and fear as she took it in, the sheer size overwhelming.

    ''By the God of War, it''s huge.'' She thought, her heart racing. ''...Bigger than anything I''ve ever seen.''

    The knights recoiled as well, their gasps erupting into exclamations of shock and horror.

    "What the fuck?!" One cried, stepping back as her face paled.

    "That''s¡ªthat''s a damn sword!" Another clutched her chest, her voice trembling.

    "How big is it¡ªwhy''s it so big?! That''s unholy¡ªmonstrous!" A third stammered.

    "It''s-it''s gotta be a weapon, not a cock¡ªlook at that thing!"

    Julie, who''d glimpsed at it before, turned away instantly, her face burning as she muttered, "Nope, not again¡ªcan''t handle that."

    Aisha froze, her body locking up, her eyes wide and unblinking as she stared, her mind short-circuiting. "Something that big...exists?" She choked, her voice faint, her tail stiff as she grappled with the sight.

    Skadi, though, tilted her head, a sly grin curling her lips as her silver eyes gleamed with intrigue.

    "Well, damn..." She mused, her tail wagging faintly. "That''s a beast for sure fits Master perfect...my big, strong Master. Wonder how many puppies that would give me, surely twice the normal because of how big it was."

    Her thoughts turned possessive, a flicker of arousal stirring as she imagined claiming him, her own mark to match Avery''s.

    Avery''s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the towering cock before her, its sheer size sending a jolt of fear through her.

    Her ex-husband''s pitiful length¡ªbarely the size of her thumb even at his fullest had been nothing compared to this. Cassius''s massive shaft loomed like a monument, thick and pulsing, stretching down to his knees, and for one fleeting second, terror gripped her.

    ''It''s too big¡ªhow could that even.''

    She thought, her hands trembling as she imagined it overwhelming her.

    But then her eyes lifted, meeting his, her Young Master''s crimson gaze, warm and steady, and that fear dissolved like mist under the sun.

    This wasn''t just any man; this was him, the one who''d worshipped her body, turned her shame into ecstasy. The desire to satisfy him surged, drowning out her hesitation, and she didn''t waste another moment.

    She leaned in, her tongue flicking out to taste the tip, lapping at the bead of precum with a tender, then eager stroke.

    "Nnn!?~ Slurp!?~ Mmmph!?~ Ahh! ?~"

    Her lips brushed the sides, tracing the thick veins with a slow, reverent lick as she savored his heat, his scent. Then, with a deep breath, she took him into her mouth, her lips stretching wide as she sucked him in a deep, passionate motion.

    "Ahh!?~ Mmph!?~ Nnn!?~ Suck! ?~"

    Her eyes flicked up, locking onto his with an adoring, lustful gaze, her heart pounding as she worked to please him, her tongue swirling around his shaft as she took him deeper.

    "Suck!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn!?~ Mmmph! ?~" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius blinked, surprise flashing across his face as her warm mouth enveloped him, but it melted into a smile as pleasure rippled through him.

    His hand slid to her head, fingers threading through her hair as he caressed her gently.

    "Hey, princess, you don''t have to do this." He said, his tone soft but edged with a groan as she sucked harder. "But if you really wanna satisfy your Young Master, I''ll take it, I''ll take anything you give me."

    "...Even this sloppy little blowjob of yours¡ªit feels so damn good."

    His encouragement spurred her on, her cheeks hollowing as she took him deeper, his cock hitting the back of her throat with a wet, muffled thud.

    "Lick!?~ Mmph!?~ Ahh!?~ Nnn! ?~"

    She gagged faintly but pressed on, her eyes watering as she stared up at him, her adoration unwavering.

    He groaned, his head tilting back for a moment before his gaze swept the crowd, a sly grin tugging at his lips as he took in the knights watching, their faces a mix of shock, heat, and disbelief.

    "I don''t mind you sucking my cock here as I''m used to having an audience...But what about you Avery?"

    He teased, his voice loud enough for them to hear.

    "Your whole legion''s got front-row seats...look at them." He nodded toward Julie and Aisha, smirking as he added, "Even Julie and Aisha can''t handle it...They''ve turned away like they''ve seen a ghost. Too much for them, huh?"

    Julie flinched, her shoulders jumping as his words hit her, her face still averted as she muttered under her breath. "Not looking¡ªnot saying a word."

    Aisha jolted too, her tail stiffening as she kept her gaze fixed on the ground, her voice a choked whisper. "Can''t and won''t look...Don''t make me, you perverted bastard."

    They trembled, caught between the urge to retort and the refusal to face the sight behind them, their innocence clashing with the raw act unfolding.

    Cassius''s grin widened, his hand still stroking Avery''s head as he glanced at Emma, who stood frozen nearby, her face a blazing cherry red, her hands clutching her skirt as she stared.

    "Forget them¡ªlook at Emma." He said, his tone playful but pointed. "She''s watching this like it''s a damn show, all flushed and wide-eyed. You okay showing this to your junior, princess?"

    "...Showing her how you take my fat cock into your throat?"

    Avery''s rhythm faltered, a flicker of shame cutting through her haze as his words sank in, the taboo of it prickling her skin.

    Her legion, her knights, her junior, watching her kneel, sucking her Young Master''s cock in broad daylight.

    Thinking about this, she pulled back slowly, his shaft slipping from her mouth with a wet pop, a string of saliva trailing from her lips as she turned her head, her gaze landing on Emma.

    But instead of shrinking, her shame twisted into excitement, a lustful glint sparking in her eyes, a look Emma had never seen on her stern, battle-hardened Commander.

    "I''m...sorry, Emma." She said, her voice low and thick with desire, her breath ragged. "Sorry for showing you such a disgraceful sight, a sight you never would''ve expected to see¡ªI''ll make it up to you later, I swear. But right now...I need to please him. My Young Master...he deserves this, and I want to give it to him."

    "...So, bear with me, all of you. I''m gonna do my best...give him even a fraction of the love he''s given me."

    She then turned back to Cassius, her lips wrapping around his cock again as she sucked harder, her tongue swirling with renewed fervor, her throat stretching to take him deeper.

    "Mmph!?~ Ooooh!?~ Suck!?~ Ahhh!?~"

    "She''s apologizing for that?!"

    "She''s going all in¡ªgods help us!"

    The crowd murmured, their shock deepening their voices a hum as her wet, sloppy sounds filled the air.

    Cassius groaned, his excitement flaring as he watched her, his hand tightening in her hair.

    "Fuck, you''re adorable, Avery..." He rasped, his voice thick with pleasure. "So damn endearing¡ªgoing this far for me, huh? My warrior princess, sucking me off like this¡ªyou''re too good."

    His hips twitched, his peak building as her mouth worked him, her throat squeezing around his tip. And noticing this, he gripped her head with both hands, his breath hitching as he felt it surge.

    "Shit...here it comes."

    He warned, and then he thrust shallowly, his cock pulsing as he came, hot, thick spurts of cum flooding her mouth.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    "H-He came inside of her mouth! He actually did it!"

    "And the commander actually let it happen! She''s got his seed in her mouth now!"

    "S-Surely she''ll spit it out right?...Right?!"

    The crowd froze, their gasps sharp expecting her to pull back, to spit it out in disgust.

    But Avery didn''t.

    Her eyes fluttered shut, her throat working as she swallowed every drop to everyone horror, the taste of him¡ªsalty, rich, overwhelming sliding down with a reverence that stunned them all.

    She then pulled back slowly, a faint dribble escaping her lips as she licked them clean, her gaze lifting to look at her dear Young Master with awe and satisfaction.

    And unable to stand this sight any longer, one knight staggered, her legs buckling as she fell backward, her voice a choked cry.

    "S-She swallowed it?! I can''t, I''m burning up!"

    Her comrade caught her, equally flushed, muttering,

    "It''s like the sun''s on us¡ªtoo hot, too much!...Just what the hell is going on?!"

 Chapter 150 - 150: Helpless Little Girl, Rather Then A Mighty Warrior

    Cassius''s hand lingered in Avery''s hair, stroking it with a loving tenderness as he gazed down at her, his eyes soft yet glinting with a playful edge.

    "You didn''t have to swallow it all, you know." He murmured, as he brushed a thumb across her cheek, still damp with the aftermath of her efforts. "Could''ve spat it out, there''s no shame in that."

    Avery looked up at him, her lips still tingling with the taste of him, her eyes wide and earnest as she shook her head.

    "No, Young Master." She said, her voice steady despite the flush creeping up her neck. "It''s my duty as a knight¡ªto satisfy you, to give you everything I can. Especially after you...you licked my dirty little pussy, took me in your mouth like that."

    "...I-It''s only right I take all of you too¡ªeverything you give me."

    Her gaze then flicked to his cock, still rock-hard and glistening, and a flicker of surprise crossed her face.

    "You...Y-You''re still hard? Even after all that?" She asked, her tone full of awe and curiosity at his incredible stamina down there.

    He chuckled, a low, dirty sound as he gripped his shaft, giving it a slow stroke as he grinned at her.

    "Calm down?...With you right here, my sexy little warrior princess?...No chance in hell."

    He said, his voice thick with lust.

    "That sexy stench of yours¡ªsweat, love juice, all of it, it''s driving me wild. You could blow me a hundred times, and I''d still get rock-hard every time I taste that little pussy of yours. Turns me on too damn much."

    Her pussy throbbed at his words, an indescribable ache that pulsed through her, so intense she felt a faint trickle escape her¡ªan accidental spurt as her bladder gave under the overwhelming excitement.

    She couldn''t hold back; her body acted on its own, and then with a sudden, desperate surge, she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she hugged him tight to his surprise.

    His cock slid against her pussy, hot and hard, teasing her folds as she pressed herself closer, her voice spilling out in a fervent, elaborate rush.

    "I-I can''t believe I''m saying this when I just met you yesterday and your my master of all people, b-but I think I love you, Young Master." She breathed, her words raw and trembling with emotion. "I love you more than any man in my life¡ªmore than anything in this world. No one''s ever made me feel like this, made me want like this."

    "...And as a woman, as a knight, I''d do anything for you. Use my body as a shield to protect you, take swords for you, or u-se it in bed, for your pleasure, whatever you need..."

    "...I-I also don''t even care if you love me back, it''s enough to be your knight, to stay by your side until the end."

    "S-She loves him?!"

    "From lustful humiliation to this?! How in the world did that happen"

    The crowd gasped, their murmurs a wave of disbelief their eyes wide as the scene shifted from raw debauchery to a confession so romantic it stunned them silent.

    And hearing her confession, Cassius''s arms tightened around her, pulling her close as he pressed his forehead to hers, his voice soft and warm.

    "I''m glad you feel that way, princess..." He said, his tone rich with affection. "...because I''m pretty damn fond of my little warrior too."

    He then tilted her chin up and kissed her, slow and loving, his lips moving against hers with a tenderness that melted her.

    "Peck!?~ Peck!?~ Mmm!?~ Peck!?~ Lick!?~"

    She too responded eagerly, her tongue meeting his, her hands clutching his shoulders as she poured herself into the kiss, her heart hammering with the depth of it.

    "Pucker!?~ Pucker!?~ Smooch!?~ Pucker!?~ Suck!?~"

    Cassius then pulled back, his breath ragged, a lustful glint sparking in his eyes as he grinned, his hand sliding down to slap her ass with a sharp, playful smack. She moaned, the sound spilling out as her body jolted against him, his cock twitching against her pussy.

    "I''ll accept your love, my adorable little Avery, but this sacrificing your life stuff?...I don''t want any of that."

    He said, his voice dropping to a husky growl.

    "I''d rather use this sexy body of yours for something else¡ªsatiate this throbbing cock right now, fuck you until you''re screaming my name." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His shaft pulsed, hot and insistent, brushing her folds, and the crowd felt it too¡ªthe air thick with the unspoken promise of what came next.

    Avery''s eyes flared with understanding, her love and lust intertwining as she stepped back, her voice firm with resolve.

    "Then I''ll do it exactly what you want, Young Master...I''ll be the woman you vent your frustration as you desire." She said, and to everyone''s shock, she moved to the white tree stump where he''d sat before.

    She settled onto it, leaning back with a slow, steady grace, and then¡ªspreading her legs wide in a submissive, brazen display, baring her pussy to the world.

    Her folds glistened, sopping wet with juice, her clit twitching as she held herself open, her loving gaze locked on him.

    "I-Imight be a knight..." She said, her voice trembling but strong. "...protecting people with my sword, cutting down enemies¡ªbut in front of you, Young Master, I''m just a weak little girl with a throbbing pussy."

    "...And right now, I need your mighty sword inside me, so please fill up this soppy wet warrior cunt with your dick as you wish and use me to your disposal."

    "She''s¡ªspreading herself?!"

    "She''s surrendering herself for him, when she hasn''t once surrendered in battle no matter how ardous the situation?!"

    The crowd gasped again, their voices a chaotic hum as they stared, stunned by her surrender and seeing the sultry sight, Cassius''s restraint snapped, his eyes darkening with hunger as he stepped forward, his massive cock in hand.

    He didn''t hesitate¡ªplunging into her with a single, powerful thrust that buried him deep, stretching her wide as she moaned, a loud, keening cry that echoed across the grounds.

    "Ahhhhh!?~ Young Master!?~ Haughhh!?~"

    He gripped her legs, holding them up as he then fucked her, his hips slamming into her with a wild, crazy movement that rocked her body against the stump.

    "Ooh!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughh!?~ Nnn!"

    "Oh¡ªfuck¡ªit''s so big!?~"

    She gasped, her voice breaking as he filled her, his cock stretching her pussy beyond anything she''d known.

    "It''s¡ªgods, it''s huge!?~ Nothing''s supposed to go inside like this!?~"

    Her breasts bounced as he groped them, his hands squeezing her flesh as he pounded her, and she rambled, lost in the sensation.

    "I-I''ve taken swords in my back, daggers through my gut, all those wars¡ªbut this this thickness¡ªnothing''s ever been so deep, so full!?~ Ahhhh!?~"

    Her pussy clenched around him, her walls trembling as he drove into her, her juice slicking his shaft with every thrust.

    "Aah!?~ Smash!?~ Ooooh!?~ Mm!?~ Unghh!?~ Bang!?~ Slap!?~ Smack!?~ Nnm!"

    Cassius leaned down, kissing her feet with a tender, filthy reverence as he fucked her, his voice a low growl.

    "Then does it feel painful for you, Avery?" He asked, his lips brushing her toes. "Like a sword cutting through you?"

    Hearing this, she met his gaze, her eyes shimmering with love and lust, her voice soft but fervent.

    "Not at all!?~" She breathed, her body rocking with his thrusts. "It''s the best thing in the world!?~ Nothing''s ever felt this good!?~"

    "...So, please, fuck me harder, Young Master...Deeper!?~ Mmm!?~"

    "Mm!?~ Aaaah!?~ Bang!?~ Ooh!?~ Ungh!?~ Slap!?~Slap!?~ Nmm!"

    Her plea spurred him on, and he obliged, pushing his cock all the way in, breaching her womb with a force that made her scream, her head tipping back as pleasure tore through her.

    "So deep!?~ Ahhhnn!?~ I-I''ve never felt anything go this far!?~" She cried, her voice a blend of awe and ecstasy. "My husband¡ªhe barely scratched me, barely touched me¡ªcompared to this, he was nothing!?~"

    Cassius grinned, a smug edge to his voice as he slammed into her, his hands gripping her thighs.

    "I''m glad I''m taking his place, Avery." He rasped, his breath hot against her skin. "It''s my duty as your Young Master to take care of my knights when their husbands can''t."

    "...Gotta make sure you''re all satisfied and do your husband''s job for you if he''s so incompetent."

    His eyes flicked to the crowd, the knights watching with wide, aching eyes, their own pussies throbbing as they took in the sight¡ªhis massive cock plunging into Avery, her moans filling the air, her body trembling under his relentless love.

    His gaze lingered, an unspoken offer hanging there¡ª"Come to me if you need it"¡ªand several knights shifted, their faces flushing as the idea took root, their own neglected desires stirring at the promise.

    "Ohhh!?~ Slap!?~ Mmh!?~ Slap!?~ Aaah!?~ Ughhh!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Nmm!?~"

    Cassius''s hips drove into Avery with a relentless rhythm, his massive cock stretching her pussy as he fucked her deep, each thrust sending shockwaves of pleasure through her trembling body.

    His also fingers found her clit, rubbing and pinching it with a teasing, expert touch that made her moan louder, her voice a wild, unbroken cry that echoed across the grounds.

    "Mmm!?~ Ohhh!?~ Thwack!?~ Aaaah!?~ Uhh!?~ Thwack!?~ Nnnn!''

    Their ecstasy built together, a shared crescendo that pulsed between them, their breaths ragged as they neared the edge. He could feel it, her walls clenching tighter, her juices slicking his shaft, his own peak surging as his cock throbbed inside her.

    And in the height of the moment, his gaze flickered sideways, catching Emma standing close, her face flushed a deep red, her cheeks glowing like ripe apples under the heat of what she was witnessing.

    The sight of her¡ªso innocent, so flustered stirred something in him, a evil impulse he couldn''t resist.

    "Emma..." He called, his voice a low, commanding growl as he gestured her over with a lazy wave of his hand, never breaking his rhythm as he fucked Avery.

    "...Come over here."

    Emma froze, her wide eyes darting between him and Avery, the raw, erotic heat radiating from their bodies like a furnace. She didn''t want to move¡ªcouldn''t bear to get closer to the storm of lust unfolding before her.

    But his voice, his pull, was magnetic, and her legs betrayed her, carrying her forward on instinct, step by trembling step.

    And when she was near enough, Cassius acted his free hand shot out, wrapping gently but firmly around her neck as he pulled her in, crashing his lips against hers in a sudden, passionate kiss to her shock.

    "Smooch!?~ Smooch!?~ Kiss!?~ Smooch!?~ Sip!?~"

    His tongue plunged into her mouth, roaming with a hungry, possessive edge, tasting her as he continued to thrust into Avery, his cock slamming deep with every roll of his hips.

    "Mwah!?~ Mwah!?~ Pucker!?~ Mwah!?~ Suck!?~"

    Emma stiffened, a gasp muffled against his lips as she resisted for a fleeting second. She''d been one of the shy ones earlier, offering only a chaste peck on his cheek, her innocence a shield against his brazen games.

    But now, with his tongue claiming her mouth, her body locked up, every cell shivering with a wild, unfamiliar excitement.

    Her knees weakened, her mind blanking as she melted into him, lost in the daze of his kiss, his taste overwhelming her senses as he fucked Avery harder, the wet slap of their bodies blending with the soft, slick sounds of his tongue in her mouth...

 Chapter 151 - 151: Blindfolds And Earplugs

    Avery''s eyes widened, catching the sight of her junior¡ªsweet, innocent Emma locked in a deep, filthy kiss with their Young Master while he pounded her pussy, his fingers still teasing her clit.

    "Ooh!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Smack!?~ Mmmm!?~ Smack!?~ Aaaah!?~ Ughh!?~ Nnn!"

    The sheer wrongness of it¡ªthe taboo of him kissing another knight, her legion watching, her body being ravaged, hit her like a lightning bolt, amplifying her pleasure to an unbearable peak.

    "I-I''m gonna come!?~" She cried, her voice breaking as she braced herself, her hands clutching the stump beneath her. "Oh god, I''m gonna come!?~"

    Her back arched, her pussy clenching around his cock as she shattered, squirting in violent, messy bursts that sprayed across his hips, soaking the ground beneath them.

    "Plop!?~ Thwap!?~ Slosh!?~ Glug!?~"

    Her moans escalated into a scream, her body convulsing as wave after wave of ecstasy tore through her.

    "Schlurp!?~ Splish!?~ Splat!?~ Squish!?~"

    At the same moment, Cassius hit his peak, his cock pulsing as he gave one final, deep thrust, burying himself to the hilt. He groaned into Emma''s mouth, his seed flooding Avery''s pussy in thick, hot spurts, filling her womb as her walls milked him dry.

    "Gloop!?~ Drip!?~ Splurt!?~ Plop!?~"

    His kiss with Emma didn''t falter, his tongue still tangling with hers as he came, his hips twitching with the last of his release. Avery''s squirt mixed with his cum, a creamy white fluid dripping down her thighs as he slowly pulled out, her pussy glistening and spent, her body trembling with the aftershocks.

    "Thwap!?~ Schlurp!?~ Squish!?~ Sploosh!?~"

    Emma''s resistance also crumbled completely, the heat of his kiss pushing her own body to the edge. A faint trickle escaped her, wetting her pants as her knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground with a soft thud, her breath coming in shallow, frantic gasps.

    Her pussy throbbed, a pulsing ache mirroring Avery''s, her face blank with a dazed disbelief as she sat there, overwhelmed by the sensations still coursing through her, while Avery herself lay sprawled on the stump, her legs spread, her chest heaving as she panted, her body slick with sweat and juices, looking like she''d just fought a war¡ªand lost, or won, in the most glorious way.

    Seeing this, the crowd reeled, their composure shattering at the sight burned into them.

    Two more knights buckled, their legs giving out as they sank to the ground, clutching each other for support.

    "I-I can''t take it!" One gasped, her voice trembling as her face burned red.

    "They''re¡ªthey''re wrecked! Like he fought ''em both and won!" Another, older and battle-scarred, shook her head, her own pussy aching as she muttered.

    "Never seen anything like it¡ªtwo of our best, turned to mush by him. Gods, my heart''s gonna burst!"

    Not a single knight could maintain their stoic facade, their faces flushed, their breaths uneven as they gaped at the aftermath, questioning what they''d just witnessed¡ªa lustful storm that had swept through their ranks and left them all shaken.

    Cassius ignored their stares, his focus shifting to Emma as he crouched beside her, his expression softening with a hint of apology.

    "Hey, sorry about that, Emma." He said, his voice low and warm, a teasing lilt threading through it. "You were just too cute standing there, all red and flustered, I just couldn''t help myself. Had to steal a kiss." He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle as he grinned. "You alright?" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Emma didn''t respond, her gaze fixed on some distant point, her lips still tingling from his tongue, her body humming with a heat she couldn''t name.

    Cassius then chuckled softly, rising to his feet as he turned back to Avery, who lay panting on the stump, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion and bliss.

    "What about you Avery? Felt good, didn''t it? Better than anything that husband of yours ever gave you?"

    Avery managed a tired nod, her voice hoarse and faint as she smiled weakly.

    "Of course, Young Master." She whispered, her words heavy with sincerity. "I''ve never...never felt pleasure like that before. Didn''t even know it existed this kind of satisfaction, this fire."

    "...T-Thank you for showing me, for giving me something so...so incredible."

    Her chest heaved, her breasts rising and falling as she caught her breath, her body still humming with the memory of him inside her.

    Cassius grinned, a warm, satisfied glint in his crimson eyes. "Glad I could, princess." He said, his tone rich with pride.

    But then his gaze dropped to his cock¡ªstill rock-hard, jutting out proud and unrelenting, as if it hadn''t just ravaged her pussy moments ago.

    He chuckled, and shook his head. "Sadly, though, this little guy down here? Not so easily satisfied. Might take a couple more rounds to calm him down."

    "...Hell, maybe a whole day of fucking you senseless in bed."

    Avery''s blush flared, her exhausted face heating as the image flooded her mind his massive cock pounding her for hours, her body writhing beneath him, her pussy stretched and soaked through an entire day.

    The thought alone sent a fresh wave of arousal through her, her pussy growing wetter despite its spent state, a faint trickle of juice escaping as she squirmed on the stump.

    "A...Whole day?" She murmured, her voice a mix of awe and nervous excitement, her thighs twitching involuntarily.

    He smirked, catching the glint of desire in her eyes as he leaned closer, his hand brushing her thigh.

    "You up for it, princess? Wanna come to my bedroom, help me out with this?" He asked, his tone a dirty promise as he nodded toward his throbbing shaft. "Take care of your Young Master till he''s good and done?"

    Her blush deepened, her heart pounding as she nodded, her voice soft but resolute.

    "O-Of course I will, Young Master." She said, her eyes shining with devotion. "It''s my duty¡ªto protect you, to serve you as your knight...in any way you need. Even...even in bed."

    But then her gaze flickered to the crowd of knights still watching, their faces a mix of shock, arousal, and disbelief, and a flicker of hesitation crossed her face.

    "But...I''m still on duty." She added, her voice faltering with embarrassment. "I can''t just leave them...not like this."

    Cassius waved a hand dismissively, his grin unfazed.

    "Not a problem." He said, his tone light but commanding. "We''ll just ask Julie for permission¡ªeasy fix."

    Before she could protest, he bent down and scooped her up in a swift, effortless motion, cradling her naked body in a princess carry that made her gasp. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, her bare skin pressed against his chest, and a warmth flooded her¡ªa safety, a security she hadn''t felt since childhood, when her father had carried her through stormy nights.

    No man had ever made her feel so protected, so cherished, not since she''d grown into the warrior who shielded herself. But now, in Cassius''s arms, she felt untouchable, as if a thousand arrows couldn''t pierce the shield of his embrace.

    "Y-You don''t have to carry me!" She stammered, her face flushing as she squirmed slightly, acutely aware of her knights'' eyes on her¡ªher naked body, her throbbing pussy still glistening with cum, fully exposed in his arms.

    But his grip only tightened, steady and reassuring, and she melted into it, her embarrassment softening under his warmth.

    He chuckled, striding forward with her in his arms, his still-hard cock bobbing shamelessly as he approached the group of knights.

    "He''s carrying her?!"

    "Oh my, she''s bare as day!"

    Their murmurs grew their faces flushing as they scrambled to process the sight.

    Julie, who''d finally turned back when the moans fell silent, froze as she saw him coming, her jaw tightening. She wanted to look away¡ªneeded to, but pride held her in place, her role as captain forcing her to meet his gaze.

    She kept her eyes locked on his face, refusing to glance down at the massive shaft swinging free, though her cheeks burned red.

    Aisha risked one glance, her eyes widening in horror before she whipped her head away, muttering. "Nope, not again, not looking at that monstrous thing." Her tail swishing around as she fought to block it out.

    Avery''s blush deepened, her body trembling slightly as every knight''s gaze bore into her her nakedness, her vulnerability, her dripping pussy on full display. She then lifted her eyes to Julie''s, their gazes locking, and both women flushed, a shared embarrassment sparking between them.

    "Captain..." Avery began, her voice hesitant and shaky. "I...I need to help the Young Master, so I''m requesting leave just for a bit."

    Cassius tilted his head, his tone playful but firm. "Gotta be clearer than that, princess, or else Julie won''t get it...Tell her why what''s gonna happen."

    Her breath caught, her face burning as she forced herself to meet Julie''s eyes again.

    "I...I''m going to his bedroom." She said, her voice trembling but growing steadier as she pushed through the shame. "His...his cock¡ªit''s still hard, and I''m gonna help him with it. He''s gonna put it in me, in and out, till it goes limp¡ªuse my body to...to vent his frustration, satisfy him."

    "...So, please, Captain, I need leave for this."

    Julie''s jaw dropped, her composure cracking as the explicit words hit her like a blow. She stood frozen, dazed, unable to believe her Commander, her fierce, proud Avery¡ªwas spelling out such a filthy request.

    The crowd''s stares weighed heavy, every knight waiting for her response, and she coughed, her voice rushed and flustered as she waved a hand.

    "Go¡ªgo, you can go!" She blurted, her face scarlet as she fought to regain control. "It''s fine, no big deal¡ªwe''re just...training with the new techniques today. You''re excused, Avery, just...go!"

    Cassius''s grin widened, a glint of triumph in his eyes.

    "See? Easy as that." He said, nodding at Julie. "Thanks, Captain¡ªappreciate it."

    He then turned, still cradling Avery, and started walking away, but not before leaning down to murmur in her ear, his voice a dirty, heated promise. "I''m not letting you out of my bed until tomorrow, princess. Gonna fuck you so hard, that every knight here''ll hear you moaning from my room¡ªscreaming my name until you can''t speak."

    Avery''s blush flared, her heart racing as she buried her face in his damp shirt, the once-mighty warrior reduced to a shy, trembling girl in his arms.

    The image her moans echoing through his mansion, her body ravaged by his cock¡ªsent a fresh throb through her pussy, and she squirmed, her voice a soft whimper.

    "Young Master..." She mumbled, half-embarrassed, half-eager, her body already craving what he promised.

    He chuckled, amused by her reaction, but then his gaze shifted, a flicker of irritation crossing his face as he realized something or someone¡ªwas missing.

    "Hold up." He muttered, scanning the scene. "Where''s Lucius? Thought he''d be yapping by now, making some dumb comment."

    His eyes then landed on his butler, standing stiffly by the stump, and he blinked, exasperation flaring.

    Lucius wasn''t just blindfolded¡ªblack silk tight over his eyes¡ªbut he also had earplugs stuffed in his ears, his face serene as if oblivious to the entire spectacle.

    Cassius scowled, striding over with Avery still in his arms and delivering a swift kick to Lucius''s backside. The butler yelped, stumbling forward as he yanked out the earplugs, his voice a panicked squeak. "Y-Young Master?! What¡ª!"

    "What the hell are you doing?" Cassius demanded, his tone a mix of irritation and disbelief as he glared at him. "Blindfold and earplugs? You standing there like a damn statue¡ªwhat''s the deal?"

    Lucius straightened, his face lighting up with pride as he clutched the earplugs, his blindfold still in place.

    "Oh, Master, it''s brilliant!" He chirped, oblivious to the absurdity. "I used to get so flustered, hearing all those....moans from your room¡ªmade my heart race, not in a good way! But now, with these earplugs, I can''t hear a thing! No more embarrassment, no more awkwardness."

    "...I can stay by your side no matter what! Isn''t it perfect?"

    Cassius bit his lips, his eye twitching as he processed this. "So...what, you''re just gonna stand there every time I''m with a woman? Blindfold on, earplugs in, hovering like a creep?"

    "Of course!" Lucius beamed, nodding vigorously. "Anything to be close to you, Young Master¡ªnothing''ll keep me away! I''ll be there, silent and steady, no matter how...passionate things get!"

    His voice rose with enthusiasm, his blindfold bobbing as he gestured wildly.

    Cassius groaned, delivering another swift kick to Lucius''s rear, making him yelp again.

    "Don''t be such a damn weirdo." He snapped, turning away with Avery still cradled against him. "Follow me and keep up, idiot...Don''t make me drag you."

    Lucius scrambled after him, blindfold still on, his hands outstretched as he called. "Keep talking, Master! I''ll follow your voice¡ªdon''t leave me behind!"

    His footsteps shuffled clumsily, his earplugs dangling from one hand as he trailed Cassius, oblivious to the path ahead.

    The knights watched them go, their training session forgotten, the new techniques Cassius had promised buried under the weight of what they''d just witnessed.

    Julie stood rigid, her face still burning as she muttered. "Never...Never signing up for one of his training sessions again."

    Aisha''s tail flicked, her voice a low hiss as she kept her eyes averted. "H-He''s a depraved menace¡ªworse than the rumors."

    But their words lacked conviction, their bodies still humming with heat, their lower halves aching from the display they couldn''t unsee.

    "Someone get the maids." One knight gasped, fanning herself as she leaned against a comrade. "I need ice-cold water, something, my body''s too damn hot!"

    Another nodded, her voice trembling, "He''s exactly like they said¡ªunstoppable and utterly depraved. Gods help us if he turns that on anyone else."

    They stood there, scattered and flustered, their minds replaying the sight of Avery¡ªtheir fierce Commander, ravaged, worshipped, and now carried off like a blushing bride, her moans destined to haunt the mansion.

    The training grounds felt empty without Cassius''s presence, but the heat he''d ignited lingered, a fire no ice could quench, and they knew the rumors were true: their Young Master was a force unlike any other, and they''d all felt its pull...

 Chapter 152 - 152: Would You Love Me If I Was A Worm?

    The carriage rolled smoothly along the winding road, its wheels humming a soft rhythm against the packed earth. Cassius leaned back in his seat, one arm resting casually on the window''s edge, his crimson eyes fixed on the rolling fields stretching out beyond.

    The distant hills bloomed with wildflowers, their colors vivid against the golden afternoon light, and a grand house stood nestled among them, its white walls gleaming like a beacon of quiet luxury.

    He let out a contented sigh, his mind drifting as he took in the serene beauty of it all¡ªuntil a prickle of unease tugged at him and in response he turned his head, catching Lucius staring at him from the opposite seat, his butler''s face alight with a reverent, almost worshipful gaze, as if Cassius were some masterpiece hung in a gallery.

    Cassius''s brow furrowed, a scowl creeping across his face. "Oi, Lucius, what''s with that look?" He demanded, his voice sharp with irritation. "You''re gawking at me like I''m some damn painting. It''s creeping me out...cut it out."

    Lucius blinked, then leaned forward, his expression bursting into an exaggerated flourish of adoration, his hands clasping dramatically over his chest.

    "Oh, Young Master, how could I not stare?" He declared, his voice dripping with theatrical fervor. "You''re simply too handsome¡ªtoo radiant! The way the sunlight catches your profile, the strength in your jaw, those crimson eyes that burn like embers¡ªI can''t tear my gaze away!"

    "...You''re prettier than the mountains out there, more captivating than any field or flower. I could watch you all day, every day, and never tire of it!"

    Cassius''s scowl deepened, his hand twitching as if tempted to swat the butler.

    "What the hell, Lucius? Why''re you wasting lines like that on me?" He snapped, leaning forward to jab a finger at him. "With that pretty face of yours and all that poetic nonsense, you could charm any girl you wanted¡ªhell, half the town''d be tripping over themselves for you. Go use it on someone who''d appreciate it, not your damn master."

    Lucius shook his head vehemently, his expression resolute, almost comically serious as he crossed his arms.

    "No, no, no, Young Master." He said, his tone firm but tinged with a strange, earnest devotion. "I don''t care about girls or boys, or anyone else, for that matter. No gender, no person, nothing in this world holds a candle to you. My heart, my loyalty it''s all for my Master, and only you."

    "...No one else could ever compare."

    Hearing this, Cassius smirked, a glint of mischief sparking in his eyes as he leaned back, crossing his arms with a challenging air.

    "Oh yeah? Alright, let''s test that." He said, his voice sly. "Age-old question, Lucius¡ªif I was a worm, just a slimy little thing wriggling in the dirt, would you still feel the same? Still be all starry-eyed over me?"

    He expected a stammer, a pause, maybe a flustered dodge. But to his utter shock, Lucius''s face lit up, his eyes gleaming with an almost manic enthusiasm as he clapped his hands together.

    "A worm?! Oh, Young Master, even if you were a worm, I''d care for you with my utmost duty!" He exclaimed, his voice rising with absurd sincerity. "I''d build you a tiny little home¡ªcarve it out of the finest wood, with a soft bed of moss for your wriggly form to rest on."

    "I''d gather the juiciest bits of leaves, the sweetest drops of dew, all cut to worm-sized portions for you to nibble! I''d carry you in a little velvet pouch, keep you safe from birds, and if you wanted to explore, I''d clear a path in the dirt myself¡ªanything you desired, I''d make it happen, worm or not!"

    Cassius stared, his mouth twitching as he rubbed his forehead, a groan escaping him.

    "Ahh, why haven''t I replaced this damn butler yet?"

    He muttered, half to himself, his voice laced with exasperation as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

    "Why?...Well, because I''m irreplaceable, Master, and you know it."

    Lucius grinned, undeterred, leaning forward with a smug tilt of his head.

    "I''m too good at my job...no one else could handle your affairs like I do. The assignments, the schedules, the messages, the...delicate situations." He winked, a playful jab at his master''s affairs with women. "I take care of it all. You barely lift a finger, and I make sure every minor problem vanishes before it reaches you."

    "...Who else could match that? No one, that''s who."

    Cassius couldn''t argue, not really. Lucius was a flawless butler, a machine of efficiency who ran his life like a well-oiled clock.

    From managing the estate to smoothing over scandals, Lucius handled it all, leaving Cassius free to do...Well, whatever he pleased.

    But admitting that out loud? That''d inflate the man''s ego to unbearable heights, and Lucius was already insufferable enough. So he leaned back, smirking as he waved a hand dismissively.

    "Keep telling yourself that." He said, his tone dry. "If I looked hard enough, I''d find someone better someone who doesn''t stare at me like a lovesick puppy or ramble about worm houses."

    Lucius gasped, clutching his chest as if wounded, his voice rising in mock outrage.

    "Better than me?! Impossible, Young Master! There''s no butler in the entire world who could outshine me¡ªnot one!"

    He paused, his expression shifting to a thoughtful frown as he tapped his chin.

    "Well...Maybe if there''s anyone who comes close it''s Wayne, the Patriarch''s right-hand man. I''ll admit, he''s exceptional. His precision, his foresight, the way he anticipates every need¡ªtruly a master of the craft. Even I have to respect that." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Wayne, huh? High praise coming from you." Cassius raised a brow, intrigued despite himself.

    Lucius''s lips curved into a wry smile, a flicker of something sharper in his eyes.

    "Oh, he''s good¡ªdamn good. But he served the wrong master in the end, didn''t he? Led to his downfall, tied his fate to the Patriarch''s."

    He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a murmur.

    "You outplayed them both, Master¡ªsubjugated your father, brought Wayne to heel. And a butler''s supposed to go down with his master, no matter what. It''s only natural."

    His gaze softened, a quiet vow in his words.

    "...And I''d do the same for you¡ªwithout a second thought."

    Cassius''s smirk faded, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face as he processed Lucius''s loyalty¡ªso unwavering, so absolute. He cleared his throat, shifting the topic before it got too heavy.

    "Speaking of my father and Wayne..." He said, his tone casual but probing. "How''re they doing? Wayne managing him alright?"

    Lucius straightened, slipping back into his efficient butler mode with a nod.

    "Oh, impeccably, as expected." He said, his voice crisp. "Wayne''s following your orders to the letter¡ªshadowing the Patriarch everywhere, not letting him out of sight. From the reports he sends¡ªdaily, mind you, not a single one missed¡ªhe''s so thorough it''s almost comical."

    "...Follows him to the study, the gardens, even the bathroom, just in case. Says it''s to ensure ''no incidents.'' The man''s a machine, Master, exactly why you put him there."

    Cassius chuckled, a low, amused sound as he leaned back, crossing his arms.

    "Good. Knew he''d be perfect for it. Wayne''s got no room for error¡ªkeeps Father on a tight leash, just like I wanted...But what about the old man himself? He giving Wayne any trouble?"

    Lucius shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

    "Not at all, from what Wayne reports. The Patriarch''s...subdued, I''d say. Spends most of his time at the late lady''s grave¡ªhours every day, just standing there. Doesn''t cause a fuss, doesn''t argue. It''s like he''s...reflecting, maybe."

    Cassius''s brow arched, a sarcastic edge to his voice as he laughed.

    "Reflecting? What, he regretting his choices already? Begging forgiveness from Mother''s ghost?" He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "What exactly does he do out there¡ªcry, pray, what?"

    Lucius shrugged, his tone neutral but thoughtful.

    "Hard to say, Master. Wayne''s reports don''t go into that¡ªhe just notes the time spent, the location. Says the Patriarch stands by the tomb, silent as stone, all day sometimes. Doesn''t speak, doesn''t move much. Could be regret, could be grief¡ªcould be he''s just lost in his head. Wayne doesn''t pry, just watches."

    Cassius nodded, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he turned back to the window, the fields rolling by in a blur of green and gold.

    "Let him stew, then." He said, his voice low, almost to himself. "If he''s groveling to Mother''s grave, that''s his business. As long as Wayne''s got him handled, I''m good."

    Lucius sat back, his hands folded neatly in his lap as the carriage swayed gently, his mind lingering on Cassius''s words about the Patriarch and Wayne.

    A thoughtful frown creased his brow for a moment, and then he leaned forward, his voice softer but brimming with conviction as he addressed his master.

    "You know, Master, when I said Wayne''s loyalty led to his downfall, I...might''ve misspoken." He admitted, his tone thoughtful. "It''s not quite true, is it?"

    "...His greatest wish¡ªhis only wish, really was to heal his daughter. Poor girl''s been ill for years, wasting away, and no doctor, no matter how skilled, could do a thing for her. Drove him to despair and you could see it in his eyes."

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk fading slightly as he turned from the window, intrigued. "Oh? Getting sentimental on me, Lucius? What''s your point?"

    Lucius leaned forward, his hands clasped, his voice earnest as he continued.

    "My point, Young Master, is that Wayne''s situation, being subjugated by you, bound to shadow the Patriarch under your orders it''s actually worked out for him, hasn''t it because of you?"

    "You not only pardoned him for his part in your father''s schemes¡ªno small thing, mind you, considering how deep he was in it. You went further. You''ve been visiting his daughter these past weeks, treating her yourself, working your...gifts to bring her back from the brink."

    "...And she''s recovering, Young Master¡ªcolor in her cheeks, a spark in her eyes again, just like you had promised. So, he got the most out of this, didn''t he? His daughter''s life, his heart''s only desire, all because of your mercy."

    Cassius''s gaze sharpened, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face as he listened. Lucius pressed on, his voice swelling with pride, his eyes gleaming with devotion.

    "I''m so proud to serve you, Young Master¡ªa man so merciful he''d help the daughter of an enemy, give her back her health when no one else could. Who else would do that?...No one I''ve ever known."

    "You''re not just strong, not just cunning¡ªyou''ve got a heart that bends even for those who stood against you. There''s no master as great as you, no one half as generous."

    Cassius''s lips curled into a slow, almost lazy smile, but there was a glint in his eyes that belied the warmth of Lucius''s words.

    "Merciful, huh? That''s what you think this is?"

    He said, his tone light but edged with something darker.

    "Don''t get it twisted, Lucius. I''m not some saint doing charity. I''m using Wayne''s weakness¡ªhis daughter to keep him in line, keep my father on a leash. That''s all it is. A tool, a lever."

    "...I also don''t really give a damn about Wayne himself¡ªnever did since he too didn''t really like how I was being treated and tried to persuade my father against it all the time, but failed every time so he''s not exactly someone I absolutely despise."

    Lucius blinked, tilting his head as he processed this, but Cassius wasn''t done. His smile twisted, taking on a wicked, almost predatory edge as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur.

    "But you''re right about one thing¡ªhe''s not getting off easy. Nobody does. Even mercy''s got a price, Lucius. Especially since I''m the only true devotee of the Goddess of Debauchery¡ªmy job''s to spread depravity wherever I go...even down paths that look ''kindness''."

    "...So in the end, Wayne will pay for what he did, one way or another."

    Lucius frowned, confusion flickering across his face, his voice hesitant. "Depravity...in mercy? I don''t follow, Master. What do you mean by that? You''re healing his daughter, how''s that¡ª"

    Before he could finish, the carriage driver''s voice cut through, a crisp announcement that jolted them both.

    "We''ve arrived, my lord¡ªMaster Wayne''s mansion, just ahead."

    Hearing this, assius''s smile widened, a dark, knowing gleam in his eyes as he straightened, his gaze flicking to the window where the elegant sprawl of Wayne''s estate came into view¡ªwhite stone columns, manicured gardens, a picture of quiet wealth.

    "Perfect timing..." He said, his voice smooth but laced with a chilling intent. "Wayne''ll pay, alright¡ªbut he won''t be the one to pay...Not directly as I''ve grown...fond of his wife. And his daughter, too, now that she''s up and about."

    "...They''re sweet, Lucius¡ªreal sweet, so I think I''ll take what''s owed from them instead."

    Lucius''s breath caught, his eyes widening as he caught the look on Cassius''s face¡ªa hunter''s stare, hungry and unrelenting, like he was about to feast on a baby fawn and it''s mother.

    He knew that look, knew it meant trouble, the kind that left hearts racing and lives upended.

    "Master..." He started, his voice low, a rare note of unease threading through it. "You mean to¡ª"

    Cassius was already moving, swinging the carriage door open with a fluid grace as he stepped out, his boots hitting the gravel with a soft crunch.

    "Don''t worry about it, Lucious." He called over his shoulder, his tone deceptively light as he stretched, twisting his shoulders like a man preparing for a hunt. "Just do your job and follow my lead, same as always."

    "...And whatever happens, you''re with me, right?"

    Lucius hesitated, his hands tightening briefly in his lap as he watched Cassius stride toward the mansion, the late afternoon sun casting his shadow long and sharp across the path.

    He felt a twinge of pity for Wayne''s wife, so smart and kind, always offering tea when they visited; also for the daughter, barely recovered, her laughter still fragile but growing stronger each day.

    They had no idea what was coming, no defense against the storm that was Cassius when he set his sights on a target.

    But Lucius''s loyalty was ironclad, his role clear.

    He was Cassius''s butler, his shadow, his executor of whims¡ªno matter how depraved, no matter the cost.

    So, with a quiet sigh, he adjusted his glasses and stepped out of the carriage, his polished shoes gleaming as he fell into step behind his master.

    "As you say, Young Master..." He murmured, his voice steady despite the flicker of unease in his chest. "I''m with you...always. Whatever you need...It''s done."

    Cassius shot him a sidelong glance, his grin evil and unyielding.

    "That''s my Lucius." He said, as he clapped a hand on the butler''s shoulder. "Stick close as it''s going to be a fun visit. Wayne''s family''s about to learn what it means to owe me."

    He chuckled, a dark sound that promised chaos, and strode forward, the mansion looming like a stage set for his next act of debauchery, Lucius trailing faithfully behind, ready to serve¡ªno matter what depravity lay ahead...

 Chapter 153 - 153: Bright As The Sun

    Cassius stepped out of the carriage, his mind already on the task ahead¡ªslipping quietly into Wayne''s mansion to check on the patient he''d been treating, the young daughter whose recovery was his leverage over her father.

    He figured it''d be a quick visit, in and out, no fuss.

    But the moment his foot touched the ground, the guard stationed at the entrance snapped out of a sleepy daze, his eyes widening as if he''d just seen a divine apparition.

    And seeing Cassius before him, the man bolted upright, his voice booming with a fervor that shattered the quiet.

    "Young Master Cassius! H-He''s here! Young Master Cassius has arrived!"

    Cassius froze, his smirk faltering as the shout echoed across the courtyard. Before he could process it, a chorus of female voices erupted from inside the mansion, overlapping in a frantic, excited cacophony.

    "Young Master Cassius?!"

    "Oh my gods, he''s actually here!"

    "Did anyone know he was coming?!"

    "Were preparations made? Anything?!"

    The sounds of panic and disbelief spilled out, like a royal entourage had descended unannounced, and Cassius''s brow furrowed, amusement and exasperation flickering across his face.

    Lucius, stepping out behind him, stifled a chuckle, his eyes glinting with mischief as he adjusted his gloves.

    "Well, Master, seems you''ve got quite the welcome committee."

    He murmured, his tone teasing as he watched the mansion''s doors tremble with approaching footsteps.

    Before Cassius could retort, the grand double doors slammed open with a force that rattled the hinges, and a swarm of maids¡ªyoung and old, their aprons fluttering¡ªpoured out like a tide, their eyes wide and fixed on him.

    They then skidded to a halt a few feet away, gasping in unison as if they''d stumbled upon a legend made flesh.

    "It''s him!" One squeaked, clutching her hands to her chest.

    "Young Master Cassius is really here!" Another, older but no less awestruck, whispered.

    "Gods above, he exists! The godly doctor himself!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Their voices overlapped, a buzz of reverence and disbelief as they stared, their gazes darting over him like he was some rare creature¡ªadmired, coveted, but too intimidating to approach.

    "He''s treating the young lady¡ªsaved her when no one else could, they say!" A younger maid breathed, her cheeks flushed.

    "This is the first time I''ve seen him. I thought he''d be older, grumpier!" Another giggled, nudging her friend.

    "Handsome, isn''t he? Nothing like the rumors¡ªthought he''d be all stern and scary!"

    They hovered, their eyes drinking him in, some bold enough to edge closer, others too shy to move, their whispers a blend of awe and nervous excitement.

    Cassius stood there, one hand on his hip, his smirk returning as he took in the scene, though confusion lingered in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, a sharp, authoritative voice cut through the clamor.

    "Enough of this nonsense!"

    An older woman strode forward, her silver-streaked hair pulled into a tight bun, her apron crisp and her expression stern¡ªthe senior maid, clearly, her presence commanding instant respect.

    She stopped short, her eyes widening briefly as she took in Cassius, a flicker of surprise betraying her composure before she masked it with a scowl aimed at the maids.

    "Back to your duties, all of you! You''re hounding Young Master Cassius like a pack of wild children¡ªhave you no shame? Leave him be!"

    The maids hesitated, their faces falling as they glanced at Cassius, reluctant to tear themselves away. But the senior maid''s glare sharpened, her hands planting on her hips as she snapped.

    "Now! Or I''ll have you scrubbing floors till midnight!"

    That did it¡ªthe maids scattered, scampering back toward the mansion with a chorus of disappointed murmurs, though many cast longing looks over their shoulders, stealing every last glimpse of Cassius they could manage.

    The senior maid then sighed, her shoulders relaxing as the courtyard emptied, and then turned to Cassius, her expression shifting to a composed, pleasant smile.

    She bowed slightly, her voice respectful but warm. "Young Master Cassius, welcome to the mansion. I apologize for that...unseemly display. The girls are usually better behaved, I assure you. It won''t happen again."

    Cassius waved a hand, his smirk widening as he leaned back, crossing his arms.

    "No harm done." He said, his tone light but laced with a teasing edge. "It''s not every day I get swarmed by a bunch of pretty women staring at me like I''m some kind of saint...Kinda nice, actually."

    He tilted his head, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

    "But what''s got them so riled up? I''m just here to check on my patient, why the whole welcome parade?"

    The senior maid''s smile turned wry, a knowing glint in her eyes as she clasped her hands in front of her.

    "It''s because of the young lady, my lord." She said, her voice softening with gratitude. "Everyone in this household knows what you''ve done for her¡ªhow you''ve been treating her, bringing her back from the brink."

    "She''s getting stronger every day, smiling again, and it''s all because of you. And the maids...they adore her, you see. She''s like family to many of them, and they''ve been desperate to lay eyes on the man who''s saving her."

    "Usually, your visits are announced, and I manage to keep them in line¡ªherd them into the kitchens or the laundry so they don''t bother you. But today..."

    She sighed, shaking her head.

    "You came unannounced, and they lost all sense. I''m sorry you had to endure that."

    Lucius, ever the diplomat, stepped forward with a polished smile, bowing slightly to the senior maid before Cassius could respond.

    "No need to apologize, madam." He said, his voice smooth and warm, laced with a hint of playful charm. "It''s only natural that the maids would adore my Young Master so¡ªbursting out like that to catch a glimpse of him?"

    "...I''d say they have excellent taste, recognizing a man as remarkable as he is. Why, I''d wager half the continent would do the same if they knew him as we do!"

    Cassius''s eyes narrowed, a scowl flashing across his face as he shot Lucius a sharp look.

    "Shut it, Lucius." He snapped, his tone irritated. "Quit flapping your mouth and get back in line before I kick you there myself."

    He jerked his head, and Lucius, with a pout, retreated a step, though his grin didn''t fade, clearly pleased with his own theatrics.

    Turning back to the senior maid, Cassius''s scowl softened into a charming smile, his crimson eyes glinting with curiosity.

    "But I gotta say, for the maids to lose it like that just because I showed up, they must love their young lady Vivi quite a lot."

    He said, his voice casual but probing, even though he already knew why all the maids loved her so much from his previous interactions with her.

    Hearing this, the senior maid''s expression lit up, her stern demeanor melting into a proud, almost maternal glow as she clasped her hands together.

    "Oh, of course they do, my lord." She said, her voice rich with affection. "The young lady Vivi¡ªshe''s been bedridden her whole life, you know, plagued by that wretched illness...You''d think someone in her place would be the saddest soul, weighed down by despair, cursing a life where she couldn''t run or play like others."

    "...But our young lady? She''s the brightest light in this mansion¡ªmaybe the whole continent! Always has been, even at her weakest."

    She paused, her eyes softening as she continued, her words painting a vivid picture.

    "She''s kind to everyone¡ªtreats the maids like family, not servants. Always a smile, always a kind word, no matter how much pain she''s in. That smile of hers¡ªit''s like sunshine breaking through a storm, makes your whole day brighter just to see it."

    "The older maids, they look at her like she''s their own daughter, fussing over her, praying for her every night. The younger ones?...They see her as a sister, someone to look up to, to learn from."

    "...Her optimism, her heart, it''s infectious. You can''t not love her, my lord. It''s like the sun itself lives in her soul."

    Her gaze met Cassius''s, a fierce devotion burning in her eyes as she added.

    "I''d even give my life ten times over¡ªmore, if I could, if it meant she''d get better. If there was a way to trade my years for hers, I''d do it in a heartbeat." She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping with a hopeful intensity. "Is there...Is there any such way, my lord? Some treatment, some magic you know of?"

    Cassius leaned back, raising his hands with a wry chuckle, his tone light but firm.

    "Whoa, hold on there, I''m no witch, and I don''t mess with magic like that. I''m just a guy who knows a bit about healing, not some sorcerer trading lives. Sorry to disappoint, but I stick to medicine, not miracles."

    The senior maid''s face fell slightly, but she nodded, stepping back with a resigned sigh.

    "A pity." She murmured, though her respect for him didn''t waver. "Still, what you''ve done for her¡ªit''s more than we ever hoped for."

    Lucius, who didn''t know Vivi as much as he wasn''t there during all the visits was struck by the depth of the maid''s devotion and the love Vivi clearly inspired in everyone around her. The weight of it hung in the air, making it clear the girl''s impact, and for a moment, even Cassius''s usual smirk softened, a flicker of something like respect in his eyes.

    The senior maid then straightened, her composure returning as she met Cassius''s gaze, a worried crease forming on her brow.

    "Forgive me for asking, my lord, but...Is something wrong? Your visit today¡ªit''s unannounced. Is there a complication with the young lady''s treatment?"

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk returning as he waved off her concern.

    "What, I can''t drop by unannounced? Gotta have a royal decree to check on my patient?" He teased, though his tone was gentle enough to ease her tension. "Relax, nothing''s wrong. I was just passing through, figured I''d see how Vivi''s doing."

    The senior maid let out a visible sigh of relief, her hand pressing to her chest as she smiled.

    "Oh, thank the gods." She said, her voice warm with gratitude. "I was worried something had gone amiss. You''re a blessing, my lord, caring so much for your patients like this¡ªchecking in even when you don''t have to. Truly, we''re lucky to have a doctor like you."

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head as he crossed his arms. "Don''t go calling me a doctor¡ªI''m not one. Just someone who picked up a few tricks here and there, that''s all."

    The senior maid''s eyes widened, her voice rising with indignation as she waved a hand dismissively.

    "Nonsense! That''s not true in the slightest!" She said, her tone firm but respectful. "Even the lady of the house¡ªLady Diana, one of the finest doctors on the continent, sought after by kings and queens¡ªshe speaks of you with nothing but respect."

    "She says your medical knowledge is extraordinary, that you found the ailment plaguing Lady Vivi when even she couldn''t, despite all her years of study."

    "...If you''re not a doctor, my lord, then no one in this world deserves the title!"

    Cassius let out a wry smile, his usual bravado tempered by a flicker of humility or as close to it as he ever got. Behind him, Lucius practically glowed with pride, his chest puffing out as he nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining as if to say, That''s my Master!

    The senior maid caught herself, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized she''d been rambling.

    "Oh, forgive me I''ve kept you standing here too long." She said, bowing quickly. "Your time''s precious, and we shouldn''t waste it. Let me take you to the young lady at once."

    She turned, leading them into the mansion''s grand foyer, its marble floors gleaming under chandeliers that cast a soft, golden light.

    As they walked, Cassius fell into step beside her, his voice casual but focused. "Treatment going alright, then? Everything I laid out being followed?"

    "Oh, absolutely, my lord." The senior maid replied, her voice brimming with confidence. "Every instruction you gave, we''ve followed to the letter."

    "Her rooms are kept spotless, well-ventilated¡ªwindows open every morning to let in fresh air. She''s been getting sunlight daily, just as you ordered, and her diet''s been adjusted exactly as you said¡ªhigh-meat, high-energy, plenty of lean meats, fresh herbs, all the things you recommended to build her strength...The cooks have been meticulous, and Lady Vivi''s been eating better than ever."

    Cassius nodded, his expression satisfied. "Good, good. Sounds like you''ve got it under control. Where''s she at right now? Her room?"

    The senior maid''s smile turned almost playful, a spark of amusement in her eyes as she shook her head.

    "Not today, my lord. She''s in the garden¡ªgetting that sunlight you insisted on. And..." She paused, her smile widening as if recalling something delightful. "...She''s treating her own little patients at the moment."

    Lucius''s brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his face as he trailed behind.

    "Patients?" He murmured, mostly to himself. "But she''s the only patient here...how''s she treating others?"

    His mind churned, trying to piece it together as they passed through the mansion''s corridors, the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers giving way to the warm, earthy air of the garden beyond where the ever-so-loved Lady Vivi was...

 Chapter 154 - 154: The Saintess Who Speaks Directly To The Heart

    The garden stretched out before Cassius, Lucius, and the senior maid, a breathtaking sight of vibrant blooms and meticulously sculpted hedges, the air thick with the sweet scent of roses and the hum of bees drifting lazily in the golden sunlight.

    Roses climbed the vines in cascades of red and green, their petals catching the breeze, while neatly trimmed paths wound through beds of lavender and marigolds, the colors so vivid they seemed to pulse under the clear sky.

    Yet, for all its beauty, the garden''s splendor faded the moment their eyes feil on the girl seated at a simple wooden table beneath a shaded tree.

    No flower, no pretty sky or artistry of landscaping could compete with her presence¡ªshe was a beacon, drawing every gaze with an effortless, radiant allure.

    Lady Vivi Arwald sat there, her small, delicate frame bathed in dappled sunlight, her beauty so striking it stole Lucius''s breath, even though he''d seen her multiple times before. He gasped softly, unable to help himself, and Cassius''s usual smirk faltered for a moment, his crimson eyes narrowing as he took her in.

    She had a face like a porcelain doll, heart-shaped and flawless, with wide, sparkling blue eyes that seemed to hold the sky itself. Her pale forehead peeked through soft fringes of dark hair that parted neatly to frame her face, curling gently at the ends.

    Her lips, a delicate pink, curved into a warm, genuine smile that lit up the garden more than the sun ever could.

    Her body was slender, almost fragile, her petite frame draped in a flowing white dress that made her look as if a single touch might shatter her or lift her into the air like a feather.

    This was Vivi, Wayne''s only daughter, Cassius''s patient, the girl who''d been chained to her bed by iliness for most of her life, her spirit undimmed despite the weight of her suffering.

    Lucius''s mind flickered to past visits, when he''d accompanied Cassius to her bedside¡ªVivi pale and weak, her breaths shallow, her world confined to a dim room and a narrow mattress.

    Her illness had robbed her of the outdoors, of movement, of the simple joys others took for granted.

    Yet today, here she was, sitting upright in the garden, her cheeks kissed with a faint flush of health, her eyes bright with life.

    The sight was nothing short of miraculous, and Lucius felt a swell of pride for his master''s skill, though his attention quickly shifted to the pecullar scene unfolding before them.

    Vivi wasn''t alone. At the table, two children¡ªa brother and sister, no older than eight or nine sat across from her, their faces scrunched in mutual indignation.

    Behind them, rows of chairs were arranged in a semicircle, filled with an mix of people: young children clutching toys, elderly men and women with weathered faces, and adults of all ages, all commoners by their simple clothing, their eyes fixed on Vivi with a quiet, hopeful anticipation.

    It looked like a makeshift audience, as if they were all waiting their turn to speak with her, and Lucius''s brow furrowed, confusion tugging at him.

    ''What''s going on? Why are they all here for her?'' He wondered, glancing at Cassius, who watched with a raised brow, his curiosity piqued.

    Bit before Lucius could voice his question, the children''s voices rose, sharp and loud, cutting through the garden''s calm.

    "It''s his fault, Lady Vivil" The older sister, a girl with pigtails and a scowl, declared, pointing at her brother. "He ate all my snacks¡ªthe ones Mama made for me for getting a good grade on my testl! He''s a greedy pig, and I hate him!"

    The boy, his hair a messy mop of brown curls, shot back, his face red with indignation.

    "Y-You broke my toy horse, Lila! You smashed it just because I ate a few of your cookies! A-And because of that I-I don''t wanna be your brother anymore¡ªnever ever!"

    He crossed his arms, glaring at her, his lower lip trembling as if he might cry.

    Lucius blinked, taken aback by the childish squabble, his lips twitching with amusement.

    ''They''re complaining to her about this? Snacks and toys?''

    He thought, unsure why such trivial matters warranted Vivi''s attention¡ªor why the crowd behind them watched so intently, as if this were a matter of grave importance.

    He opened his mouth to whisper a question to the senior maid, but Vivi''s response stopped him cold.

    She leaned forward, her smile unwavering, her blue eyes sparkling with a warmth that seemed to wrap the children in an invisible embrace.

    "Oh, my dears." She said, her voice soft but clear, carrying a cheerful optimism that felt like sunlight breaking through clouds. "It sounds like you''re both really upset, and that''s okay¡ªsometimes we get so mad we forget how much we care. But let''s talk about this, hmm?"

    "...Lila, you love those cookies, don''t you? They''re special because your mama made them out just for you knowing that they were your favourite, right?"

    Lila nodded, her scowl softening slightly, though her arms stayed crossed.

    "Yeah...They were mine. A-And he didn''t even ask before he ate them all!"

    Vivi''s smile widened, her head tilting as she turned to the boy.

    "And you, Toby, you love your toy horse, don''t you? I bet you play with it all the time, imagining you''re a brave knight galloping across the fields."

    Toby''s glare faltered, his eyes dropping to the table as he mumbled.

    "Yeah...It was my favorite. She smashed it on the ground and it doesn''t have a head anymore."

    Vivi nodded, her expression gentle but attentive, as if their grievances were the most important thing in the world. "I hear you both, it hurts when something you love gets taken or broken. But you know what I think?...I think you didn''t mean to hurt each other, not really."

    "Lila, when Toby took your snacks, maybe he was just so hungry for something sweet, he forgot to ask....And Toby, when Lila broke your horse, maybe she was so upset about her snacks, she didn''t know how to tell you how mad she felt and she did it out of a fit of rage."

    "...Does that sound like it could be true?"

    The children hesitated, glancing at each other, their stubbornness wavering under Vivi''s calm, earnest gaze.

    Lila bit her lip, her voice small. "Maybe...I was really mad. But I didn''t mean to break it forever."

    Toby sniffed, his shoulders slumping. "I...I didn''t mean to eat all her snacks, I was just hungry. I wouldn''t have eaten them all if I knew it was meant for her."

    Vivi''s laugh was soft, like a chime, and she reached out, resting a delicate hand on the table between them.

    "See? You''re already starting to understand each other. Being brother and sister¡ªit''s like being a team, you know? Sometimes you mess up, sometimes you fight, but deep down, you love each other so much."

    "Lila, remember when Toby shared his blanket with you last winter when you were cold? And Toby, didn''t Lila help you find your lost ball when you were crying?...You''ve done so many kind things for each other because you''re family¡ªand family sticks together, even when it''s hard."

    Her words wove a gentle spell, her positivity infectious, and the children''s faces softened further, their anger melting into something vulnerable.

    Lila''s eyes glistened, her voice trembling. "I...I didn''t wanna hurt you, Toby. I just got so mad. I''m sorry."

    Toby''s lip quivered, and he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. "I''m sorry too, Lila. I shouldn''t''ve taken your snacks. And...And I didn''t mean it when I said I don''t want you as my sister. I do¡ªI love you."

    The crowd behind them let out a collective sigh, some smiling, others dabbing at their eyes, as the siblings leaned across the table, hugging tightly, their small arms wrapped around each other.

    Vivi also watched with a satisfied, radiant smile, her hands clasped together as if she''d just solved a grand puzzle.

    "There we go." She said, her voice bright with pride. "You''re such a wonderful brother and sister¡ªlook how strong you are when you talk it out!"

    "...Now, how about you share some cakes that the maids have for you inside ? And maybe you can both fix that toy horse as a team when you get back home?"

    Hearing this, they nodded eagerly, their tears replaced by shy smiles, and scampered off to join the crowd, still clutching each other''s hands.

    The onlookers clapped softly, their faces glowing with admiration, and Lucius stood frozen, his jaw slightly agape.

    ''She...She just turned a petty fight into that?''

    He thought, marveling at how Vivi had transformed a childish spat into a moment of reconciliation, her cheerful wisdom cutting through their anger like a blade through fog.

    Cassius, standing beside him, let out a low whistle, his smirk returning as he crossed his arms.

    "Well, damn." He murmured, his voice low enough for only Lucius and the senior maid to hear. "She''s got a gift, alright. Turning brats into best friends with a smile? That''s some kind of magic."

    Hearing this praise, the senior maid''s eyes sparkled with pride as she watched her Lady Vivi, her voice swelling with affection as she continued.

    "Of course, my lord, that''s just how our Lady Vivi is. From the time she was a little girl, she''s had this...gift, this special way of lifting anyone''s spirits, no matter how dark their troubles. It''s like she was born with it¡ªa knack for finding the perfect words, wise beyond her years, and that pure, radiant cheerfulness of hers, that gentle smile that could melt the coldest heart."

    "The maids here, we''ve all gone to her at one time or another¡ªwhen we''re worried, when we''re down, when life feels too heavy. And let me tell you, a few moments with Vivi, a handful of words from her, and it''s like the world rights itself."

    "...You walk away with peace in your heart, as if her voice carries some kind of magic that heals the mind."

    She then paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Vivi, who sat under the Lilac tree, her delicate frame glowing in the sunlight. "You know, Lady Vivi, she''s better at hearing confessions than the saint at the church, so much so that everyone calls her the Saintess that speaks directly to the heart."

    "People have told her about their worst tragedies¡ªlosses, betrayals, grief that could break anyone and somehow, she helps them forget the pain, helps them move forward...It''s as if the gods, knowing they''d burden her with that terrible illness, gave her a mind so strong, so impossibly bright, to make up for it."

    "...A gift to balance the scales, letting her heal others in a way no one else can."

    Lucius nodded, his usual playful demeanor subdued as he absorbed her words, a quiet awe settling over him. He''d seen Vivi before, pale and frail in her bed, but this was new¡ªher gift, her impact, laid bare in a way he hadn''t fully grasped until now.

    Cassius, standing beside him, already knew, his crimson eyes following the two children as they scampered off, their arms linked, their fight forgotten and in their place a middle-aged woman, her face lined with worry, took their place at Vivi''s table, settling into the chair with a hesitant nod, as if it were her turn in some sacred ritual.

    Cassius''s smirk held, but there was a glint of something deeper in his gaze¡ªcuriosity, perhaps, or calculation as he watched the scene unfold.

    The senior maid continued, her voice tinged with pride and wonder.

    "Even as a child, Lady Vivi knew she had this gift. She saw how her mother, Lady Diane, saved lives as a doctor, stitching wounds, curing fevers, bringing people back from the brink and she wanted to do that too¡ªto help others, to make a difference. But her illness kept her from the world, from hospitals, from the life her mother led...So she found her own way."

    "When she was barely ten, she asked Lady Diane to set up a little box at the hospital¡ªa place where people could drop letters, pouring out their worries, their fears, their heartaches. Lady Vivi would then receive the later on and read them, every single one, and write back with her own words, her own light, offering comfort, advice, hope."

    She smiled, a wistful edge to it as she recalled the memory.

    "It started small¡ªa few dozen letters a week, people curious about the sick girl who wanted to help. But word spread, and soon there were hundreds, crowding that little box until we had to replace it with a bigger one...People from all over¡ªmerchants, farmers, even nobles writing to her, spilling their souls because they''d heard her words could ease any pain."

    "And Lady Vivi...gods, she was so weak some days she could barely hold a quill, but she refused to stop. Said she had to answer everyone who took the time to write, that it was her duty...She''d sit up all night, scribbling by candlelight, her hands trembling but her heart steady, crafting replies that made grown men weep and broken hearts mend."

    Lucius''s eyes widened, admiration and disbelief flickering across his face.

    "Hundreds? And she answered all of them? In her condition?"

    He murmured glancing at Vivi, who now listened intently to the middle-aged woman, her smile as warm and steady as ever.

    The senior maid nodded, her voice thick with emotion.

    "Every single one. When we asked her how she managed, how she didn''t collapse under the weight of it, she just smiled that smile of hers, you know¡ªand said she''d always idolized her mother, saying, ''Mother saves lives, but sadly I can''t do that, not with my body like this...But this this is my way to help, to give people something to hold onto. I''ve found my purpose, and I''ll follow it to the end, no matter how hard it is.'' That''s Lady Vivi¡ªher heart''s bigger than her sickness ever could be."

    Lucius''s gaze softened, his usual chatter silenced as he watched Vivi greet the woman with a graceful nod, her posture respectful yet open, as if she were welcoming an old friend.

    ''Brave doesn''t even begin to cover it.'' He thought, a pang of respect tightening his chest.

    The senior maid''s voice drew him back, her tone brightening as she gestured toward the crowd seated in the garden.

    "Recently, since you''ve been treating her, my lord..." She said, nodding to Cassius. "...her illness has started to fade. She''s stronger now, able to sit up, to come outside. And she realized she could do more than write letters¡ªshe could talk to people face-to-face."

    "So last week, she started inviting anyone in the Holyfield Estate¡ªcommoners, nobles, children, grandparents, anyone with a worry or a fight or a weight on their mind to come here, to the garden. She sits with them, listens, helps them sort through it, no matter what it is."

    "...A childish spat like you saw, or a deep trauma from years past¡ªshe takes it all on, with that same smile, that same heart."

    Lucius''s confusion cleared, replaced by a dawning realization as he glanced at the rows of people waiting patiently, their faces a mix of hope and trust.

    "So that''s what you meant..." He said, his voice low, almost reverent. "...when you said she''s treating her own patients...She''s not healing bodies like her mother, but hearts, minds¡ªwounds no bandage can touch. She''s using her words, her optimism, to fix what''s broken inside them."

    He paused, his mind turning over the idea, a spark of Intrigue lighting his eyes.

    "That''s...remarkable. It''s a kind of treatment in its own right, isn''t it? And it should have a name, something to mark it as special." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius chuckled, a low, knowing sound as he crossed his arms, his gaze still fixed on Vivi.

    "It does have a name, Lucius." He said, his tone casual but carrying a weight of certainty. "It''s called therapy. Our little Vivi''s gone and created her own branch of medicine in this world, without even knowing it¡ªtalking people through their pain, helping them heal what''s in here."

    He tapped his temple, his smirk widening as he caught the confusion on Lucius''s and the senior maid''s faces.

    "What, you thought I only knew about herbs and bandages? I pay attention to more than just bodies."

    Lucius blinked, his mouth opening to ask what therapy meant, but Cassius waved him off, his attention shifting back to Vivi.

    "Let''s hear what she''s got to say next." He said, his voice low and curious as he took a step forward, moving quietly to avoid drawing her notice. "I wanna see this gift of hers up close."

    Lucius and the senior maid exchanged a glance, then followed, their steps soft on the stone path as they approached the consultation that was going on, drawn by the gentle cadence of Vivi''s voice as she began speaking to the woman seated before her...

 Chapter 155 - 155: Absurd Rumours

    Cassius moved with a cat''s grace, his steps silent on the stone path as he approached Vivi from behind, his eyes glinting with a curiosity and mischief.

    Lucius and the senior maid also trailed quietly, their steps cautious, but the assembled crowd, seated in rows of chairs, noticed Cassius the moment he drew near.

    Their eyes widened, gasps catching in their throats as recognition hit like a thunderbolt.

    There wasn''t a soul in the Holyfield Estate who didn''t know Cassius¡ªhis name a wildfire of rumors, each more outrageous than the last, whispered in taverns, markets, and hushed corners of every household.

    They knew him as the man who''d seized his mansion in a single night, turning it into his personal playground, bedding every maid in the household¡ªsome said he''d done it all at once, a debauched feast that lasted days, leaving the maids stumbling and starry-eyed.

    Others swore he''d tamed a rival lord''s wife with a single glance, chaining her to his bed with nothing but his voice, or that he''d seduced an entire convent of nuns, convincing them to renounce their vows for a night of unholy revelry.

    The lewdest tales claimed he''d invented a forbidden elixir, one drop of which could drive anyone mad with lust, and that he''d tested it on a village festival, turning it into an orgy that scandalized the continent.

    And the most absurd?...That he''d once wrestled a bear into submission, then celebrated by bedding three noblewomen atop its pelt, all while the beast watched in defeat.

    More recently, the rumors had grown even wilder.

    Word had spread of his conquest of the Sacred Order, that righteous band of knights. They said he''d stormed their training grounds, not with a sword but with his charm, committing a lewd act with one of their fiercest commanders right in front of her legion, her moans echoing like a battle cry.

    Whispers followed that he''d slipped into their barracks at night, teaching the knights "swordplay" of a different kind, leaving them flushed and sleepless, their vows of discipline in tatters.

    With such rumours of depravity woven around him¡ªsome tales absurd, others shockingly obscene, it was no wonder the crowd recognized him instantly, those crimson eyes unmistakable, said to be painted in the blood of a virgin, a rumor as hilarious as it was absurd.

    The crowd stirred, their hands rising to cover gasps, eyes darting between Cassius and Vivi, who remained blissfully unaware of the storm approaching behind her.

    But before their murmurs could erupt, Cassius raised a finger to his lips, his smirk sharp and commanding as he gestured for silence.

    The weight of his presence¡ªhis power, his reputation, pressed down like a physical force, and the crowd obeyed without question. A single word from him could ruin lives, topple families, or worse, draw his attention in ways they''d rather avoid.

    So, they swallowed their shock, their lips sealed, though their wide eyes followed him as he stepped closer, a shadow looming over Vivi''s delicate frame.

    Even the middle-aged woman seated across from Vivi noticed him, her tear-streaked face paling as she caught sight of those infamous crimson eyes behind her confidante.

    Her voice faltered mid-sob, but Cassius''s gesture¡ªa subtle nod, a silent command to continue¡ªkept her talking, her words tumbling out in a rush of despair.

    "I-It''s my husband, Lady Vivi." She wailed, wringing her hands as tears spilled anew. "He''s cheating on me, I know he is! He''s gonna run off with her, I just know it, leave me and the kids behind! We''ll have nowhere to go, left to rot in the streets, begging for scraps."

    "...My life''s ruined¡ªruined! What am I supposed to do?!"

    Hearing this dramatic moment, Lucius, standing just behind Cassius, expected Vivi to react as most might¡ªwith indignation, scolding the husband, rallying to the woman''s side with fiery support, as any women would. He braced for her to call the man a scoundrel, to fuel the woman''s anger with righteous fury.

    But to his utter surprise, Vivi remained calm, her expression serene, her blue eyes soft with empathy. She leaned forward slightly, her gentle smile unwavering, a beacon of peace amidst the woman''s storm. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Oh, Mara, I hear how much this hurts." She said, her voice soothing, like a lullaby for a wounded heart. "It''s okay to feel this way¡ªyour sadness, your fear, it''s all real. But let''s take a breath, alright? If we want to sort this out, we need to understand it from the start."

    "...Can you tell me why you think he''s cheating? Everything you''ve noticed, from the beginning. Then we can find a way forward together."

    Her words, delivered with such quiet confidence, seemed to wrap around the woman like a warm blanket.

    Mara''s sobs slowed, her trembling hands wiping at her tear-filled cheeks as she took a shaky breath.

    "I...I''m sorry, Lady Vivi." She mumbled, her voice thick with emotion. "I didn''t mean to make a scene like that. Ilost myself there. It''s just...It''s so hard."

    Vivi''s smile widened, her head tilting as she reached out, resting a delicate hand near Mara''s on the table, a gesture of comfort without intrusion.

    "Nothing to apologize for." She said, her tone bright but sincere. "You''re feeling something big, and it''s okay to let it out. I''m here to listen, to help."

    "...Now please, go on, tell me when did you start noticing these things? What''s been happening?"

    Mara''s voice trembled as she leaned forward, her hands twisting nervously in her lap as she poured out her story to Vivi, her words heavy with pain.

    "It started two months ago." She began, her voice low but steadying under Vivi''s calming gaze. "I was joking with my husband one night¡ªsaid my body''s getting old, that the housework''s wearing me down...Didn''t mean much by it, just teasing, you know?"

    "But the very next day, he comes home with a maid¡ªa young one, barely an adult, fresh-faced and all. Says he hired her to help around the house, so I could rest. Told me we had money to spare, that he didn''t mind spending it if it meant I was comfortable."

    She paused, her lips tightening as she glanced down at the table, her fingers fidgeting.

    "I was surprised, sure, but not shocked. My husband''s always been kind¡ªalways doing little things to make me happy, to make me feel like I''m the best wife in the world...Flowers for no reason, fixing the creaky door before I even ask¡ªhe''s that sort of man."

    "But this? Bringing a maid into our home without even talking to me first? That caught me off guard...And not just any maid¡ªshe''s young, Lady Vivi. Beautiful, too, with a pretty face, long brown hair that shines like silk."

    "I''m over forty, starting to see wrinkles when I look in the mirror, feeling my appeal fade. So to have this...This girl barge into my house? I felt threatened, I won''t lie. Like I wasn''t enough anymore."

    Vivi nodded, her eyes soft with understanding, her smile a gentle anchor as she listened without interrupting.

    Mara took a shaky breath, her voice growing quieter. "I tried to trust him, you know? He''s a good man, never given me reason to doubt him. So I let her stay, thinking nothing would come of it. Told myself he was just being his kind self, helping out. But that''s when things started changing. He started acting...strange."

    Lucius, standing just behind Cassius, perked up, his ears practically twitching with interest.

    ''Juicy gossip.'' He thought, his usual restraint faltering as he leaned slightly closer, eager for the details.

    The crowd, too, leaned in, their murmurs hushed but charged with anticipation, their pity for Mara already taking root.

    Mara''s voice grew tighter, her hands clenching as she continued.

    "Turns out, this maid¡ªher name''s Clara, she''s got no experience at all. Just a simple girl, barely out of childhood, desperate for work to support her little sister. No parents, no one else to help them."

    "Apparently my husband felt bad for her, said he brought her on to give her a chance to earn some coin. But she didn''t know how to do anything not cleaning, not cooking, not even washing dishes properly. So he...he took it upon himself to teach her...Everything."

    "Showed her how to scrub the floors, how to fold the linens, step by step, like she was his apprentice. At first, I thought it was fine¡ªkind of him, even. Teaching someone''s not a crime, right?"

    She shook her head, her voice trembling with frustration.

    "But then I tried to step in, to show her myself, and he''d always stop me. ''Rest, Mara,'' he''d say. ''You don''t need to lift a finger¡ªI''ll handle it.'' And he''d spend hours with her, teaching her, talking to her, while I was pushed aside, told to relax."

    "It got worse later...You see, he''s an educator at the school, teaches children their letters and numbers. So he started teaching Clara to read and write, saying she didn''t know how, that it''d help. her future. He''d call her into his workroom, close the door, and they''d sit there for ages, just the two of them."

    "...I''d hear them laughing sometimes, and it...It cut me, Lady Vivi. Like I was being replaced."

    The crowd murmured softly, their sympathy for Mara deepening, a few shaking their heads in disapproval. Lucius''s eyes widened, his mind racing with the scandal of it all, already half-convinced the husband was being unloyal.

    ''Teaching her to read? In his workroom?''

    He thought, barely resisting the urge to whisper his outrage to Cassius.

    Mara''s voice cracked as she pressed on, her hands trembling now.

    "It gets worse. He started giving her extra money¡ªmore than her salary. When I asked why, he said it was for her little sister''s school fees, that he was paying in advance and it''d be reimbursed later. Brushed it off like it was nothing, but it felt...Wrong."

    "Why''s he so invested in this girl?...Why''s he spending all his time with her? And then¡ªoh, gods, this broke me...Last week, I was at the market, shopping for supper, and I saw them."

    "...Him, Clara, and her little sister, in a gift shop, all laughing together, picking out little trinkets like they were...like they were a family. My husband, smiling at them, holding a tiny bracelet for the sister, looking happier than I''ve seen him in months..."

    "...I stood there, frozen, and I knew he''s cheating. There''s no other explanation and that he''s going to leave me, leave our kids, and run off with her. We''ll be out on the streets, and I don''t know what to do!"

    Her voice broke into a sob, her hands covering her face as she slumped forward, the weight of her fear and betrayal spilling out.

    ¡ª"Poor woman!" "That maid''s a thief, stealing her man!" "What a wretched husband!"¡ª

    The crowd''s murmurs grew louder, full of pity and anger as their voices buzzing with judgment.

    Lucius, caught up in the drama, turned to Cassius, his mouth opening to mutter something about the pitiful state of Mara''s marriage, but he stopped short.

    Cassius''s face wasn''t what he expected.

    Instead of the usual smirk or a gleam of amusement, his master wore a thoughtful expression, his crimson eyes narrowed as if piecing together a puzzle.

    ''He doesn''t think that''s the case.''

    Lucius realized, glancing back at Vivi, who mirrored Cassius''s look¡ªa calm, neutral gaze, her smile soft but her eyes sharp with consideration, as if she, too, sensed there was more to the story.

 Chapter 156 - 156: Match Made In Heaven

    Vivi leaned forward, her voice steady and soothing, cutting through Mara''s sobs like a gentle breeze.

    "Mara, thank you for sharing that. I''m sure it''s so hard to carry this alone, and I''m glad you''re here telling me what you feel."

    She said, her tone warm but to the point like she was building up to something.

    "I can see why you''re hurting, why this feels like betrayal...But let''s take it step by step, alright, since you said your husband''s always been kind, always put you first¡ªdoes that sound like a man who''d throw it all away without a word?...Maybe there''s something we''re not seeing yet."

    Cassius nodded his head seeing that she had picked up on what he had also thought and was properly questioning like he would to find the truth.

    "Can you tell me more about Clara? What''s she like when she''s around you? And your husband¡ªhas he ever lied to you before, or hidden things?"

    Mara sniffled, wiping her eyes as she looked at Vivi, the girl''s calm presence pulling her back from the edge.

    "Clara...She''s quiet, polite. Doesn''t talk much to me, but she''s not rude or anything. Just...young, pretty, always looking to him like he''s her hero...And my husband¡ªhe''s never lied, not that I know of. Always been straight with me, even when it''s hard."

    "...But this...It''s too much, Lady Vivi. The money, the time, that scene in the shop¡ªit''s all pointing one way."

    Vivi''s gentle smile held steady as she leaned toward Mara, her voice a soothing balm to the woman''s frayed nerves.

    "I understand your worries, Mara, and it''s okay to feel this way¡ªit''s a lot to carry."

    She said, her tone calm and measured, radiating a warmth that seemed to ease the tension in Mara''s shoulders.

    "But let''s take this one step at a time, alright? Let''s see if what you''re thinking is true, or if there''s something else going on. First off, have you ever seen your husband and Clara...Well, being intimate? Touching each other in a way that felt too close, or speaking sweet words, anything like that?"

    Mara hesitated, her brow furrowing as she searched her memory, her hands stilling in her lap.

    "No..." She admitted finally, her voice soft, almost surprised by her own answer. "Not once. He''s never...They''ve never been like that. When he talks to her, it''s like he''s speaking to a child¡ªkind, but firm, like a teacher."

    "...And when he''s showing her how to do things, he keeps his distance, always proper. I''ve never seen him touch her beyond a pat on the shoulder, and even that''s rare."

    Vivi nodded, her expression thoughtful but encouraging, her eyes never leaving Mara''s.

    "Alright, that''s important. Now, what about Clara herself? Does she seem like the kind of person who''d try to steal another woman''s husband? Does her character feel...scheming, or manipulative to you?"

    Mara''s lips parted, then closed as she thought it over, her gaze drifting to the table.

    "Not at all." She said slowly, her voice tinged with realization. "Clara''s...she''s sweet, innocent to a fault. Gullible, even¡ªI''ve thought sometimes she''s so naive, someone could trick her without her noticing. Makes me feel a bit bad for her, truth be told, like she needs protecting."

    "...So no, she doesn''t have it in her to steal anyone, let alone my husband. She''s just...a girl trying to get by."

    A murmur rippled through the crowd, their initial judgment softening as Vivi''s questions peeled back the layers of Mara''s story. Eyes widened, heads tilted, as they began to grasp where Vivi was leading them.

    Lucius, standing behind Cassius, felt a spark of understanding, his earlier gossip-fueled indignation fading as he caught the thread of Vivi''s logic.

    ''She''s unraveling it, piece by piece.'' He thought, his admiration for her growing.

    Vivi''s smile brightened, her voice gentle but firm as she pressed on.

    "Exactly, Mara. Now, you said your husband brought Clara to help because you mentioned feeling tired, right? Not because he fancied her, but because he wanted to ease your burden, to help her out since she was struggling with no other opportunities...Does that sound like him?"

    Mara nodded, her expression softening, a flicker of hope breaking through her doubt. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Yes...That''s him. Always looking out for others, especially me."

    "And you''ve said he''s a good husband, always treated you with care, made you feel like you''re his whole world." Vivi continued, her tone warm but probing. "If he''s like that, doesn''t it make sense that he''d want to spare you the strain of teaching Clara? That he''d take it on himself, not to push you away, but to protect you?"

    Mara''s eyes widened slightly, her breath catching as the idea took root.

    "I...I suppose so." She murmured, her voice trembling with the weight of new perspective. "He''s always been like that¡ªtaking on the hard things so I don''t have to."

    Vivi nodded, her smile encouraging as she leaned closer. "And as an educator, has he ever done this before¡ªtaught people in the neighborhood, given special lessons to help them learn?"

    Mara''s face lit up, her voice eager now, as if grasping a lifeline.

    "Oh, yes! He''s done that for years¡ªgoes to orphanages, teaches the children there to read, write, even do sums. Holds private lessons sometimes, stays late to help them catch up. He loves it, says it''s his way of giving back."

    "Exactly." Vivi said, her voice bright with conviction. "So it makes sense, doesn''t it? He''s teaching Clara because he sees potential in her, wants her to have a better life than just being a maid."

    "...Education''s a weapon for her, a way to move up in the world and it''s not about replacing you, it''s about him being the man you''ve always known."

    The crowd''s murmurs grew, nods and whispers spreading as Vivi''s case became clearer, their pity for Mara shifting to a dawning realization that they''d misjudged.

    Lucius''s eyes sparkled, his excitement barely contained as he listened, marveling at how Vivi turned suspicion into understanding with such ease.

    Vivi''s smile widened, a spark of intuition in her eyes as she pressed on.

    "Now, about seeing him with Clara and her sister in the gift shop¡ªthat could be many things, and we can''t know for sure without asking. But I have a guess, and I need you to confirm something for me."

    "...Is there an event coming up soon? A birthday, a special occasion, anything like that?"

    Mara blinked, her brow furrowing as she thought.

    "Well...Yes, actually. In a week, it''s our twentieth anniversary¡ªme and my husband, we''ve been married that long, can you believe it?"

    Vivi''s smile turned radiant, as if she''d found the final piece of a puzzle, her voice brimming with quiet triumph.

    "That''s wonderful, Mara¡ªtwenty years! Let me ask you this: is your husband a good gift-giver? Does he pick out presents well, or...?"

    Mara let out a small, rueful laugh, shaking her head.

    "Not at all! He''s hopeless at it, bless him. Good at so many things, but gifts? He''s awful¡ªalways picking out odd trinkets, things I''d never use. A carved frog one year, a scarf with holes another."

    "...I love him for trying, but he''s never gotten it right."

    The crowd chuckled softly, the tension easing as Vivi''s grin widened.

    "That''s what I thought." She said, her voice light but certain. "Mara, I think your husband was in that shop with Clara and her sister because he was letting Clara help him pick out a gift for you...For your anniversary."

    "...He knows he''s terrible at it, so he''s turning to someone young, someone who might know what a woman would like, to make sure he gets it right this time."

    A collective gasp swept through the crowd, eyes widening as the truth clicked into place.

    Mara''s hands flew to her mouth, her voice trembling with disbelief. "You...You think so? That''s why they were there? Not....not because he''s...?"

    Vivi leaned closer, her smile soft and reassuring as she nodded.

    "After everything you''ve told me, Mara, I think it''s all a misunderstanding. Your husband''s been clumsy, maybe, not telling you everything, but it sounds like he''s trying to care for you, for Clara, for her sister, all while planning something special for your anniversary."

    "...But the only way to know for sure is to talk to him¡ªask him, clear the air..."

    "...But you''re scared, aren''t you? Worried he''ll think less of you for doubting him?"

    Mara nodded, her eyes glistening as panic crept into her voice. "Yes! I can''t just ask him that. What if he thinks I''m awful for suspecting him? I''d die of shame, Lady Vivi. I wouldn''t know how to face him after."

    Vivi reached out, gently taking Mara''s hand, her touch light but steady.

    "Mara, from everything you''ve said, your husband sounds like a good man¡ªa great man. Do you really think he''s the kind who''d hate you for asking a question, for being honest about your fears?"

    Mara paused, her breath hastening as she thought it over, a faint smile breaking through her tears.

    "No...no, he wouldn''t. He''s a love-struck fool, always has been. If I told him what I''ve been thinking, he''d probably laugh¡ªloud and long, say it''s the funniest thing he''s ever heard. Tell me there''s no other woman in the world for him, that I''m being ridiculous. He''d...he''d hold me and make it alright."

    Vivi''s eyes sparkled, her voice warm with approval.

    "There you go. That''s the man you love, the one who''s loved you for over twenty years. This is just a misunderstanding, Mara, and you can fix it by talking to him."

    "Go home, ask him¡ªbe open, like you''ve been with me. But maybe..."

    She winked, a playful glint in her eyes.

    "Don''t mention the gift shop. Let him have his surprise...You deserve a good anniversary gift for once."

    Mara laughed, a genuine, relieved sound that seemed to lift the weight from her shoulders. She squeezed Vivi''s hand, her voice thick with gratitude.

    "Oh, Lady Vivi, you''ve saved my marriage¡ªI was so sure it was over, but now...Thank you, thank you so much. I''ll talk to him, I will. You''re a miracle!"

    Vivi shook her head, her smile humble but radiant.

    "It''s nothing at all, Mara. I''m just happy I could help. Go home, be with your husband¡ªyou''ve got a beautiful anniversary to celebrate."

    She clapped her hands, a satisfied gesture that closed the case, and called out, "Next, please!" as Mara stood, her face glowing with renewed hope, and walked away, lighter than she''d been in weeks.

    The crowd erupted in soft applause, their faces full of awe and relief, their earlier judgment replaced by admiration for Vivi''s wisdom.

    Lucius, barely containing his excitement, bounced on his heels and leaned toward Cassius, whispering fervently.

    "Master, isn''t she incredible? So young, but so smart! Everyone thought that husband was a cheating dog, but she saw right through it, picked it apart like a puzzle! How''d she do that?"

    Cassius, lounging back with his arms crossed, let out a low chuckle, his crimson eyes glinting with approval.

    "She''s sharp, I''ll give her that." He murmured, his voice low enough for only Lucius to hear. "I knew it wasn''t what it looked like too neat, too convenient and she immidietly understood that as well."

    "...The girl''s got a knack for cutting through the noise."

    Lucius''s eyes sparkled, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Did you figure it out too, Master? That it was about the anniversary gift?"

    Cassius smirked, shrugging casually. "Obvious from the start, Lucius. Guy like that¡ªkind, devoted? Screams he''s trying to do right by her, not sneak around."

    "...But Vivi put it together faster than most would''ve. That''s mighty impressive to say the least."

    Lucius grinned, practically vibrating with pride.

    "Of course you saw it, Master¡ªnothing slips past you! You and Lady Vivi, you both so clever¡ªyou''re like a match made in heaven, aren''t you? Two minds like that, unstoppable!"

    The senior maid, standing nearby, caught the comment, her eyes lighting up with a sudden, giddy excitement.

    She leaned toward Lucius, whispering eagerly, "Oh, wouldn''t they be perfect together? Our Vivi and Young Master Cassius¡ªso brilliant, so matched! No one could keep up with them¡ªthink of the pair they''d make!"

    Cassius''s smirk twitched, his eyes rolling slightly as he ignored the matchmaking fervor, his focus still on Vivi as she greeted the next person in line, a young man with a nervous stammer.

    "Enough of that nonsense..." He said, his tone dry but not unkind, as he turned to the senior maid. "Watching her work through these cases...it''s too damn interesting to walk away from."

    "...So, you can head off for now. I''m staying to hear her out, every word."

    The senior maid''s face brightened, her mind clearly spinning with hopes of Vivi catching Cassius''s eye.

    "Of course, my lord." She said, bowing quickly. "I''ll leave you to it."

    She stepped away, then returned moments later, silently placing two cushioned chairs behind Cassius and Lucius before slipping off again, her steps light with the thrill of possibility.

    Cassius sank into one chair, lounging back with a lazy grace, his eyes locked on Vivi as she began speaking to the young man, her voice a steady stream of warmth and wisdom.

    Lucius settled beside him, still buzzing with excitement, his gaze flicking between Vivi and his master, thinking they were a match made in heaven.

    Vivi, oblivious to the infamous figure seated just behind her, continued her work, case by case, unraveling troubles with her boundless optimism and sharp insight.

    Each word, each smile, drew Cassius in further, his expression of admiration and something darker, a calculating glint that hinted at plans yet to unfold...

 Chapter 157 - 157: Stubborn As A Nail

    The sun dipped low, painting the garden in hues of amber and rose as shadows lengthened across the stone paths.

    Hours had passed since Mara''s tearful departure, and Vivi had worked her way through the line of waiting souls, each leaving her table with a smile, their burdens lightened by her gentle wisdom.

    Now, only one remained an old man in his sixties, his white hair thin and sparse, seated alone in the distance, his weathered hands folded patiently in his lap.

    Vivi, her face glowing with quiet satisfaction, prepared to call him forward, her blue eyes bright despite the long day. But before she could speak, the senior maid, who''d been hovering nearby, stepped in, her brow creased with concern.

    "Lady Vivi, please." The maid said, her voice firm but laced with worry as she placed a hand on Vivi''s shoulder. "It''s late...the sun''s setting, and it''s getting cold. You''ve been out here too long already, and it''s not good for your body. You need to rest."

    She glanced at the old man, then back at Vivi, her tone insistent.

    "He can come back tomorrow.I''ll make sure he''s the first to see you, I promise...But you must go inside now. You''re straining yourself, and if you push any further, it could set you back."

    But Vivi turned to her, her smile soft but unyielding, her delicate frame still radiating that unshakable warmth.

    "I understand, Miss Elma, really I do." She said, her voice gentle but resolute. "But there''s just one more person waiting, and I can''t leave him out here. I''ll go inside right after, I promise, I''ll do everything you say...But I have to finish this."

    The senior maid''s lips pursed, her hands planting on her hips as she tried again. "He can come tomorrow, Lady Vivi. Your health is more important than anything else."

    "...You''ve done enough for today, more than enough."

    Vivi shook her head, her dark black hair catching the fading light as she met the maid''s gaze with quiet determination.

    "He''s been here half the day, waiting just to talk to me. His time''s no less valuable than mine¡ªwe''re all the same. And I honestly wouldn''t sleep tonight knowing I left someone with heavy thoughts alone, wondering if they mattered, so I have no choice but to do this."

    She tilted her head, her blue eyes widening into an adorable, pleading look, her voice dropping to a playful.

    "Please, please, Miss Elma? Just one more? Like when you let me have an extra sweet as a kid?"

    She clasped her hands together, her puppy-dog eyes irresistible.

    The senior maid sighed, a familiar, exasperated sound, her stern facade cracking under Vivi''s well-practiced charm. She''d seen these tactics before¡ªVivi''s stubborn streak was legendary in the household and knew arguing further was futile.

    "Fine..." She muttered, throwing up her hands. "But you''d better make it quick, young lady, before the sun''s gone completely...I''m fetching you a blanket, and you''re going straight inside after this."

    She turned, bustling off toward the mansion, muttering under her breath about Vivi''s stubborn heart.

    Cassius, lounging in his chair behind Vivi, let out a soft chuckle, his eyes glinting with amusement at the exchange.

    "She''s got you wrapped around her finger, doesn''t she?" He murmured to no one in particular, clearly entertained by Vivi''s triumph.

    And as a matter of fact, the senior maid''s concern and reason she wanted to end her sessions had also briefly drawn her attention to him, as she''d half-expected to find him bored, restless after hours of listening to Vivi''s consultations.

    But instead, she was suprised to see his face alight with interest, his gaze fixed on Vivi with a focus that hadn''t wavered. Lucius, meanwhile, had risen from his chair and was dutifully massaging Cassius''s shoulders, his hands kneading with loyal precision, though his eyes were glued to Vivi, eager to see how she''d handle her final case.

    Vivi, oblivious to the audience behind her, flashed a victorious smile and turned back to the old man, her voice bright as she called out.

    "Sir, please come forward! I''m ready for you!"

    The old man rose slowly, his movements stiff and his white hair catching the dying light like a halo. He shuffled toward her, his worn clothes patched but clean, his face etched with the lines of a hard life.

    But to Vivi''s surprise, he for some reason stopped several meters away, well short of the chair opposite her, his hands clasped nervously in front of him. His wrinkled face broke into a shy smile, but he made no move to come closer.

    Seeing this, Vivi tilted her head, her brow furrowing with concern. "Why are you standing there, sir? Please, come sit down...I''d love to hear what''s on your mind."

    The old man''s smile widened, but he shook his head, his voice gravelly yet respectful.

    "No, my lady, I''ll stay right here, if it''s all the same. You see, I...I spent my whole life cleaning outhouses for noble houses, scooping up their waste, carting it off to sell to farmers."

    "It''s dirty work, filthy work, my lady¡ªbeen at it since I was a boy. My son''s taken it over now, thank the gods, but me? I''m still marked by it, still carry the stink in my bones."

    "...And because of that I''d not dream of sitting so close to someone as pure as you, Lady Vivi. Don''t want to blemish you with my presence."

    Lucius, listening intently, nodded to himself, understanding the man''s hesitation. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''No noble would want to sit near someone who spent their life in such a job.''

    He thought, his mind conjuring the grim reality of handling refuse day after day.

    Even commoners would shy away, the stigma of such work clinging like a shadow and he also expected Vivi to nod politely, to accept the distance with her usual grace.

    But Vivi''s reaction was nothing like he expected.

    Her face lit up with a wide, radiant smile, her blue eyes sparkling as if the man had said something delightful.

    "Oh, sir, don''t say that!" She exclaimed, her voice bright and utterly devoid of judgment. "I don''t care one bit about your occupation¡ªwhat matters is you, and I can''t bear to see someone as wise and old as you standing while I''m sitting comfortably."

    "...Please, come sit¡ªit''s only right."

    The old man blinked, clearly taken aback, and shook his head more firmly. "Lady Vivi, you''re too kind, but I''m dirty¡ªalways have been. A man like me, with a job like that, can''t sit in the presence of a noble like you, especially not one who listens to us common folk''s sorrows every day."

    "...And my body''s actually strong, so there''s no trouble standing. I''d rather keep my distance, for your sake."

    Hearing this, Vivi''s smile faltered, a spark of indignation flashing in her eyes as she let out a cute, huffy sound, her cheeks puffing slightly.

    "Now, you stop that right now!" She said, her voice firm but still laced with warmth, startling both the old man and Lucius. "Your occupation isn''t dirty or filthy, and I won''t hear you say it is! Do you know how important your work is? Without people like you, noble houses would drown in their own mess¡ªsickness would spread, filth would pile up, and no one would be healthy."

    "You''ve kept society running, sir, every single day, making sure the wheels turn smoothly. You''re as vital as any lord or merchant¡ªmore so, I''d say, because you do what others won''t."

    "...You''re noble in your own right, and I won''t let you call yourself anything less!"

    The old man''s jaw dropped, his eyes widening as her words sank in. He''d spent a lifetime enduring sneers, averted gazes, and whispered insults, but here was Vivi, a noblewoman, declaring his work essential, his worth undeniable.

    Witnessing this, Lucius''s heart also swelled, his thoughts echoing a single word:

    Saint...She''s like a saint, lifting him up like that.

    Cassius, still lounging in his chair, let his smirk widen, his crimson eyes glinting with a hint of genuine respect. He''d known Vivi''s character, had seen glimpses of her light in his visits, but this¡ªthis unyielding compassion, this fire impressed him more than he''d expected.

    ''She''s something else.'' He thought, his mind already turning over the possibilities her presence offered.

    The old man, still hesitant, opened his mouth to protest, but Vivi''s expression shifted, her indignation flaring as she gripped the arms of her chair. And then to everyone''s shock, she began to push herself up, her frail body trembling with effort as she glared at him.

    "If you won''t sit, then I''ll stand too!" She declared, her voice ringing with determination. "We''ll be equal, you and me, standing together. I won''t have you thinking you''re less than me, not for a second!"

    Seeing what she was trying to do, the old man''s face paled, panic flashing in his eyes as he waved his hands frantically.

    "No, no, Lady Vivi, please!"

    He cried, his voice cracking with fear. He knew of her illness, her fragile health, how even sitting for hours was a strain. The thought of her standing¡ªrisking collapsefor his sake was unbearable.

    "I''ll sit, I''ll sit! Don''t you get up, I beg you!"

    He hurried forward, practically stumbling in his haste, and dropped into the chair across from her, his hands trembling as he settled.

    Seeing that her stubborness had worked out once again, Vivi settled back with a proud smile, her cheeks flushed with victory as she folded her hands neatly in her lap.

    "There we go." She said, her voice bright once more. "Much better."

 Chapter 158 - 158: A Perfect Match, You And I

    The old man, now seated close, ducked his head, his voice low with apology.

    "I''m sorry if I...If I stink, my lady. Can''t help it, after all these years."

    Vivi''s eyes sparkled with mischief, and she leaned forward, her tone teasing.

    "Oh, don''t you worry¡ªI''ve got a cold today, so even if you were the smelliest man in the world, I wouldn''t notice a thing. It''s no big deal at all!"

    She winked, her playfulness drawing a hesitant chuckle from the old man, his tension easing under her charm.

    Cassius, still lounging in his chair, let out a silent chuckle, his shoulders shaking slightly as he watched Vivi''s performance.

    ''Mischievous and noble all at once.'' He thought, his admiration deepening.

    Vivi then leaned back, her smile warm and inviting as she folded her hands neatly in her lap.

    "There we go, now we''re on the same level." She said, her voice bright with triumph. "Now, we can talk properly now, sir. So, please, speak your mind tell me whatever''s weighing on you...I''m here for it all."

    Hearing this, the old man hesitated, his gnarled hands fidgeting as he glanced down, his voice low and uncertain.

    "I...I''m not sure I should''ve come, my lady." He murmured, his white hair shining in the fading light. "This problem of mine¡ªit''s not something to bother a fine young lady like you with. Maybe I ought to just go."

    Vivi''s eyes sparkled with gentle insistence as she waved a hand dismissively.

    "Not at all! Anyone can come to me with any problem, big or small¡ªa tiny fight, a great tragedy, doesn''t matter. I''m here to face them all, and I want to hear yours. Please, go on¡ªI mean it."

    Her sincerity broke through his doubt, and the old man sighed, his shoulders slumping as he nodded.

    "A-Alright, my lady. Forgive me if it''s a long story." He said, his voice softening with apology. "It''s actually about my wife¡ªwell, my late wife, I should say...Still not used to saying that." His lips twitched in a sad smile, and Vivi''s face fell, her eyes brimming with empathy.

    "I''m so sorry for your loss." She said, her voice gentle but steady. "It''s alright to take your time. Tell me about her."

    He nodded, his gaze distant as he smiled faintly.

    "Thank you...And it''s actually been a few months since she passed, but...feels like just yesterday she was scolding me about my stinky feet, telling me to wash ''em proper." He chuckled, the sound rough but warm, tinged with love. "Even now, it doesn''t seem real she''s gone."

    Vivi''s smile returned, soft and encouraging, as she leaned closer. "She sounds like she kept you on your toes...What was she like?"

    The old man''s eyes lit up, his voice warming as he slipped into his memories.

    "When I was young, I started working as a cleaner¡ªcarting off noble folks'' waste, cleaning their outhouses, selling the manure to farmers. Same as my father did, and his father before him...Dirty work, filthy work, and the world let me know it."

    "Neighbors wouldn''t look me in the eye, whispered behind my back, mocked me when they thought I couldn''t hear. Called me Dungman, worse names too. It hurt me fiercely, especially when I was a lad."

    "The thing was I was actually proud of what I did¡ªkept things clean, helped the land grow, but sadly no one saw that and made fun of me all the time."

    "...Made me feel lost, like I didn''t know why I was even living, with no respect from nobody."

    Vivi''s brow furrowed, a flicker of pity crossing her face as she listened, her hands tightening slightly in her lap. Lucius, standing behind Cassius, felt a pang of sympathy, his usual chatter stilled by the weight of the man''s words. Even Cassius''s smirk softened, his gaze steady as he took in the story.

    "But then..." The old man continued, his voice lifting, a spark of joy breaking through. "She came into my life, my lady¡ªmy Lila."

    "I met her on a delivery, carting manure to a farmer''s field. She was his daughter, working the land, tending the pigs. Prettiest thing I ever saw¡ªhair like wheat, eyes that laughed even when her mouth didn''t...But the first time we met, though, wasn''t exactly romantic and was more tragic."

    He chuckled, shaking his head.

    "She actually took one whiff of me and wrinkled her nose, said I stank worse than a pig¡ªmaybe worse than her pigs! Held her nose and all, like I was a walking cesspit."

    Vivi''s lips twitched, a soft giggle escaping as she imagined the scene. "Oh, that must''ve stung!" She said, her voice warm with amusement.

    "It did." He admitted, his smile wistful. "Fell for her right then, you see, I thought she was the loveliest girl I''d ever laid eyes on...But her words cut deep, and I felt so small, like I''d never be good enough. Wanted to cry, run off and hide."

    "And then, to make it worse, my stomach started rumbling¡ªloud, mind you, because I hadn''t eaten all day. Thought I''d die of shame right there, standing in her father''s field with my cart of manure."

    Lucius let out a quiet snort, quickly covering his mouth, while Vivi leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What happened next?"

    The old man''s smile grew, his voice softening with the memory. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "I was ready to bolt because I couldn''t handle the embarrassment, but then she grabbed my hand. Stopped me dead in my tracks and looked me right in the eye and said, ''You''re hungry, aren''t you? Come inside, have a meal with me.''"

    "Hearing that, I was dumbfounded, my lady¡ªdidn''t know what to say. One minute she''s calling me stinky, the next she''s dragging me into her house, insisting I eat. Her father also wasn''t home at that time, but she didn''t care¡ªshe sat me at their table, piled a plate with bread and stew, and wouldn''t take no for an answer."

    "...She shoved it in front of me and told me to eat, like she was scolding a child."

    Vivi''s giggle bubbled up again, her eyes sparkling. "She sounds like quite a force!"

    "Oh, she was." He said, his voice thick with affection. "I sat there, eating, confused as all get¡ªout. She''d just insulted me, but now she''s feeding me?...So I asked her¡ªhad to know, why she was doing it...Said it didn''t make sense, her being kind after calling me a pig."

    "And hearing my doubt, she actually blushed then, red as a beet, and she tried to say it was just because I was hungry and she didn''t want me going off on an empty stomach."

    "...But I didn''t buy it¡ªthought there had to be some trick, some motive. So, I kept pushing, asking why, ''til she finally cracked."

    He paused, his smile turning tender, his eyes distant as he relived the moment.

    "She looked away, all flustered, and then to my shock, she blurted out that she thought I was handsome. Said she liked me¡ªreally liked me and wanted to talk to me more, so she used the meal as an excuse to get me inside. Said she''d never pulled a lad into her house like that before, that I was the first to make her feel that way."

    Vivi''s eyes widened, a delighted gasp escaping her, while Lucius''s jaw dropped, his hands freezing on Cassius''s shoulders. Cassius raised a brow, as he leaned forward slightly, caught off guard by the twist.

    "Well, damn..." He muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Lucius to hear.

    The old man chuckled, seeing Vivi''s surprise.

    "Aye, I felt the same, my lady. Thought she was joking¡ªme, handsome?...With my job, stinking of manure, carting filth for a living?...I told her it was impossible, that no girl could love someone like me...Said she was playing with my feelings, trying to make a fool of me."

    "But she got mad¡ªproper mad¡ªwhen I said that. Stomped her foot, cheeks all red, and swore it was true. Said she didn''t care about my job, that she''d never felt this way about anyone else and even insisted I was the only one she''d ever dragged into her house like that."

    He shook his head, his voice softening.

    "And in utter confusion I asked her why¡ªwhy me, with my filthy work, when she could have any lad she wanted. And she just...shook her head, like it was the simplest thing in the world and said she didn''t care about what I did and that she just liked me for for who I was and the she even went on to say that she raised pigs for a living, and that was dirty work too¡ªcleaning out pens, feeding slop, knee¡ªdeep in mud most days."

    "...Then she smiled¡ªthis smile, my lady, so beautiful I can still see it clear as day and said, ''We both got filthy jobs, don''t we?...Makes us a perfect match, you and me.''"

    Vivi''s smile widened, her eyes shimmering with warmth as she clasped her hands together, utterly charmed.

    Lucius let out a soft, "Oh" his heart melting at the heartwarming tale, while Cassius''s smirk softened into a genuine smile, his usual cynicism giving way to a rare moment of appreciation for the story''s simple beauty.

    Even the senior maid who had also arrived, the same who insisted that she send the old man away, dabbed at her eyes, her blanket forgotten in her hands as she listened, caught up in the old man''s love story...

 Chapter 159 - 159: A Letter From The Past

    "That''s so lovely." Vivi said, her voice brimming with sincerity. "She saw you for who you are, not what others thought. What happened after that? How did you two come together?"

    The old man''s face softened, his eyes crinkling with a tender smile as he leaned back in his chair. Vivi''s question hung in the air, and he seemed to sink deeper into his memories, the weight of his grief mingling with the warmth of recollection.

    "After that day..." He began, his voice slow and rich with nostalgia. "Things changed for me. Lila...she wasn''t just a passing fancy. We started seeing each other all the time. I''d make excuses to deliver manure to her father''s farm, and she''d be there, waiting with that smile of hers. She''d tease me about the smell, but then she''d roll up her sleeves and help me push the cart, not caring a whit about the dirt."

    "And I''d stay after, learning how to tend her pigs¡ªfeeding ''em, cleaning out the pens, laughing when they''d splash mud on us both. We''d spend hours together, talking, working side by side, like we were already a team."

    Vivi''s smile widened, her eyes glistening as she listened, utterly captivated. The senior maid, standing nearby with the blanket still clutched in her hands, let out a soft sigh, her own eyes misty.

    Even Cassius, his usual smirk tempered by a rare softness, watched with quiet interest, his crimson eyes reflecting the fading light.

    "We got married not long after." The old man continued, his voice warming with pride. "Wasn''t a fancy wedding¡ªcouldn''t afford much, and neither of our families had coin to spare."

    "But Lila, she looked like a queen in her simple dress, and I felt like the richest man alive standing next to her. We built a life together, had three sons¡ªfine boys, all grown now, married with children of their own."

    "Our businesses merged, you could say. Kept the pig farm going, raising hogs for the market, and kept the manure trade too, supplying farmers far and wide."

    "...Folks might even call our family filthy, what with pigs and dung being our trade, but I''m proud of what we built. It''s honest work, and it''s ours."

    He paused, his smile turning wistful as he looked at Vivi, his voice dropping to a reverent whisper.

    "For forty two years, my lady, since the day I met Lila, there wasn''t a single moment I didn''t thank the gods for her. She was my light, my strength¡ªmade me feel like I was worth something, no matter what the world said."

    "I was the luckiest man to have a wife like her, one who saw me for me, who loved me through every dirty day and every hard night...Even now, with her gone, I feel her with me, in the way the pigs snort like she used to when she laughed, in the way the fields smell after a good rain."

    Vivi''s eyes shimmered with tears, her delicate hands pressing to her chest as she let out a soft, trembling breath.

    "Oh, that''s so beautiful." She said, her voice thick with emotion. "What a love you shared¡ªforty two years of that kind of happiness, that kind of partnership. It''s like a story from a book, but so much better because it''s real."

    "...You and Lila. You built something truly special."

    The old man''s smile deepened, his own eyes glistening as he looked at Vivi, a quiet reverence in his gaze. "

    You know, my lady, seeing you today¡ªyour kindness, the way you treated an old fool like me, insisting I sit, telling me my work matters, it reminds me of her...Lila had that same heart, that same way of making folks feel seen, feel worthy."

    "...You''re a lot like her, and I reckon she''d have loved to meet you, to see the good you''re doing."

    Vivi''s tears spilled over, a soft sob catching in her throat as she reached out, her hand hovering near his on the table, her voice trembling with sincerity.

    "That''s...That''s the kindest thing anyone''s ever said to me." She whispered, her smile wavering but radiant. "Thank you, sir. I''m so honored to remind you of her, even a little...She sounds like she was an incredible woman."

    But just as the mood was growing all warm and fuzzy, the old man''s smile faltered, a shadow crossing his weathered face as the warmth of his memories gave way to the raw ache of loss.

    His voice, so full of love moments before, grew heavy, trembling with an emotion that seemed to pull the twilight closer around them.

    "But sadly..." He said, his eyes dropping to his gnarled hands. "...she passed away. That''s why I''m here, my lady. Ever since Lila left me, it''s like...like the world''s gone dim. I''ve lost all meaning, all purpose."

    "Every morning, I wake up expecting to hear her voice, her laugh, even her scolding me for tracking mud in the house...But I call her name, and nothing comes back¡ªjust silence. And every time, it''s like a dagger twisting in my heart."

    Vivi''s face softened, her tears still glistening but her expression steady, a quiet empathy radiating from her as she listened, while Lucius shook his head, his throat tightening as he felt the weight of the old man''s grief, his usual chatter silenced by the rawness of the moment.

    The old man then looked up, meeting Vivi''s gaze with a raw, desperate intensity, his voice breaking as he continued.

    "It hurts so much, my lady, knowing she''s not here. I keep asking myself¡ªwhat''s the point of living without her? We built everything together¡ªour home, our family, our life. Without her, it''s all hollow."

    "...I...I''ve even thought of ending it, just to be with her again, to see her smile one more time..."

    "...That''s why I came here. These thoughts, they''re eating me up, and I don''t know how to go on."

    Lucius''s eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping him as the weight of the old man''s confession hit. The senior maid stiffened, her hand flying to her mouth, her face full of shock.

    They could both feel the depth of his despair, the love that had tethered him to life now pulling him toward its end.

    But Vivi...Vivi didn''t flinch.

    Her expression remained calm, her eyes steady as she looked at the old man, a thoughtful glint in them as if she were piecing together a puzzle only she could see.

    And then to everyone''s surprise, she didn''t offer consoling words or rush to soothe his pain. Instead, she turned to the senior maid, her voice gentle but firm.

    "Miss Elma, could you do me a favor?" She asked, her tone carrying a quiet authority. "Please go to my room, to the cabinet by my desk. There''s a collection of letters there, bundled and labeled by date. Could you bring me the bundle from three years ago, the fourth month and the third day? All the letters sealed within it."

    The senior maid blinked, confusion flickering across her face, mirrored by Lucius''s furrowed brow and even Cassius''s raised eyebrow¡ªa rare moment of being caught off guard.

    "Letters, my lady?" The maid asked, hesitating. "Are you sure?"

    Vivi nodded, her smile serene but certain. "Yes, please. It won''t take long."

    The maid bowed, still puzzled, and hurried off toward the mansion, her footsteps quick against the stone path, while Lucius leaned toward Cassius, whispering, "What''s she up to, Master? Letters? How''s that going to help?"

    Cassius only shrugged, his gaze fixed on Vivi, a spark of intrigue in his eyes as he waited to see her play unfold.

    The old man, equally confused, shifted in his chair, his voice low and slow. "My lady, what''s this about? Letters?"

    Vivi''s smile widened, soft and reassuring, as she held up a hand. "Just a moment, sir. I think it''ll make sense soon."

    The senior maid returned swiftly, a bundle of letters tied with twine in her hands, their edges yellowed but neatly organized. She handed them to Vivi, who thanked her with a nod and set the bundle on the table, her delicate fingers deftly untying the knot.

    The letters, over sixty in number spilled out, each sealed with a wax stamp, their dates carefully inked on the envelopes. Vivi sifted through them with a practiced ease, her eyes scanning the labels until she paused, pulling one letter from the stack with a quiet hum of recognition.

    She looked up at the old man, her smile gentle but knowing, and said. "Lila Marie Harrow."

    The moment he heard this name, the old man froze, his eyes widening in shock, his breath stopping like he saw a ghost. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "How...How do you know her name?" He stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief. "I didn''t tell you her full name, my lady. Have you...did you meet her? Did you know my Lila?"

    Vivi''s smile softened, her eyes warm with a quiet reverence.

    "No, sir, I never had the honor of meeting her, though I wish I could have¡ªshe sounds like such a wonderful woman....But she did write to me, three years ago."

    She held up the letter, its wax seal unbroken, the date clearly marked.

    "I recognized your story, the way you spoke of her, the pigs, the manure¡ªit felt so familiar. I remembered a letter from a woman named Lila Marie Harrow, and I knew it had to be her."

    The old man''s jaw dropped, his hands trembling as he stared at the letter, his voice barely a whisper.

    "She...She wrote to you? My Lila? But how...how do you remember? That was years ago, and you get so many letters¡ªhundreds, they say. How do you know the exact date, her name, all of it?"

    Vivi''s laugh was soft, almost self-deprecating, as she set the letter down.

    "I don''t know if it''s a gift or just stubbornness." She said, her voice light but sincere. "My body''s weak, always has been, but my mind...it''s strong."

    "Everything I read in those letters, every story, every name¡ªit stays with me. I can''t help it. I remember them all, like they''re part of me."

    "...Your Lila''s letter¡ªit also really touched me, and I knew it was special."

    Lucius''s eyes widened, his admiration bordering on awe as he whispered to Cassius. "Master, did you hear that? She remembers everything¡ªtens of thousands of letters, and she pulls this one out like it''s nothing! She''s incredible!"

    Cassius''s smirk returned, but it was tempered by a rare glint of respect, his gaze locked on Vivi.

    "Sharp as a blade." He murmured, his voice low. "I genuinely didn''t see that coming for the first time in a while."

    The old man''s gaze locked onto the letter in Vivi''s hands, his eyes wide with awe and reverence, as if it were a sacred relic, the final tangible piece of his beloved Lila.

    His hands trembled, hovering near the table, but then a shadow of worry crossed his face, his brow furrowing as a new thought struck him.

    "My lady..." He said, his voice hesitant, almost fearful. "Everyone who writes to you...they''ve got troubles, don''t they? Heavy ones, weighing on their hearts. If Lila sent you a letter, what kind of trouble was she in? Was it...was it bad?"

    "...Don''t tell me she regretted marrying a brute like me and was complaining about her marriage?"

    Vivi''s chuckled, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she shook her head, a gentle reassurance in her voice.

    "Not at all, sir." She said, her tone light but sincere. "It wasn''t that kind of letter. About three years ago, I received a letter from your Lila, and it was...Well, it was full of love. Nothing troubling, just pure, beautiful love."

    The old man blinked, confusion etching deeper lines into his weathered face. "Love?" He echoed, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "What do you mean, my lady? What was she writing about?"

    Vivi''s cheeks flushed a faint pink, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she glanced down at the letter.

    "It''s hard to explain without reading it." She admitted, her voice soft with affection. "Her words they''re so special, so full of heart. Let me share them with you. It''s better that way."

    She carefully unfolded the letter, the parchment crinkling softly in the quiet twilight, and as the old man leaned forward, his breath held in anticipation, she began to read...

 Chapter 160 - 160: Fated Letter

    "Dear Lady Vivi." She started, her voice clear and steady, carrying the weight of Lila''s words with a tender reverence. "I hope you''ll forgive me for writing, but I just had to tell someone how wonderful my husband is, how happy my life''s been because of him...No one in our neighborhood wants to hear an old woman ramble on about her love, so I thought I''d send this to you, knowing you''ve got a heart big enough to listen."

    The old man''s eyes widened, a soft gasp escaping him as Vivi continued, her voice weaving Lila''s words into the still air.

    "Everyone in the world thinks my husband''s a stinky man, unworthy because of his job¡ªcleaning outhouses, carting manure. It''s not the grandest work, and folks turn their noses up at him...But I know the truth, Lady Vivi."

    "I know what a good man he is, how his heart''s bigger than all their scorn. Every day with him is a gift, and there''s not a single moment in our forty years together that I regret. Not one."

    "...He''s made me so happy, so loved, in ways I can''t even put into words."

    Vivi''s voice softened, her eyes flicking to the old man, who sat frozen, tears beginning to glisten in his eyes.

    "You know, I actually scold him all the time¡ªcall him stinky, fuss about his muddy boots or his smelly feet. But that''s just my way, my clumsy way of loving him...I don''t always say it right, but every time I tease him, every time I call him a pig, it''s me saying I love him, more than anything."

    "Even when we first met, I told him he smelled worse than my pigs¡ªoh, I was so embarrassed, my heart was pounding because I thought he was the handsomest man I''d ever seen...I wanted to say ''I love you right then, but all that came out was that silly insult."

    "...It''s been our joke ever since, our way of saying what matters most."

    The old man''s hands shook, tears spilling down his cheeks as he stared at Vivi, his breath hitching with every word. Lucius, standing behind Cassius, felt his own eyes sting, his throat tightening as he blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the flood of emotion.

    Vivi''s voice grew quieter, her tone reverent as she reached the letter''s final lines.

    "I know my time''s coming soon, Lady Vivi. I can feel it, like a shadow creeping closer. It won''t be long before I''m called to the heavens...But I don''t want my husband following me, not yet. I want him to stay here, to live a hundred years more, to watch over our grandchildren, to carry my love for them in his heart."

    "...And if he dares come up right after me, I swear I''ll beat him like a pig when he gets here¡ªmark my words."

    Vivi smiled, her own eyes misty as she folded the letter and gently slid it across the table to the old man.

    "She wrote this for you, I think." She said softly. "Like she knew you''d need to hear it one day."

    The old man took the letter with trembling hands, his fingers tracing the ink as if it were Lila''s own touch.

    His tears fell freely now, his shoulders shaking as he read the final words, his voice breaking into a sob that echoed through the quiet garden.

    "Lila...oh, Lila." He whispered, clutching the letter to his chest, his cries raw and unrestrained, a flood of grief and love spilling out.

    Vivi watched him, her smile steady but tender, her voice gentle as she spoke. "There''s nothing I need to say, sir. Your Lila¡ªshe saw this moment coming. She knew you''d be here, struggling, and she left these words to guide you."

    "...So, unless you want to go up there and get beaten like a pig, just like she promised, you''d better stay here, live for your grandchildren, carry her love forward like she wanted."

    The old man''s sobs grew louder, but a faint, tearful laugh broke through, his head nodding as he clutched the letter tighter.

    "She''d do it, too." He choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "Beat me silly, she would. Oh, Lila...I''ll stay, I''ll stay for you."

    Lucius sniffled, his hands frozen on Cassius''s shoulders, his eyes brimming with tears he was desperately trying to hide. Cassius glanced at him, a teasing glint in his eyes as he murmured.

    "What''s this, Lucius? You about to cry on me?"

    Lucius straightened, puffing out his chest with a shaky scoff, though his voice betrayed him, trembling slightly.

    "Of course not, Master! A trifling matter like this? Wouldn''t faze me in the least!" He wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand, his bravado fooling no one.

    Cassius chuckled, but his own eyes glistened, a rare crack in his usual composure as he turned back to Vivi, his voice low.

    "Got to hand it to her¡ªshe''s pulling tears out of everyone, even me."

    He blinked quickly, masking the tears that were forming with a smirk, but the weight of Lila''s letter lingered, its power undeniable, so much so that it was making him unveil the mask he put on everyday to maintain his image.

    The old man''s sobs echoed softly in the garden, his hands clutching Lila''s letter as if it were a lifeline, tears streaming down his weathered cheeks.

    Vivi watched him, her own eyes still glistening from the letter''s words, but a flicker of determination crossed her face.

    She leaned forward, her voice trembling with empathy as she spoke.

    "Oh, sir, I can''t bear to see you cry like this." She said, her tone gentle but resolute. "And you know, my mother always told me that more than any medicine, love and care are what a person needs most to heal...And right now, you need that more than anything."

    She spread her arms wide, her smile radiant despite her frail frame.

    "So, come here and let me give you a hug...I''d come to you, but it''s not so easy for me to get up, I''m afraid."

    The old man froze, his tear-covered face snapping up in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.

    Lucius, standing behind Cassius, also went rigid, his hands pausing mid-motion as his jaw dropped. The senior maid gasped as well, her blanket slipping from her fingers as she stared at Vivi, utterly stunned.

    For a noble like Vivi¡ªdelicate, refined, known for her preference for cleanliness, shying away from even muddy paths to offer a hug to a man who''d spent his life cleaning noble outhouses was unthinkable.

    The very idea defied every social boundary, every expectation of her station.

    And because of that the old man shook his head frantically, his voice rising in a panicked protest.

    "No, no, my lady, I can''t!" He stammered, his hands waving as if to ward off the suggestion. "Me, hug you? I''d soil you, make you impure with my filthy body, my body which has been knee-deep in muck all my life! There''s no way I''d do that to someone as pure as you!"

    The senior maid stepped forward, her voice sharp with concern.

    "Lady Vivi, please, this is inappropriate." She said, her hands wringing together. "You mustn''t...It''s not proper, and it''s not good for your health. I insist you reconsider!"

    But Vivi''s smile only grew, her eyes sparkling with a stubborn warmth as she tilted her head.

    "What''s wrong with it?" She asked, her voice light but unyielding. "It''s just a hug a simple bit of love for someone who needs it most. When I''m feeling down, mother hugs me, and it makes everything better."

    "...I''m just doing the same for him. There''s nothing improper about that."

    The old man''s protests grew louder, his voice trembling with fear and conviction.

    "It''s not the same, my lady! A noble like you shouldn''t touch a commoner, let alone someone like me the lowest of the low, cleaning what no one else will...I''d rather run off right now than let you do this. I''d be going against my own will, soiling you with my shame!"

    Vivi opened her mouth to argue, her pout returning as she prepared to press her case, but before she could, a voice cut through the tension¡ªlow, amused, but carrying an undeniable weight.

    "...As much as I appreciate the sentiment, Vivi, hugging him might not be the best idea right now."

    Vivi''s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the voice instantly¡ªthe voice that had become familiar over months of visits, the one that had guided her from the edge of illness to the vibrant life she now led.

    And in response, she immediately turned in her chair, her frail frame practically vibrating with excitement, her face lighting up like a child seeing a beloved parent after a long absence.

    "Young Master Cassius!"

    She exclaimed, her eyes shining as she spotted him lounging in his chair, his gaze fixed on her with a warm, teasing smile. Lucius stood behind him, his expression a blend of pride and barely concealed emotion, his hands still poised from his earlier massage.

    "You''re here!" Vivi said, her voice bubbling with joy. "When did you arrive? Why wasn''t I told? Oh, I can''t believe I didn''t notice you!" Her cheeks flushed, her hands clasping together as she leaned forward, her excitement infectious.

    Cassius chuckled, his smirk widening as he leaned back, crossing his arms with a lazy grace.

    "I got here a while ago, actually." He said, his tone casual but with interest. "I then saw you holding court with all these folks, talking through their troubles, and I was hooked. Couldn''t bring myself to interrupt since it was too interesting watching you work your magic...So I took a seat, kept quiet, and listened to every word."

    Vivi let out a cute yelp, her flush deepening as she covered her face with her hands, her voice muffled with embarrassment.

    "Oh no! You heard everything? From when? How much did you see?"

    She peeked through her fingers, her pout returning as she caught his grin.

    "From the start..." Cassius said, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Those kids fighting over snacks and toys¡ªcaught that whole show, and everything after. Didn''t miss a thing."

    Vivi''s eyes widened, her voice rising in a flustered squeak.

    "The children? That means you saw nearly all of it! Oh, this is so embarrassing!"

    She puffed out her cheeks, her pout deepening as she crossed her arms.

    "You should''ve told me from the start! Here I am, bumbling through these silly little fights, trying to help people, and you a proper doctor, saving lives¡ªare watching me like I''m some...some gossipmonger! I must''ve looked ridiculous!"

    Cassius''s smirk softened, his expression shifting to something rare and genuine, his voice low and sincere.

    "Not at all, Vivi." He said, leaning forward slightly, his gaze locking with hers. "What you''re doing, it''s important...Damn important if I had to say."

    "Lucius said it earlier, and he''s right: there are wounds no medicine can touch, no potion from the church can heal in this world. Wounds deep in the heart, the kind you can''t see or stitch up."

    "...And you, with your words, your heart, the way you find just the right thing to say¡ªyou''re mending those wounds, leaving people better than you found them...That''s no small thing."

    Vivi''s breath caught, her eyes widening as his words sank in, her flush fading into a glow of pride.

    Lucius nodded vigorously behind Cassius, his own eyes shining with agreement, while the senior maid beamed, her earlier concern forgotten in the face of such praise.

    Vivi''s lips parted, her voice trembling with emotion.

    "You...You really think so?" She asked, her hands pressing to her chest. "I thought...I thought maybe people would see it as just talk, nothing like what you or Mother do."

    Cassius shook his head, his voice firm but warm.

    "You''ve got a talent, Vivi¡ªa rare one. I can spot problems, come up with solutions, same as your mother...But finding the troubles of the heart like you do? Finding the perfect words, the perfect moment, to leave someone smiling, to make them whole again?"

    "...That''s something I couldn''t do, not like you. You''re saving people from the inside, just like your mother saves their bodies..."

    "...Be proud of that¡ªit''s no less than what your mother does."

    Vivi''s eyes shimmered, her heart swelling with a joy so fierce it nearly overwhelmed her. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    To hear such words from Cassius¡ªa doctor her own mother revered, the man who''d given her the strength to sit here, to live again, felt like a gift beyond measure.

    She''d feared her work was trivial, mere chatter compared to the practical healing of medicine and potions, but his recognition, his praise, validated every letter she''d read, every conversation she''d held.

    "T-Thank you." She whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Young Master Cassius. It''s...It''s my utmost honor to hear that from you."

 Chapter 161 - 161: Ill Take Her Place

    The air was cool, the garden hushed as Vivi''s heartfelt thanks to Cassius lingered, her eyes shining with gratitude. The old man, still clutching Lila''s letter, sat quietly, his tears slowing but his heart visibly lifted by the exchange.

    The moment felt harmonious, a perfect blend of warmth and connection¡ªuntil Cassius''s gaze shifted from Vivi to the old man and back again, his smirk softening into a more serious expression.

    "Vivi..." He said, his voice calm but firm, catching her off guard. "...as much as I admire your heart and trust me, I do¡ªhugging him isn''t in your best interest right now. You shouldn''t do it." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Vivi''s smile faltered, her eyes widening in a rare mix of surprise and something close to disappointment.

    The reaction was complex, a duality that flickered across her delicate features.

    On one hand, she wasn''t entirely shocked.

    Cassius was, after all, a high noble¡ªone of the highest in the continent, his blood tied to the ancient and powerful Holyfield and Vindictus families, names that carried weight akin to royalty. His lineage was considered among the purest, his status towering above even her own noble house.

    In the rigid hierarchy of their world, nobles clung to their elevated status like a sacred mantle, viewing commoners as a different species altogether.

    So, the idea of a noble¡ªespecially one like Vivi, frail and refined, embracing a man who''d spent his life cleaning outhouses was unthinkable, a breach of decorum that could taint her purity in the eyes of the elite.

    Spitting on a commoner was shrugged off; hugging one with affection was scandalous.

    So, in that sense, Cassius''s words aligned with the expectations of his rank, and Vivi understood why he might object.

    Yet, at the same time, she was surprised¡ªdeeply so.

    She''d thought Cassius was different, one of the rare nobles who transcended the arrogance of their class.

    From the moment she''d met him, he''d defied the stereotype of the haughty lord. He treated the maids with respect, his casual demeanor putting everyone at ease, whether they were highborn or low.

    He spoke to her not as a superior but as an equal, his lack of arrogance a stark contrast to the nobles who flaunted their status like a weapon.

    More than that, he was a doctor¡ªa healer who''d gone out of his way to save her, a girl the world had all but abandoned, without asking for a single coin in return.

    He''d even shared his vast medical knowledge with her mother, Lady Diana, providing insights that revolutionized her hospitals, curing diseases that once claimed countless lives.

    Plagues that ravaged villages, fevers that defied all known remedies¡ªCassius''s wisdom had turned the tide, saving tens of thousands and counting, all given freely, without a hint of greed.

    If any other noble had possessed such knowledge, they''d have capitalized on it¡ªbranded it, sold it, or built empires of hospitals under their name, especially a Holyfield, whose family dominated commerce.

    But Cassius?..He''d given it away, asking nothing, acting not just as a good man, but as a saint who seemed to live for others'' salvation.

    So to hear him now, telling her not to hug the old man, struck a discordant note. She felt a pang of disappointment, a flicker of sadness that he might, after all, harbor the same prejudices as his peers, seeing her gesture as a disgrace to noble blood.

    Still, Vivi''s stubborn heart refused to back down.

    She''d promised the old man a hug, and no one¡ªnot even Cassius would sway her from keeping that promise.

    She opened her mouth, ready to argue her case carefully, mindful not to offend the man who''d saved her life...that is until Cassius raised a hand, his smirk returning as he elaborated.

    "Oh, I also not about his occupation, Vivi if you were thinking about that." He said, his voice steady but laced with a doctor''s concern. "It''s about your health. Your body''s still weak, prone to illness, and physical contact could expose you to risks."

    "...A simple hug might not seem like much, but with your condition, it could have detrimental effects. That''s all I meant."

    Vivi blinked, caught off guard, her earlier assumptions crumbling as his words sank in. Her lips parted, relief and curiosity flooding her face.

    "You...You mean It''s not because of his job?" She asked, her voice low but hopeful. "Not because he''s...a commoner, or what he did for a living?"

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head, his eyes glinting with amusement.

    "Not at all. Just like you, I think his work is vital. Without people like him, sanitation would collapse¡ªplagues would spread, diseases would run rampant."

    "Even from a doctor''s perspective, prioritizing. cleanliness, his role is pivotal to society. Keeps the wheels turning, keeps people alive."

    "...So, no, Vivi, this isn''t about status or some noble nonsense. It''s about keeping you healthy."

    Vivi''s face lit up, her smile returning with a radiance that seemed to brighten the twilight. Relief washed over her, her heart swelling with joy as she realized Cassius was exactly the man she''d believed him to be kind, principled, free of the elitism that defined their world.

    "Oh, I''m so glad!" She exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "I thought...Well, I thought maybe you felt differently, but we think the same! That makes me so happy!"

    The old man, still clutching Lila''s letter, looked up, his tear-streaked face etched with astonishment.

    In his sixty years, he''d never heard a noble¡ªlet alone one of Cassius''s stature speak of his work with such respect.

    To hear Cassius, one of the most powerful men in the land, call his job pivotal filled him with a pride he''d rarely felt, his shoulders straightening as he wiped at his eyes.

    "You...You really mean that, my lord?" He asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.

    Cassius nodded, his smirk softening into a rare, genuine smile. "Every word. You''ve done more for this world than most nobles ever will. Don''t let anyone tell you different."

    Lucius, standing behind Cassius, beamed, his earlier tears forgotten as he nodded vigorously.

    "That''s right!" He chimed in, unable to resist. "Master''s got an eye for what matters¡ªsame as Lady Vivi! You''re a hero in your own way, sir!"

    While the old man was relishing in the praise, Vivi''s smile wavered slightly as she processed Cassius''s caution about her health, her curiosity piqued by his medical reasoning. She tilted her head, her blue eyes narrowing with concern and intrigue.

    "But...how exactly would a hug make me ill, Young Master Cassius?" She asked, her voice soft but earnest. "Could you explain? I want to understand."

    Cassius''s smirk softened into a patient smile as he glanced at the old man, his tone calm but authoritative.

    "Tell me, sir, even though you''ve retired from the work, do you still visit the sites where the waste is stored? Or help your sons with their tasks from time to time?"

    The old man nodded, his scared hands fidgeting as he answered.

    "Aye, my lord. I don''t work full days no more, but I still go down to the sites now and then¡ªhelp load the carts, check on things. My boys run it, but I lend a hand when they need me."

    Cassius turned back to Vivi, his expression one of a teacher addressing a bright student.

    "That''s exactly it..." He said, noting her confusion. "His job, as vital as it is, comes with risks. And I''ve told you before, Vivi, about bacteria and viruses¡ªtiny things in waste that can carry disease."

    "They''re in the air, on surfaces, even on clothes or skin after handling it. For someone like him, who''s been around it for years, his body''s used to it, strong enough to shrug off most threats. But you..."

    He paused, his gaze softening with concern.

    "Your body''s still fragile, recovering from years of Illness. Even a weak bacteria could hit you hard, set back all the progress we''ve made."

    The old man''s eyes widened, a flicker of understanding crossing his face as he nodded.

    "He''s right, my lady. My kin learned that long ago¡ªfirst ones in our trade, generations back, they''d fall sick often, fevers and worse. So we made it a rule: no going home ''til we''ve bathed proper, scrubbed every bit of filth off. Didn''t want to bring nothing harmful to our families...Makes sense, what the lord''s saying."

    Cassius nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Smart folks, your ancestors. Kept themselves and others safe."

    "That''s why, Vivi, even though he''s not working daily there''s still a chance he''s carrying something¡ªnothing that''d bother most people, but for you, with your weak Immune system, it''s a risk we can''t take. Not when you''re finally getting stronger."

    Vivi let out a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as relief washed over her. Her earlier disappointment vanished, replaced by a renewed admiration for Cassius.

    He wasn''t judging the old man''s status or upholding noble prejudice, he was protecting her, his concern rooted in science, not snobbery.

    Her smile returned, brighter than ever, her eyes shining with gratitude.

    "Oh, I see now." She said, her voice warm. "Thank you for explaining, Young Master Cassius. I''m so glad it''s not...well, what I thought."

    "...You''re always looking out for me, aren''t you? And you''re so knowledgeable too, I just can''t help but look up to you!"

    Cassius chuckled, waving off her praise with a lazy grin. "Just doing my job, Vivi. Keeping you healthy''s the goal, and I don''t take chances."

    Vivi''s relief was visible, her eyes bright with gratitude as Cassius''s explanation sank in, dispelling her earlier fears of prejudice.

    But a flicker of sadness crossed her face, her lips pursing as she glanced at the old man, still clutching Lila''s letter. "I feel awful, though." She said, her voice soft with regret. "I promised you a hug, sir, and now I can''t keep my word. I''m so sorry."

    The old man shook his head, a warm, tearful smile breaking through his weathered features.

    "Don''t you fret, my lady." He said, his voice thick with emotion. "The thought alone¡ªknowing a noble like you would even want to hug an old fool like me¡ªit''s warmed my heart more than you know. Shows me there''s still good in this world, folks like you who care for commoners, no matter how low we are...That''s enough for me."

    Vivi''s smile returned, soft but tinged with lingering guilt, her hands twisting in her lap and the garden, now cloaked in the deep hues of twilight, seemed to hold its breath, the moment teetering on the edge of closure¡ªuntil Cassius''s voice cut through, sharp and unexpected.

    "Who said you''re not getting a hug?"

    He suddenly said, his tone brash but laced with a playful edge as he rose from his chair, his crimson eyes glinting with mischief. And then to everyone''s shock, he stepped toward the old man, spreading his arms wide.

    "Get up, old man. If Vivi can''t do it, I''ll give you the hug she promised...Come on, don''t make me wait."

    The moment those words landed, the garden fell silent, the air thick with disbelief.

    Vivi''s eyes widened, her mouth falling open as she stared at Cassius, while Lucius lurched forward, his voice rising in a panicked protest.

    "Master, you mustn''t!" He exclaimed, his hands flailing. "It''s...It''s not proper! You''re of the Holyfield and Vindictus blood¡ªthe purest in the land! To hug a commoner, and one who...who did that work? It''s unthinkable!"

    The senior maid joined in, her voice sharp with alarm.

    "Young Master Cassius, please, reconsider!" She urged, stepping closer. "It''s not fitting for someone of your station. Lady Vivi''s one thing, but you you can''t do this!"

    Vivi, snapping out of her shock, nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with concern. "He''s right, Young Master Cassius! I appreciate it, truly, but there''s no need for you to do this. You''re a high noble¡ªhigher than me, even. It''s...It''s too much!"

    But Cassius only scoffed, rolling his eyes as he crossed his arms, his smirk widening into something defiant.

    "Oh, shut it, all of you." He said, his tone cutting but playful. "I''ll do what I damn well please."

    He then turned to Vivi, his gaze locking with hers, a challenge in his eyes.

    "And weren''t you the one preaching about equality, Vivi? Saying everyone''s the same, no matter their status? So what''s this about me being ''higher'' than you? Sounds like you''re contradicting yourself, little saint."

    Vivi''s cheeks flushed, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled for a response, caught off guard by his logic.

    "I...I didn''t mean..."

    She stammered, her voice trailing off as she realized she couldn''t argue without undermining her own beliefs, while the old man, still seated, looked between them, his eyes wide with awe and uncertainty, Lila''s letter trembling in his hands.

    Cassius then chuckled, his laugh low and warm as he turned back to the old man, his expression softening.

    "Look, I''m not pushing you aside just because the world does. Everyone needs love, no matter what they do¡ªking or dung cleaner, doesn''t matter...And frankly, it''s not like I''m some pristine flower myself."

    His smirk turned wicked, his voice dropping into a crude, teasing drawl.

    "These hands you see? They''ve gone up my ass and washed my own shit plenty of times. Ain''t nothing new about getting a little dirty."

    Vivi''s face turned scarlet, a squeak escaping her as she covered her mouth, mortified by his bluntness. The senior maid gasped, her hands flying to her cheeks, while Lucius stifled a laugh, his eyes sparkling with how absurd his master''s words were.

    Cassius''s gaze then settled on the old man, his tone firm but laced with humor.

    "Now, get up and hug me, old man. Don''t make me come for you...You''ve heard the rumors about me, haven''t you? How depraved I am, how I steal hearts left and right?"

    He leaned closer, his smile turning mockingly menacing.

    "If you don''t hug me now, I might just show up at your house later, snatch up one or two of your granddaughters, and whisk them off to my mansion...You want that to happen?"

    The old man''s eyes widened, a flash of panic crossing his face before he caught the playful glint in Cassius''s eyes.

    He let out a shaky laugh, realizing the jest, but the threat¡ªhowever absurd spurred him into action.

    "Alright, alright, my lord!" He said, scrambling to his feet, his hands still clutching the letter. "No need for that I''ll hug you, I will!"

    Cassius grinned, opening his arms wider, and the old man stepped forward, hesitating only a moment before wrapping his arms around him.

    Hug~

    Cassius also returned the embrace, his hug deep and warm, a genuine gesture that bridged the chasm between the lowest commoner and the highest noble in a single, defiant moment.

    The old man''s shoulders shook, laughter and tears escaping him as he felt the sincerity in Cassius''s embrace, a kindness he''d never expected from a man whose name carried such dark rumors.

    Vivi watched this all, her heart swelling with awe, her earlier disappointment replaced by a profound respect.

    ''He''s one of a kind.'' She thought, her blue eyes shimmering as she took in the scene. ''If he can show such care to an old man he just met, a man the world shuns...how much love would he give to those closest to him?''

    Her mind wandered, a fleeting image flickering through her vibrant thoughts¡ªherself, standing by his side, enveloped in that same warmth, cherished by a man whose heart defied every boundary.

    The thought made her cheeks flush, her heart racing as she quickly looked away, shaking her head to banish the impossible fantasy.

    ''No, no, that could never happen.'' She told herself, her pulse quickening. ''A high noble like him, with the world at his feet, and me, a frail girl with an illness?...It''s foolish to even dream.''

    She shook her head while shaking away that was so ludicrous as well, feeling satisfied just being in the presence of a man like Cassius and not wanting any more then that...

 Chapter 162 - 162: You Made This?!

    Lucius, still reeling from the sight, clasped his hands together, his voice a fervent whisper.

    "Master, you''re...You''re incredible! Hugging him like that? You''ve got a heart as big as Lady Vivi''s!" He paused, then added with a grin. "Though I''ll never let you live down that ''washing your own shit'' line, pure poetry I would say!"

    The senior maid, her shock giving way to a reluctant smile, shook her head. "Young Master, you''re a scandal waiting to happen." She murmured, but her tone was warm, her respect for him deepened by his actions.

    The old man stepped back, his face glowing with gratitude, his voice hoarse but steady. "My lord...My lady...I never thought I''d see the day."

    "...You''re both like my Lila¡ªhearts that don''t judge, that see past the dirt. I''ll carry this moment with me, always."

    Cassius clapped him on the shoulder, his smirk returning but softer, tinged with sincerity. "Good. Now go home, take care of those grandkids like Lila wanted. And don''t make me come check on you¡ªI''ve got a reputation to uphold."

    The old man laughed, a sound of pure joy, and nodded, tucking the letter into his coat. "I will, my lord. Thank you...both of you." He said before departing with a satisfied heart.

    Vivi, still flushed, gave a radiant smile as she looked at Cassius. "You''re full of surprises, Young Master Cassius." She said, her voice playful but earnest. "I thought I knew you, but...thank you, for proving me right about you."

    Cassius''s eyes glinted, as he met her gaze. "Don''t go thinking you''ve got me all figured out, Vivi." He said, his tone teasing but laced with an edge that made her heart skip. "...I''m not that predictable."

    "Of course." She said, her voice light but earnest, a playful glint in her eyes. "I''d probably have to spend the rest of my life by your side, noting down every little thing you do, just to figure out how complex you are, Young Master Cassius."

    "...Every time I think I''ve got you pinned down, you go and change it for the better."

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk deepening as he leaned down, bringing his face level with hers as she sat in her chair. His eyes locked onto hers, a teasing tone in his voice that sent a shiver down her spine.

    "What was that, Vivi? Sounds like you''re indirectly proposing marriage, talking about spending your life with me just to ''figure me out''...Care to clarify?"

    Vivi''s cheeks blazed, her hands flying up to wave frantically as a flustered squeak escaped her.

    "N-Not at all! Not at all!" She stammered, her voice high-pitched with embarrassment.

    The whimsical thought of being by his side had crossed her mind, but it was a fleeting fancy, not a serious notion¡ªshe hadn''t meant it that way!

    Desperate to change the subject, she turned to the senior maid, her voice rushed. "Miss Elma, I''m feeling cold! Can we go to my room now, please?"

    Cassius chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state, while the senior maid smiled, her eyes twinkling at Vivi''s adorable reaction. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Of course, my lady."

    The maid said, her tone fond as she moved to fetch the wooden wheelchair placed near the trunk of the tree they were under¡ªa sleek, intricately crafted contraption, its polished oak gleaming and having wheels designed for smooth movement. She guided it to Vivi''s side, positioning it carefully.

    But Lucius, catching sight of the wheelchair, lit up with excitement for some reason, his earlier restraint forgotten as he pointed at it, practically bouncing.

    "Look, Young Master, look! It''s the thing you made¡ªthe chair with wheels! You worked all night on it, didn''t you? How''d it get here? It''s working just like you planned!"

    Hearing this, Vivi''s head snapped around, her eyes widening in shock as she processed Lucius''s words.

    "Wait...What?" She asked, her voice laced with disbelief as she looked from Lucius to Cassius. "Young Master Cassius made this? He didn''t just buy it somewhere?"

    Lucius nodded eagerly, his pride in his master bubbling over.

    "Of course he didn''t buy it as he made it himself! I thought it was the strangest thing when he started working on it¡ªa chair with wheels? Sounded like a funny idea, I''ll admit."

    "...But Master stayed up all night, carving the wood, fitting the wheels, making sure every piece was perfect. I kept asking him why he was building such a weird contraption, who it was for¡ª"

    Cassius''s expression darkened, a flash of irritation crossing his face as he shot Lucius a sharp look.

    "Lucius, shut it." He snapped, his tone low but edged with waming, clearly not wanting the full story aired in front of Vivi.

    But Vivi, her curiosity piqued, leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with determination as she shook her head.

    "No, no, let him speak!" She said, her voice firm despite her flush. "I want to know, Lucius¡ªgo on, tell me!"

    Lucius hesitated, glancing at Cassius''s glare, but Vivi''s earnest gaze and stubborn pout won him over. With a proud grin, he pressed on, ignoring his master''s annoyance.

    "Well, when I kept pestering him about it, Master finally said he was making it for an...angel out there¡ªone who''d lost her wings and couldn''t walk properly on her own."

    "...He said it wouldn''t be able to give her the beautiful wings she deserved, but it''d at least let her move around, live a bit more freely."

    Vivi''s breath caught, her eyes widening as she stared at Cassius, the word "angel" echoing in her mind. Her lips parted, a soft, "Angel...Wings." escaping under her breath, her voice trembling with awe and disbelief.

    Not only had Cassius crafted this wheelchair for her a device so perfectly suited to her needs, allowing her to move beyond the confines of her bed¡ªbut he''d called her an angel without wings, a phrase so achingly romantic it set her heart racing.

    She froze, her gaze locked on him, while Cassius glared at Lucius, his expression full of irritation and resignation, as if silently promising to deal with his loose-lipped attendant later.

    The senior maid, catching the exchange, stifled a smile, her eyes softening with affection for Vivi''s reaction, while Vivi''s flush deepened, her thoughts spiraling as Lucius''s words sank in.

    She then snapped out of her daze, her voice rising with surprise and indignation.

    "Young Master, last week when you brought this to the house, you told me you''d bought it from some merchant in a far-off land! I was suspicious even then it''s too perfect, like it was made just for me, and I''d never seen anything like it before."

    "...But now Lucius says you made it? Why did you hide the truth?"

    Cassius scoffed, crossing his arms as he leaned back, his tone dismissive but tinged with a faint, almost Imperceptible shyness.

    "It''s not a big deal, Vivi. Don''t make a fuss. I threw it together, that''s all. Easier to say I bought it than deal with...whatever this is."

    He shot another glare at Lucius, who looked away, whistling innocently as if he hadn''t just spilled his master''s secret.

    Vivi''s eyes narrowed, her stubborn streak flaring as she pushed her chair closer to Cassius, her wide, pleading gaze fixed on him.

    "No, no, that''s not good enough!" She insisted, her voice earnest but playful. "I want to know why, really. Why hide it? It''s such a wonderful thing you did and my admiration for you would only grow if I''d known you made it, so why did you hide it from me!"

    Cassius sighed, his smirk faltering as he rubbed the back of his neck, a rare hint of discomfort flickering across his face. Vivi''s earnestness, her big, shining eyes, and her unyielding determination wore him down.

    "Fine." He muttered, his voice quieter, almost shy. "It''s not some grand reason. It''s just...less embarrassing to say I bought it since I didn''t want you making a big deal out of it, alright? Can we drop it now?"

    Vivi''s lips curled into a teasing, mischievous smile, her eyes glinting as she caught the subtext of his words.

    "My lord..." She said, her voice light but pointed. "Is it possible you were shy about giving me such a heartfelt gift? Since, you know, not everyone would spend an entire night crafting something so thoughtful, so perfect, for another person."

    "...Are you possibly blushing and feeling shy because of that?"

    Cassius''s eyes widened, a scoff escaping him as he straightened, his tone indignant.

    "Blushing? Me? Not a chance, Vivi. I was just...wondering if you''d even accept it if you knew I made it. That''s all." He glared at Lucius again, his voice dropping to a icey tone. "And you¡ªkeep your mouth shut next time, or you''re cleaning the stables for a month."

    Lucius yelped, stepping back with a sheepish grin, his hands raised in surrender. "Sorry, Master! But it''s true, Isn''t it? You made it for her, and it''s utterly perfect for her needs!"

    Vivi''s smile softened, her eyes gleaming with gratitude as she rested her hands on the arms of the wooden wheelchair, her fingers tracing the polished grain with a tender reverence.

    "It truly is perfect..." She said, her voice warm and earnest. "Before you gave me this, I relied on the maids for everything¡ªmoving around, going anywhere. They''d carry me, support me, and I always felt so guilty for it."

    "I didn''t want them straining themselves just for me, but I couldn''t do much on my own. I even used to dream of moving by myself, even if it meant dragging myself along, but the maids¡ªbless them, wouldn''t hear of it. They insisted on helping me everywhere."

    Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, her voice dropping to a shy murmur as she glanced down.

    "Even...Even when I needed to use the bathroom, they had to come with me. It was so embarrassing, feeling like I couldn''t have that bit of privacy."

    She looked up at Cassius, her expression brightening, her eyes sparkling with newfound freedom.

    "But now, with this wheelchair you made, I can go anywhere I want on my own. I don''t need to lean on anyone...And for the first time in my life¡ªsince I was a child, too sick to walk properly, I''ve explored my own house!"

    "...Places I''d never seen before, corners I only heard about, like they were new lands to discover. It''s been a...magical experience."

    She paused, a mischievous glint flickering in her eyes as she leaned forward slightly.

    "And, well, there''ve been nights when I couldn''t sleep, so I''d sneak out¡ªyes, sneak and wheel myself to the garden, just to sit under the stars. All by myself, thanks to this."

    The senior maid''s eyes widened, a silent gasp of surprise betraying her thoughts as she processed her lady''s secret escapades.

    ''Naughty girl.'' She thought, a fond smile tugging at her lips, though she kept her composure, adjusting Vivi''s blanket with a gentle hand.

    Vivi''s gaze returned to Cassius, her voice trembling with sincerity. "This is all because of you, my lord. Without this gift, I''d still be in bed, waiting for a maid every time I wanted to move...Words can''t express how thankful I am for this, for everything you''ve done."

    "...That''s why I''m saying you shouldn''t hide what you did. You should say it with pride, because it''s such a good, wonderful thing."

    Cassius looked away, as he rubbed the back of his neck, his usual confidence faltering under her earnest praise.

    "It''s nothing." He muttered, his voice gruff. "Just a chair with wheels...Don''t make it a big deal."

    But Vivi''s eyes lit up with sudden realization, her voice tinged with excitement as she clasped her hands together.

    "Wait...That''s it!"

    She exclaimed, her gaze darting from the wheelchair to Cassius.

    "It all makes sense now! Mother said she had received blueprints for this wheelchair design so that it could be utilised to build more of them for use in the hospital and she said that you had given to her on one of your visits."

    "And even I knew you were behind the donation, I couldn''t figure out how you''d gotten such a perfect design in your hands...Now I understand you didn''t just find the blueprints, you created them, because you made this amazing apparatus yourself!"

    "It''s not that big of deal..." He muttered, like he didn''t really care much about what he had done and prefer if she kept quiet about it.

    "But it is!" She insisted, her voice brimming with excitement. "It is a big deal as not only are you a genius doctor, saving lives with your methods, but you''re a master craftsman as well!..I mean you made this wheelchair that''s so perfect, so thoughtful, made for people just like me on a whim." She caressed the wood gently, her touch tender, as if it were a treasure. "So, if that not considered being immensely talented I don''t know what is!"

    Lucius, unable to resist, stepped forward, his voice bursting with pride. "That''s right, my lady! Master''s good at everything! First at whatever he tries¡ªmedicine, crafting, you name it! There''s no one in the land as talented as him. Why, I remember when he¡ª"

    His words cut off with a yelp as Cassius smacked the back of his head. "Shut it, Lucius...I''ve had enough of your yapping for today." Lucius rubbed his head, grinning sheepishly, but his eyes still sparkled with loyalty.

    Cassius then glanced at the setting sun, its last rays painting the garden in hues of violet and gold.

    "Enough of this." He said, his tone brisk but not unkind. "It''s getting late. Let''s get inside before Vivi catches a chill."

    Vivi watched him, her smile softening as a quiet realization settled over her. Despite the terrifying rumors that swirled around Cassius¡ªtales of depravity, of a man who conquered hearts and broke rules with reckless abandon, she saw something else in him now.

    Beneath his confident swagger, his sharp wit, there was a shyness, a vulnerability that surfaced in moments like this, when his kindness was laid bare.

    It was endearing, utterly charming, and it made her heart skip in a way she couldn''t quite name.

    ''He''s not what they say.'' She thought, her gaze lingering on him as he pulled on Lucious''s ear and scolded him to his hearts content. ''He''s something more...something that I want to unravel and see more off.''

 Chapter 163 - 163: See Me For Who Im Trying To Be

    While Vivi was making her it her goal to find out Cassius''s true self, the senior maid, Miss Elma, stepped behind her, her hands reaching for the handles of the wooden wheelchair, ready to guide Vivi toward the mansion''s warmth.

    Vivi''s gratitude for Miss Elma was immense,.the woman had been her rock, her caretaker through countless fragile days¡ªbut in that moment, a spark of determination flared within her.

    She didn''t want to be pushed, not tonight.

    Her body, though still weak, was stronger than it had been in years, thanks to Cassius''s treatments, and this wheelchair, his gift, had given her a taste of independence she wasn''t ready to relinquish.

    She wanted to move herself, to prove she wasn''t the delicate child everyone treated her as, so she opened her mouth, ready to gently decline the maid''s help, her voice soft but firm.

    "Miss Elma, I¡ª"

    But before she could finish, Cassius''s voice cut through, calm but commanding, his gaze flicking to the senior maid.

    "Hold on, Miss Elma..." He said, stepping forward with a casual grace, his hands tucked into his pockets. "There''s no need to push her. Vivi''s getting stronger every day, and as much as you want to help, she needs to start doing things on her own."

    "...Independence is part of her recovery, so ideally she should be pushing herself around more."

    Miss Elma''s hands froze on the handles, her brow furrowing as she straightened, her voice laced with concern.

    "Young Master Cassius, with all due respect, Lady Vivi is still quite weak. There''s no need for her to strain herself when I''m right here. It''s my duty to ensure she''s cared for, and pushing this chair through the halls is too much for her after this long consultancy session she had with others."

    Cassius''s smirk softened, but his tone remained resolute, the doctor in him taking over.

    "I get it, Miss Elma, I do. You''ve been her shield, and you''ve done a damn fine job. But as her physician, I''m telling you¡ªmy treatments can only do so much. The rest is up to her. She needs to build her strength, physically and mentally."

    "If she keeps relying on others to move her, all the progress we''ve made could stall. She''s got to take those steps¡ªor, in this case, those pushes herself."

    "...Let me just tell you that it''s not about coddling her; it''s about letting her grow."

    Miss Elma''s lips pursed, her maternal instincts warring with Cassius''s logic. She opened her mouth, ready to argue, her voice rising slightly. "But she''s not ready, my lord! What if she tires herself out? What if she falls ill again? I couldn''t bear it if¡ª"

    But Vivi quickly interrupted, her voice gentle but firm, a smile spreading across her face as she raised a hand.

    "It''s alright, Miss Elma." She said, her blue eyes bright with determination. "Young Master Cassius is right. I have to do this myself and honestly I''ve been thinking the same thing¡ªI don''t want to be treated like a fragile little child anymore. I want to be stronger, to move on my own, to...to grow."

    She gripped the wheels of her chair, her fingers tightening with resolve, and gave a small push, the chair gliding forward a few inches.

    "See? I can do it even now."

    Miss Elma''s eyes widened, surprise and pride flickering across her face as she watched Vivi maneuver the chair with a quiet confidence, even though she was supposed to be exhausted after that long evening.

    Lucius, standing beside Cassius, clapped his hands together, his voice bursting with enthusiasm. "That''s the spirit, Lady Vivi! Look at you, rolling like a proper adventurer! Master knew you had it in you!"

    Vivi giggled at the comment and then glanced at Cassius, a warmth in her gaze appearing that hadn''t been there before.

    "I was actually going to say the same thing to Miss Elma before you stepped in." She said, her voice tinged with awe. "But I didn''t expect you to think the same way, my lord. I thought...well, I thought you''d see me like everyone else does¡ªa pitiful girl who needs help all the time."

    "...But you understand what I want, don''t you?"

    Cassius''s smirk returned, but there was a gentleness in his eyes as he met her gaze, his voice low and steady.

    "Anyone who looks at you and sees a weak, helpless girl is blind as a bat, Vivi, as there''s a fire in your eyes, a fire that''s been burning since the day I met you. It''s a longing for freedom, for life."

    "...And a girl with that kind of spark? Well, I''ll just say that no illness in the world can hold her down."

    Vivi''s breath caught, her heart swelling with gratitude and something deeper, a realization that Cassius saw her¡ªnot as a patient, not as a fragile noble, but as her, with all her dreams and desires.

    It was a clarity she''d rarely felt, even with her mother, Lady Diana, who loved her fiercely, but often smothered her with care, treating her like a precious, breakable treasure.

    Cassius, though he understood her need to break free, to be more than her illness. Her appreciation for him deepened, a quiet warmth settling in her chest as she looked at him, her smile radiant.

    "Thank you." She whispered, her voice full with emotion. "I''m glad that someone is seeing me for who I''m trying to be, rather then a helpless girl who can''t even get out of her bed."

    Vivi then gripped the wheels again, ready to lead the way to her room, eager to show just how capable she was. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    But before she could move, Cassius raised a hand, his voice cutting through her enthusiasm.

    "Hold up, Vivi." He said in a concerned manner. "I''m all for you pushing yourself, but those wheels¡ªthey''ve been rolling through the garden, picking up dirt, maybe worse."

    "And you don''t want to touch them with bare hands, not when your body is still recovering. You need gloves or something to keep your hands clean."

    Vivi blinked, glancing at the wheels, then at her hands, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips.

    "Oh...I didn''t think of that." She admitted, her voice tinged with embarrassment. She looked around, her brow furrowing. "I don''t have any gloves with me, though."

    Miss Elma stepped forward, her voice brisk. "I''ll fetch some from your room, my lady. It''ll only take a moment

    But Cassius interrupted, pulling a pair of white gloves from his pocket with a casual flourish, his smirk returning.

    "No need to run off." He said, holding them out. "These are mine, though I barely wear them. They''re clean, but...well, they''ve been used by me."

    "...You might not want something that''s already been worn and it''s up to you if you want them."

    Vivi''s eyes lit up, sparkling like a child offered a rare treat.

    "Not at all!" She exclaimed, snatching the gloves from his hand with a speed that surprised even her. "I''d love to use them!"

    She slipped them on eagerly, her fingers disappearing into the oversized fabric, the gloves comically large on her delicate hands and the moment she wore them, she felt the difference¡ªthe material was soft but sturdy, molded to Cassius''s larger hands, a stark contrast to her own slender ones.

    The realization hit her like a spark: his hands were so much bigger, so strong, a man''s hands compared to her own, and the thought sent a flutter through her chest.

    ''He''s a man, and I''m...I''m a woman.''

    She thought, her heart racing at the sudden awareness of their differences, their closeness.

    She also realised that the gloves carried a faint scent of their material, yes, but something else, something distinctly him, a mix of clean linen and a subtle, earthy warmth that made her pulse quicken.

    And out of pure, impulsive curiosity, and despite knowing it was wildly inappropriate, she felt an urge to bring her hand to her nose, to catch that scent more clearly.

    Her hand began to rise, slow and careful, her cheeks warming as she fought the instinct, knowing it was a step too far, a breach of propriety that would mortify her if caught.

    But before she could give in, Cassius''s voice broke through, his tone curious. "Something wrong, Vivi? You''re staring at those gloves like they''re hiding a secret. They too big for you? Need something else?"

    Hearing this, Vivi froze, her hand halting inches from her face, her eyes widening as a wave of embarrassment crashed over her.

    "N-Not at all!" She squeaked, her voice high and flustered as she jerked her hand down, gripping the wheels tightly. "They''re perfect! Just...adjusting to them, that''s all!"

    Her cheeks blazed, her heart pounding as she realized how close she''d come to doing something so scandalous and then without another word, she pushed the wheelchair forward, the wheels creaking as she moved toward the mansion with a speed that betrayed her desperation to escape the moment.

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk widening as he watched her hasty retreat, clearly puzzled but amused by her reaction. "What''s got her so rattled?" He muttered to Lucius, who shrugged, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

    "No idea, Master." Lucius said, grinning. "But she''s cute when she''s all flustered, isn''t she?"

    Miss Elma, guiding the group toward the mansion, stifled a chuckle, her voice soft as she leaned toward Vivi. "You''re quite the handful tonight, my lady. Wanting to spend the rest of your time with the Young Master, blushing over gloves...What''s next?"

    Vivi''s flush deepened, her voice a hurried whisper.

    "Nothing! Nothing at all! Let''s just get inside!"

    She pushed the wheels harder, the oversized gloves slipping slightly but doing their job, her heart still racing from the near-miss and the realization that she''d been so drawn to something as simple as Cassius''s scent.

    ''What''s wrong with me?'' She thought, her mind a whirlwind of embarrassment and excitement. ''It''s just gloves!''

    Cassius followed, his steps silent, his smirk masking the calculations flickering in his crimson eyes.

    "Hold on, Vivi." He called, his voice teasing. "Don''t go racing off without us. We wouldn''t want you getting lost in your own house."

    Vivi glanced back, her pout returning but softened by a smile. "I know my way, Young Master Cassius." She said, her voice playful despite her flush. "But you''re welcome to try and keep up."

    The group wound through the mansion''s corridors, the air growing warmer as they moved deeper into the heart of the house. Vivi''s wheelchair navigated the smooth floors with ease, her arms growing steadier with each push, a quiet pride swelling in her chest.

    She glanced back occasionally, catching Cassius''s gaze, his smirk a constant that both flustered and emboldened her.

    The halls were lined with portraits of her family¡ªstern-faced ancestors and softer images of her mother, Lady Diana, whose medical legacy Vivi hoped to honor in her own way.

    The thought bolstered her resolve, and she pushed on, determined to show she was more than her illness.

    As they reached the door to Vivi''s room, a cozy chamber tucked at the end of a quiet wing, Vivi slowed, her breath a little quicker from the effort but her smile unwavering. The room''s entrance was framed by delicate carvings of ivy, and beyond the threshold, soft lamplight spilled out, promising warmth and rest.

    Miss Elma stepped forward, ready to guide the wheelchair inside, while Lucius, still chattering about Cassius''s genius, moved to follow.

    But before they could cross the threshold, Cassius raised a hand, his voice calm but firm as he turned to face them, his smirk replaced by a professional demeanor.

    "Hold it." He said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I need to check on my patient now¡ªmake a proper diagnosis, see how her treatment''s holding up. That means I''ll need privacy, so you two can wait outside."

    Lucius''s eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face as he nodded eagerly.

    "Right, Master! Privacy for the doctor''s work, got it!" He gave a salute, his voice brimming with teasing enthusiasm. "I''ll be in the garden, maybe sniff some roses or pester the cooks for a snack...Call me if you need me!"

    With a bounce in his step, he turned and sauntered off, whistling a cheerful tune, clearly unbothered by the request, just hoping that he didn''t push the poor Lady Vivi to far.

    Miss Elma, however, hesitated, her hands tightening around the edge of her apron as her brow furrowed with concern.

    ''It would be better if I stayed by her side.'' She thought, her mind flickering to the rumors that clung to Cassius¡ªwhispers of charm, of scandal, of a man whose reputation was as shadowed as it was brilliant.

    She trusted his skill, revered him for saving Vivi''s life, but a maternal instinct held her back.

    "Young Master..." She said, her voice measured. "I''ve already informed Lady Diana of your arrival, and she''ll be here soon. And until she arrives, I should remain with Lady Vivi. It''s my duty to ensure she''s cared for."

    Cassius''s smirk returned, but it was tempered by a glint of understanding, his voice smooth and reassuring.

    "Miss Elma, I appreciate your dedication. But there''s no need for worry. I''m here to check her condition, nothing more. Lady Diana trusts me with her daughter''s care, and I won''t betray that."

    "...I just need a few minutes to do my job properly. You have my word."

    Miss Elma''s gaze flickered to Vivi, who offered a reassuring smile, her voice gentle.

    "It''s alright, Miss Elma." She said, her tone calm but firm. "Young Master Cassius knows what he''s doing. I trust him, and Mother does too. You can wait outside I''ll be fine."

    The maid''s shoulders sagged slightly, her instincts warring with Vivi''s confidence and Cassius''s authority. She studied Cassius for a long moment, her eyes searching his face.

    The rumors lingered in her mind, but so did his actions¡ªthe wheelchair, the treatments, the kindness he''d shown the old man, so with a reluctant nod, she stepped back, her voice soft but resolute.

    "Very well, my lord. I''ll be just down the hall. If you need anything anything at all, call for me."

    Cassius nodded, his smile widening, a touch too charming but sincere. "Will do." He said, his tone light. "You''re a gem, Miss Elma. Don''t go far."

    With that, he stepped into the room, holding the door open for Vivi to wheel herself inside. She pushed forward, the oversized gloves still loose on her hands, her heart giving a nervous flutter as she crossed the threshold.

    Cassius followed, closing the door behind them with a soft click, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

    Miss Elma lingered a moment longer, her hand hovering near the knob, her thoughts a tangle of trust and caution.

    ''He''s saved her.'' She told herself, turning away, her footsteps fading down the hall. ''He''s a doctor, a good man. Nothing will happen...right?''

 Chapter 164 - 164: I Feel Like Im Living Again

    Inside, Cassius turned, his smirk curling with a flicker of devious intent, his mind spinning with plans that went beyond a simple diagnosis. But as his eyes swept the room, those thoughts shattered, replaced by a jolt of astonishment that froze him in place.

    Before him, Vivi''s large, cushioned bed was a vibrant chaos of color and creativity. Hundreds of origami creations littered the surface, spilling over the edges like a cascade of delicate treasures.

    Cranes, tigers, dragons, frogs, tiny chariots¡ªeach folded with meticulous care, their vibrant hues of red, blue, green, and gold catching the firelight. Some had tumbled to the floor, scattered like fallen leaves, clear evidence to their sheer number.

    Vivi herself had maneuvered from her wheelchair, crawling onto the bed with a practiced ease that spoke of routine. She lay back against the pillows, her frail frame nestled among the origami, her blue eyes bright with a quiet contentment as she adjusted her position, clearly accustomed to Cassius''s examinations in this setting.

    Cassius stepped forward, his boots silent on the plush rug, his gaze darting from one creation to the next, marveling at the sheer scale of her work.

    "Well, damn..." He murmured, his voice low with genuine surprise as he picked up an intricately folded crane, its wings sharp and precise. He glanced at Vivi, his smirk softening into something closer to admiration. "I was going to start today''s diagnosis by asking how you''re holding up, if everything''s alright. But seeing this..." He gestured to the bed, the origami glinting like a small, vibrant kingdom. "Looks like you''ve been keeping yourself plenty busy just like I told you to...Did you make all these?"

    Vivi nodded, her cheeks flushing with pride and excitement, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as if she were a child eager to show off her favorite toys.

    "Yes, I did!" She said, her eyes sparkling as she sat up slightly, propping herself on her elbows. "Aren''t they cute? So pretty! I love them so much, I keep them on my bed all the time¡ªsleep with them, even....They''re like my little friends."

    Her smile widened, a touch of mischief flickering in her gaze as she picked up a tiny origami dragon and a chariot, holding them up like puppets.

    "Sometimes, I make up stories with them, little role-plays. Like this"

    Her voice shifted, adopting a high-pitched tone for the dragon.

    "Oh, brave chariot, you dare challenge the mighty Flamewing?" She wiggled the dragon, then deepened her voice for the chariot, making it rumble. "I fear no beast, for I carry the heart of a hero!" She moved the figures in a mock battle, her laughter soft and infectious as the dragon ''swooped'' toward the chariot.

    But mid-skit, her eyes flicked to Cassius, and a wave of embarrassment crashed over her, her cheeks blazing as she realized what she''d done.

    "Oh!" She gasped, dropping the origami back onto the bed, her hands flying to her face. "I''m so sorry, Young Master Cassius! That was...That was childish, wasn''t it? I got carried away, showing you something so silly¡ª

    Cassius chuckled, his laugh warm and genuine as he twirled the crane between his fingers, his eyes glinting with amusement.

    "Not at all, Vivi." He said, leaning back against the desk, his tone teasing but kind. "That was adorable. Hell, I enjoyed the show¡ªthought Flamewing had the chariot beat for a second there."

    "...You''ve got a knack for storytelling. Nothing childish about that."

    Vivi''s blush deepened, but her smile returned, her giddiness bubbling up at his approval.

    "Really?" She asked, her voice soft with relief. "You don''t think it''s.....silly?"

    "It is silly...But being silly is good." Cassius said, his smirk softening. "Keeps the heart light, so you keep playing with those, Vivi. It''s doing you more good than half my treatments."

    She laughed, her embarrassment easing as she looked at the sea of origami around her, her fingers brushing a tiny frog that had tipped onto its side.

    "We''ll, I''m glad you think that what I''m doing isn''t meaningless, my lord." She said, her voice thoughtful. "The thing is, I''ve spent so much time in this bed, unable to go anywhere for so long, so having a hobby like this...It''s perfect."

    "It keeps my hands busy, my mind too. Most days, when I''m not reading letters or books, I''d just sit here, folding these little things, one after another. It''s like...building a world I can hold." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius raised a brow, picking up an origami tiger, its stripes meticulously folded.

    "A world, huh?...That''s one way to put it."

    His gaze then flicked to a particularly intricate piece¡ªa woman riding a horse, the details so fine they seemed almost lifelike.

    "This one''s different." He said, holding it up. "I don''t remember teaching you this. Did you possibly come up with it yourself?"

    Vivi''s eyes lit up, her voice brimming with pride as she nodded.

    "Yes! I experimented a bit, tried new folds. It took ages to get the horse''s legs right, but I figured it out. The woman...I imagined her as a knight, riding off to save someone." She ducked her head, a touch shy. "It''s not much, but I''m proud of it."

    Cassius''s smirk faded into a genuine smile, his voice low with respect.

    "Not much? Vivi, this is mighty impressive. Most people would''ve given up after a dozen cranes, but you''re out here inventing your own designs. That''s talent, plain and simple."

    Vivi''s cheeks warmed, her smile faltering under his praise.

    "Oh, it''s not that special." She said, waving a hand dismissively. "I''ve had so much time to practice, it''s only natural I''d learn a bit. Anyone could do it with enough hours stuck in bed."

    But her gaze softened, a grateful look settling in her eyes as she met his."But...thank you, Young Master...For teaching me this art."

    "You knew I needed something to do, didn''t you? Something to keep my mind busy when I was trapped here, so you ended up teaching me all this...I''m so grateful for it, for letting me find this joy, this...escape. It''s meant more than I can say."

    "Just doing my job, Vivi. A patient''s mental state is as important as their body, You were reading books and letters till your eyes crossed¡ªneeded something else to keep that sharp mind of yours stimulated. Origami''s just a trick I picked up, figured it''d suit you. Looks like I was right."

    Cassius said as he picked up another creation¡ªa tiny carriage, its wheels folded with surprising precision.

    Vivi''s smile widened, her volce earnest. "Even if it was just part of treating me, it made me so happy. For the first time in ages, I wasn''t bored lying here. I was excited, creating something, building these little worlds."

    "...So thank you, truly. You''ve given me so much more than you realize."

    Cassius''s smirk returned, but there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes as he set the carriage down. He opened his mouth to respond, but Vivi''s expression shifted, a spark of curiosity lighting her face as she leaned forward slightly, her voice tinged with suspicion.

    "Wait a moment." She said, her eyes narrowing playfully. "When you taught me origami, you said you learned it from someone else, that they were the one who showed you."

    "But...I asked around, you know, because I wanted to learn more about it. I couldn''t find anyone else who knew this art, not the way you taught it. And now, knowing you made my wheelchair, that you''re so clever with your hands..." She tilted her head, her pout returning as she fixed him with a knowing look. "...Young Master Cassius, did you invent origami too? Be honest!"

    Cassius''s smirk faltered, his eyes flicking away as he let out a low chuckle, his voice deliberately vague.

    "No need to dig into unnecessary details, Vivi." He said, his tone smooth but evasive as he pulled a chair from the comer and set it beside her bed. "Right now, I''m here to take care of you, not answer a hundred questions about paper folding. Let''s focus on that diagnosis, alright?"

    Vivi''s pout deepened, her voice rising in playful protest. "Oh, that''s not fair! You''re dodging my question! I bet you did invent it, didn''t you? You''re too talented for your own good, and you''re trying to hide it!" She crossed her arms, her eyes sparkling with mischief, though her heart swelled with a quiet awe.

    ''He''s so much more than anyone knows.'' She thought, her mind racing with the realization that Cassius''s talents seemed to know no bounds. "And he''s here, with me, sharing all of this...I''m so lucky.''

    "Alright, Vivi." Cassius said, his voice firm but warm as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Settle down...Time to play patient for a bit. No more pouting about origami secrets."

    Vivi''s pout lingered, but she obeyed, her smile softening as she adjusted herself against the pillows, the origami crinkling faintly around her.

    "Fine." She said, her voice playful but compliant, her hands folding neatly in her lap, still clad in his oversized gloves. "I''m settled. Go on, Doctor Cassius¡ªdo your worst."

    He chuckled, as he straightened, his tone shifting to a practiced calm. "Let''s start simple. How''re you feeling? Any changes since my last visit? Improvements, setbacks¡ªgive me the full report."

    Vivi''s face lit up, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she sat up slightly, her eyes sparkling.

    "Oh, I''m feeling so much better!" She said, her hands gesturing animatedly, the gloves flopping a bit. "You can see how active I''ve been, can''t you? I mean, I''m out in the garden now, talking to people, helping them with their troubles. I couldn''t have done that a few months ago. Back then, I''d be exhausted just sitting up for an hour."

    "...Now I''m...well, I''m living, Young Master. It''s like I''m finally me again."

 Chapter 165 - 165: Sensitive Diagnosis

    Cassius''s smirk softened into a genuine smile, his eyes scanning her face, noting the healthy flush in her cheeks, the brightness in her gaze.

    "That''s good, Vivi." He said, his voice warm with approval. "Damn good as it seems like the treatment''s working as it should. You''re moving, talking, even sneaking out to the garden like a little rebel." He raised a brow, teasing. "Proud of you for that, by the way. But let''s talk diet. You eating properly? Getting enough to keep that energy up?"

    Vivi nodded eagerly, her smile widening.

    "Oh, yes! It''s such a change. Before, when I was so sick, I could barely manage a bowl of porridge a day¡ªsometimes not even that. Food tasted like ash, and I''d struggle to swallow a single bite...But now? I''m eating three full meals every day, and I don''t stop until I''m stuffed. I can actually taste things again¡ªbread, fruit, even soups! It''s like my tongue woke up after years of sleep."

    Cassius leaned back, his fingers drumming lightly on the arm of the chair, his voice thoughtful. "Three meals, huh? That''s what I like to hear. And protein¡ªmeat, eggs, that sort of thing? You following my orders there?"

    "Absolutely!" Vivi said, her voice brimming with pride. "Every meal''s got meat, just like you said. Roasted chicken, beef stews, even fish sometimes. Miss Elma makes sure the kitchen packs my plates with it. I''m probably eating more than I ever have, and it feels...wonderful. I didn''t realize how much I missed food until I could enjoy it again."

    Cassius nodded, his smile broadening.

    "Perfect. You''re building strength, and that''s half the battle. Now, let''s talk breathing. You used to cough a lot, especially at night, with mucus and tightness in your chest. How''s that going? Any trouble, or are things easing up?"

    Vivi''s expression grew thoughtful, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of a nearby origami crane.

    "It''s much better." She said, her voice softer but steady. "At night, I still get a bit cold sometimes, and breathing can feel a little heavy, but it''s nothing like before. I don''t cough nearly as much, and that awful tightness in my chest¡ªit''s gone. I can take deep breaths now, feel the air fill my lungs. It''s...freeing, like I''m not fighting my own body anymore."

    Cassius''s eyes glinted with satisfaction, his voice warm with approval.

    "That''s exactly what I wanted to hear. The symptoms are fading, and you''re responding to the treatment better than I hoped. You''re a fighter, Vivi, I knew it from the start." He paused, his smirk returning as he leaned forward, his tone teasing. "Bet you''re dreaming of racing that wheelchair through the whole estate soon, huh?"

    Vivi laughed, her cheeks flushing as she swatted at the air, the gloves flapping. "Maybe I am! Don''t tempt me, Young Master Cassius¡ªI might just challenge you to a race one day!"

    His chuckle was low, but his words sparked a flicker of curiosity in her, her eyes narrowing as she tilted her head, her voice tinged with wonder. "But...I''ve been meaning to ask. How did you know? My illness, I mean."

    "Mother traveled the continent, scoured every library, consulted every doctor she could find. None of them could name what I had, let alone treat it. But you...you figured it out so quickly, and your treatments are working. How did you know what was wrong with me?"

    Cassius''s smirk widened, his tone deliberately casual as she waved his hand.

    "I just got lucky, that''s all." He said, his voice light. "I found an old book in my family''s library¡ªancient thing, dusty as hell, tucked away in a corner. In it, it had a section on lung ailments, described symptoms just like yours. And just like that, I matched it up, tried a few things, and here we are. Nothing fancy, just a bit of reading."

    Vivi''s eyes widened, a look of understanding crossing her face as she nodded slowly.

    "An ancient book?" She said, her voice soft with awe. "That makes sense. Your family''s so old, they must have all sorts of treasures hidden away. I''m so glad you found it, Young Master Cassius. It''s like fate, isn''t it?"

    He chuckled, his smirk a shield as he shrugged.

    "Fate, luck, call it what you want. Point is, you''re getting better, and that''s what matters."

    But in truth, Cassius''s explanation was a convenient fiction, a story to satisfy Vivi''s curiosity without revealing the impossible reality.

    Diagnosing her illness had been almost effortless for him, not because of some dusty tome, but because of a life lived far beyond this world''s comprehension.

    In his previous life on Earth, as a Peacemaker, his role was reserved for cataclysmic events¡ªcrises that could topple nations or alter destinies. Those missions were rare, leaving him with vast stretches of time to fill.

    Boredom was his constant companion, and to combat it, he''d immersed himself in countless pursuits, amassing knowledge and skills with a relentless curiosity.

    One of those pursuits was medicine¡ªnot just the practical craft, but the entire history and theory of it, from ancient herbal remedies to cutting¡ªedge biotechnology.

    He''d studied every text, every case, every breakthrough, absorbing knowledge until he was a living encyclopedia of healing, capable of feats that bordered on miraculous.

    Vivi''s condition was a mild case of pneumonia, acute but persistent, a common ailment on Earth but devastating to her frail body. Her weak constitution had amplified its effects, turning a manageable illness into a life¡ªstealing burden, but the diagnosis was straightforward for someone with Cassius''s expertise.

    Her symptoms¡ªchronic cough, fatigue, chest tightness¡ªwere textbook, and his treatments, drawn from Earth''s medical advancements, were tailored to her fragile state.

    Herbal concoctions, dietary changes, and careful exercise had alleviated her symptoms, but Cassius knew the real cure lay in antibiotics, a concept this world hadn''t yet grasped.

    Magic could reattach limbs or heal wounds in moments, but its reliance on mystical solutions left gaps in treating bacterial infections.

    Fortunately, Cassius''s knowledge extended to deriving antimicrobials from natural sources.

    He''d guided Lady Diana, Vivi''s mother, toward isolating a targeted antimicrobial for pneumonia, using specific plant strains and bacterial cultures. Diana, a renowned doctor in her own right, had thrown herself into the research, working tirelessly in her hospital to refine the compound under Cassius''s subtle direction.

    She was close¡ªdays, perhaps weeks from a breakthrough that would fully cure Vivi, freeing her from the shadow of her illness.

    Vivi''s voice pulled him back, her curiosity undimmed as she leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming.

    "An ancient book sounds so romantic, though." She said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Was it full of old secrets? Did it have drawings, or fancy writing? Oh, I bet it was beautiful, wasn''t it?"

    Cassius''s chuckle was low, his smirk a shield as he leaned forward, his voice teasing. "You and your imagination, Vivi. It was just a book¡ªwrinkled pages, ink smudges, nothing to write home about. Don''t go spinning it into some grand tale. Focus on getting better, not chasing stories about my library."

    Vivi''s pout returned, her voice rising in playful protest. "That''s not fair! You always dodge the best questions! I bet that book''s hidden in some secret vault, guarded by traps or something. One day, I''ll sneak into your family''s estate and find it myself¡ªmark my words!"

    He laughed, the sound warm but evasive as he waved a hand. "Good luck with that, little saint, as you''d get lost in the first hallway. For now, lie still¡ªI need to check your pulse, make sure that fire in you isn''t burning too hot."

    Vivi sighed, her pout lingering but softening into a smile as she settled back against the pillows. And just as Cassius reached for her wrist, a sudden thought struck him, his smirk widening into a grin that carried a hint of mischief.

    ''Lady Diana''s coming soon.'' He realized, his mind turning over the possibilities. ''Not just the daughter today, but the mother too. This could be...interesting.''

    His eyes glinted, a shadow of his earlier devious intent resurfacing, though he masked it with a professional calm, his focus returning to Vivi.

    Cassius''s fingers rested gently on Vivi''s wrist, his touch steady as he checked her pulse. Vivi lay back against the pillows, her heart fluttering with anticipation, her breath shallow as she waited for his verdict.

    The quiet rhythm of her pulse under his fingers seemed to stretch the moment, her blue eyes fixed on him, searching for any hint of what he might say.

    Finally, Cassius released her wrist, his smirk softening into a genuine smile as he leaned back in the chair.

    "Congratulations, Vivi." He said, his voice warm with approval. "You''re doing better than I expected. Your pulse is steady, your strength''s up¡ªyou''re ready to move on to the next stage of your treatment."

    Vivi let out a deep sigh of relief, her shoulders sagging as a weight lifted from her chest.

    "Really?" She asked, her voice trembling with hope. "I was so sure I''d gotten worse¡ªI''ve been pushing myself so much, with the garden and all the talking. I thought I''d overdone it. But...I''m really getting better?"

    Cassius nodded, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "You''re not just getting better, you''re thriving. That fire in you¡ªit''s burning brighter every day. Keep this up, and you''ll be out of this bed for good soon."

    Vivi''s smile widened, her heart soaring, but curiosity quickly took hold, her brow furrowing as she tilted her head.

    "That''s wonderful, but...what''s the next stage? What do I have to do now? How''s it going to make me better?"

    Cassius''s expression shifted, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face, his smirk faltering as he glanced away. The change was subtle but noticeable, and Vivi''s eyes narrowed, her suspicion piqued.

    He then cleared his throat, his voice measured as he met her gaze, a strange intensity in his eyes.

    "I...can''t really get into that right now." He said, his tone careful. "It''s better if we wait until your mother''s here. It wouldn''t be...appropriate otherwise."

    Vivi''s brows shot up, her curiosity now tinged with suspicion.

    "Appropriate?" She echoed, her voice rising with confusion and excitement. "What do you mean, Young Master? Why can''t you tell me? What''s so special about this next stage that you need Mother here?"

    Cassius sighed, his hesitation lingering as he rubbed the back of his neck, his smirk returning but tempered by a cautious edge.

    "It''s not that simple, Vivi. The next part of your treatment requires another diagnosis, like the first one we did¡ªchecking your heartbeat, your breathing, the standard procedures. You remember those, right? But this one...it''s different. I can''t do it without your mother present." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Vivi''s mind flashed back to her first diagnosis, a month ago, when Cassius had arrived as just another doctor in a long line of failures. She''d been skeptical then, certain he''d be as clueless as the rest, prodding her with useless tests¡ªher heartbeat, her breathing rate, even making her spit into a cup for some weird analysis.

    But he''d surprised her, pinpointing her illness with a precision that had eluded everyone else.

    Now, his evasiveness sparked a fire in her, her stubborn streak flaring as she leaned forward, her voice sharp with determination.

    "Why can''t you do it without Mother? You did the first one just fine! You''re hiding something, aren''t you? I can tell you''re not saying the whole truth!"

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk twitching as if he''d expected her reaction. "Hiding something? You''re too sharp, Vivi." He said, his tone teasing but guarded.

    "Don''t treat me like a child!" Vivi shot back, her cheeks flushing with indignation as she pointed a gloved finger at him. "I''m not some little girl who needs her mother hovering all the time. I''m a grown adult¡ªolder than you, I might add! So tell me the truth, my lord. What''s this diagnosis, and why are you being so secretive?"

    Cassius''s eyes glinted, a spark of amusement dancing in them as he leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low tone, as if he were reluctantly giving in.

    "Alright, alright." He said, his smirk widening, though his gaze held a calculated intensity. "Since you''re so stubborn¡ªand trust me, I knew you''d be, I''ll tell you."

    "...But I didn''t want to say this without a proper guardian around, especially with a young noble lady like you. It''s...delicate."

    Vivi''s heart skipped, her curiosity now laced with a thrilling anticipation as she leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Delicate? What do you mean? What''s so inappropriate about it?"

    Cassius held her gaze, his expression unreadable for a moment before he spoke, his voice steady and serious, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips.

    "Unlike the first diagnosis, which was standard¡ªpulse, breathing, all the usual checks, this one''s more...in-depth. It requires me to be much closer to you, Vivi..Much more...intimate."

    "...skin-to-skin contact and much more, to be precise."

 Chapter 166 - 166: Im A Bold Girl!

    The firelight flickered across Vivi''s room, casting a warm, intimate glow over the scattered origami creations that adorned her bed. Vivi lay back against the pillows, her heart pounding as Cassius''s words hung in the air.

    "Intimate...skin-to-skin contact."

    The phrase lingered, heavy with implication, and for a moment, she let it sit, her mind teetering on the edge of understanding. Then, like a spark igniting dry tinder, the full weight of his meaning landed, and her cheeks flared a vivid crimson, the heat spreading to her ears as her imagination spiraled.

    She''d half-expected something like this when he''d hesitated, but hearing it from his lips¡ªthose precise, teasing words spoken from him was another matter entirely.

    Her mind raced, conjuring images she tried to push away but couldn''t.

    Where would he touch her? Her arms? Her shoulders? Somewhere...more?

    The thought sent a shiver through her, equal parts embarrassment and a thrilling curiosity that she couldn''t suppress, no matter how improper it was.

    As a noble lady, schooled in etiquette and decorum, she knew she should recoil from such a topic. It was inappropriate, scandalous even, especially for an unmarried woman of her station.

    A proper lady would change the subject, deflect with grace, or call for her mother to restore propriety.

    But Vivi wasn''t just a noble lady¡ªshe was a woman who''d spent her life confined to this mansion, her world bounded by its walls, her interactions limited to maids, her mother, and the occasional glimpse of her father or a butler.

    As much as she cherished their care, it had left a void, a yearning for connection, for experiences beyond the safe, sterile bubble of her existence.

    Like any young woman, Vivi had her curiosities, her dreams of the world outside¡ªparticularly about men. She''d read stories, overheard maids'' whispered gossip. and let her imagination wander to what it might be like to meet a boy, to talk, to laugh, to build a friendship...and perhaps something more.

    Embarrassing as it was to admit, even to herself, she was a woman with desires, with questions about love, about the feelings that stirred in the quiet of her heart¡ªfeelings that teetered on the edge of lust, forbidden and thrilling.

    As a noble, she was expected to be above such things, but as a woman, she couldn''t help but wonder.

    Cassius''s words lit a spark in that hidden part of her, not because she was reckless or improper, but because it was him.

    Cassius, the man who''d saved her life, who''d crafted her wheelchair, who''d taught her origami and seen her fire when others saw only fragility. She thought of him daily, her heart lifting at the thought of his visits, his teasing smirk, his warmth.

    If any other doctor had dared mention such a thing, she''d have turned them away, offended by their audacity. She wasn''t some cheap woman swayed by base impulses, no matter how curious she was.

    But Cassius...he was different.

    The idea of intimacy with him, even in a medical context, sent a thrill through her that she couldn''t ignore, though she fought to hide it, not wanting to seem like some shameless pervert in his eyes.

    Her blush still burning, Vivi looked up at him, her eyes shy but determined, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to mask her excitement.

    "What...What kind of intimate contact are you talking about, Young Master?" She asked, her words careful but laced with curiosity. "You''ve already touched me before taking my pulse, checking my temperature...Isn''t that the same?"

    Cassius''s smirk faltered, his eyes flicking away as he rubbed the back of his neck, his tone deliberately evasive.

    "Vivi, I really shouldn''t be getting into this right now." He said, his voice low, almost reluctant. "Let''s wait until your mother arrives. I''ll explain everything then, I promise. It''s just...better that way."

    His refusal only stoked her irritation, a spark of defiance flaring in her chest. She sat up straighter, her pout deepening as she crossed her arms, the oversized gloves flopping comically.

    "Young Master, please." She said, her voice sharp with a vexed edge, though her blush betrayed her nerves. "I''m an adult woman, and I can make my own decisions. As much as I love my mother, I don''t need her to dictate every part of my life."

    "...I''ve also finally grown up, and I want to be independent¡ªjust like I''ve been pushing my wheelchair, just like I''ve been helping people in the garden. So don''t treat me like a child who needs her mother hovering over her!"

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk twitching as he leaned back, clearly intrigued by her outburst. "Oh, is that so?" He said, his tone teasing but with a hint of challenge. "You''re all grown up now, huh?"

    "Yes!" Vivi shot back, her voice rising with a haughty pride, though her heart raced as she tried to project a toughness she wasn''t entirely sure she felt. "I''m not some dainty little flower like you think, who''ll faint at the first hint of something inappropriate. I can handle anything you throw my way¡ªI''m a bold girl, bolder than you know!"

    Her words were partly bravado, a desperate attempt to shed the image of the fragile, innocent girl she feared he saw, to prove she was strong, capable, worthy of his respect. I

    Inside, her nerves fluttered, but she held his gaze, her chin lifted defiantly.

    "Bold, huh? You sure about that, Vivi? You really think you can handle whatever I say next?" Cassius asked like was challenging her.

    She nodded frantically, her blush deepening but her resolve unshaken.

    "Of course!" She exclaimed, her voice a touch too loud, her hands gripping the blanket to steady herself. "Nothing can faze me! I''m...I''m wilder than I let on, you know! I''m a crazy girl!"

    The words tumbled out, exaggerated and reckless, but she meant them in that moment, driven by a need to prove herself, to make him see her as more than a patient, more than a sheltered noble.

    "Fine, Vivi." He said, his tone laced with a playful challenge. "Since you''re so adamant about learning what''s next, and why I''m being so damn reluctant, I won''t just tell you, I''ll show you."

    "I''ll let you wishes and feel a practical demonstration, so you''ll understand exactly why I want your mother here, and why you might not handle this as well as you think."

    "...You''ll probably be begging for Lady Diana to take over by the time I''m done."

    Vivi''s heart lurched, excitement and nerves swirling within her as she huffed, her face lifting defiantly despite the furious blush on her cheeks.

    "Hmph! Do your worst, Young Master Cassius." She said, her voice brimming with bravery, though inside, her heart raced faster than it ever had, a wild, unfamiliar thrill coursing through her. "I can handle anything you throw at me. I''m not scared!"

    Cassius''s smirk deepened, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he leaned closer. "Oh, you''re asking for it now, aren''t you. Don''t blame me later if this gets too much for you¡ªif it turns into an awful experience you can''t handle."

    Vivi swallowed hard, her confidence wavering but holding firm, her eyes locked on his. "I''ll never do such a thing, especially towards my saviour who saved my life." She said, her voice trembling slightly but resolute. "Now, go on, then. Show me...Show me what I''m supposed to be so scared."

    Cassius''s gaze held hers for a moment, as if testing her resolve, before he nodded, his tone shifting to a professional calm, though the teasing edge remained.

    "Alright. Let''s start with a simple example of the kind of intimacy this diagnosis requires...So, to start off, pull the blanket down, Vivi and how me your legs."

    Vivi''s ears burned, her breath catching as the request sank in. Her legs? She hadn''t expected him to target such a...personal area so quickly.

    Her mind raced, conjuring wild images of what he might do, her heart pounding with embarrassment and curiosity. But she''d challenged him, and backing down now would mean admitting defeat, proving she was just the dainty child he might think her to be.

    So, steeling herself, she put on a brave front, her fingers trembling slightly as she gripped the blanket. And then with a dramatic flourish, she pulled it away, revealing her slender legs, clad in a white gown that reached her knees, her dainty feet peeking out, delicate and pale in the firelight.

    She kicked her feet lightly, a show of confidence as she met his gaze, her voice bold despite her burning cheeks.

    "There..." She said, her tone defiant. "My legs. Go on, do whatever you want with them. There''s nothing about them that could embarrass me!"

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk twitching as he leaned forward, his voice a low, teasing drawl.

    "Oh, really?"

    Before she could respond, he reached out, his hand landing gently on her calf, his fingers warm and steady as they began to caress her smooth skin, tracing slow, paths along the curve of her leg.

    "Kyaa!~"

    Vivi let out a little yelp, a shiver racing down her spine as his touch sent a jolt through her a sensation so foreign, so electrifying, it was as if her body had awakened for the first time.

    No man had ever touched her like this, beyond the clinical brushes of her hand or neck for pulse or temperature checks. Her calf, so tender yet so intimate under his fingers, felt like a forbidden boundary crossed, and the realization made her heart pound, her blush deepening to a scarlet hue.

    But she refused to falter, her pride anchoring her as she forced herself to meet his gaze, her voice trembling but defiant.

    "This....this is nothing." She said, her words a touch breathless. "I don''t mind at all."

    Cassius''s eyes glinted with surprise as he continued to caress her calf, his touch methodological yet undeniably warm.

    "Not bad, Vivi." He said, his voice laced with approval. "I thought you''d kick me away the second I touched you...You''re tougher than you look, I''ll give you that."

    Vivi''s chest swelled with pride, a small victory in her battle to prove herself, though her head felt dizzy, her skin tingling under his touch.

    But before she could savor the moment, Cassius''s tone shifted, his voice taking on a professional edge as he explained. "Right now, I''m checking for muscle atrophy¡ªwhen muscles break down from disuse."

    "Since you haven''t walked much, I need to see if your legs are holding up, if they''re balanced, strong enough to support you eventually. That''s what this is about¡ªcomparing both legs, feeling for any weaknesses that might need special training and treating to get you walking again."

    He placed both hands on her calves, one on each leg, his fingers moving up and down in slow, careful strokes, rubbing gently to assess the muscle beneath. Vivi''s fluster deepened, her breath catching as his touch sent fresh waves of sensation through her, but she held her ground, her eyes fixed on his hands, determined to stay composed.

    "But fortunately..." Cassius continued, his voice calm. "Your lower legs are well-balanced. No signs of atrophy, which is damn impressive given how long you''ve been bedridden. You''re stronger than you think."

    Vivi''s blush softened into a shy smile, her pride swelling, but before she could respond, Cassius''s gaze met hers, a sly smile curling his lips that made her heart skip.

    "But..." He said, his voice dropping to a teasing lilt. "I''ve only checked the lower part of your legs. Now we need to move...up."

    Vivi''s eyes widened, gulping as his meaning dawned. "Up?" She asked, her voice slow and distant, dread and excitement swirling within her. "Y-You mean...my thighs?"

    Cassius nodded, his smirk unwavering, though his tone remained professional.

    "Exactly. I need to check the muscles there too, make sure they''re holding up. But that''s a lot more...intimate, Vivi. You sure you can handle it, or do you want to wait for your mother to do this part?"

    Her mind raced, a torrent of thoughts crashing together. A man touching her thighs before marriage, no less¡ªwas utterly taboo, a scandal that could ruin her reputation.

    She''d never shown her thighs to anyone, always keeping them hidden beneath long skirts, a private part of her body she guarded fiercely.

    The idea of Cassius not only seeing them but touching them was unthinkable, a breach of every rule she''d been taught.

    And yet...the thought of him, of Cassius, being so close, his hands on such an intimate part of her, sent a thrill through her that she couldn''t deny. It wasn''t just curiosity¡ªit was the desire to be closer to him, to bridge the gap between them, to feel the connection she''d dreamed of in her lonely, sheltered nights.

    She wanted to prove she was bold, that she could handle this, that she was a woman, not a girl, so after a long, agonizing moment, she nodded timidly, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Do...Do what you have to do." She said, her blush burning. "I don''t mind."

    Cassius''s smile widened, while there was a dark intent lurking in his eyes seeing that she had fallen for the trap he has laid for her.

    "I see." He said, his voice smooth. "Since you''re so willing, let''s move to the next step. But first you''ll your skirt up, Vivi. Not just a little¡ªall the way up, so I can see your legs and your waist."

    "...I need full access to check your thighs properly."

    Vivi''s heart stopped, panic flooding her as his words sank in.

    "My...My waist?" She stammered, her voice a squeak as her eyes widened in horror. "That...that means you''ll see my underwear!"

    Cassius nodded, his smirk unwavering, though his tone was matter-of-fact.

    "Of course. It''s only natural for this kind of examination. I can''t do it blindfolded, Vivi. This is exactly why I said you''d need your mother here or for her to do it instead. It''s not proper without her supervision."

    Vivi''s mind reeled, the thought of revealing her underwear to Cassius¡ªan unspeakable act for a noble lady sending a wave of mortification through her. She''d already pushed her limits, letting him touch her thighs, but this...this was beyond anything she''d imagined as underneath her underwear was where her most secret place was.

    Her innocent heart quaked, the embarrassment so intense she felt she might faint, her hands trembling as they hovered over her gown. She considered refusing, pulling back, admitting defeat.

    But his mention of her mother, his insistence that she needed supervision, reignited her frustration, her stubborn pride flaring. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    ''He''s still treating me like a child.'' She thought, her young, impulsive heart making a snap decision.

    "There''s no need for Mother!" She blurted, her voice loud and defiant, though her blush betrayed her nerves. "I can do this myself!"

    Without giving herself time to second-guess, she gripped her gown and yanked it upward, the fabric sliding past her knees, revealing her long, slender legs¡ªpale and smooth, their delicate curves catching the firelight in an almost ethereal glow.

    The gown rose higher, exposing her thighs, soft and unblemished, their gentle contours a stark contrast to the innocence of her demeanor.

    Finally, with a trembling breath, she pulled it all the way to her waist, revealing her white underwear, pure and simple, the faint outline beneath hinting at the gentle swell of her femininity, like two small hills cradled in the fabric, as delicate and untouched as her heart.

    Vivi then sat there, her heart racing, her face a blaze of crimson as she avoided Cassius''s gaze, her hands clutching the bunched fabric to keep it in place.

    The air felt charged, the silence heavy, and she wondered¡ªfeared, hoped about what he would do next, her body trembling with embarrassment, defiance, and an undeniable excitement that pulsed through her, binding her to this moment, to him...

 Chapter 167 - 167: Two Thin Slices Of Fresh Meat

    Vivi''s heart pounded in her chest, her fingers trembling as they clutched the bunched fabric of her gown, holding it high to expose her legs and the delicate white underwear that clung to her skin.

    She sat there, legs parted, expecting Cassius to maintain the same professional demeanor he''d always shown. His calm, unbothered gaze had been a constant, a shield of detachment that made her feel safe, even when his hands brushed her skin or his words teased at the edges of propriety.

    She''d convinced herself that no matter what happened¡ªeven if she bared herself entirely his eyes would remain steady, clinical, unaffected. He was a doctor, a professional, a man who treated her with care but never crossed the line into something more.

    But as she stole a glance at him, her breath caught in her throat.

    His gaze wasn''t on her face, nor on her thighs as she''d expected.

    No, his eyes were fixed lower¡ªon her underwear itself.

    The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning, her body tensing as a shiver raced through her. Cassius, the man she''d thought impervious to such things, was staring at the most private part of her with an intensity that made her heart stutter.

    His expression wasn''t the calm, professional mask she knew so well. Instead, there was a raw, almost awestruck glint in his eyes, as if he were beholding something extraordinary, a marvel he couldn''t tear himself away from.

    Her legs twitched instinctively, a primal urge to close them, to shield herself from his gaze. As a noble lady, she knew this was wrong¡ªscandalous, even.

    No man should look at her like that, not before marriage, not ever. Her upbringing screamed at her to cover herself, to call for her mother, to end this before it went any further.

    But deep within her, in a hidden corner of her heart that had long yearned for connection, for someone to see her as more than a fragile invalid, something stirred.

    That look in his eyes¡ªwild, unguarded, alive drew her in like a moth to a flame.

    This was because for the first time, she saw not the composed Cassius who seemed unshaken by the world, but a man, with desires, with emotions that mirrored the ones she''d buried beneath layers of propriety.

    It was as if, by baring herself, she''d glimpsed a piece of his heart a heart he kept so carefully guarded behind his teasing smirks and professional calm.

    The thought made her pause, her legs trembling but remaining open, unable to close despite the embarrassment flooding her. She felt closer to him in this moment than ever before, as if this vulnerability was the key to unlocking the man beneath the facade. Her heart raced, torn between shame and a thrilling, forbidden excitement that pulsed through her veins.

    But she couldn''t just sit there, letting him stare without saying something. It would seem like she was allowing it, like she was some shameless girl reveling in his attention.

    So, with her cheeks burning and her toes curling in embarrassment, she forced herself to speak, her voice quivering but sharp. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Y-Young Master Cassius, don''t you think staring at...at that part of my body is a bit too much? It''s...It''s offensive!" She tightened her grip on her skirt, her eyes darting to his face. "And don''t even try to deny it! It''s obvious where you''re looking!"

    Cassius blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and then his lips curled into that familiar teasing smile, though there was a glint of mischief in his eyes that made her stomach flip when she was expecting him to get flustered as well after being caught in the act.

    "Oh? What exactly are you talking about, Vivi?" He asked, his tone light but dripping with challenge. "What part are you referring to? You''ll have to be clearer. There''s a lot going on down there¡ªyour knees, your legs, your ankles...I''m not a mind reader."

    Vivi''s face flamed, her mouth opening in disbelief.

    "Wha¡ª...D-Don''t tease me like that!" She burst out, her voice rising with a mix of frustration and mortification. "You know exactly what I mean! Stop bullying me!"

    Cassius tilted his head, his expression one of mock ignorance, though the amusement in his eyes betrayed him.

    "I''m afraid I don''t, Vivi. If you''re going to accuse me of something, you''ll have to name it. What part am I supposedly staring at?"

    Her heart pounded, her mind scrambling for a way to respond without saying the unthinkable. He was pushing her, testing her, and she knew he wouldn''t let it go until she gave in.

    Flustered beyond belief, she stammered, "Y-You were staring at...at my underwear! So much so that you looked like some...some feral animal staring at a piece of meat!"

    But to her shock, Cassius didn''t flinch or deny what she said.

    Instead, his smirk widened, and he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing drawl.

    "Not just a piece of meat, Vivi." He said, his eyes glinting with a dark, playful intent. "To be exact, I was staring at two slices of thinly cut meat, poking out so delicately from that underwear of yours."

    Vivi froze, her mind struggling to process his words.

    ''Two slices? Thinly cut? What was he?¡ª''

    Her breath hitched as the realization crashed over her like a tidal wave.

    He wasn''t talking about her underwear itself. He was talking about...about her lips, the delicate, hidden part of her femininity that lay beneath the fabric.

    The thought sent a jolt of heat through her, her entire body flushing with a warmth she''d never felt before. Her innocent mind reeled, grappling with the audacity of his words. She''d never spoken of such things, not with her mother, not with anyone.

    The very idea of acknowledging that part of her body, let alone having a man reference it so brazenly, was unthinkable.

    "H-How can you say such things, Young Master?!" She squeaked, her voice trembling with shock and embarrassment. "You''re supposed to be a saint! A gentleman! How can you be so...so shameless?!"

    She clutched her skirt tighter, her legs trembling but still parted, as if rooted in place by the intensity of the moment.

    "I can''t believe those words are coming from you!"

    Vivi''s heart thundered in her chest, her cheeks burning as she clutched her skirt, her voice still trembling from her outburst. She fully expected Cassius to brush off her accusation with a laugh, to claim it was a jest or a slip of the tongue, as he so often did with his teasing.

    His playful deflections were part of his charm, a way to keep her on her toes while maintaining that unshakable professional facade.

    But to her utter surprise, Cassius did something entirely unexpected.

    He leaned forward slightly, giving a small, formal bow, his expression shifting to one of genuine sincerity¡ªa look so earnest it caught her completely off guard.

    "Vivi..." He began, his voice soft but weighted with remorse. "Before I say anything else, I owe you an apology. I understand why you''re offended, and you have every right to be. It was utterly atrocious of me to stare at such a private part of you like that, and then to tease you about it?"

    "...That was inexcusable, especially when you''re my patient. I''m truly sorry."

    Vivi blinked, her mouth parting in shock. She hadn''t anticipated this a heartfelt apology, delivered with such humility. The aggression she''d felt, the sting of embarrassment and indignation, began to soften, replaced by a warmth that spread through her chest.

    His sincerity disarmed her, making her feel seen, respected, and oddly validated. For a moment, she didn''t know how to respond, her fingers loosening their grip on her skirt as she processed his words.

    Cassius straightened, his gaze meeting hers, steady but tinged with a vulnerability she''d never seen before.

    "I could''ve denied it." He continued. "said I wasn''t staring, brushed it off, and moved on. But I didn''t want to be a hypocrite, especially not in front of you. You''re always so sincere, Vivi, so honest in everything you do. It wouldn''t be right to lie to you. Besides..." He added with a faint, self-deprecating smile. "...nothing really gets past those eyes of yours. They''re far wiser than your years suggest."

    Her breath caught, a flush of pride warming her face. His words made her feel...mature, capable, as if he saw her not as the fragile girl confined to a wheelchair, but as a woman with depth and insight.

    The offense she''d felt moments ago began to fade, replaced by a erupting curiosity.

    Why had he acted this way? Cassius, the man who was always so composed, so professional¡ªwhy had he faltered with her?

    She needed to understand.

    So, hesitantly, her voice softer now, she tilted her head, her eyes searching his.

    "If...If you knew it was wrong, Young Master, then why did you do it? You don''t seem like the kind of person who would...Who would act like that."

    Cassius nodded, as if he''d anticipated her question.

    "You''re right, Vivi." He said, his tone calm but candid. "In all my time treating patients, no matter who they were, I''ve never looked at them the way I looked at you. I''ve always maintained professional integrity, kept my focus where it belonged."

    "...It''s how I''ve always operated."

    Vivi nodded, recalling stories her mother had shared about Cassius''s work at the hospital.

    Even when treating the most beautiful women, he was said to be unflappable, his eyes never lingering, his hands never straying beyond what was necessary. She''d even heard maids whisper about how he seemed immune to temptation when he even graciously gave them a routine check up, treating bare skin with the same indifference as a tailor measuring cloth.

    "I know..." She said quietly, her voice steadier now. "Mother told me you''re...well, different. That you don''t care about those things."

    Cassius''s lips twitched into a small, almost wistful smile, but then his gaze shifted, locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip.

    "And yet..." He said, his voice dropping to a low, confessional tone. "..as funny as it sounds, I couldn''t resist when it came to you. For some reason, my eyes were just...drawn to you. To that place."

    Vivi''s face flared with heat, her toes curling in embarrassment, but beneath the fluster, a spark of curiosity ignited.

    Why her? What made her different?

    So, she leaned forward slightly, her voice trembling with nerves and eagerness. "T-Then, why, Young Master? Why me? You''ve treated so many people, but you say I''m...special. What''s so special about me?"

    Cassius chuckled, a warm, genuine sound that eased the tension in the air.

    "Well, Vivi..." He said, his eyes glinting with a playful yet sincere light. "I''d say there are two reasons. The first? "

    "...It''s simply because you''re utterly beautiful."

    Hearing this sudden praise out of nowhere, Vivi gasped, her eyes widening as she repeated his words in disbelief.

    "B-Beautiful? Me?"

    He nodded, his smile widening as he leaned closer, his voice taking on a poetic, almost theatrical tone.

    "Absolutely. You, Vivi, are a treat for sore eyes¡ªa radiant star in a world of dim candles. Your eyes sparkle like the morning dew on a rose petal, your smile could melt the frost off a winter dawn, and the way you carry yourself, even in that chair, is nothing short of regal."

    "...You''re a masterpiece, a symphony of grace and a fire that refuses to dim down no matter what, no matter how much your illness pulls you down."

    Her throat went dry, her heart racing as his words washed over her. The praise was so extravagant, so overwhelming, that she couldn''t help but squirm, her hands flapping in a flustered attempt to stop him.

    "S-Stop it, Young Master!" She squeaked, her voice cracking with embarrassment. "That''s too much! You''re...You''re making me dizzy!"

    Cassius laughed at her reaction, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

    "Alright, alright, I''ll tone it down."

    He said, still grinning. But then his tone softened, and he moved closer, his gaze dropping briefly to her still-exposed underwear before meeting her eyes again.

    "But the truth is, after seeing how beautiful you are, I couldn''t help but wonder like any man would...are you just as lovely everywhere else? Including...well, there."

    Vivi''s breath caught, her blush deepening as his words sank in. He was looking at her underwear again, his gaze warm but teasing, and the implication made her squirm.

    "Y-You..." She stammered, her toes curling as she fiddled with the fabric of her skirt, torn between embarrassment and a strange, fluttering excitement. "You''re saying....You think that part of me is beautiful too?"

    Cassius''s smirk returned, though his eyes held a glint of sincerity.

    "I couldn''t see much through that thin fabric." He said, his voice low and teasing. "But from what I can tell...Yes, it''s as pretty as the rest of you and even a little cute if I had to say, with how tiny it looks judging by the outline it leaves."

    Vivi''s entire body felt warm, her mind reeling as she tried to process his words. The embarrassment was overwhelming, but so was the thrill of being seen¡ªnot just as a patient or a noble lady, but as a woman, desirable and captivating.

    She wanted to scold him, to hide, but at the same time, she was desperate to hear more, to understand what he''d say next, to know how deep this moment would take them. Her heart pounded, her legs still trembling but parted, as she waited, breathless, for his next words...

 Chapter 168 - 168: Disarming Honesty

    Vivi''s heart raced, her cheeks aflame as she sat there, skirt still bunched at her waist, legs trembling but parted, caught in a whiriwind of embarrassment, curiosity, and a strange, thrilling connection to Cassius. His gaze, warm and unapologetic, held her captive, and she found herself speaking before she could stop herself, her voice trembling with defiance and fluster.

    "T-The part you''re talking about...It''s not tiny like you said!" She blurted, her eyes darting away as her toes curled in embarrassment. "You can''t even see it properly through my underwear, so don''t make assumptions!"

    Cassius''s lips curled into a mischievous grin, his eyes glinting with an intent to tease the innocent girl in front of him.

    "Is that so?" He drawled, leaning closer. "Well, I could always prove it...Just a little peek would settle the matter."

    Before she could react, he reached out, his hand hovering near her waist as if to gently tug at the edge of her underwear.

    Vivi''s eyes widened, panic surging through her.

    "N-No!" She squeaked, her hand shooting out to slap his away in a flustered frenzy. The contact was light but sharp, and Cassius pulled back, chuckling deeply, clearly delighted by her reaction.

    "Oh, Vivi." He said, his voice rich with laughter. "You''re too easy to tease."

    She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, though her blush deepened.

    "You shouldn''t do things like that!" She scolded, her voice trembling but firm. "I''ll...I''ll scream and call the maids if you try that again!"

    But even as she said it, her mind betrayed her.

    Deep down, she knew she wouldn''t call anyone. This interaction with Cassius¡ªbold, improper, and utterly unlike anything she''d experienced, was thrilling in a way she couldn''t deny.

    The thought of the maids bursting in, shattering this moment, felt like a loss she wasn''t ready to face.

    Still, her curiosity gnawed at her, tugging at the edges of her embarrassment. She shifted, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her gown, and then, in a timid voice, she spoke again.

    "Young Master...this is just out of curiosity, I swear, no other intentions, but...is having that part of me...um, tiny, like you said...Is that good? I mean, do you....prefer it that way?"

    Her voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes fixed on the blanket, too mortified to meet his gaze. She didn''t know why she cared, but the question had slipped out, driven by a bizarre need to know what he thought of her.

    Cassius''s grin widened, and he leaned back, his tone brazen and unapologetic.

    "Vivi, let me be clear: I don''t care what sort of pussy a girl has."

    The vulgar word hit her like a thunderbolt, her eyes widening as she gasped, her face burning with disbelief. He then continued, undeterred, his voice taking on an exaggerated, almost theatrical flair.

    "Big, small, pink, brown, shaved, natural¡ªI love them all! Each one''s a work of art, and I couldn''t possibly pick a favorite. They''re all perfect in their own way."

    Vivi''s mouth fell open, her mind reeling. The Cassius before her was nothing like the saintly gentleman she''d imagined. His brazen honesty, his refusal to hide his thoughts, was both shocking and strangely reassuring.

    Unlike someone who might cloak their desires in false propriety, he laid himself bare, unashamed. It made her feel safer, oddly enough, as if his openness was a kind of sincerity she could trust.

    But then he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing murmur. "That said, tiny ones like yours? They''re particularly tight."

    "...So if I had to answer, I''d say I like them quite a lot."

    Vivi froze, her mind struggling to process his words.

    ''Tight? What did that mean¡ª''

    Her thoughts stumbled, then raced, piecing together the implications. That part of her body...Its primary purpose...her eyes widened as realization dawned, a wave of heat flooding her.

    "Y-You¡ª!" She stammered, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at him in a flustered panic. "I can''t believe you''re saying such vulgar things!"

    Cassius dodged the pillow with ease, laughing as it sailed past him.

    "Hey, you asked!" He said, holding up his hands in innocence. "Don''t blame me for answering honestly. You wanted to know!"

    "Hmph!" Vivi harrumphed, crossing her arms again, her cheeks puffed out in indignation. "You''re twisting it all! Stop making it sound like I''m the one at fault!"

    But despite her protests, a part of her couldn''t help but feel a spark of excitement at his audacity, at the way he drew her into this dance of words and emotions.

    She then fixed him with a stern look, determined to steer the conversation back to safer ground. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Enough of your funny business, Young Master." She said, her voice firm despite the tremble in it. "You said there was a second reason you couldn''t hold back with me. Tell me what it is. No more games."

    Cassius''s laughter faded, his expression softening into something more serious, though a hint of amusement lingered in his eyes.

    "Alright, Vivi. The second reason has to do with the rumors about me. You''ve heard them, I''m sure."

    Vivi''s brow furrowed, her mind flashing to the gossip she''d overheard from maids and visitors.

    The tales painted Cassius as a playboy, a man with a string of debaucherous exploits¡ªseducing noblewomen in moonlit gardens, stealing kisses in palace corridors, and even, in the more scandalous versions, engaging in depraved acts that left her blushing just to recall.

    One rumor claimed he''d once convinced a baroness to let him see her doll collection in a locked room, only for her to emerge disheveled and starry-eyed. Another spoke of a midnight rendezvous in a bathhouse, where he''d allegedly charmed three sisters at once.

    The stories were wild, erotic, and utterly at odds with the man she knew¡ªthe kind, teasing doctor who''d saved her life and crafted her wheelchair.

    She shook her head, her voice firm despite the flush still lingering on her cheeks.

    "I-I don''t believe those rumors, Young Master. There''s no way you could be that kind of person. You''re...you''re good. You''ve always been good to me."

    She expected him to nod, to agree with her, to laugh off the rumors as vicious exaggerations meant to tarnish his name. She waited for him to say he was glad she saw through the lies, that he was the man she believed him to be.

    But to her utter shock, Cassius''s lips curled into a proud, almost defiant smirk, and his eyes glinted with a brazen confidence that made her stomach lurch.

    "Not at all, Vivi." He said, his voice rich with amusement and a hint of pride. "Most of those rumors? They''re true."

    "...Just like they say, I''m one hell of a depraved man."

    Vivi''s breath caught, her eyes widening as the words hit her like a slap.

    Depraved?...Her mind reeled, struggling to reconcile the man before her with the scandalous tales she''d dismissed as gossip.

    But before she could process it, Cassius leaned forward, his tone exaggerated and theatrical, as if relishing the chance to shock her further.

    "Oh, Vivi, you have no idea about how simply cannot keep myself away from a beautiful woman...My nights? Spent tangled up with one or several ladies, my body craving their touch like it''s the air I breathe. I''m probably the incarnation of lust itself, the way I get worked up around them."

    "...It''s like a fire in my blood, burning hotter with every glance, every whisper, every brush of skin."

    Vivi''s face burned, her mouth falling open as she listened in disbelief. The vividness of his words painted images she tried to push away¡ªCassius, surrounded by women, his hands roaming, his voice low and seductive.

    It was too much, too far from the saintly figure she''d idolized.

    "There''s no way that can be true!" She burst out, her voice trembling with denial and desperation. "You saved me! You saved so many people at the hospital with your medicines, your procedures¡ªall for free! A man like that can''t be...can''t be that kind of person!"

    Cassius chuckled, a low, warm sound that carried both amusement and a touch of pity.

    "You''re wise, Vivi, way smarter then anyone in your age, but still a little too innocent." He said, his eyes softening as he studied her. "You think goodness and desire can''t coexist?"

    She frowned, confused, her voice small. "What do you mean?"

    He smiled, his expression thoughtful but still tinged with that teasing edge.

    "Well, the thing you have to understand is no matter how much good I do, no matter how many lives I save, I''m still a man at the end of the day. And like every man, I have cravings¡ªlust, desire, the same as anyone else...If I didn''t, I wouldn''t be human. I''d be some hollow husk, not a person. The only difference...." He added with a wry smile. "...is that my lust is...let''s just say, a bit more uncontrollable than most."

    "...It makes me act in ways that might shock a proper lady like you."

    Vivi''s heart pounded, her mind racing as his words sank in. She''d glorified him, placed him on a pedestal as a flawless hero, but now she saw the truth¡ªhe was human, flawed, driven by desires she''d only begun to understand.

    The realization was jarring, but it also made him feel more real, more reachable.

    Yet, as his confession settled, a horrifying question clawed its way to the surface, one she dreaded asking but couldn''t ignore.

    Her hands trembled as she clasped them together, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes wide and hopeful, praying for the answer she needed.

    "Young Master...please, tell me it''s not true. The rumors...they say you forced yourself on women, took their innocence without their consent. That''s not you, is it? Please say it''s not."

    Cassius''s expression softened, and to her immense relief, he shook his head, his tone casual but firm.

    "Not at all, Vivi. That part of the rumors? Complete nonsense. I''ve never forced myself on anyone, and I never would. Yes, I''m lustful¡ªhell, I''ll admit I''ve shared my bed with plenty of women, sometimes more than one in a night." His bluntness made her blush furiously, but he continued, undeterred. "But it''s always been their choice, since I may be a lustful noble but not a monster."

    But even though what he said was true since he really hadn''t forced himself on anyone till now, no one could tell what could happen in the future as the way he tamed the women he targetted might be done through sketchy ways later on.

    This was because his mission was to spread depravity and depravity really couldn''t properly be defined without the use of certain ''darkness'', which was one way of putting the depraved acts he was going to commit in the future.

    But Vivi didn''t know about this, so she simply let out a deep sigh, her shoulders sagging as relief washed over her.

    He wasn''t the saint she''d imagined, but he wasn''t a villain either. The man before her was complex, a mix of kindness and desire, and though it unsettled her, it also made her curious.

    ''How could he have charmed so many women without force?''

    The rumors spoke of him bedding up to fifteen women in a single day¡ªnumbers that seemed impossible, even absurd.

    Her brow furrowed, and she tilted her head, her voice hesitant but burning with intrigue.

    "Then...how do you do it, my lord? How do you seduce so many women? The rumors say such wild things, but you say you don''t use force like other nobles might. How do you...persuade them?"

    Cassius''s grin turned haughty, his chest puffing out with exaggerated pride as he leaned closer, his voice dripping with confidence.

    "Well, Vivi, with my charisma and my ever-so-charming personality, it''s almost too easy to sweep a woman off her feet. A smile here, a whispered compliment there, a touch that lingers just long enough to spark a fire."

    "...It''s an art, and I''m proud to say that I''m a master at it."

    Vivi rolled her eyes, a small laugh escaping despite her fluster.

    "Oh, please." She said, her tone playfully exasperated. "You''re utterly ridiculous, my lord."

    But even as she teased him, her heart raced, her mind buzzing with questions. His confidence, his openness, the way he owned his flaws without shame¡ªit was disarming, drawing her in even as it challenged everything she thought she knew about him.

    And though she was still blushing, her legs trembling under the weight of their conversation, she couldn''t help but wonder what it would be like to be one of those women, caught in the pull of his charm, and whether she was already falling under his enchanting spell without her even knowing it herself...

 Chapter 169 - 169: A Bold Choice

    Cassius tilted his head, his smirk widening as he caught the curiosity in Vivi''s eyes.

    "You know, if you don''t believe me, Viv...i." He said, his voice dripping with confidence. "...you can ask the maids I brought over last week. They''ll tell you exactly how I treated them."

    Vivi gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

    "Your maids?" She squeaked, her voice full of shock and Incredulity. "You...You seduced them too?"

    Her mind flashed to Isabelle, a sharp, capable maid she''d met during his last visit. Isabelle had struck her as fiercely loyal, intelligent, and utterly unyielding a woman who wouldn''t bend to anyone''s whims, let alone a noble''s.

    "Wait." Vivi said, her voice rising with disbelief. "You don''t mean Isabelle, do you? There''s no way she''d fall for you! She''s...She''s too smart for that!"

    Cassius''s grin turned smug, and he nodded without hesitation. "Oh, Isabelle? Absolutely. She''s smart, alright, but even the sharpest minds can''t resist a little charm when it''s applied just right."

    Vivi''s jaw dropped, her mind reeling. Before she could stop herself, another name tumbled out.

    "And...and Portia?" She asked, her voice trembling with disbelief. She remembered Portia vividly¡ªa composed, older woman with a quiet dignity, a mother with a son of her own.

    Portia had seemed untouchable, far too grounded to care about the flirtations of a noble like Cassius.

    "You can''t mean her too!"

    "Yup." Cassius said, his tone almost gleeful. "Portia''s no exception. And if you''re still skeptical, I could call them. both in right now."

    "...They''d happily tell you right here, in front of you¡ªhow much they enjoy pleasing their master."

    Vivi''s face flushed scarlet, and she shook her head frantically, her hands waving in protest.

    "No, no, no! There''s no need for that!"

    She cried in panic and embarrassment. She knew Cassius wasn''t one to make empty promises¡ªhe''d follow through, and the thought of Isabelle and Portia standing there, describing their escapades with him, was too mortifying to entertain.

    "I believe you, Young Master! I know you''d do it!"

    Cassius chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction, but Vivi''s mind was already racing to the next rumor. She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her skirt, then spoke, her voice softer but brimming with curiosity.

    "The rumors...they also say you seduced every maid in this mansion. Is...Is that true too?"

    Cassius''s eyes glinted with mischief, and he nodded without a hint of shame.

    "Every single one." He said, his voice low and quiet like he was sharing a secret. "And let me just say that whenever I catch one alone in a room with me, they don''t always leave with all their clothes intact."

    Vivi''s blush deepened, her heart pounding at the brazen admission. But her curiosity, insatiable now, pushed her further. She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, as if the walls themselves might judge her for asking.

    "And...the Sacred Guard? The Holyfield Estate''s most esteemed warriors? The rumors say you''ve tamed them too...Is that true?"

    Cassius''s smile turned teasing, but there was a glint of ambition in his eyes.

    "Halfway there." He said, his tone laced with confidence. "I''m working my way through them, one by one. It won''t be long before the entire regiment is under me¡ªboth literally and figuratively."

    He winked, the playful edge in his voice sending a shiver down her spine.

    Vivi expected to ask about another rumor, to keep unraveling the myth of Cassius, but a darker, more taboo question surfaced instead one that made her stomach twist with both dread and curiosity.

    She glanced at the door, then back at him, her voice barely audible, trembling with hesitation.

    "Young Master...there''s another rumor. They say...they say you keep your butler, Lucius, as a...as a pet. That you don''t care about gender, only a cute face."

    "...Is...Is that true?"

    For the first time that night, Cassius''s composure cracked.

    His eyes widened, and a look of genuine panic flashed across his face as he heard this absurd rumour.

    "What? No! Absolutely not!" He exclaimed, his voice rising with indignation. "Whoever started that rumor is a fucking idiot! If I ever get my hands on them, I''ll make sure they regret it!"

    He ran a hand through his hair, clearly rattled, his cheeks faintly flushed.

    Seeing this sight, Vivi couldn''t help it¡ªshe giggled, the sound bubbling up despite the intensity of the moment.

    Seeing Cassius, the ever-so-composed, depraved noble, so flustered was oddly endearing.

    "You''re quite human after all, Young Master" She teased, her voice light. "And maybe a little innocent in your own way."

    Cassius coughed, quickly composing himself, though a faint flush lingered on his face.

    "Alright, alright, enough of that." He said, his tone regaining its usual confidence. "But this, Vivi¡ªthis is the second reason I couldn''t hold back with you."

    "I''m a depraved man at heart. I live by indulging my desires, barely keeping them in check. But when I saw you, so beautiful, so vulnerable, that gentlemanly facade I try to maintain? It cracked."

    "...You make it impossible to stay in control."

    Hearing his brazen confession, Vivi braced herself, expecting to feel disgust or fear at the truth of his nature. A man so openly lustful, so unapologetically depraved, should have repulsed her, especially as a noble lady raised on propriety.

    But to her surprise, she wasn''t offended.

    Instead, she felt...intrigued, even impressed.

    Most nobles hid their true selves behind masks of decorum, weaving webs of deceit to protect their reputations...But Cassius?

    He laid himself bare, owning his flaws and desires without shame, fearless of judgment. His honesty, his raw authenticity, was unlike anything she''d ever encountered, and it stirred a strange admiration within her, even if his depravity left her uncertain.

    She tilted her head, her blush softening but her eyes bright with intrigue like he was a locked box that she wanted to open up.

    "You''re...not what I expected, Young Master." She said softly, her voice thoughtful. "I thought I''d be scared of you, knowing all this. But I''m not. I...I think I admire you, in a way."

    "...You''re so honest, so you. It''s...refreshing."

    Cassius raised a brow, his smirk returning, though there was a hint of genuine surprise in his eyes.

    "Careful, Vivi." He said, his voice teasing but warm. "Admire me too much, and you might find yourself caught in my web...And trust me, it''s a hard one to escape."

    Vivi''s heart skipped, a bit of nerves and excitement fluttering in her chest. She didn''t know how to feel about his depraved ways, but one thing was clear.

    Cassius was no ordinary man, and the more she learned about him, the more she wanted to know even if it meant stepping closer to the edge of his dangerous, alluring world.

    And then emboldened by the heated air between them, she decided to turn the tables, a playful glint sparking in her eyes.

    Leaning forward slightly, she tilted her head, her voice teasing but edged with interest.

    "Do you say these things to all your patients, Young Master? Do you act this way with them too?"

    Cassius''s expression shifted, his smirk softening into a look of earnest resolve.

    "Not at all." He said, his tone firm, almost solemn. "No matter how lustful I am, I keep my professional life entirely separate from my...casual pursuits."

    "When it comes to my work, I maintain strict discipline, no exceptions. I don''t budge, no matter the temptation."His gaze locked onto hers, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through his usual confidence. "But today, with you...I couldn''t hold back."

    "...Seeing a woman as beautiful as you, exposing herself so openly¡ªit shattered the discipline I''ve held for so long. I cracked under the weight of wanting to unravel your beauty."

    Vivi had intended to fluster him, but his raw honesty turned the tables, leaving her cheeks blazing and her eyes darting away, unsure where to settle. His words, so direct and fervent, wrapped around her like a warm current, leaving her dizzy with their intensity.

    She coughed, trying to regain her composure, her voice a touch unsteady.

    "You''re...really good at praising people." She said, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "It''s obvious you''re used to this. I''ve never heard compliments like that before, so...I''m feeling it a bit, I admit. My resistance is weak."

    Cassius chuckled, his fingers idly toying with one of the origami cranes on her bed, his eyes warm with amusement.

    "That''s only because you''ve been trapped in this mansion too long, Vivi. If you ever stepped outside, every man on the street would throw himself at your feet, begging for a single glance."

    "...You''d be drowning in praise for your beauty all day long."

    Her face burned hotter, her heart stuttering at the vivid image his words painted. He really was the playboy the rumors made him out to be, wielding his charm like a weapon.

    Yet, beneath her fluster, a quiet thrill bloomed¡ªshe was holding her own against him, even if just barely.

    Cassius''s gaze then softened, a wry smile playing on his lips as he continued, his voice tinged with self-awareness.

    "This is why I wanted your mother here, you know. I wasn''t sure I could trust myself not to crack under your gaze. I thought she''d keep me in check, stop me from doing something foolish...But the moment we started this diagnosis, I was already gone¡ªmaking a stupid mistake, exposing myself when I should''ve stayed professional."

    Vivi''s chest swelled with a secret pride, a warmth spreading through her. He''d seen countless patients, many surely beautiful, yet she was the one who''d undone his control, the first to make him falter.

    The realization sparked a quiet confidence, a sense of power she hadn''t known she possessed.

    But before she could savor it, Cassius''s tone shifted, taking on a pitiful, almost theatrical note as he sighed dramatically.

    "And now that I''ve shown you my true nature, there''s no way you''ll let me continue diagnosing you without your mother. You''ll probably want me gone, knowing what a depraved man I am."

    "...It''s only natural."

    Vivi''s stomach plummeted, a sharp jolt of panic slicing through the quiet pride that had warmed her moments before. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    The idea of pushing Cassius away, of banishing him from her room, was unthinkable, a prospect that sent a cold shiver through her despite the firelight''s glow.

    His brazen honesty, his unfiltered presence, had woven a spell around her, making her feel alive in a way she''d never known within the confines of her sheltered world.

    The ease she felt in his company, the way he saw her¡ªnot as a fragile invalid but as a woman with fire and curiosity was a rare gift she wasn''t ready to relinquish

    So, as he began to rise, as if he''d already accepted her rejection, his voice carrying a resigned weight,

    "I''ll head out now, Vivi...You probably don''t want someone like me in your room any longer."

    The word "No!" erupted from her lips and before she could cage her emotions, raw and desperate, her hand darted out to seize his wrist. Her fingers trembled against his warm skin, a fragile tether to keep him from slipping away.

    Feeling her soft hand around his wrist, Cassius froze, his body half-turned, and as he slowly pivoted to face her, his brow lifted in quiet surprise, his eyes searching hers, while Vivi''s heart thundered, a wild rhythm that echoed in her ears, her mind a tempest of conflicting impulses.

    She stood at a precipice, teetering between the safety of propriety and the reckless pull of something deeper, something that thrummed in her veins like a forbidden melody.

    To speak her next words would be to bare a piece of her soul, to admit a vulnerability that terrified her¡ªyet the thought of his absence, of this electric moment fading into silence, was far more unbearable.

    Her breath hastened, her teeth grazing her lower lip as she summoned the courage to meet his gaze. Her eyes, wide and shimmering with defiance yet softened by a quiet yearning, locked onto his.

    "T-There''s no need to leave, Young Master." She whispered, her voice a fragile thread, trembling with the weight of her confession. "And...there''s no need to call my mother either, as you can diagnose me further. Just you."

    "...No one else needs to disturb...what''s happening here."

    The words spilled out, heavy with unspoken desire, and as their meaning sank in, a scorching flush flooded her face, painting her cheeks a vivid crimson.

    She''d done it¡ªShe''d crossed a line, stepped beyond the boundaries of the noble lady she was meant to be, and the realization sent a tremor through her.

    What did this make her?

    A reckless girl chasing a thrill?

    Or a woman claiming a moment of urgency, of connection, in a life too long confined?

    The uncertainty gnawed at her, yet beneath it, a quiet certainty bloomed this felt right, like a piece of her soul had unfurled in his presence.

    Cassius''s eyes widened for a fleeting instant, a rare crack in his composed facade, betraying a flicker of genuine shock. Then, slowly, his lips curved into a knowing smile, warm and laced with a hint of admiration.

    "Well, now..." he said, his voice low and rich, wrapping around her like velvet. "That''s a bold choice, Vivi."

    And in response she ducked her head, her pulse racing, her thoughts a chaotic whirl. Mortification battled with a soaring sense of triumph¡ªshe''d spoken her truth, however trembling, and he hadn''t turned away.

    Her fingers still clung to his wrist, and she released him hastily, her hands retreating to clutch the edge of her gown, as if to anchor herself against the storm of emotions threatening to sweep her away.

    She was terrified of what she''d unleashed, of the unspoken desires now hovering between them, yet exhilarated by the power of her own voice, by the way his gaze held hers, steady and unyielding.

    Cassius also settled back down, his eyes never straying from her face, while Vivi''s breath caught, her thoughts racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead.

    She was stepping closer to the edge of Cassius''s dangerous, alluring world, and though fear whispered at the edges of her mind, a bolder voice¡ªone she scarcely recognized urged her forward, eager to discover what lay beyond the precipice before her...

 Chapter 170 - 170: Family Heirloom

    Vivi stood at the precipice of Cassius''s captivating, perilous world, her pulse quickening with a blend of apprehension and an unfamiliar boldness that surged within her, urging her to leap forward despite the quiet fear tugging at her thoughts.

    Cassius on the other hand leaned forward, his gaze piercing yet laced with curiosity, his voice low and probing.

    "Why, Vivi? Why ask me to stay and continue this diagnosis, knowing the kind of man I am? Even after I''ve made my intentions clear?" His eyes narrowed slightly, a teasing edge creeping into his tone. "Is it possible that you''re just a naughty little girl who wants me play around with your petite little body?"

    Her breath caught, her mind scrambling for a response as his words pinned her in place. The truth burned in her chest she didn''t want him to leave because his presence was a balm, a vibrant warmth that filled the voids of her isolated life.

    No matter his flaws, his gaze held her captive, drawing her eyes to him like a moth to flame.

    But admitting that felt too raw, too exposing, as if confessing would strip her bare and reveal a needy, vulnerable girl desperate for his attention.

    Instead, she crossed her arms, puffing out a defiant harrumph, her chin lifting with feigned bravado.

    "Not at all!" She declared, her voice sharp but trembling at the edges. "It''s not what you think. I told you, I''m a bold girl¡ªa crazy one, even! I''m not the delicate little flower everyone sees...I''m grown, Young Master, and I can do whatever I want, whenever I decide."

    "And right now, I''m proving that I don''t need my mother hovering over me. I can handle myself...and this?"

    She waved a hand dismissively, though her cheeks blazed.

    "...This is nothing to me."

    Her words rang with the stubborness of a child insisting on maturity, and she knew it.

    Cassius''s lips twitched, his eyes glinting with amusement that told her he saw through her facade as clearly as glass. Yet, to her relief, he didn''t press further, sparing her the embarrassment of unraveling her true feelings.

    Instead, he flashed a wide, mischievous smile that sent a prickle of unease down her spine, hinting at some unspoken plan.

    "Fine." He said, his tone rich with playful acquiescence. "Since you''re so determined to have me as your doctor, even after knowing the truth, I''ll gladly accept. No way I''m missing out on this opportunity."

    Vivi''s brow furrowed, her heart stuttering at the word "opportunity."

    ''What did he mean by that?''

    Before she could ask, he continued, but with a teasing undercurrent. "I''ll try to be as professional as possible, for your sake. But if I say or do something...inappropriate, well, that''s on you."

    "...I warned you, didn''t I?"

    Her throat tightened, a flicker of fear mingling with anticipation as she nodded, unable to refute his logic. The air between them shifted, charged with a new tension, and Cassius''s eyes gleamed with a quiet intensity.

    "Let''s continue the diagnosis, then." He said, his voice dropping to a professional cadence, though the spark in his gaze betrayed his restraint.

    And to her shock, he reached for her skirt without hesitation, pulling it up to reveal her slender thighs and the delicate white underwear beneath.

    The sudden exposure sent a jolt through her, her breath hitching, but she didn''t stop him, her body frozen by surprise and curiosity at his brazeness.

    "W-Wait." She stammered, her voice small but pointed. "Aren''t you going to ask permission to...to lift up my skirt?"

    Cassius''s hands settled on her thighs, his touch sending a shiver through her. He didn''t look up, his focus on her skin, but his voice was calm, almost amused.

    "After everything I''ve told you, Vivi, after baring my true self, do you really think there''s any point in pretending to be a gentleman now?"

    She opened her mouth to argue, but the truth of his words silenced her. It would be absurd, hypocritical even, for him to act chivalrous after confessing his nature.

    Still, she clung to a shred of control, her voice firm despite the heat creeping up her neck. "Just...stop if I say I''m too uncomfortable, alright?"

    He didn''t meet her eyes, but a faint smile curved his lips.

    "Of course." He murmured, though his tone carried a knowing edge, as if he sensed she wouldn''t call for the maids, no matter how far he pushed.

    And he was right.

    Her body hummed with a warmth she couldn''t ignore, sparked by the tender pressure of his hands on her thighs and the intense focus in his gaze as he studied her skin.

    It wasn''t just the touch¡ªit was the way he looked at her, with a hunger that felt both dangerous and exhilarating, making her feel seen in a way that set her nerves alight.

    She was stepping deeper into his world, and though a part of her quaked at the unknown, another part reveled in the heat of this moment, eager to see where it would lead.

    Cassius''s hands then moved over her thighs, his touch light yet imbued with a sensual weight that sent shivers rippling across her skin. His fingers traced slow her thighs, gliding along the smooth contours of her legs, occasionally pausing to press gently, testing the resilience of her muscles.

    The intimacy of it¡ªa man touching her in such a private way felt both foreign and electrifying, stirring a warmth in her core that she struggled to name.

    Yet, despite the provocative nature of his touch, his eyes remained sharply focused, narrowed with a clinical precision that reassured her.

    He was assessing her, truly examining her legs with the expertise of a doctor, not merely indulging in his desires. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    His hands then slipped beneath her thighs, fingers curling to explore the sensitive backs, squeezing and kneading her skin with a care that felt almost reverent. The sensation made her breath hitch, her cheeks flushing, but she held still, captivated by the duality of his professionalism and the undercurrent of intimacy.

    After a moment, Cassius leaned back, his expression composed as he spoke in a measured, professional tone.

    "Your thighs are in excellent condition, Vivi. The muscle-to-fat ratio is ideal¡ªstrong quadriceps, well-defined hamstrings, no signs of atrophy despite your limited mobility...The connective tissues feel resilient, and there''s no imbalance between the two legs."

    He paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

    "With enough rest and the right exercises, you''ll be walking on your own soon. Your legs are perfectly capable."

    Relief flooded her, loosening the knot of fear that had lingered in her chest for so long.

    "Oh, thank goodness." She breathed, her voice trembling with gratitude. "I was so scared I''d be stuck in that wheelchair forever."

    Cassius''s brow arched, a playful glint sparking in his eyes.

    "What, you hate my gift that much? Eager to toss it aside as soon as you can?"

    She laughed, the sound bright and genuine, her smile softening the tension in the room.

    "Not at all, Young Master! I love it! It''s given me freedom I never had before. But I want to be independent, to walk on my own."

    "...But even when I can walk by myself, I''ll still use the wheelchair sometimes. You know, to zip around the mansion, maybe race the maids for fun."

    Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

    "I''ll take care of it like a precious treasure, I promise. I might even pass it down as a family heirloom, a legacy for the next generation!"

    Cassius chuckled, shaking his head.

    "A wheelchair as an heirloom? I''m pretty sure your descendants would think you''re cursing them, not blessing them."

    "No way!" She protested, her voice rising with indignation as she shook her head vigorously. "They''ll have to accept it, or I''ll revoke their inheritance!...It''s a treasure, a symbol of everything you''ve done for me."

    She leaned forward, her expression earnest but playful.

    "Now, tell me, Young Master, are my feelings for your gift sincere enough?"

    "More than enough." He said, his tone warm as gazed at the girl who was so energetic despite her condition. "You''re out here cursing future generations over a wheelchair...That''s dedication."

    She giggled, the sound bubbling up freely, but her laughter faltered when Cassius''s expression shifted, a sly, unexpected edge creeping into his voice.

    "You know..." He said, his gaze dropping to her thighs before meeting her eyes again. "I''m actually a bit jealous of that wheel chair."

    Vivi blinked, confusion knitting her brow. "Jealous? Of the wheel chair? What do you mean?"

    His smile turned wicked, his fingers lightly patting her thigh as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur.

    "I mean, that lucky wheel chair gets to feel these soft, warm thighs of yours all the time. Always pressed against you, cradling you, in constant contact with such perfection."

    He sighed dramatically, like he was regretting life itself.

    "If I had to be born as an object in this world, I''d choose to be your wheel chair, no question...What a life that would be."

    Hearing this outrage statement, her face ignited, a flush spreading from her cheeks to the tips of her ears as she sputtered.

    "W-What nonsense are you talking about?!...Everyone out there is dreaming of becoming a king or queen, but here you are hoping to become a wooden chair of all things!"

    Despite her protest, a laugh escaped her, the absurdity of his words mingling with their brazen charm.

    His playful envy of an inanimate object was ridiculous, yet it stirred a flutter of delight in her chest, a reminder of how effortlessly he could shift from professional to provocative...

 Chapter 171 - 171: Practical Lesson

    Cassius''s hands, still resting on Vivi''s thighs, began to move again, caressing the inner part of her skin with a slow tenderness that sent a shiver cascading through her.

    "It''s only natural I''d say something like that, Vivi." He murmured, his voice low and laced with a sensual warmth. "Your thighs, Vivi¡ªthey''re so soft, like a baby''s flesh, or warm butter under my fingers."

    "...Not plump or bouncy, but so delicate I can''t bring myself to stop touching them."

    His fingers traced lazy circles, exploring her skin with a reverence that felt both intimate and tantalizing, each touch igniting a quiet fire within her.

    Vivi''s breath hitched, but she didn''t pull away, captivated by the sensation of his hands and the way his words wrapped around her. He pinched her flesh gently, tugging at it with a playful care, and continued, his tone dreamy.

    "You know, this is simply a passing thought but I''d love to lie down on these thighs, you know. They''d be the perfect pillows. Imagine me resting there, listening to you consult others, your voice lulling me into the best sleep I''ve ever had."

    "...It''d be heaven, pure and simple."

    Her cheeks burned, a flush creeping up her neck as his words painted a vivid, intimate picture.

    For a moment, embarrassment threatened to overwhelm her, but a spark of boldness flared within, urging her to meet his audacity with her own.

    Hesitating only briefly, she lifted her gaze, her voice soft but daring. "If...If that''s what you truly want, Young Master, I...I wouldn''t mind letting you do that."

    "...One day, maybe."

    Cassius''s eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his face.

    "Really?" He asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of delight. "You''d let me rest my head on these perfect thighs?"

    Her ears turned crimson, but she pressed on, her words tumbling out in a rush to mask her nerves.

    "You''ve done so much for me, Young Master. If that''s something you really want, I''d...I''d have to make it happen in return."

    The admission left her dizzy, her heart pounding with the vulnerability of her offer. Desperate to shift the focus, she cleared her throat and blurted.

    "B-But my thighs aren''t that soft, you know! They''re probably just as soft as yours, aren''t they?"

    Hearing this absurd sentence, Cassius''s expression shifted, a strange, amused look flickering across his face.

    Vivi also caught it, her brow furrowing.

    "W-What? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"

    He chuckled, leaning back slightly, his hands still resting lightly on her thighs.

    "Of course you did, Vivi. Why would you say my thighs are as soft as yours? Are you calling me fat?"

    "No!" She exclaimed, her voice rising with flustered indignation. "That''s not what I meant at all! I just thought...you know, since my thighs are soft, yours would be too. We''re both human, right?"

    "...Or...am I wrong?"

    Her confidence wavered, her eyes searching his face as doubt crept in.

    Cassius''s laughter was warm, filling the room with its easy cadence.

    "Not at all, Vivi. Men''s thighs are different¡ªmine are hard, stiff, full of muscle. Yours, on the other hand, are soft, tender, with just the right amount of fat." He tilted his head, wondering why she was so ignorant about such common knowledge. "Why''d you even think mine were soft to begin with?"

    Her face flushed hotter, and she ducked her head, her fingers twisting the edge of her gown.

    "I...I couldn''t help it." She mumbled, her voice small but honest. "I''ve never really seen many men before, especially not their thighs. I barely have any contact with them, except for the butlers around the mansion."

    "...And it''s not like I can just call them over and ask to...to examine their bodies to satisfy my curiosity!"

    Cassius''s grin turned mischievous, his eyes glinting with playful challenge.

    "Why not? I bet they''d be thrilled to let a young lady like you examine them. Probably line up for the chance."

    "Absolutely not!" She cried, her voice full of anger and fluster as she swatted at the air. "I''d never do something so shameless¡ªtouching another man''s body like that? No way!"

    Her words then faltered as a realization hit her, and she stammered some words out that just come out without her knowledge.

    "I-I mean, not anyone else''s, but you, Young Master..I-I wouldn''t mind."

    The admission slipped out before she could stop it, and her eyes widened, her heart lurching as she grasped what she''d implied.

    Cassius''s gaze sharpened, catching the unintended weight of Vivi''s words, but to her immense relief, he didn''t seize the moment to tease her further.

    Instead, to her surprise, he abruptly stood, closing the small distance between them until he loomed just beside her.

    The sudden nearness stole her breath, her heart lurching as she tilted her head to meet his eyes, a question forming on her lips. But before she could voice it, he spoke, his voice low and laced with a playful challenge that sent a shiver down her spine.

    "Since you''re so curious about a man''s body, Vivi." He said, his tone warm but edged with mischief. "And you''ve admitted you don''t mind me touching yours, why not satisfy that curiosity?"

    "...Touch my thighs. Feel how stiff and solid a man''s body is compared to yours..."

    "...It''s the perfect way for you to understand the difference between us."

    Her cheeks flared with heat, a vivid flush spreading across her face as she stammered.

    "W-What? No, I was just joking!" Her voice was a flustered squeak, betraying her nerves. "There''s no need for that it''d be...Inappropriate!"

    Yet, even as she protested, her eyes betrayed her, darting involuntarily to his thighs.

    Encased in tailored trousers, they looked impossibly thick and sturdy, like the trunk of a young tree, a stark contrast to her own slender, delicate legs. The comparison sent a flutter of curiosity through her, mingling with her embarrassment and making her pulse race.

    Cassius tilted his head, his smile softening but still carrying that teasing glint.

    "There''s nothing to be ashamed of." He said, his voice gentle yet persuasive. "You''re just filling the gaps in your curiosity. This isn''t some scandal¡ªit''s practical knowledge, a chance to understand human anatomy firs-thand instead of relying on dusty books." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    He paused, his expression shifting to something almost wistful.

    "Besides, it''s only fair. You''re letting me touch your body, so it''s natural I''d offer the same in return. So, go on, Vivi. Touch my thighs...I insist."

    Her heart pounded, a tumult of hesitation and intrigue swirling within her. Touching him¡ªreaching out to feel a man''s body of her own accord was a boundary she''d never crossed.

    The thought sent a tremor through her, her fingers twitching with both fear and a burning desire to know. His gaze, sincere yet encouraging, anchored her, and the earnestness in his eyes chipped away at her reluctance.

    She''d spent her life confined, her world limited to maids and butlers, her knowledge of men pieced together from whispers and fleeting glimpses.

    Now, here was Cassius, offering her a chance to learn, to feel the difference, and the pull of that opportunity was stronger than her fear.

    So, with a trembling breath, she extended her hand, her fingers quivering as they hovered just above his thigh. Her eyes flicked up to his, seeking reassurance, and he nodded subtly, his smile warm and devoid of mockery.

    The firelight cast soft shadows across his face, and in that moment, he seemed less the depraved playboy and more a guide, inviting her to step beyond her sheltered world.

    Swallowing hard, she let her hand descend, her fingertips brushing the fabric of his trousers before pressing lightly against the firm muscle beneath, not knowing that she wouldn''t simply be touching his stiff thighs but the stiff log above as well...

 Chapter 172 - 172: Hugging A Cedar Tree

    Vivi''s heart pounded, a nervous tremor coursing through her as she let her hand descend, her fingertips brushing the coarse weave of his trousers before pressing against the firm muscle beneath.

    But shockingly, the moment her fingers made contact, Cassius let out a dramatic yelp, his voice sharp and startled, as if she''d struck him.

    "Ahh!"

    Vivi gasped, yanking her hand back, her eyes wide with panic.

    "Oh no! D-Did I hurt you?" She cried, her voice trembling with guilt. "I''m so sorry, Young Master, I didn''t mean to!"

    But to her shock, Cassius''s expression morphed into a wicked grin, his chuckle low and teasing.

    "Relax, Vivi." He said, his tone dripping with amusement. "I was just joking. A little touch like that? No way it''d hurt me...You''re a little too easy to fool."

    Her relief immediately curdled into irritation, her lips pressing into a tight line as she bit back a retort.

    "Young Master!" She huffed, her voice straining with exasperation.

    The audacity of his prank sparked a flare of defiance in her, and in a fit of pique, she reached out to pinch his thigh, intending to make him jump.

    Her fingers clamped down, but instead of yielding flesh, she met an unyielding wall of muscle, as solid as a stone pillar.

    Her eyes widened, her anger dissolving into awe as she realized no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t dent his skin. It was like trying to pinch iron.

    The shock of it erased her frustration, replacing it with a quiet wonder that bloomed in her chest. Her fingers lingered, gently exploring the surface of his thigh, tracing the contours of muscle that felt forged from steel.

    "It''s...so hard." She murmured, her voice soft with fascination. "Like metal, not cotton like mine."

    Her touch grew bolder, her hands gliding over his leg, marveling at the sturdiness that contrasted so sharply with her own delicate frame. She then looked up at him, her eyes alight with admiration, a spark of discovery dancing in their depths.

    "You were right, Young Master. Your body really is completely different from a girl''s. It''s...fascinating, how humans can be so different."

    She expected a thoughtful reply, perhaps an acknowledgment of her curiosity, but Cassius''s gaze shifted, a false worried frown creasing his brow.

    "Vivi..." He said, his voice tinged with exaggerated concern. "I only let you touch me a little, but I didn''t expect you to take advantage like this, feeling me up all over."

    Her face ignited, a flush scorching her cheeks as she sputtered.

    "W-What?!" His words caught her off guard, and he pressed on, his expression morphing into one of feigned fear. "I thought I was the pervert in this room, but look at you, so fascinated, touching me everywhere."

    "...Seems like the roles have reversed, doesn''t it?"

    "Y-You!...Stop making things up!"

    She cried, swatting at his thigh in protest, her voice a full of indignation and embarrassment.

    But the slap actually backfired, a sharp sting flaring in her frail wrist as her hand met his unyielding muscle. She winced, cradling her hand, the contrast between their bodies starkly apparent.

    Her frame, fragile and delicate, seemed the most breakable in the kingdom, while his was a pinnacle of human strength, sculpted and resilient.

    The realization deepened her fascination, a quiet yearning stirring within her. She''d spent years confined by her own frail health, and now, faced with Cassius''s robust vitality, she couldn''t help but gaze at him with a blend of desire and respect. His body was everything hers was not strong, unyielding, alive in a way that captivated her.

    "It''s not fair." She said softly, her voice tinged with awe as she met his eyes. "I''ve read Mother''s books on anatomy, studied the human body, but feeling it like this...it''s so different. I never knew a man''s body could be this...this strong."

    Her fingers lingered on his thigh, her touch now reverent, as if she were uncovering a secret of the world itself.

    Cassius''s teasing facade softened, his gaze warm and knowing as he watched her.

    "You''re seeing the world through your own hands now, Vivi." He said, his voice gentle but carrying a hint of pride. "That''s worth more than any book."

    He didn''t mock her this time, letting her awe linger, and in that quiet moment, Vivi felt a connection deepen between them.

    Her fascination with his strength, his vitality, wasn''t just curiosity¡ªit was a glimpse into a life she longed to claim, and with Cassius as her guide, she was beginning to believe she could.

    Emboldened by this newfound wonder, she lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes bright with a daring request.

    "Young Master." She said, her voice soft but resolute. "Could you do me a favor?" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    Cassius tilted his head, a spark of intrigue in his expression. "What''s that, Vivi?"

    To her own surprise, the words tumbled out before she could second-guess them.

    "It may seem like a strange request, Young Master, but I-I want to hug your leg." She said, her cheeks warming but her tone earnest. "Just touching, it isn''t enough to understand how thick and solid it is. And I know that if I could hug it, I''d really feel the difference."

    "...So please, come a little closer and let me hug your leg."

    With how eager he was when it came to women, she expected him to agree, to step forward with that teasing grin, ready for her to wrap her arms around his leg in a burst of curiosity.

    But instead, Cassius chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief as he looked down at the curios noble girl below.

    "What if I don''t want to?" He said, his voice playful but with a reluctance. "What if I''m not ready to let you hug my leg?"

    Vivi''s jaw dropped, her anticipation giving way to indignation. Her eyes trembled, shimmering with the threat of tears, and her lips pursed into an adorable, pitiful pout that caught him off guard.

    "That''s not fair!" She exclaimed, her voice quivering with frustration and theatrics. "I let you touch my thighs however you wanted, I let you¡ªa man I''m not even married to¡ªtouch my legs!"

    "But you, a noble who''s probably slept with countless women, are acting like some pure maiden now, refusing to let me hug your leg?"

    "...It''s not fair at all!"

    Her voice cracked, and she blinked rapidly, looking every bit like she might burst into tears.

    Seeing this, Cassius''s teasing facade faltered, his eyes widening at the sight of her distress. Not wanting to escalate the moment into a genuine scene, he stepped closer, raising his hands in surrender.

    "Alright, alright, fine." He said, his tone warm and conciliatory. "Don''t cry, Vivi. You can have my leg. Just...don''t bite a chunk of flesh off, okay?"

    The pout on her face vanished, replaced by a victorious smile that lit up her features. Her plan had worked, and with a gleeful squeal, she pounced forward, wrapping her arms around one of his legs in a tight, enthusiastic hug.

    Her cheek pressed against the sturdy muscle, and she marveled at the sheer thickness of it, so much broader and more solid than her own slender limbs.

    It was like embracing a cedar tree, ancient and unyielding, a pillar that could withstand any storm.

    The sensation flooded her with an unexpected sense of safety, as if nothing could harm her as long as she clung to this anchor. Her heart swelled, comforted by the strength beneath her arms, a quiet reassurance she hadn''t realized she craved.

    Cassius, watching her with affection at how adorabely she was acting, couldn''t resist. His hand descended, gently patting her head in a coddling, almost paternal gesture that caught her off guard.

    In response, she tilted her head up, her cheek still pressed against his leg, and frowned.

    "What are you doing, Young Master?" She asked, her voice tinged with mock indignation.

    He grinned, his fingers ruffling her hair lightly. "You look like a little child clinging to my leg right now, Vivi. It''s too cute, so I couldn''t help myself and just started to pet your fluffy little head."

    "I''m not a child!" She huffed, her pout returning, though it lacked any real heat. "If anyone''s a child here, it''s you since you''re younger then me!"

    But she didn''t pull away or ask him to stop.

    The gentle pressure of his hand, warm and comforting, felt like a balm, soothing the nervous energy that had built within her. She leaned into it, her cheek rubbing against his leg as she continued to explore its strength, savoring the contrast between his solidity and her fragility...