Chapter 749: Brotherly Heists and Bath-time Dreams ( 749 )

Knock Knock...

Javier blinked at the sound of the knock.

"Hm? Who is it?"

The door creaked open without waiting for his answer.

"Yo, little brother~" came a familiar, annoyingly cheerful voice.

Inside Javier’s mind, his thoughts soured instantly.

Ah... talk about two troublesome brothers. I knew it. Marcellus and Cedric, always together when they’re scheming.

"What do you want?" Javier asked flatly.

Marcellus grinned wide, Cedric right behind him, both carrying smug faces.

"Ah, nothing serious. It’s just..." Marcellus dangled a pouch of gold coins in his hand, Cedric matching with another pouch.

"We saw these lying around. Two pouches. This is ours, right? Thanks, little brother!"

Javier’s eyebrow twitched.

"...Ah... that’s..." He let out a long sigh, shoulders slumping. "Never mind."

Inside, he was screaming.

Those are mine, you leeches! Just because Father spoiled me a bit more doesn’t mean you can casually rob me! And why do you act like it’s some natural tax for being your younger brother?!

But instead of snapping, Javier dragged a hand down his face.

"...Just don’t spend it all on wine and nonsense, alright?"

"Of course not!" Cedric said.

Marcellus winked. "We’ll put it to good use, don’t worry."

Good use my ass... Javier thought, watching them march out with his gold.

Well... I’m sure that’s for reward money from my mission, and the earnings from the sugar farm and machines, since Father said he’d give me a share anyway.

Whatever... it’s not like I have much need to use that money.

Besides... I know those two only use it for their partners anyway.

Since they’re planning to marry their lovers.

They’re my brothers after all... no need to be stingy.

Javier smiled faintly, leaning back into the hot bath, letting the steam rise around him. Heh... if that gold helps Marcellus pamper Lithia, or Cedric spoil Meira, then it’s worth more than sitting in my storage doing nothing.

Closing his eyes, he sank deeper into the water, the warmth soothing his muscles as his thoughts drifted.

Yeah... better let them have it. I already have too much on my plate... and too much hidden wealth anyway. If they knew the real scale of my storage, they’d probably faint.

His lips curled into a mischievous smirk. Not that I’d ever tell them.

Because that will be a problem if I tell them.

They’ll just keep coming to "borrow" more... and more.

Hmm... I wonder what they really use it for? Other than spoiling their lovers, of course. Marcellus with Lithia... and Harny too. Cedric with Meira... and that ex-princess Zania.

If it were for drinking? No way. Our wine reserves are overflowing, and the Armand wine business is booming. We’ve got more stock than we could ever finish.

Jewelry? Nah... both Lithia and Meira aren’t the type to waste money on that. They’d scold them silly if they even tried.

Javier tilted his head, remembering clearly. Lithia wasn’t just Marcellus’s partner, she was his personal maid. And now her mother, Harny, had stepped in as his personal maid too. As for Cedric, he already had Meira, his loyal catfolk maid, and Zania, the ex-Amazarak princess who ended up serving him as well.

With that lineup...

Javier smirked to himself.

Yeah... they’re not spending it on luxuries. If I had to guess, those "borrowed" coins are going straight into gifts, meals, and plans for their little future households.

The thought of his brothers secretly saving up for marriage, or maybe even building their own private nest eggs, made Javier let out a low chuckle.

Heh. Guess I’m funding their love lives without them admitting it.

He sank a little deeper into the bath, the water lapping at his shoulders.

Well... better that than wasting it on nonsense.

Knock knock.

"Hm? Who is it now?" Javier asked lazily, tilting his head back against the bath edge.

"Young master?" came Erinette’s firm but respectful voice from outside the door.

"A... ah! Y–yes, Mrs. Erinette?" He straightened immediately, nearly slipping in the water.

"Once you finish your bath, Lord Garius wishes to see you."

Javier blinked.

Eh? Father? At this hour? His mind instantly ran through the possibilities,battle reports, family discussions, or maybe another one of his "tests."

"Ah... okay. I’ll be there once I finish here."

"Very well. I shall inform him. I am going now, young master."

"Y... yes, Mrs. Erinette."

The sound of her heels faded down the corridor, leaving only the ripple of bathwater behind. Javier exhaled and muttered under his breath.

Father wants to see me, huh? Guess my peaceful soak ends here...

He sank lower until the water covered his mouth, blowing bubbles in mild annoyance.

Well, let’s hope it’s not another lecture about responsibility...

Hmm? Javier leaned back, the bath water rippling as his mind wandered.

Since the war is finished... doesn’t that mean Queen Mylezra will become my stepmother soon?

After all, his father had promised her long ago. A promise left hanging for years, waiting for the right moment. And now, with peace restored, nothing stood in the way. She’s been waiting patiently all this time... guess the old man finally has no excuse left.

And then there was Eridith.

Who had recently given birth while Javier had been busy chasing after Liana and Gloria in the Elven Kingdom. Back then, he thought they were running away to marry someone else, only to learn they were just visiting their siblings’ wedding.

What a mess that was... but hey, at least I got another little sister out of it.

Javier smirked to himself, tilting his head. So Father will marry Queen Mylezra soon, huh? Even Mother is pushing him to finally grant his promise.

His smirk widened. But Mother and even Mylezra mentioned there’s another one. Another wife-to-be.

He whistled softly, sinking deeper into the steaming bath.

Hoooh~ Father... despite being old... ah, well, you don’t look old at all. Still got stamina for that, huh? Kekeke.

Well...

Javier leaned forward, dragging his fingers through the water, a sly grin tugging at his lips.

Of course I want it too. I may look like a kid on the outside, but inside, I’m an adult. Heh. But patience, Javier, patience. They’re not going anywhere. Liana, Gloria... and even the other candidate.

If the other candidate couldn’t wait, so be it. As long as Liana and Gloria were his, the rest didn’t matter. With them by his side, his life was already perfect.

Javier slapped the surface of the bath lightly, water splashing up against his shoulders.

Alright! Enough soaking around. Time to get ready and meet Father.

But first.

Javier narrowed his eyes mischievously, voice dropping into a chuckle.

Hehehe... gonna find Liana and Gloria and ask for a kiss. No way I’m meeting Father without my daily dose of happiness.

( End Of Chapter )