Chapter 769: Lazy Steps Toward Chaos ( 769 )

"Young master."

The voice came from behind him.

"Whoa!!!" Javier jumped theatrically, clutching his chest. "Don’t suddenly appear like that! You’re going to give me a heart attack!"

The masked shadow operative stood motionless, silent as stone, unfazed by his antics.

"Mr. Alf said to inform you, young master," the voice was calm, muffled behind the mask.

Javier tilted his head, eyes narrowing lazily. "Hmm? Inform me what?"

"Lord Garius wishes for young master to come to the grand hall."

Inside, Javier’s smile twitched.

I knew it! What a pain in the ass. I knew this trouble would come again...

He sighed, dragging a hand through his hair.

"Alright, alright... I’ll come there."

The shadow bowed once, took three quiet steps backward, then vanished completely, slipping into the night as though he was never there.

Javier’s gaze lingered on the empty spot, his lazy smirk tugging at the edge of his lips.

Hmmm...... all of Father’s units are dangerous in their own way. Looks like I still have a lot to learn from him.

Behind him, Mimi puffed her cheeks. "Nya! That was creepy! I didn’t even hear him!"

Delya clung closer to his sleeve, whispering, "Danna-sama... that shadow scared me..."

"Liana. Gloria." Javier’s tone was calm, though his eyes flicked toward the girls clinging to him.

"Yes, young master," they answered together, their voices smooth and composed.

"Accompany them to their rooms." Javier said it lazily, almost as if it were an afterthought, yet the command carried finality.

"As you command, young master."

Both bowed gracefully, but the faint smirks on their lips betrayed their thoughts.

Young master is busy...

Liana mused silently, her eyes sliding toward the three princesses. So these girls won’t get their chance tonight.

Gloria adjusted her glasses lightly, her own inner smile hidden behind her calm demeanor.

They’ll have to wait. As always... only we are allowed closest to his side.

Felicia’s serene smile faltered slightly, though she masked it with her fan.

Mimi pouted, her golden tail lashing in protest.

"Nya~! That’s unfair! I want to stay with husband!"

Delya’s grip on Javier’s sleeve tightened, her eyes wide.

"Danna-sama..."

Javier let out a small breath, his tone calm but firm. "I’m going to meet my father. And I’m sure you’re all already tired."

"But..." Mimi and Delya said at once, their voices overlapping, Mimi pouting with her tail flicking, Delya’s eyes pleading softly.

Javier just sighed, tilting his head toward the manor with that lazy, charming smile of his. "Just go rest. Besides... there’s always tomorrow, right?"

His words lingered in the air, gentle yet decisive, leaving no room for argument.

Felicia exhaled softly through her fan, lowering her head with grace.

"Very well. I shall rest, Javier-sama. Until tomorrow."

Mimi puffed her cheeks, muttering under her breath, "Nya... unfair..." while Delya only lowered her gaze, reluctantly letting go of his sleeve.

Liana and Gloria stepped forward at once, their eyes glinting as they bowed.

"We’ll see them safely to their rooms, young master."

"Good,"

Javier replied simply, before turning away, hands slipping into his pockets as he walked toward the grand hall.

Javier walked slowly toward the grand hall, his steps unhurried.

Inside his mind.

So... what’s the new "quest" from Father this time?

His lips twitched, caught between a smirk and a grimace.

Please don’t tell me it’s something troublesome again... and worse, something that’ll keep me away from Liana and Gloria for too long.

Every time he calls me, it’s never something simple.

A faint, calm smile lingered on his face.

Well... whatever it is, I’ll handle it.

The muffled sound of laughter and cheers from inside grew louder with every step, the rowdy energy of Veldrac and Lioness echoing like thunder beyond the doors.

Javier’s smirk sharpened.

Yep. Definitely trouble waiting inside.

Javier arrived at the towering doors of the grand hall, the heavy wood carved with the crest of Armand.

The guards at their post straightened instantly, their spears snapping upright as they saluted in unison.

"Young master!"

Javier raised a hand lazily, his smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "At ease. Don’t be that strict."

The two guards exchanged nervous glances, scratching the backs of their necks awkwardly. "Err... we can’t do that, young master."

Javier chuckled softly. "Ah... right. Father’s orders."

Both gave stiff but sheepish smiles, returning to their posts as another pair stepped forward. With a deep bow, they grasped the ornate handles and pulled, the massive doors groaning open to reveal the flood of light, voices, and laughter within.

When Javier stepped inside, the noise of the grand hall washed over him.

His eyes flicked casually to the long banquet tables. The platters were nearly empty, only scraps left behind from the endless appetites of attendants, and rulers. Yet the moment a tray cleared, another maid glided in, replacing it with fresh dishes carried in from the kitchens.

The chefs, visible at the far archway, worked with seamless precision, sweat on their brows but eyes steady. The maids rotated in perfect rhythm, ensuring no one grew tired, each change of hands so smooth it almost seemed choreographed.

Javier’s lips curved faintly, though his gaze remained lazy as ever. So this is how Father handles it...

Always prepared. Always thinking ahead. Even a feast for kings becomes a battlefield of timing and order. And none of them even notice.

He slipped his hands into his pockets, shoulders relaxed as his eyes wandered toward the hall.

Marcellus and Cedric were seated nearby, deep in conversation with two young men who could only be the sons of King Veldrac and King Lioness. Their laughter was loud, their gestures animated, already acting like comrades despite meeting only today.

Further down, as expected, Athine and Aelius were side by side, their chairs practically touching. Javier smirked faintly.

Those two really can’t be separated, huh. Well... not my problem.

Finally, his gaze settled at the head of the hall.

There sat Garius, posture perfectly composed, hand resting lightly on the armrest of his seat. His expression was calm, serene even, as though untouched by the noise and rowdiness surrounding him.

But Javier knew better.

That face may be calm... but I’d bet his mind is sighing louder than anyone else in this hall.

( End Of Chapter )