Chapter 797: Punishment by Proxy ( 797 )

"Let us continue on our way to the council," Garius went on, his tone carrying the same measured authority as always.

"I do not intend to be late for our house." He paused, rubbing his chin briefly, then added with a faint smirk.

"Besides, we cannot stop to eat along the road, even if we wished to. I’m sure our household staff has already prepared everything in our new residence."

He swung onto Giddie’s back with practiced ease. The golden Pekko let out a proud squawked, chest puffed like a king ready to march.

"Move," Garius commanded, his voice calm but absolute.

Javier’s eyes narrowed slightly.

His instincts screamed that something had happened, something his father wasn’t telling them. Those screams... those shadows... gone in an instant.

Killed. Erased. From right where Garius stood.

And yet, Garius walked forward, every step steady and composed, as if nothing had happened at all.

The sons exchanged uneasy glances, but not a word was spoken.

Several hours later, their journey passed without incident. The speed of the Pekkos carried them swiftly across the land, and before long the group arrived at the rented estate.

A grand house discreetly prepared by Armand staff disguised as simple civilians.

Once Garius dismounted from Giddie, the staff moved in unison, bowing low.

"My lord," they greeted, their voices calm, steady.

Garius’s sharp gaze swept over them.

"Good... it seems no one from outside has managed to blend in."

"Yes, my lord." The leader of the disguised staff stepped forward with a respectful nod.

"Rest assured, the precautions you ordered have been carried out. No worker from outside has been permitted inside the house. If locals come seeking daily wages, they are redirected and compensated fairly as outside labor only."

The man smiled faintly, though his posture remained stiff, disciplined. "Every servant within these walls belongs to Armand. None else."

"Hm." Garius gave a slow, satisfied nod, his cloak swaying slightly as he turned toward the entrance. "Good. That will prevent unnecessary leaks."

"At the same time, to ensure that those who seek daily labor are not turned away empty-handed, make certain they are given work outside these walls. Pay them fairly, so their families may eat and live with dignity. The Human Kingdom has only just come out of war, many are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives."

He paused, letting his words settle among the staff.

"They may not know who has rented this estate, and that is how it should remain. But whether they are our people or not, no one under our watch should be left starving."

The staff bowed again, voices unified. "Yes, my lord."

Then Garius turned, his gaze shifting from the staff to his sons and their personal maids. His voice, calm yet edged with firm authority, carried through the courtyard.

"Do not wander out of the estate."

All of his sons straightened instinctively at the order. Even Marcellus and Cedric, who had been grinning moments earlier, swallowed their protests and nodded in unison.

Garius then looked to the two pillars at his side.

"Alf. Erinnette. Ensure my sons do not sneak out."

Both bowed deeply, their voices steady.

"Yes, my lord."

Then Garius’s gaze sharpened as he glanced back over his shoulder.

"Especially you, Javier." His tone cut through the air like a blade. "If any of you sneak out, it will not only be your own fault, we will punish your maids."

Garius’s eyes shifted toward Aelius. "And for you, Aelius... if you try to test my patience, Athine will take your punishment in your place."

Aelius stiffened at once, his lips pressing into a thin line. Behind him, Athine blinked in alarm, then lowered her gaze.

"Yes, Esteem Father!" their voices overlapped, sharp and disciplined.

Garius’s lips curved into a faint smirk. He turned his head slightly, eyes narrowing at his golden Pekko.

"Giddie."

The great bird straightened at once, feathers puffing out with a low rumble.

"Cuquawked?"

"Ensure those Pekko won’t help their masters sneak out." Garius’s tone was calm, but every word carried weight.

Giddie’s eyes gleamed as he gave a sharp, commanding cry.

"Cuquawked!!"

The other Pekko immediately froze, stiffening in place. Their wings twitched nervously as if they’d just received a direct order from a king. Buddy tilted his head, feathers bristling, then slowly drooped with a pitiful squawk. The others followed, lowering their heads in reluctant obedience.

The moment Garius disappeared inside with Alf and Erinnette at his side, silence lingered in the courtyard.

Javier smirked, tilting his chin toward Marcellus and Cedric.

"Heheh... looks like you both can’t get drunk tonight."

Marcellus clicked his tongue, arms crossing with a lazy grin. "Hah, the same goes for you."

Cedric chuckled, leaning against his Pekko’s saddle.

"Don’t act smug, little brother. You’re stuck in this prison with us."

"Me?" Javier slipped both hands into his pockets, his grin widening.

"I just want to wash myself... and enjoy Liana’s company."

He turned, walking with a lazy saunter toward the estate, the swing of his cloak deliberate. Raising one hand, he waved without looking back.

"Liana, let’s go. I want to pick the best room... hehehe."

Liana’s calm smile lingered as she followed after him, her steps graceful yet quick enough to keep pace.

Aelius had already slipped inside with Athine, her hand still looped around his arm, the two moving together like a pair that couldn’t be pried apart.

Lithia stood patiently by the doorway, her calm gaze fixed on Marcellus. "Master Marcellus... let’s go inside."

Marcellus straightened, rubbing his neck with a sheepish grin. "Yes, yes... I hear you, Lithia." His tone softened as he stepped toward her, the faintest warmth in his smile betraying how much he’d grown attached.

"Master Cedric~," Meira’s voice lilted playfully, her tail swishing behind her as she leaned closer. "Come inside already."

Cedric smirked at her tone, shaking his head. "Alright, alright... let’s go. I’m starving." He patted her head briefly, earning a faint purr from the catfolk maid before leading the way in.

The courtyard slowly emptied, the sounds of boots and soft footsteps echoing against the stone as one by one, the sons of Armand and their companions disappeared into the estate.

( End Of Chapter )