Chapter 976: Winks and Warnings ( 976 )

"So you’re not worried at all?" Athine asked with a gentle smile, her eyes shifting toward Javier.

"Let’s see how far they get," Javier replied, smirking. "Besides..."

He slipped both hands into his pockets, his posture relaxed. "I’m not that gullible or stupid. I’ve already made sure my Sky Eyes are watching every entrance and exit to their so-called secret base."

He chuckled, glancing toward the window again.

"And their so-called detection charm? Please. Basic stuff."

His eyes narrowed slightly with quiet satisfaction.

"I already slipped in one of my new creations. Something small. Quiet. Untraceable. It spies, records, and sends a live broadcast back to my personal workshop."

Athine raised an eyebrow.

"Let’s just say... I’ll know who’s involved before they know who’s watching. Luckily, no one from Armand is part of that mess."

Javier exhaled lightly, then smiled again.

"Anyway, Athine. I’m heading out."

He turned toward the door, gave her a sly wink.

"Alf’s coming."

Athine leaned gracefully into the couch, resting her cheek against her palm.

"Look at you," she said, smiling. "You’re starting to sound just like our father."

"Heh... I’ll take that as a compliment," Javier replied, then waved a finger. "But don’t lump me in with the old man. I can’t do half the things he can."

He grinned, playful now. "Besides, I’m just a lazy young man with a harem of five beautiful girls. I’m busy, you know~"

Athine laughed softly as Javier turned toward the door.

Knock knock.

"Come in," Athine said.

The door opened, and Alf stepped in with his usual solemn poise. He bowed slightly, hand over his chest.

"Prince Javier. His Majesty would like to see you in his chamber."

Javier raised his hand in acknowledgment. "Got it."

Alf gave a brief nod and stepped back out silently.

Javier turned to Athine one last time.

"Anyway, pick whichever design you like, and if you can’t find me, just tell Liana or Gloria. If they’re not around, Felicia, Mimi, or Delya will pass the message."

Athine nodded, her voice smooth as always. "If you say so, little brother~"

Javier stepped out of Athine’s room and found Aelius approaching from the opposite end of the hallway.

"Yo, Prince Aelius!" Javier called out with a grin.

Aelius sighed softly, though a smile tugged at his lips. He shook his head. "What is it, Prince Javier?"

"Nothing," Javier said, waving a hand lazily. "Anyway, I’ve already finished a few design suggestions for your wedding outfit. They’re in my sketchbook, it’s up to you and Athine to decide which one you like."

"Thanks, little brother," Aelius replied with a gentle smile.

"By the way... Father summoned you earlier. Was it something important?"

"Yeah... you could say that," Aelius replied, adjusting his cuffs. "Mostly trade issues, paperwork, and a few internal matters."

Javier rubbed his chin thoughtfully, one hand still resting in his pocket.

"I assume this has to do with that?"

"Mhm. It’s tied in," Aelius nodded. "Marcellus and Cedric were summoned too."

Javier gave a small nod. "Alright then. I’m heading over."

"Take care, little brother."

Javier paused mid-step, then glanced over his shoulder.

"Oh, by the way, Brother Aelius.?"

Aelius stopped and glanced back. "Hmm?"

"Please hold yourself back for a few hours. I’m pretty sure Liana and Gloria will head to Athine after this."

Aelius let out a quiet chuckle.

"Heh... I know. I have all night for that, after all."

He waved a hand dismissively as he turned away, not even looking back.

"I’m going, little brother."

Javier snorted, shaking his head with a smirk. "Alright."

As Javier made his way down the long hallway, his steps were calm, but his mind wandered.

So... Father’s also on edge, huh?

No, that’s not the right word. He’s not anxious. Just... calculating. Always planning ten steps ahead in case something happens.

With the Eyes of Truth and Soul of Command on his side, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s already running a thousand scenarios in his head.

Javier chuckled under his breath.

Heh... if I were in his place, I’d have a migraine by now.

Isn’t he supposed to be focusing on his upcoming vow ceremony with all his wives? And the grand wedding with Queen Mylezra after that?

I bet Mother’s going to scold him if she catches wind that he’s still thinking about military affairs instead.

He exhaled slowly, gaze drifting toward the windows as light filtered through.

I hate extra work. Especially paperwork. But I can already feel it, he’s going to assign something to me again.

...Well, whatever.

Javier shrugged inwardly.

I’ll deal with it when the time comes.

"Young master?"

Javier turned at the voice and stopped.

"Ah... Liana."

She was walking toward him with her usual graceful steps, her maid dress flowing gently with every move. Gloria followed quietly behind her, calm and composed as always.

Once the two reached him, Javier glanced around.

"Hmm? Where’s Felicia, Mimi, and Delya?"

"They said they were going to meet their families," Liana replied softly.

"Ah, right... the kings and queens are still here, huh?"

"Yes," Gloria confirmed with a nod. "They’re staying until the vow ceremony and your father’s wedding with Queen Mylezra. It’s only a few days away."

"Well, that makes sense. Everyone’s gathered anyway," Javier murmured, then glanced between the two. "By the way, Liana, Gloria... you’re not going to visit your aunt?"

Liana smiled, and Gloria let out a small chuckle.

"We already did," Gloria answered. "But we only managed to greet her. She’s too dreamy and excited about her upcoming wedding with His Majesty."

"Heh... It’s weird hearing you say that. You both used to call him Lord Garius."

"We’re not allowed to anymore, young master," Liana said with a playful sigh. "Mrs. Erinnette made it clear, all personal maids, household maids, and every section of the maid corps must address our lord as ’His Majesty’ now."

Javier laughed softly and rubbed the back of his head.

"Alf and Erinnette are really taking the new title seriously, huh?"

"They are," Gloria said, smiling gently.

There was a brief pause before Liana stepped a little closer and met his eyes.

"Young master... if you’re not busy..."

Javier glanced at her, then gave a light sigh.

"Sorry, Liana. I was just summoned to Father’s chamber. It might take a while."

"I see..." Liana nodded with understanding.

"How about you two go visit Athine in her room for now?"

"As you command, young master," Gloria said softly, and both of them bowed slightly before turning to leave.

( End Of Chapter )