"Javier!!!!!!"
The panicked cry echoed through the manor grounds as Lady Francesca rushed down the front steps. The light illuminating the entrance revealed her pale, stricken face as her eyes locked on Javier, who stood next to Liana, covered in monster blood.
She barely waited for him to dismount his pekko before pulling him into a tight embrace. "My boy! Are you hurt?! Speak to me!"
"I'm fine, Mother. Really!"
"Fine?! You're covered in blood!" Francesca's voice cracked, her panic not yet abating. "Who did this? What happened? Did monsters attack the estate? Liana, why didn't you—"
"Lady Francesca, Young Master Javier was caught outside when a group of monsters appeared near the old ore mine. He hid inside to avoid danger."
Lady Francesca's eyes widened. "The ore mine? Why were you even near there?"
Javier scratched his cheek, glancing at Liana, who gave him a subtle nod of encouragement. "Well... I was riding with Buddy, you know, my pekko, We were just exploring, and then monsters showed up. Buddy protected me while I hid in the mine. That's why I'm all messy."
Francesca's expression softened slightly, though worry still etched her features. "You're telling me you went alone to such a dangerous area?"
"Not alone," Javier quickly corrected. "Buddy was with me the whole time. He's strong!" He gestured toward the pekko, who squawked proudly as if on cue.
Lady Francesca let out a shaky sigh, pulling him into another hug. "You reckless child. Do you have any idea how worried I was? Do you know how dangerous the forest is, especially at night?"
"I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't mean to make you worry."
Liana stepped forward, her voice calm yet reassuring. "Young Master Javier is safe, and that's what matters now. Perhaps we should clean him up and let him rest before asking any more questions."
"Yes, of course," Francesca agreed, straightening and brushing her hair back as she composed herself. "Liana, take him to his room and ensure he's properly cleaned and dressed. I'll have some food brought up for him."
"Understood, my lady."
Lady Francesca's sharp gaze turned to Liana, her tone firm and brooking no argument. "And Liana?"
Liana straightened her posture immediately. "Yes, madam?"
"You will be sleeping in Javier's room starting from today."
"But madam—"
"No but. Because you failed to attend to him properly today, all of this happened. I cannot have my son wandering off like this again."
Liana lowered her head in acknowledgment. "Yes, madam."
"Now," Francesca continued, "go to his room. Make sure he cleans his body thoroughly and changes into fresh clothes. And, Liana?"
"Yes, madam?"
"Ensure he doesn't run off again. I expect you to keep a closer eye on him from now on."
"Yes, madam,"
Francesca wasn't done. Her piercing eyes softened slightly, but her voice remained commanding. "And give me a full report about this supposed ore mine by tomorrow morning."
"Yes, madam," Liana said, bowing deeply.
Francesca exhaled and turned away, muttering under her breath. "This boy is really giving me a headache."
Liana sighed quietly, already anticipating the chaos Javier would bring . She made her way to his room.
"Now, young master," she began, her voice laced with frustration, "because of your little adventure, Madam scolded me. So here's your 'reward.'"
Before Javier could react, Liana reached out and pinched his ear tightly, twisting it just enough to make him wince.
"Ow! Ow! Liana! Mercy! Mercy!" Javier yelped, flailing his arms in mock surrender.
"No excuses!" she snapped, keeping her grip firm. "Do you have any idea how worried everyone was? Especially Lady Francesca?"
"I said mercy!" Javier pleaded, trying to wriggle free, though a playful grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
Liana finally released his ear with a huff, straightening her posture and pointing toward the bathroom. "Now, go shower. You're covered in monster blood, and you stink!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Javier saluted before dashing toward the bathroom
"Geez, nagging maid..."
"I heard that!" Liana called after him, her tone half-scolding, half-amused.
As the door slammed shut, she sighed, shaking her head.
Liana, after ensuring everything was in order, instructed the household maids firmly, "Wait outside the bathroom. There are no windows, but I don't trust him not to try something clever."
"Yes, Miss Liana," the maids replied in unison
Satisfied, Liana headed to her own room. She quickly showered, washing away the grime and fatigue from the day. Slipping into her comfortable yet modest nightwear, she tied her hair into a loose braid before making her way back to Javier's room.
When she entered, she found him sprawled on the bed, his hair damp and his face freshly cleaned, though his mischievous smirk was as present as ever.
"Young master, it's late. Enough of your antics for one day—sleep now."
Javier pouted but didn't protest, sensing Liana's exhaustion. "Alright, alright, but only because you're here to make sure I don't run off again," he teased, grinning up at her.
"Exactly," she said dryly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "Now close your eyes and rest. You've caused enough chaos for one day."
Once she lay down, Javier wasted no time wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close, and pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.
"Really now," she said, giving him a pointed look but not pulling away.
"What's wrong? You used to let me do this all the time!" he teased, grinning.
"Hmm...what next?" Liana teased back "Breastfeeding?" She chuckled softly, recalling when he was a baby and she had to act as a surrogate for his care, even pretending to nurse him to calm him down despite not producing milk.
Javier's grin grew wider. "You sure?"
"If you want it, young master,"
"Ehehehe," he laughed, clearly delighted by her playful response.
Liana rolled her eyes, lightly flicking his forehead. "Now behave and sleep already. You've caused enough trouble today."
"Fine, fine,Good night, Liana."
"Good night, young master,"
"Liana?"
"Yes, young master?"
"Kiss?"
Liana let out a soft sigh. She gazed at Javier, who looked at her with his usual mischievous yet affectionate expression.
"You never change, young master,"
Javier grinned, tilting his head. "So… can I?"
She closed her eyes briefly, then nodded. "Just one."
Without hesitation, Javier leaned in and pressed a passionate kiss against her lips. It was bold and fervent, filled with the warmth of their unique bond
"Happy now?"
"Very," Javier replied, his grin widening as he settled back down, hugging her tightly again.
"Now, sleep," Liana said, her tone firm but affectionate.
"Goodnight, Liana," Javier said, his voice softening as his eyes began to close.
"Goodnight, young master," she replied, a small, fond smile gracing her lips as she watched him drift off.
( End of Chapter )