CHAPTER 45: DISCUSSIONS

Chapter 45: Discussions

"Miss Sera, you should not overwork yourself. Let me do it," Lily said, approaching Sera, who was washing the dishes.

James had already explained to her about Zerek and his men being killed by Leo, and being safely dispatched. Sera started to panic when she heard they had killed the Baron. But then James gave her the news of him becoming a Baron.

Sera had just sighed in relief when she caught on that he had ranked up. James proceeded to give her all the details to satisfy her curiosity.

"Leo... He used a h-high-quality treasure to heal us both?" she asked in disbelief, her voice trembling as her mind began to spin with numbers. The kind of relic that could mend a wounded soul... even the weakest of such treasures would cost a fortune.

The longer she calculated, the paler her face grew — until she looked like she’d seen a ghost.

James chuckled softly at the sight. "Relax. He said it was a gift — in the name of gratitude."

Sera froze, her eyes widening.

There are still good people in the world! That was the only thought that came into her eyes.

"To be honest, when I was unconscious, I felt my soul slipping away. I think it was thanks to that natural treasure that I am here with you." She admitted.

James nodded in agreement.

That night, they slept peacefully, snuggling close to each other.

When morning came, Sera felt as if she were reborn; never had she felt so light. So, she started to do some work to distract herself. That was when Lily approached her, coming down the stairs, cheeks slightly flushed. Sera noticed it but didn’t comment; she had clearly heard the creaking noise of the wood from the top floor.

Just what were they doing!? Those were some horrible noises. Even James never went so hard--

She kept her thoughts to herself, greeting her with a warm smile.

Only if she knew it wasn’t him but her who was going hard.

---

After their breakfast, they sat together for some discussions. No one brought out the topic of Baron; there was nothing they could do about it.

"Stop that, Miss, Sir, and Master—you both." Sera scolded lightly, shaking her head.

"I’d rather have you call me Aunt Sera," she added, placing her hands on her hips.

"That would make you sound too old for your looks," Leo replied smoothly, his lips curving into a grin. "Personally, I prefer Big Sister Sera."

He smirked at his own cleverness—until he felt a sudden chill crawl up his spine, and it was directed at him from two different angles.

"Daring to flirt with her in front of me, huh?" James cracked his knuckles, a vein popping on his forehead. "Looks like I need to give you a few lessons—as your big brother, that is."

Leo coughed lightly, deciding it was best not to push his luck.

Sera just scoffed at James. "It’s fine. Let’s talk about something else."

Changing the topic, she asked, "So, what will you two do now? I heard the academy selection is happening soon. You both should go. You’re under thirty, right? That means you qualify easily."

Here, people under 30 are considered teenagers by Earth standards (only in experience, not that... uhm). This was due to the prolonged lifespan of the average human, which was around 120 for someone who didn’t even train in mana and just lazed around.

"Yeah, even I am shocked that the academy selection will be occurring in such an obscure place. Darn sure they need a fighting force against the other races. Tsk," James clicked his tongue. He knew most students of the academy were sent to hunt other races for ’training’.

"So what do you suggest, Brother James?" Leo asked innocently, deliberately slipping the word brother into his tone.

James ignored the jab. "You should join. I may hate their methods, but I can’t deny the results. Those who survive the academy become monsters in their own right. I will tell you this, but no one will protect you in academies; you are there for yourself. You even need to be wary of who you stand beside. But I am sure you two will be fine, you both have the strength—and the most important thing, trust. Trust in each other and yourself. And make your goal to be able to protect what you hold dear."

Both Leo and Lily nodded in unison. Both were sure about one thing--Whatever happens, they need to be there for the other. No one is allowed to touch a single strand of hair unless it’s them.

As for why James knew such things, he had been a drill instructor in one such academy. He was careful not to spill out much, or it would ruin their surprise element.

---

—Previous Night—

A shadow slipped into the Baron’s mansion, silent as mist, heading straight for the Baron’s chambers.

Inside stood the same old butler—dressed in his crisp charcoal suit, posture dignified as ever—but his expression was different tonight. A deep frown creased his aged face.

When he heard faint footsteps approaching, he swiftly drew the hidden dagger from his boot and took a defensive stance.

"Oi, oi, old man—calm down. It’s me," the figure said, stepping into the faint candlelight. "You sure kick like a mule for a bag of bones."

Recognition flickered in the butler’s sharp eyes.

"Ah... Dorand, the Beast Hall’s informant." The butler, Vintage, relaxed slightly, lowering his weapon. "What brings you here? The Baron hasn’t returned yet."

Dorand clicked his tongue. "He’s not here, huh? Then make sure this reaches him—it’s important."

Vintage sighed, tossing the man a small pouch of coins that jingled softly. "Talk."

"A new Baron’s been ranked," Dorand said, his tone grave. "And a new Knight Commander, too. They seem to be working together. Could spell trouble."

With that, he turned and melted back into the shadows, his presence fading like smoke.

Vintage stood still for a long moment, eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the Baron’s study door.

"A new Baron... together with a Knight Commander?" he muttered under his breath. "This could indeed get dangerous."