CHAPTER 177: CHOICE OF COMPANIONS

"It’s not a bad thing," Nolan said quietly, his eyes reflecting the faint glow of the setting sun. "Strength means nothing if you have no one to protect, love, or care about. The people you care for... they’re what make you stronger. And if I don’t speak kindly to someone, it only means I don’t care about them. I know I’m strong—strong enough to destroy a nation. But you’re not human, Damian. You wouldn’t understand."

A soft breeze brushed past, carrying dust and tension through the air.

"Maybe I don’t," Damian admitted, lowering his gaze. "But you’re right. Still... you’re powerful enough to rule if you wanted to. Yet you choose kindness, even toward someone like me." He gave a faint, wry smile. "I’ll say no more."

Nolan’s expression hardened slightly. "Let’s not talk about this anymore."

There was a strange weight in his tone—quiet, but absolute. Damian nodded and followed behind him without another word.

The two walked down the stone path, their boots echoing softly against the cobblestone. The mansion came into view, bathed in the warm gold of dusk. Its tall windows shimmered, and for a moment, Nolan’s reflection looked like that of another man—someone far colder, far more dangerous.

As they stepped inside, the scent of lavender and polished wood greeted them. In the living room, Celia, Linda, and Lyra were sitting together. The instant the door opened, all three stood in perfect sync, their voices gentle yet disciplined.

"Welcome back, Master."

"Yeah, thank you," Nolan replied, a faint smile easing across his face. "What are you three doing just sitting around like that?"

Celia puffed out her cheeks slightly. "There’s nothing to do. It’s so boring here."

"Yes, it really is," Linda added, folding her arms and looking away. "At this rate, we’ll turn to statues."

Lyra didn’t say a word—she only glanced at Nolan, her violet eyes calm but unreadable.

Nolan chuckled softly. "Well, is there anything you’d like to do for fun? Or... have you eaten yet?"

"No, we haven’t," Linda said, her tone almost playful but tired.

Then Celia suddenly rose from her chair, her eyes serious and glowing faintly with mana. "Master, there’s something I want to tell you."

Nolan turned to her, his expression composed but attentive. "Go on. What is it?"

Celia’s gaze flicked toward Damian. "Master... what is he still doing here?" she asked sharply. "He shouldn’t be here. I don’t know why he’s staying with us."

The air tensed instantly. Damian looked away, his jaw tightening, but he didn’t speak.

Nolan’s voice softened, though it carried the weight of quiet authority. "Is something wrong, Celia? Did he do anything to you?"

"No, Master," she said quickly. "He didn’t. I just... don’t want him here."

Nolan exhaled slowly, nodding once. "Oh, so that’s the problem." He looked between all three girls, his expression unreadable. "If you don’t want him here, I’ll ask him to leave. But he hasn’t done anything wrong. In fact..." He looked toward Damian, then back to Celia. "I was planning to have him as one of our companions."

The silence that followed was heavy.

"But," Nolan continued, "this house doesn’t belong to me alone. You all live here too, and your opinions matter." His tone softened again, almost fatherly. "Tomorrow, I want you to think about it once more, Celia. Make your final decision then."

He looked at each of them in turn, his gaze calm but resolute.

"Whatever choice you make—I’ll respect it."

"Okay, Master," Celia said suddenly, breaking the quiet. "Let’s not end the day like this. It’s too dull."

She placed her hands on her hips, her golden hair swaying slightly. "Everywhere feels gloomy. Why don’t we do something fun?"

Nolan blinked. "Something fun?"

"Yeah!" Celia smiled brightly. "Stand up, stand up! Let’s all go out and do a short training session. We’ve been sitting here all day."

Nolan chuckled softly. "Training, huh? It has been a while since we sparred properly."

"Oh yes!" Celia said, her eyes gleaming. "Let me grab my sword!" She dashed toward her room, her footsteps echoing through the hall.

Linda stood as well, stretching her arms lazily. "If she’s training, then I’m not sitting out either. I’ll go get my bow and arrows."

She grinned and followed after Celia.

Nolan turned toward Lyra. "What about you, Lyra? Are you joining us for training?"

Lyra tilted her head, her calm tone breaking into a small pout. "Nah... I’m starving. I’d rather eat."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "Starving? You already ate before I left this morning."

"Yes, yes, I know," Lyra replied, clutching her stomach dramatically. "But the food here is just too delicious. You don’t understand, Master."

Nolan smirked. "You’re hopeless."

Damian laughed quietly beside him. "Master, I can relate to that," he said, placing a hand on Nolan’s shoulder. "Ever since I became human, the taste of food is... unreal. I can’t stop thinking about it—it’s like discovering an entirely new world."

Nolan shook his head, amused. "So that’s how you both feel, huh? Alright then. Celia and Linda can train with me. Once we’re done, you two—" he pointed at Lyra and Damian, "—can make something for us to eat."

Lyra groaned but nodded. "Fine... but only if I get the first bite."

Nolan smiled faintly. "Deal."

A few minutes later, footsteps echoed from upstairs. Celia and Linda appeared again—Celia with her sword strapped to her back, and Linda carrying her bow and a quiver of arrows.

"Master, we’re ready," Celia announced with a confident grin.

Linda gave a slight smirk, spinning an arrow between her fingers. "Try not to go easy on us this time."

Nolan stood, his cloak shifting slightly with the movement. "Oh, I don’t plan to."

The air outside shimmered faintly under the orange glow of the evening sun. It wasn’t just going to be training—it was a test of how far they’d all come.

Celia squared her shoulders and pointed her sword without blinking. "Come at me," she said, voice like steel.