CHAPTER 531: CREDENTIALS

Standing behind a large tree, Butler Gary was experiencing what could be worse than a midlife crisis. And what made it even more damning was how his sister and Cece looked at him with sympathetic eyes.

The poor butler never asked for this, nor did he volunteer for it. But after being forced to "atone" for knowing the truth and electing to stay silent, he was now placed on "guard duty."

Which really meant tailing Xavier under Duke Leander’s ridiculous orders. Because apparently, they still needed to "expose his true colors."

Gary sighed.

As if he hadn’t already tried.

The moment Butler Gary learned of their relationship, he couldn’t help but keep an eye on this new member of the household.

For one, it would be a critical part of his job to look after the heir. But more importantly, he would need to know just how bad this could all get.

But after nearly a month of keeping tabs, he had concluded that the boy was either too clean or that his other guess was correct.

Hopefully not.

Because then it would not be his place to reveal such an observation.

But see, he’d already done this before! And back then, he at least observed like a normal person!

So why were they hiding like this?!

Oh, because the Duke was a masochist who couldn’t help but ask questions.

"..."

Duchess Amelia had told him about how she had never felt this close to Luca as much as she did after yesterday’s experience.

Clearly, the talk was fruitful, and while everyone else had to endure mind-numbing quakes here and there, just learning that they had gone a long way made it all feel worth it.

The people of the house were overjoyed.

So how come the experience wasn’t universal?

Ah, because a certain father received a very sincere evaluation of his new son-in-law straight from the lips of his precious son.

"The best."

And as if the world had collapsed, Duke Leander couldn’t readily believe this claim. After all, the heir was too kind and was capable of seeing a killer guardian beast as a cute pet.

But at the same time, the duke’s original plan of whipping Xavier up to shape had to be cancelled because the golden boy, as if spurned by a well-researched traitor, immediately began apologizing and then thanking his father for being understanding, forgiving, and accepting.

Yes, apparently, the heir thanked the duke for being accepting.

Which was clearly as big a lie as when his sister told their parents about her desire to go to the monastery.

Blergh.

Because just look at what this "accepting" parent was doing today.

"Quick! Report!" Leander hissed in a whisper, shaking Gary’s sleeve so hard his arm went numb.

"Your Grace, please let go of me before I lose circulation."

Forget observing; if his boss didn’t let go, Duke Leander would have to investigate with his dead body in tow.

"Your Grace, as usual, he’s leaving the mecha hangar just before lunch ends. He’s likely headed to the security department to check for security threats."

"How are you sure?! What if he goes elsewhere? Maybe somewhere untoward?"

"Your Grace, he’s usually on schedule. And unless he finishes early with a task, it’s usually pretty accurate."

"A schedule? You have his schedule?"

"I do, I asked Gis to send me his schedule so we won’t have to go look for him randomly."

"Huh?! Why would your sister have his schedule?"

"That’s because the cadet sends his schedule to the Duchess so she can freely add training sessions."

"What? He’s that free? Give it here! Let me see!"

Butler Gary reluctantly handed over the schedule.

He initially didn’t want to hand it over, not because he was concerned it would start a fight, but because it wouldn’t do his boss any good to see such a thing.

"..."

The Duke squinted.

Then gasped.

"What is this?!"

"That’s his schedule, Your Grace."

"How is that even possible??? Then when does he sleep?!"

"When it’s time for the Academy’s curfew. Normally it’s tighter than this, but since the Young Lord began the biomecha builds, he’s freed up some time to help him...discharge."

Butler Gary watched the Duke’s perplexed expression and felt like he understood how he felt.

It was easy to assume that Xavier was merely posturing with this kind of schedule.

He had initially assumed the same.

However, upon checking, he had noted the cadet’s efficiency in dealing with his work, especially in addressing security threats.

He didn’t spend much time on it because he was able to solve them as quickly as possible.

And maybe that was thanks to the systems he put in place.

Not only did he manage to enlist Lord Taylor to improve their systems, but it was also painfully obvious that the kid’s spiritual abilities were especially commendable.

In fact, evaluating Lord Xavier’s abilities and achievements was part of the reason why his sister and Cece were with them.

And with those pitying eyes, they slowly roasted the duke by telling him about his achievements.

"Your Grace, he’s always been the top student, save for the assessment exam, which he didn’t get to attend."

"Ha! How could a student be so careless as to miss such an exam?!"

"Ah, about that, Your Grace, it was because during that time, he had made commendable contributions by saving Marsal Julian on the frontlines."

"Their mission took longer than expected, and so the three of them who went with the military didn’t make it on time for the exam."

"..."

The Duke staggered.

The three information gatherers looked at each other as they watched the Duke crumble little by little, only to be energized after seemingly remembering something, "Still! Lia is still training him. Which means he still needs work!"

"So it’s too early to entrust him with our son."He coughed, clearing his throat as he reasoned out like a child.

Butler Gary sighed.

"Your Grace," Cece said dryly, "he’s only twenty. But if he can already detect our presence this far out, which is precisely why we’re hiding this far...just what level exactly would satisfy you?"

Butler Gary knew the answer. Even if Xavier ended up with a never-before-seen ranking, it was unlikely for the Duke to give up just like that.

So at times like this, it was best to use true ammunition. Or else, who knows how long they’d have to follow the kid around?

"It’s because our Luca is special. So we cannot just settle for good enough. And while his potential is clear, right now, he still needs work." Said the duke, who was convinced he had come to a fair conclusion.

"I believe that a few years would do," continued the Duke, who was starting to feel better already.

"Your Grace," Cece finally spoke, "while that is true, isn’t it a fact that Luca needs Xavier to satisfy his spiritual energy needs?"

"Yes, and? It’s not like we’re not going to allow them to meet...Of course they could..."

The Duke was still muttering under his breath as he watched Xavier leave the hangar, arms folded, eyes narrowed.

"That boy... acting like he owns the place... walking like he’s some kind of..."

Butler Gary coughed. "Actually, Your Grace, he doesn’t really have to walk. He could teleport directly to where he wants to go, but I believe he considers this a patrol."

"Hmph!" Leander snapped, jabbing his finger toward Xavier’s retreating back. "That’s suspicious!"

Gary didn’t even blink.

Cece rolled her eyes. "You’re really clutching at straws here, Your Grace."

"Shh," the Duke hissed. "Quiet. I’m observing."

Then something caught his attention.

"Is he eating now?! At a time like this?!"

Gary sighed. "Yes, Your Grace. He’s been visiting the kitchen to practice his cooking skills. I heard that the other staff are impressed with his skills. Also, there is talk that he’s able to partly read the books used by the Young Lord."

Leander scoffed. "Hah! We have people in the duchy who can cook! That’s not special! Even I’m able to cook! And if we learn to read that, I’m sure we’ll be able to do the same thing soon enough."

From behind him, a quiet voice agreed.

"I, for one, make a mean fish dish."

Leander puffed his chest. "That’s right! See? Someone appreciates fine—wait a minute..."

His brow furrowed.

That voice... sounded familiar.

He slowly turned around.

It was Amelia.

Duchess Amelia.

His wife stood there in the shadows, arms crossed, watching him with one brow raised.

Leander tried to play it cool.

"My love," he said, forcing a stiff smile. "What brings you here?"

She tilted her head slightly. "I came to fetch your ass. Because if your son finds out what you’re doing, you might not even have a son after this."

The four of them froze.

"You were so busy spying," she continued, "you didn’t even realize how close I was. If I were an enemy, you’d all be dead."

Leander spluttered. "I was just... looking! Gathering intelligence!"

Amelia narrowed her eyes. "Gathering intelligence? What is he, your enemy?"

"Well, isn’t he?!" Leander barked, chest heaving.

"Are you crazy? You don’t even follow your enemies around like this. Since when did you have such a young enemy?"

Leander jabbed a finger in the air. "Since he brainwashed our son into thinking he’s the best when he isn’t!"

"Leander Kyros!" she barked, her voice cracking like thunder.

The four of them snapped to attention.

"You listen here," Amelia began, her voice rising with every word.

"Your son thinks you’re the best father. Even if you haven’t been there for most of his life. Even if all you can cook is one fish dish. Even if you still fuss over him like he’s three years old."

Leander’s jaw worked soundlessly.

"He probably even thinks I’m the best mom. And I don’t even know what I did best! Same with these three. The best butler. The best aunts. Do you really believe we’re the best? Hell no! But he still thinks we are the best for him."

Her tone softened slightly.

"And those friends he has? They’re the best of friends for him. That boy you’re scrutinizing? He’s the best because he’s the best FOR Luca."

She leaned closer.

"And it just so happens," she added sharply, "that he’s also the best in every other aspect you’re nitpicking. But even if he weren’t, even if he were a useless toad, he’d still be the best for Luca. Because your son loves him."

Leander looked like he’d been hit by a hovertruck.

"Just like I think you’re the best husband," Amelia went on, "and just how I love you even if you snore and fill the manor with ridiculous statues!"

"!!!"

"And don’t go questioning how I know. Don’t even try."

"We’re married. And even if you had been blind, it would be impossible to miss your son’s feelings just like that!"

She huffed. "If you really want to judge a relationship, look at Luca. Anyone with a partner reflects that relationship."

Cece chimed in. "She’s right, Your Grace. I used to look like a wilted flower back when I was with that idiot. But Luca? He blooms. And whenever something tries to hurt him, Xavier’s there to tend to him."

Amelia nodded. "They’re young. And all we can hope for is that they both grow well, especially since they’re already bonded like that."

"But you have to understand...even the best flowers and gardeners would have a difficult time surviving in a hostile environment."

"And if you continue to be like this, you’d be the hostile environment."

Her gaze pinned Leander like a spear.

"So, my love. Do you want another son? Or do you want to lose the one you just got back?"

Leander stared at her.

His knees buckled, hitting the ground with a loud thump.

"My son!" he sobbed.

Amelia rolled her eyes but walked over to hug him anyway.

"You ridiculous man," she muttered. "Even if he lives two hundred years, he’ll always be our son. Just think of it as him finding someone to be with him when we’re gone."

"No!" the Duke wailed dramatically. "We’ll live long! As long as him!"

"Sure," Amelia said soothingly. "We’ll help raise his kids and make his life easier."

"Kids?!" Leander gasped.

"Kids," she confirmed.

"Nooooooo!" he cried, throwing his hands in the air as the others laughed behind him.

Meanwhile.

Achoo!

On his way to the security department, Xavier sneezed once. Then again.

He frowned, rubbing his nose.

Just what kind of curse was this?