Javier snapped to attention, offering a salute that was half playful, half serious.
"Esteed Father! Esteed Mother!"
"Now, honey bun~" Francesca smiled sweetly, gesturing toward a chair. "Have a seat."
Javier grinned, rubbing the back of his head as he slowly walked toward the chair positioned in front of Garius’s desk, maintaining a respectful distance.
Francesca picked up a paper, reading it briefly before moving gracefully toward Javier. She stopped in front of him, holding the paper out for him to take, revealing a detailed image of Celine along with her information.
"Your mission this ti is simple, honey bun," she said, her voice soft but with a terrifying sweetness. "There’s no need for you to stay in the Elven Nation for weeks like before. Just make sure you bring her here, safe and sound."
Javier blinked, glancing up from the paper. "Eh? Why? We don’t know anything about her yet. What if she has ulterior motives?"
Francesca raised one finger elegantly, wiggling it slowly. "Just make sure you bring her here. Don’t worry about anything else. You have three days at most, no longer than that. And don’t cause any trouble~."
Javier opened his mouth to question, to protest just a little, but before he could form the words, Garius smiled, leaning his cheek on his knuckle with his elbow resting on the armrest.
"You don’t need to worry about that, Javier. Just listen to your mother’s words and carry out the mission as she instructed."
Javier exhaled, glancing down at the paper again before shaking his head and looking up at his father, who was still smiling calmly. He let out a resigned sigh.
"Fine."
He studied the paper once more, then added, "So... I can approach her however I want, right? Plan my own approach?"
Garius nodded. "Within reason. Just don’t cause her any harm. And since you’ll be traveling with Buddy at full speed, you should reach the Elven Nation through the Beastkin border from Armand’s eastern gate within a few hours. Especially now that Buddy has reached his adult stage. A pekko with as much experience and combat ability as him is far beyond the average mount."
Garius paused, a knowing smirk crossing his face. "And tell Buddy to find three wild pekko along the way. Have them follow him toward the Elven Nation."
Javier blinked, tilting his head. "Wild pekko? Why?"
Garius simply smiled, waving a hand dismissively. "Just do it. They might co in handy. You’ll understand when the ti cos."
Javier furrowed his brows, curious, but decided not to push further. "...Alright. If you say so, Esteed Father."
Javier slowly stood and bowed, ready to take his leave. "I’ll take my leave now, then."
Just as he was about to turn, a sweet, calm voice called out to him.
"Honey bun?"
He paused, turning back to face his mother. "Yes, Esteed Mother?"
Francesca stood gracefully, tilting her head slightly, her smile soft but her tone carrying a clear warning.
"Don’t think about showing off your capabilities or your stash of inventions before the ti cos. I know how proud you are of your creations, and I know you’re itching to test them. But the mont is not yet right. Even if you believe your ideas are brilliant, revealing them too early will only warn our enemies of what we are capable of."
Javier swallowed hard, his sheepish grin returning as he nodded. "Understood, Esteed Mother."
Garius smirked from his seat, adding, "The plan you have in mind is good, but revealing your hand too early is a commander’s mistake. Rember, the greatest victories co from keeping your strengths hidden until the mont they matter most."
Javier bowed again, his expression serious. "I understand, Esteed Father. I’ll keep that in mind."
After leaving the room, Javier paused after closing the heavy door behind him. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the paper and unfolding it, studying the image of Celine once more.
I wonder why Father and Mother insist on bringing this girl to Armand... and they specifically said I have to make sure she arrives safe and sound.
Weird...
Really weird...
He folded the paper and slipped it back into his pocket, his brow furrowed.
Normally, soone unknown like her would be thoroughly investigated first before being allowed anywhere near the Armand border. But now, they’re practically rolling out the red carpet for a princess from the sa continent as our enemies, without us knowing her true intentions.
And they’re treating this as a priority, giving only three days to complete the mission.
Sothing about this doesn’t add up. Is she more important than she appears? Or is there sothing else going on that I’m not seeing?
Or... is this part of so larger plan they’re keeping hidden?
He shook his head, letting out a resigned sigh.
Well... I guess I’ll find out when I bring her here. For now, I just follow orders and trust that Mother and Father know what they’re doing.
And if she tries anything... well, I’ll be ready.
An hour later.
Armand Estate, open courtyard.
Javier stood with both hands tucked into his pockets, letting Liana adjust his beggar makeup. She worked with a soft smile, carefully applying a touch of "dirt" to his face, her fingers gentle as she smudged it along his jawline.
"Stay still, Young Master," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nearby, Mimi bit her lower lip, her fangs peeking out as she watched Javier’s transformation. Her tail swayed with barely contained excitent.
"Ne ne~ Husband?"
"Hmm? Yes, Mimi?"
"Are you going to be out for long again?"
Javier sighed softly. "Father and Mother gave three days at most. I’m hoping it won’t take too long. If I could just take the Gaasad and fly there, it would be so much faster than riding Buddy... but Mother said no."
"Ooo~"
Gracelle stood a little further back, fidgeting with the hem of her dress as she stole glances at him. Delya sat nearby, her expression dreamy as she murmured, "Danna-sama is still handso even like this~"
Felicia sat nearby, admiring Liana’s work and watching Javier with a gentle smile, while Gloria assisted Liana with the finishing touches.
Javier stood still, letting Liana and Gloria work on his disguise, while Buddy circled around them in excitent.
"Buddy?"
"Cuquawked!?" Buddy stopped abruptly, turning his head toward Javier.
"Father said to tell you to bring three wild pekko with us. Can you do it?"
"Cuquawked!"
Buddy puffed out his chest, let out a proud squawk, then turned and strutted smugly toward the main gate, leaving the courtyard without a second glance.
( End Of Chapter )
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