[00 Months: 12 Days: 04 Hours]
"Luke, we heard from Seraphina about your heroic deeds," Beatrice started, giving a soft smile, and I felt my throat suddenly go dry.
"We can't thank you enough for rescuing our dear sister from those...bandits."
The rest of the sisters chid in, "Yes, Luke. You have our sincerest gratitude." Their voices were genuinely grateful, each expression filled with heartfelt thanks.
"I, uh, it wasn't anything, really. Just doing my job as an Adventurer," I managed to stamr out, trying my best to play it down.
I couldn't handle their intense gratitude, and it was making feel weirdly guilty for so reason.
'Their innocence and good natures spirits are too blinding. Honestly… they're too innocent!'
"We do not take such actions lightly, Luke," Cecilia added solemnly, "Rest assured, the Lyma family is indebted to you, and you will be compensated generously."
'Now that's what I'm talking about!' My heart soared.
I instantly forgot about the humiliation and discomfort I felt, focusing only on the prospects of reward.
These sisters knew their stuff!
At this point, Seraphina interrupted, "He's not motivated by rewards, sisters."
'E-eh…?'
The room fell silent, all eyes turning towards . I could feel a drop of sweat trickling down my neck.
'Shit! Why did you have to say sothing, Seraphina? You should stay out of this! The adults are talking here!'
I couldn't believe she was stabbing in the back like this. After all the things I had done for her… all the sacrifices I had made?
'I saved your life, you know?' I wanted to scream out, but controlled my emotions.
Despite keeping my expressions in check, my heart was racing rapidly. I wasn't going to forgive Seraphina if her words impeded my progress with the rewards.
"Really? Is that so, Luke?" Beatrice queried, leaning forward with curious eyes.
The rest of the room held their breath, waiting for my answer.
This was it; the mont I dreaded had arrived.
'Fuck…'
I froze, my mind racing. The truth was, rewards were my biggest motivation as an Adventurer, heck as a person.
It's not like I could say that outright, especially not after Seraphina's comnt. But lying didn't sit well with either.
'If I lie, they might reduce my rewards, or use my rewards for more charitable things rather than giving everything to .'
I couldn't have that!
'What should I say? Ah…' I gulped and decided to answer in a way that would hopefully save from this awkward situation.
"Well," I began, struggling to find the right words, "it's not like I don't appreciate rewards, but helping others in need, well, that's also part of the job, isn't it?"
The room fell silent once again. I could almost hear the collective inhale, waiting for the response.
'Did that work? Please tell it worked.' I prayed, looking at the faces of the young ladies before .
Then, as if in slow motion, the sisters began to nod in agreent, murmurs of understanding and approval filling the room.
I exhaled, feeling a wave of relief wash over . Dodging that bullet had been harder than any boss fight I'd faced.
'Fuck you, Seraphina!' I smiled at her, though my heart wasn't pleased with the girl in the slightest.
Thinking I was righteous was one thing, but telling others about it was against the rules.
'And here I thought we were having a magical mont. Guess I was wrong about that…'
On a more serious note, I had to find a balance between being a good-natured guy, and also being profit-oriented.
'If they don't trust that I'm righteous, they'll suspect my strength… and they might question my identity.'
Unlike most powerful adventurers, I wasn't well-known. My identity was shrouded in mystery, and that would make it difficult for anyone to trust .
The only things I had going for were Benard's recomndation and Seraphina's approval. They were my biggest advocates, so it made sense that they would think of as purely good.
'I'm sorry for swearing at you, Seraphina…' I apologized internally.
She didn't deserve that much. I guess I was just caught up in the mont.
'Objectively speaking, I need an advocate like her… who tells people I'm righteous. If nothing else, it will help lower their guard and help foster good relationships with people.'
Since that was the case, I had to treat Seraphina as my golden goose.
'You'll help forge good connections with many more Natives here, okay? I trust you.' I maintained my smile as I stared at her innocent face.
"Young Master Theo has arrived in the Estate." The butler's voice, like a tempest, suddenly sounded.
'What? How did he know?' I wondered, glancing in his direction. 'My senses didn't even pick that up.'
Perhaps he received so sort of Magic ssage from soone who had seen this carriage enter the compound, so it might not have been due to his raw senses.
'Ah… ever since I saw his danger level, I can't help but feel uneasy around him.
As the declaration echoed around the teahouse, everyone swiftly stood from their seats, excitent sparking in their eyes.
I looked around, not entirely sure what was going on.
'Hold on… Young Master Theo? Could that be—?'
"Our dear brother's carriage has arrived!" Seraphina exclaid, grinning from ear to ear.
"Co, Luke. We need to greet him," she continued, reaching over and gently pulling to her side.
"A-ah…" I noticed her sisters' glances at this action. I wasn't sure whether to feel comfortable or embarrassed.
'What are you doing, Seraphina?' I wondered.
Walking through the grand doors of the teahouse, we joined the rest of the household who had already begun their march towards the front courtyard where the carriage was drawing up.
As we stepped out, I couldn't help but feel a little in awe of the regality and importance given to this child's arrival.
In this world, a patriarchal society, the son of the family was a figure of substantial importance.
Despite his age, the little guy must be held in high regard, sothing akin to a prince in this noble family. It seed like a heavy burden for soone so young, but I figured this was just part of being in a noble family in this world.
Side by side, Seraphina and I strode across the beautifully manicured gardens. The vibrant greenery contrasted starkly with the golden hue of the sun, casting long shadows that danced along the ground.
The atmosphere was abuzz with anticipation, a mixture of excitent and slight nervousness.
"Theo is a good kid," Seraphina said quietly, breaking out of my thoughts. She had a fond smile on her face. "You'll like him, I think."
Her words brought a small smile to my face.
'I hope so.' My thoughts echoed.
While making friends with Noble Ladies was pretty decent, the goal had to be to befriend the Young Master.
'That's where the power lies, isn't it?'
Whatever happened next, I was certainly eager to et this young noble.
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[A/N]
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