Chapter 60: Mischief and Dreams ( 60 )
After breakfast with his mother, Javier walked toward the pekko pen, with his maid Liana following closely behind.
"Ehehehe, buddy! You did great yesterday!" Javier grinned as he filled the trough with fresh pekko feed.
"Eat up! You've earned this feast!"
The pekko squawked happily as it pecked at the food.
Liana stood nearby with her arms crossed and let out a soft sigh. "Young Master, I know you love taking care of your pekko, but don't you think you're spoiling them a bit too much?"
Javier shrugged, giving her a cheeky grin. "Hey, they deserve it! Especially after yesterday's monster-fighting adventure."
Liana raised an eyebrow, clearly not impressed. "If only you showed as much dedication to your studies as you do to this pekko."
"Don't worry, Liana," Javier said with a charming smile. "I promise no more sneaking out… for now."
"Young Master, after this, we're going straight to the study room. No detours, no distractions."
"Yes, ma'am," Javier replied, pretending to be obedient.
Feeling satisfied for the moment, Liana relaxed a bit, but she kept a close watch on him as they left the pekko pen and headed back to the manor.
The study room was quiet, except for the soft sound of pages turning and the occasional chirp of birds outside the window. Liana sat gracefully on a plush cushion. She held a book , while Javier lay lazily across her lap, reading a book about battle formations.
"Liana?" Javier's voice broke the peaceful silence.
"Yes, young master?" Liana replied without looking up from her book.
"Do you know anything about… my family? Like Lord Garius and the others?" Javier asked, tilting his head to look up at her.
Liana raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"
"I mean," Javier continued, "my family manages this whole area, right?"
"That's correct," she said, her tone calm.
"And… how many soldiers does our family have? You know, personal forces?" he asked, sounding curious.
Liana closed her book gently and looked down at him. "Why the sudden interest, young master?"
Javier shrugged. "Just curious, that's all."
After thinking for a moment, Liana explained, "Your family's personal army has more than 5,000 soldiers."
Javier nodded thoughtfully. "What kinds of soldiers are in the army?"
Liana tapped her chin. "There are different units, each trained for specific roles. For example:
There's a Personal Knights. Elite warriors loyal to Lord Garius. They act as bodyguards and leaders in battle.
And Mounted Cavalry.Heavily armored riders on warhorses, skilled in charging and flanking.
There's also Archers and Crossbowmen.A Units trained for long-range combat, stationed on walls or providing cover in battles.
Infantry is the backbone of the army, equipped with swords, shields, and spears, trained for close combat.
And then the Scouts and the Rangers,a lightly armored troops skilled in reconnaissance, tracking, and ambushes, often made up of beastkin and elves.
Lastly, The Support Units like Healers, supply handlers, and mages providing magical support on the battlefield.
"All these units are stationed at strategic points in the viscount's territory. The knights and cavalry are closer to the manor, while infantry and archers are spread across outposts and fortifications."
"They're rarely used unless there's a serious threat," Liana explained. "But yes, your family has a capable force, especially with the rising tensions with neighboring territories and the growing monster threats."
Javier closed his book and turned to his side, looking thoughtful. "So… if something big happened, like a full-scale invasion, we'd need to call for reinforcements, right?"
Liana smiled slightly. "Yes, young master. That's why having good relationships with other noble houses and races is important. Even the strongest army can't fight alone against a larger enemy."
"Hmm…" Javier's gaze became distant, as if he was thinking of something.
"Don't even think about causing trouble," Liana warned, her green eyes narrowing slightly.
"Me? Trouble?" Javier gave her his most innocent smile. "Dont worry about it."
Liana sighed, gently stroking his hair. "Just remember, young master, while strength is important, wisdom and unity are what truly protect a family and its people."
Javier gave a small, mischievous grin. "Got it. Wisdom and unity… and maybe a giant puppet knight army."
Liana rolled her eyes but couldn't help but chuckle. "Let's just focus on today's lessons, shall we?"
Javier groaned but didn't argue, returning to his book, though his mind was already buzzing with new ideas.
"Liana?"
"Yes, young master?"
"Kiss?"
Liana sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness in her expression. Yet, without hesitation, she leaned down and pressed her lips against his. It wasn't their first; they had shared moments like this before.
As they pulled away, Liana brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her emerald eyes sparkling with affection. "You're getting bolder, young master," she teased lightly.
Javier grinned, his cheeks slightly flushed. "What can I say? I enjoy being with you, Liana. You make everything more fun."
She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just remember, you still have lessons to get back to."
"Yeah, yeah," he replied, rolling onto his back and gazing up at her. "But can't we have a few more moments like this?"
Liana chuckled softly. "Alright."
Javier nodded, feeling content as he enjoyed the peaceful time with Liana, knowing that their connection would only grow stronger as they faced the future together.
"Liana?" Javier said, looking up at her with sincerity burning in his eyes.
"Let's get married when I turn 18, okay?" he proposed, his tone hopeful.
Liana sighed, rubbing her temples. "Not this again, young master. You're still growing up. You keep saying this, but we don't really know what the future holds. What if once you reach that age, you find another noble young lady who is beautiful and cute?"
Javier frowned slightly, shaking his head. "Um… but still, you're going to be my bride."
Liana let out a deep sigh, her expression filled with a mix of amusement and concern. "Haaaaaaa… young master. Like I said before, we can discuss this again when you're 18."
"Why do you always brush it off?"
"Because you're still just a child .You have so much to do, and life is full of surprises. You might change your mind about what you want."
"But I won't change my mind about you,You're the one I want to be with, Liana."
"Young master, I appreciate your feelings. You have a kind heart, but it's important to focus on your studies and your responsibilities first. There's still a lot for us to learn and experience."
Javier pouted, leaning back against the plush cushion. "I know, but it doesn't mean I can't dream a little."
"Just remember that dreams can change as we grow up. Promise me that you'll keep your mind open to everything that life might throw your way."
He nodded slowly, still looking unconvinced. "Fine, I promise. But I still want you to be my bride, no matter what."
Liana chuckled, shaking her head. "Let's take it one step at a time, okay?."
"Alright," Javier conceded, though he couldn't help but sneak another glance at her with a grin. "But I'm still counting down the days until I can ask you again."
Liana laughed lightly, the sound brightening the room. "And I'll be here to remind you to stay focused on your studies in the meantime."
With a playful nudge, Liana returned to her book, while Javier picked up his own, but the conversation lingered in the air, intertwining their futures like the stories they shared.
( End of Chapter )