The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Elizabeth noticed the change in Desmond's expression and hastily clarified her intentions. "I don't mean to interfere or impose myself on your journey, Master Desmond. I just wanted to inquire, if you don't mind." Her voice trembled slightly with anxiety as she sought to ease any concerns or misinterpretations Desmond might have had.

Relieved by Elizabeth's explanation, Desmond let out a sigh and reassured her. "No problem, Miss Elizabeth. I have made ample preparations, including acquiring enough 'bodyguards.' Everything is under control."

Desmond narrowed his eyes, observing any further shifts in Elizabeth's demeanor. However, she simply blinked innocently, her gaze fixed on him. Nodding in understanding, she softly murmured, "Oh."

Though Elizabeth's curiosity was piqued by Desmond's preparations, her noble upbringing dictated restraint. She refrained from prying further and merely expressed her desire to continue listening to Desmond's story.

As Desmond exhaled, realizing that Elizabeth was indeed keeping her word, he suggested, "I have a proposition. Perhaps it will provide you with some insights into the upcoming journey."

Elizabeth, determined to maintain a serious countenance, cleared her throat and composed herself. Unconsciously, Desmond sat up straight in bed, his senses sharpened to absorb every word. "The journey to the city of Helmfirth is considered quite arduous, spanning approximately three months."

"That's the same information I've gathered from some of Alice's companions," Desmond thought, recognizing the correlation.

"In addition, there has been a decrease in bandit activities along the route, owing to the presence of various beast races that now roam the area." This time, Elizabeth managed to convey a solemn expression, imbuing Desmond's words with deeper significance.

"I see. So, the bandits have been replaced by these creatures who lack reasoning and may pose a threat," Desmond contemplated, nodding in acknowledgment of the obtained information.

Elizabeth couldn't help but find Desmond's demeanor endearing, resembling a well-trained puppy. A sense of warmth washed over her, and she felt tempted to pat him on the head in approval. However, she swiftly composed herself, clearing her throat to refocus their conversation. "*Ahem*... Let us continue," she interjected, causing Desmond to look at her with mild confusion.

"Please take extra caution, Master Desmond," Elizabeth added, her smile tinged with a hint of worry that gleamed in her eyes.

Even though Elizabeth spoke briefly, the conversation between them proved to be an eye-opener for Desmond, as he became acutely aware of the perils that awaited him in the future. With a reassuring tone, he tried to alleviate Elizabeth's concerns. "Don't worry, Miss Elizabeth.

The bodyguard I've hired is not only physically strong but also highly capable," Desmond reassured her, his gaze locked onto her face, where a glimmer of relief began to show in her eyes.

As his mind raced, Desmond suddenly recalled a fragment of memory, linking Elizabeth to a familiar figure from his past. "Wait...wait...if I remember correctly, isn't she the childhood friend of that hero boy?" Seeking confirmation, he ventured further, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Miss Elizabeth, forgive me if this question makes you uncomfortable, but is it true that the boy named Clark is indeed your childhood friend?"

Elizabeth blinked in surprise at Desmond's inquiry, momentarily taken aback. "Yes, that's correct. Has something happened between Master Desmond and my friend Clark?" Her voice quivered with concern, fearing that Desmond may have been offended by Clark's past actions.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a twinge of astonishment at Desmond's choice of words, referring to Clark, a person of her own age, as a "boy." It reminded her of the first encounter between Clark and Matson, where the same label was used.

"Is it because of me? Or is there some other reason why this girl seems to be taunting me?" Elizabeth pondered, trying to make sense of Desmond's sudden interest in Clark. After all, Desmond's curiosity stemmed from his belief that childhood friends held great potential as partners. "It's nothing important, really. Just a matter of curiosity," he clarified, hoping to put the subject to rest.

Sensing that any further conversation would only complicate matters between Clark and Elizabeth, Desmond felt the need to bring their interaction to a close. "I should be going," he announced, ready to part ways.

A deep, male voice interjected from behind Elizabeth, causing Desmond to experience a strange sense of familiarity, even though he struggled to place it. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's face flushed crimson in response to the voice, her panic rising. She desperately wanted to intervene and halt the flow of energy within the mirror.

"Not so fast, my daughter," the voice continued, sending a shiver down Elizabeth's spine. Her face contorted with a mixture of anxiety and distress, she attempted to regain control over her energy, but an overwhelming emptiness consumed her body, leaving her drained and terrified.

In that moment, Desmond's realization struck like lightning as he witnessed Elizabeth's feeble smile devoid of energy. He yearned to intervene, to halt the flow of his own energy, but the same commanding voice silenced his intentions.

"You too, boy. Have you been secretly conversing with my daughter, only to now attempt an escape? As a man, you should at least demonstrate a sense of responsibility," the voice coldly declared, its sharpness cutting through the air.

"I apologize, Your Majesty. That's not what I meant," Desmond quickly responded, his voice laced with sincerity. As Elizabeth turned, a colossal shadow loomed behind her, revealing the figure of Edward, who wore a smile that sent shivers down Desmond's spine.

"You're quite astute, young man," Edward remarked, relieved to have finally found his daughter. After finishing his work, he had been searching for Elizabeth, having been informed by his wife that she was in the garden.

Edward found himself frozen in place as he gazed upon the unfamiliar smile adorning Elizabeth's face. A tinge of disappointment washed over him when he realized that the smile was not meant for him.

His eyes then shifted to the boy reflected in the mirror. With a handsome face, long brown hair, and eyes that possessed an undeniable allure, capable of captivating anyone of the opposite sex, the boy seemed to possess an air of enchantment. Even though only half of his body was visible, the contours of his shirt revealed the well-defined muscles that spoke of his dedicated training.

"Tsk, a playboy bastard," Edward thought, his displeasure evident as he observed Elizabeth's surreptitious glances towards the boy's face. He let out a sigh and shifted his gaze towards Desmond. "Listen, kid, which family do you hail from?"

Elizabeth couldn't help but think that her father must have already known Desmond and conducted some form of investigation. Desmond, on the other hand, was taken aback for a moment before a smirk graced his lips. "I, a lowly peasant, am not worthy of mentioning my family in your presence, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me," he retorted with a touch of sarcasm.

Elizabeth cast Desmond an apologetic glance before her father led her away. Desmond stood there alone, lost in his thoughts. Something felt off about Elizabeth's father, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Shaking off the perplexing encounter, he resolved to focus on his own training and walked away.

Witnessing Desmond's actions and hearing his words, Edward was taken aback. Not only did the boy understand his place, but he also displayed remarkable politeness. Edward silently commended him, thinking, "Hmph, as long as you understand, you may go." With a dismissive snort, he shattered the tension that had hung in the air.

Initially, Edward had intended to assert his authority, but Desmond's demeanor left him with no grounds for argument. Elizabeth, witnessing the scene, felt a deep pain in her heart, as if it were bleeding. She shot an angry glare at her father before storming out of the room, consumed by her anger.

Meanwhile, inside Desmond's room, he took a deep breath, his body drenched in sweat, and his eyes wide with intensity.

"That was one tough boss. The pressure he exerted was no joke," Desmond muttered to himself, recalling the intense scrutiny he had experienced under Edward's gaze.

Desmond couldn't determine whether Edward had deliberately placed him under such intense pressure or if it had been unintentional, but one thing was certain: "If it weren't for that peculiar sensation that helped me endure, I might have succumbed much earlier."

Placing a hand over his chest, Desmond felt his heartbeat gradually returning to its regular rhythm. "Perhaps this has something to do with that blood?" He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and focused on quieting his racing thoughts.

A knock on the door interrupted his introspection. "Young master, I have brought you some food," a maid announced from outside. Desmond opened his eyes and let out a sigh, feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun bathing half of his body. "Time truly flies," he muttered to himself before inviting the maid in.

Laura, the maid, entered the room and stood beside him. Desmond let out another sigh, unaware of her attempt to seduce him. Oblivious to her presence and the tray of food, his mind remained deeply engrossed in contemplation as he tried to devise his next course of action.

Eventually, Laura ceased her seductive gestures and spoke up. "Young master, some of the maids have reported hearing peculiar sounds emanating from the basement of our house."

Upon hearing this, Desmond immediately understood what Laura was alluding to. Those noises could only be coming from the concealed underground chamber, shrouded in secrecy.

Having been too preoccupied, Desmond had forgotten to inspect the condition of the room. "Perhaps some dormant power of the dragon blood has been awakened," he chuckled to himself, finding amusement in his own thoughts.

From Laura's perspective outside, Desmond's laughter might have seemed somewhat awkward as their eyes met. His gaze caused Laura to avert her eyes, feeling a tinge of discomfort.

Silence enveloped them for a moment.

Desmond rose from the bed and headed towards the backyard, but he noticed that Laura continued to follow him. The atmosphere between them grew tense and uneasy. Desmond locked eyes with Laura. "Hmm?"

"I am prepared to assist the young master at any time," Laura responded eagerly, her voice carrying a hint of volume and anticipation.