久碰人澡人澡人澡人澡人掠

After all, the people in the mansion never read the large collection of books. Jonok probably didn’t even know the content of the book he had thrown away.

“Is that all you have to say?” Jonok dramatically swept all the books off the table.

The clattering sound as they hit the floor was loud and jarring. Ardion winced and stood up from his seat.

I looked at the scattered books and said casually, “I’m just following His Grace’s orders.”

Jonok’s anger was clearly fueled by the duke’s appreciation of me. It was ironic how he resented his father’s praise for me even as he sought his approval.

Of course, he would be irritated to hear such praise for a mere maid.

He glared at me, clenched his fists, and ordered the butler who accompanied him, “Put all these books back in the library.”

“Leave them alone!” Ardion shouted.

Jonok turned to him, an incredulous smile on his face. “Leave them alone? Are you, a mere servant, ordering me around?”

He lifted his chin arrogantly and advanced towards Ardion, who stared back with unwavering resolve.

“I heard you made a mess in my father’s office. Are you planning to do the same here?” Jonok grabbed Ardion’s arm. Ardion staggered but didn’t seem to mind, remaining firmly grasped.

“You can’t threaten me with your pathetic magic.”

“…”

“I’m someone who has nothing to lose.” Jonok grinned maliciously.

Ardion’s face was a mask of hard resolve as he looked at Jonok.

I quickly moved to Ardion’s side and pulled Jonok’s hand away. “This person is of imperial blood and represents the future of the empire.”

I wanted to make it clear that someone like Jonok, who claimed to have nothing to lose, was not worthy of making threats against Ardion.

Jonok burst into laughter. “The future of the empire? What a load of absurdity.”

As he approached, I stood in front of Ardion. He said, “If he were truly the future of the empire, why would Rowell send him here?”

When I didn’t respond, Jonok smirked and continued, “Did you forget one of my father’s orders? He said to remove all the mana from this brat.”

“That’s…”

Before I could offer any excuse, Jonok cut me off. “Rowell has already taken the crown prince position, and this kid could die at any moment. Your words are ridiculous, Laila.”

Jonok laughed heartily, clutching his belly. I looked at him with an indifferent gaze. No matter how much he mocked, Ardion was still of higher status and had greater abilities.

Jonok ran a casino with his father’s money. Without his father’s wealth, he would never be able to earn much money on his own. His inability to manage his finances was evident.

“Heh, Laila, to think you’d make me laugh. The world really is strange.”

The butler approached Jonok and whispered something to him. Jonok nodded, his face still full of mirth.

“Alright. I’ll let you go this time. You’ve managed to amuse me.” Jonok signaled to the servants picking up the books to leave them where they were.

“Just remember, don’t go back to the library. If you show up in front of me again, neither you nor Ardion will be safe.”

I let out a faint sigh. I had heard so many threats like this that I was hardly affected anymore. 

“Yes, I’ll be careful,” I replied faintly, hoping he would leave soon.

Jonok looked around the room once more, smiled with a pleased expression, and then left.

As soon as he was gone, I made a rude gesture towards the door. I really need to get out of here soon.

I slumped into a chair at the table and noticed Ardion still standing, staring at the door. “Are you alright, Young Master?”

He finally turned his gaze towards me. His green eyes were deeply troubled.

He must certainly be upset. Jonok’s dismissal and mockery had to be infuriating.

“At least he didn’t take the books. But we won’t be able to visit the library comfortably anymore.” He rubbed his arm, the one Jonok had grabbed.

Recalling how tightly Jonok had grabbed him, I was concerned. “Are you hurt, Young Master?”

Ardion shook his head. “I’m fine. More importantly, I want to start swordsmanship training immediately.”

“Now?”

He nodded. “I want to increase my strength.”

Earlier, when Jonok grabbed his arm, he had obviously staggered and been unable to pull away. Although it was due to the difference in strength between a child and an adult, he seemed to blame himself for being weak.

At that moment, Ardion muttered softly, “I don’t want to hide behind you.”

His words carried a weight of determination. I nodded in agreement. I would need to go to Duke Orchid today and request swordsmanship training for Ardion.

❋ ❋ ❋

Surprisingly, Duke Orchid agreed to my request without much hesitation. He was convinced that swordsmanship training would aid in mana elimination.

However, the cost of hiring a sword instructor would be deducted from my salary. It was a rather miserly condition, but I accepted it without protest.

Several days passed, and today was the day the sword instructor was supposed to arrive. Ardion and I headed to the estate’s training grounds.

The training grounds had clearly been neglected, with overgrown grass and weeds making it difficult to walk through.

His expression matched the state of the place—far from pleased. Still, we couldn’t back down now, so I quickly called out, “Is anyone here?”

“Over here.”

Following the voice, we found a disheveled figure lounging on a pile of straw. He looked every bit the layabout.

Although I hadn’t paid a high fee, the sword instructor Duke Orchid hired was far from impressive. I hadn’t expected much, but this was beyond disappointing. I checked Ardion’s expression, not wanting him to be disheartened.

He remained inscrutable, though his face brightened with a look of understanding as he observed the shabby figure.

Reluctantly, I led him towards the instructor and greeted, “Hello.”

He slowly rose from the pile of straw and removed his hat.

I moved Ardion in front of him and said, “You are Ardion’s sword instructor, correct? We look forward to your guidance.”

The instructor nodded.

Ardion extended his hand. “I’m Ardion.”

“I’m Zikard.” Zikard shook Ardion’s hand, his demeanor as lackadaisical as his attire.

Where in the world did the duke find this person?

He didn’t appear capable of properly wielding a sword.

I inwardly cursed Duke Orchid and whispered to Ardion, “Should I find a swordsmanship book for you?”

“A swordsmanship book? Why when you have a capable instructor right in front of you?” Zikard scratched his ear and smiled.

I stiffened, unsure of what to make of his cheerful grin. “You have sharp ears.”

“You’re speaking right in front of me.” Zikard grinned, his eyes hidden under his long hair. As I stared, he said, “If you’re so worried, why don’t you stay here?”

Zikard walked to the center of the training grounds and beckoned for Ardion to come over. “Ardion! Time is money. I’ll teach you as much as I’m being paid, so come over here quickly.”

His words were convincing, but since his compensation was minimal, I suspected how much he would teach. Nonetheless, I couldn’t teach Ardion swordsmanship myself.

I looked at my trembling hands. I could hardly manage water magic anymore.

Although I no longer worked as a maid, my condition was deteriorating. Even with almonds, my mana issue wasn’t improving.

Just then, Zikard called out, “Ardion!”

He waved his hands in the overgrown training grounds.

Reluctantly, I said, “Ardion, have a good training session. Once you’re done, come to my room, and I’ll bring you lunch.”

He nodded.

I watched them for a while with a sense of unease. Ardion approached Zikard confidently, his steps assured. Witnessing how Zikard drew his sword and handled the sharp blade eased my worries a bit.

At least he seems to know how to use a sword.

At first glance, Zikard seemed more suited for a life of idleness than swordsmanship.

I wonder if Zikard was in the original story?

I knew that Ardion’s sword instructor would become one of his bodyguards, but I couldn’t remember whether his name was Zikard.

I turned and walked away.

After all, Ardion wasn’t in any immediate danger. It simply felt like the story was diverging a bit from the original.

In the original story, Ardion had learned swordsmanship secretly. In contrast, he was now receiving instruction openly.

It was the result of our mutual efforts. Clearly, the story was evolving differently now.

Well, it must be for the better.

Even though the story had diverged from the original, through my hard work, Ardion’s character had evidently changed for the better. He studied diligently, controlled his temper, didn’t lash out, and spoke respectfully.

… That should be enough, right?

After all, Ardion would still eventually seek out the female protagonist.

With a calm mind, I returned to my room. While Ardion practiced swordsmanship, I organized the evidence I had gathered against Duke Orchid. I was almost done collecting it all.

As I sorted through the documents, Derol assisted me. “Master, it’s better to put this here.”

TN: Hope you guys are enjoying this munch munch ~