When his eyes opened next, morning was already on its way.
Anom looked at the sky through the window; it was gradually brightening up.
"It's time for action." Anom muttered before heading towards the washroom.
After freshening himself up, he straightened his appearance and checked his gear before turning to walk out of the room. Following the stairs, he came down and made his way towards the exit of his quarters.
Walking on the paved path that led towards the central region of the Safaira estate. No one beside him was staying in the guest area, so he didn't meet anyone on the way.
Anom passed through the garden full of vibrant flowers and turned towards the hallway that led towards Loreana's chamber.
He had only walked a short distance on the path when he saw a cute and lively figure walking in his direction.
"Ah!" Luna paused as she saw Anom appear from behind the corner. "Big Brother Anom!" Exclaiming his name, the cute little maid ran towards him with cheerful steps.
Anom opened his arms and let the running figure collide in his embrace. As he enjoyed the soft collision, Anom asked, "Did Loreana send you to summon me?"
Luna nodded quickly. Her expression then turned weird as she asked, "Why are you calling Madam by her name? Does Big Brother want to get scolded?" As far as Luna knew, Loreana was even more of a head when it came to household affairs. Only in front of Luna and Crystal will she act with gentleness. That's why all the servants and even some of the family members were afraid of her strict and cold nature. Luna was worried that Anom would get a scolding for his behavior.
Anom laughed, seeing Luna's worried face. "Don't worry. I've been calling her like that since yesterday, even in front of Crystal. She didn't get mad even once. If anything, it means that we're now closer than before."
The little maid nodded her head as if she understood everything. Then she asked, "How close?" Curiosity was written over her smooth face, as she herself didn't fully understand the question she asked.
"How close…" Anom mulled over the question for a moment before scratching his head. "I'll have to check that out. Anyway, let's go. Your Madam's angry expression is not what I want to see in the morning."
Grabbing Luna's dainty hand, Anom continued on his way.
As they reached the intended area, Anom smelled a delicious, mouthwatering fragrance wafting around.
As he entered inside, a table filled with many dishes with an appetizing appearance and smell caught his eye.
Loreana was sitting at one end, with Crystal on the seat next to her.
Seeing him enter, Loreana smiled slightly. "Come. Let's finish our breakfast before doing anything else." Her mood was clearly better than before. Clearly, letting out the stuff that was on her mind all these years really helped her. Only now was she able to function calmly without any worries weighing on her mind.
Crystal also smiled at him. Then she beckoned Luna over to the seat next to her.
Anom also sat next to Loreana and asked, "Did you talk with Head Gamus?"
Loreana finished serving the piping hot milk to everyone before replying to his question. "I did," she nodded.
"What did he say?" Anom asked as he grabbed a piece of what seemed like a meat pie.
Loreana curled her lips before replying, "He said to let you do as you wish."
"That old man is really something." Anom chuckled. But he also appreciated the gesture, as it was not easy to give up control, even though Gamus believed in his character—courtesy of Luna's ability.
"Where exactly will you be going today? When will you be back?" Crystal, who was munching on a fruit, asked Anom in a grumbling tone.
Would you like to come as well?" Anom smiled. He knew what was going on inside the mind of the young woman.
"Can I really?" asked Crystal, very surprised by his reply.
Seeing her reaction, Loreana smiled, but she still asked, "Are you sure, Anom? Won't this girl be trouble for you?" It was not a random matter; after all, it related to the safety of their household.
"Mom!" Crystal whined in protest.
"It'll be fine." Anom assured Loreana. "It's not like I'm taking her hunting or something; we're just going to do a bit of shopping."
"Shopping?" Mother and daughter both expressed their surprise, not expecting his answer. Meanwhile, Luna looked at everyone curiously while munching on a piece of cheesecake.
“Yep.” Anom nodded. "Just a bit of something to make my way through the enemy lines."
Although still curious, the ladies didn't ask any more questions.
They all focused on the breakfast. Crystal especially seemed to be eating in a jovial mood. Looking at the way she was devastating the meat pie had Anom wondering whether he'd have to carry her on his back.
"Nice." Anom commented as he leaned on the chair to recover the energy he spent on saving the meat pie from Crystal's dainty claws.
Looking at the ladies, who had also emptied their plates, Anom said, "Alright, everyone. Let's divide our tasks."
He then looked at Loreana. "Crystal and I will be going with our guests from the capital. I need you and Luna to start preparing for our departure. Prepare everything you need, but prioritize the necessities." He emphasized. "The place I'll take you all before going to the capital might not be the best, and it'll require you to forget about your current comforts."
Seeing the enquiring expressions on their faces, Anom smirked. "But don't worry. I promise to make it up by taking extra care of you three. Not to mention that there will be a lot of lovely companions accompanying you all."
Before their looks of inquiry made way for questions, Anom stood up and said, "Let's go!"
"Anom…" Crystal and Luna had already stood up, but Loreana stayed seated as she called out to him.
Anom looked at the beautiful lady, who had a slight frown on her face, and said, "I already told you that I'm not letting you remain here." He walked towards her seat and continued, "And what are you even worried about? It's not like we're going somewhere too far. To be honest, it's so close that you could probably return to Nulis City within two days. Easy, right?"
Loreana kept her head lowered for a moment before finally nodding. The frown on her face eased as she lifted her head.
"Come," said Anom, as he held his hand out to her.
After a brief hesitation, Loreana accepted the gesture and grabbed his hand as she stood up.
Crystal turned to look at the little maid beside her. Her mouth was opened wide as she registered the sight in front of her eyes.
"You'll get used to it." Crystal giggled and dragged the shocked maid to follow the duo ahead of them.
…
They arrived at the building at which they had arranged for the two girls from the capital to stay.
It was not within the guest area where Anom's residence was located. Loreana had selected an unoccupied small villa near hers to make it easier for the guests to reach her.
Knock! Knock!
Anom pounded lightly on the door, and he heard a violent cough, followed by a resonant, frantic gulp of water.
Click!
The door opened as Kristin's beautiful blonde hair and smooth face entered the early visitors' sights. Her dark brown eyes had a tinge of helplessness in them, which quickly turned into surprise before she finally reacted.
"Oh, Mr. Anom. How good to see you this early! Is everything fine?" The blonde beauty from the capital really knew how to talk. Keeping her surprise in check, she questioned the reason for their arrival.
"Ah! Madam Loreana? You're here too?" Suddenly, her calmness took a dive as her eyes rested on the beautiful matron of the Safaira estate. “Good morning! You should have sent someone if you needed our presence; why did you bother yourself?”
"It's alright. You're the guests, after all." Loreana smiled and replied politely. "We had some matters that required your attention; I hope you won't mind our intrusion."
"No-no-no." Kristin shook her head like a rattle before exclaiming, "How would that do? We're grateful for the hospitality you provided for us. How can we bother you?"
One was a noble lady from the capital. The other was a natural charmer from a small city. A strange scene was created as the two got engaged in an exchange of polite words. Kristin seemed especially enthusiastic as she tried to imitate Loreana's calm and gentle temperament.
Meanwhile, Crystal looked at the blonde doubtfully and wondered if she really was someone from the capital. Luna also pondered where Madam Loreana had picked up this gorgeous big sister, who appeared too lovely to be a beggar.
"Alright, alright." Anom had to interfere, as Loreana seemed to want to end the dialogue too. "Let's leave this for later. We have important matters to attend to now." He then looked at Kristin. "Let me tell you the first step of the plan we had discussed yesterday. Delaying it will also delay your departure."
His words caught Kristin's attention while she was thinking of more praises for her fellow conversationalist. She finally reacted and moved aside to invite them in.
With Loreana and the two girls following behind, Anom entered the room.
lemmewrite Shoutout to Stinkis for becoming a Chaos Controller on my Patreon.
Current Controllers:
Phillip Wallace
Stinkis
When his eyes opened next, morning was already on its way.
Anom looked at the sky through the window; it was gradually brightening up.
"It's time for action." Anom muttered before heading towards the washroom.
After freshening himself up, he straightened his appearance and checked his gear before turning to walk out of the room. Following the stairs, he came down and made his way towards the exit of his quarters.
Walking on the paved path that led towards the central region of the Safaira estate. No one beside him was staying in the guest area, so he didn't meet anyone on the way.
Anom passed through the garden full of vibrant flowers and turned towards the hallway that led towards Loreana's chamber.
He had only walked a short distance on the path when he saw a cute and lively figure walking in his direction.
"Ah!" Luna paused as she saw Anom appear from behind the corner. "Big Brother Anom!" Exclaiming his name, the cute little maid ran towards him with cheerful steps.
Anom opened his arms and let the running figure collide in his embrace. As he enjoyed the soft collision, Anom asked, "Did Loreana send you to summon me?"
Luna nodded quickly. Her expression then turned weird as she asked, "Why are you calling Madam by her name? Does Big Brother want to get scolded?" As far as Luna knew, Loreana was even more of a head when it came to household affairs. Only in front of Luna and Crystal will she act with gentleness. That's why all the servants and even some of the family members were afraid of her strict and cold nature. Luna was worried that Anom would get a scolding for his behavior.
Anom laughed, seeing Luna's worried face. "Don't worry. I've been calling her like that since yesterday, even in front of Crystal. She didn't get mad even once. If anything, it means that we're now closer than before."
The little maid nodded her head as if she understood everything. Then she asked, "How close?" Curiosity was written over her smooth face, as she herself didn't fully understand the question she asked.
"How close…" Anom mulled over the question for a moment before scratching his head. "I'll have to check that out. Anyway, let's go. Your Madam's angry expression is not what I want to see in the morning."
Grabbing Luna's dainty hand, Anom continued on his way.
As they reached the intended area, Anom smelled a delicious, mouthwatering fragrance wafting around.
As he entered inside, a table filled with many dishes with an appetizing appearance and smell caught his eye.
Loreana was sitting at one end, with Crystal on the seat next to her.
Seeing him enter, Loreana smiled slightly. "Come. Let's finish our breakfast before doing anything else." Her mood was clearly better than before. Clearly, letting out the stuff that was on her mind all these years really helped her. Only now was she able to function calmly without any worries weighing on her mind.
Crystal also smiled at him. Then she beckoned Luna over to the seat next to her.
Anom also sat next to Loreana and asked, "Did you talk with Head Gamus?"
Loreana finished serving the piping hot milk to everyone before replying to his question. "I did," she nodded.
"What did he say?" Anom asked as he grabbed a piece of what seemed like a meat pie.
Loreana curled her lips before replying, "He said to let you do as you wish."
"That old man is really something." Anom chuckled. But he also appreciated the gesture, as it was not easy to give up control, even though Gamus believed in his character—courtesy of Luna's ability.
"Where exactly will you be going today? When will you be back?" Crystal, who was munching on a fruit, asked Anom in a grumbling tone.
Would you like to come as well?" Anom smiled. He knew what was going on inside the mind of the young woman.
"Can I really?" asked Crystal, very surprised by his reply.
Seeing her reaction, Loreana smiled, but she still asked, "Are you sure, Anom? Won't this girl be trouble for you?" It was not a random matter; after all, it related to the safety of their household.
"Mom!" Crystal whined in protest.
"It'll be fine." Anom assured Loreana. "It's not like I'm taking her hunting or something; we're just going to do a bit of shopping."
"Shopping?" Mother and daughter both expressed their surprise, not expecting his answer. Meanwhile, Luna looked at everyone curiously while munching on a piece of cheesecake.
“Yep.” Anom nodded. "Just a bit of something to make my way through the enemy lines."
Although still curious, the ladies didn't ask any more questions.
They all focused on the breakfast. Crystal especially seemed to be eating in a jovial mood. Looking at the way she was devastating the meat pie had Anom wondering whether he'd have to carry her on his back.
"Nice." Anom commented as he leaned on the chair to recover the energy he spent on saving the meat pie from Crystal's dainty claws.
Looking at the ladies, who had also emptied their plates, Anom said, "Alright, everyone. Let's divide our tasks."
He then looked at Loreana. "Crystal and I will be going with our guests from the capital. I need you and Luna to start preparing for our departure. Prepare everything you need, but prioritize the necessities." He emphasized. "The place I'll take you all before going to the capital might not be the best, and it'll require you to forget about your current comforts."
Seeing the enquiring expressions on their faces, Anom smirked. "But don't worry. I promise to make it up by taking extra care of you three. Not to mention that there will be a lot of lovely companions accompanying you all."
Before their looks of inquiry made way for questions, Anom stood up and said, "Let's go!"
"Anom…" Crystal and Luna had already stood up, but Loreana stayed seated as she called out to him.
Anom looked at the beautiful lady, who had a slight frown on her face, and said, "I already told you that I'm not letting you remain here." He walked towards her seat and continued, "And what are you even worried about? It's not like we're going somewhere too far. To be honest, it's so close that you could probably return to Nulis City within two days. Easy, right?"
Loreana kept her head lowered for a moment before finally nodding. The frown on her face eased as she lifted her head.
"Come," said Anom, as he held his hand out to her.
After a brief hesitation, Loreana accepted the gesture and grabbed his hand as she stood up.
Crystal turned to look at the little maid beside her. Her mouth was opened wide as she registered the sight in front of her eyes.
"You'll get used to it." Crystal giggled and dragged the shocked maid to follow the duo ahead of them.
…
They arrived at the building at which they had arranged for the two girls from the capital to stay.
It was not within the guest area where Anom's residence was located. Loreana had selected an unoccupied small villa near hers to make it easier for the guests to reach her.
Knock! Knock!
Anom pounded lightly on the door, and he heard a violent cough, followed by a resonant, frantic gulp of water.
Click!
The door opened as Kristin's beautiful blonde hair and smooth face entered the early visitors' sights. Her dark brown eyes had a tinge of helplessness in them, which quickly turned into surprise before she finally reacted.
"Oh, Mr. Anom. How good to see you this early! Is everything fine?" The blonde beauty from the capital really knew how to talk. Keeping her surprise in check, she questioned the reason for their arrival.
"Ah! Madam Loreana? You're here too?" Suddenly, her calmness took a dive as her eyes rested on the beautiful matron of the Safaira estate. “Good morning! You should have sent someone if you needed our presence; why did you bother yourself?”
"It's alright. You're the guests, after all." Loreana smiled and replied politely. "We had some matters that required your attention; I hope you won't mind our intrusion."
"No-no-no." Kristin shook her head like a rattle before exclaiming, "How would that do? We're grateful for the hospitality you provided for us. How can we bother you?"
One was a noble lady from the capital. The other was a natural charmer from a small city. A strange scene was created as the two got engaged in an exchange of polite words. Kristin seemed especially enthusiastic as she tried to imitate Loreana's calm and gentle temperament.
Meanwhile, Crystal looked at the blonde doubtfully and wondered if she really was someone from the capital. Luna also pondered where Madam Loreana had picked up this gorgeous big sister, who appeared too lovely to be a beggar.
"Alright, alright." Anom had to interfere, as Loreana seemed to want to end the dialogue too. "Let's leave this for later. We have important matters to attend to now." He then looked at Kristin. "Let me tell you the first step of the plan we had discussed yesterday. Delaying it will also delay your departure."
His words caught Kristin's attention while she was thinking of more praises for her fellow conversationalist. She finally reacted and moved aside to invite them in.
With Loreana and the two girls following behind, Anom entered the room.
lemmewrite Shoutout to Stinkis for becoming a Chaos Controller on my Patreon.
Current Controllers:
Phillip Wallace
Stinkis