Chapter 46: Chapter 42

When Arnold left with Victoria, Adrianna cleared her throat.

"….That was something... Anyhow, bring out the desserts." She looked at the two at her side.

"Yes, madam." The two servants at her side bowed and headed for the kitchen. Similarly, a knight accompanied them. Most likely because he couldn't handle the atmosphere.

No one mentioned what happened between Jurius and Arnold. Had he been a noble of lower rank than Adrianna then she would've dealt with him. However, this was the prince who had imperial blood in him. Although he had no power as a prince, his heritage was still preventing her from doing anything.

Meanwhile, Grace was mechanically eating the pudding in her plate. The sweet and bitter taste from the brownie dripped with pudding didn't even register on her tongue.

The family members then heard armor clanking.

"Hm?" Adrianna looked towards the gate when a knight suddenly came running towards them.

All the family members followed her gaze.

"I-I apologize for interrupting!"

"It is fine. We are done with the main course and will soon finish up anyway." Adrianna stood up and faced the knight. "What is the problem? Is there an enemy attack?"

"No, one of the household's vassals requests to enter the castle grounds." The knight presented the insignia of the household of which he spoke.

"The Lewan household?" She looked at Grace as she said that. Indeed, Grace belonged to that household.

'Is it my father?' Grace also stood up and looked at the insignia.

"It is the official insignia. No forgery has been made." Grace said after looking at the insignia.

"Very well then. Let him in."

"U-Understood, madam." The exhausted knight ran back to the gate again.

Moments later the gate opened and a single horse came inside. On top of the horse was a middle aged man with a goatee and a rough face. He was a bit stout but not overly fat.

He climbed down the horse and entrusted it to one of the servants. He fixed his suit and approached the family with an upright gait.

"I apologize for arriving so abruptly, first madam."

"Lord Gustavic Brelt Lewan. It is always a pleasure to welcome you." Adrianna and Grace's father kissed each other on the cheeks.

It was a greeting between a man and woman in nobility who were close as friends.

"Hahaha. I was worried that her highness would've left before I could congratulate the two." Gustavic laughed heartily. "I never expected to find my daughter and my son-in-law here as well. Anyhow, I brought these for you, your highness Olivia."

Gustavic fished something out of the bag that he was carrying.

There were two pieces of paper.

"It is not an official wedding present but I hope you like it. These are free one-week coupons for a villa up in Northinglin Creak up in the mountains of Kurak."

"Ohh! The mountain where the rare flower, the Bluebort Orchid blooms? I hear that bathing with this flower every once in a while works wonders on your skin. It is a pity that its even rarer to find than the rarest gems." Olivia seemed excited hearing the location of the villa. She seemed knowledgeable about the ecosystem as well.

"Haha. That is correct. There is a village down the mountain where your highness can hire people to search for the flower if you wish to obtain it. I will pay for it, of course."

"You are too generous." Olivia gratefully took the coupons. "You must also thank the count, young master Luke."

"Huh? Oh…."

"So you are the new heir of the household." Gustavic turned to Luke who was quietly sitting next to Claudia. He gazed down at Luke.

"Yes, this is Luke. My son." Claudia seemed to misunderstand Gustavic's tone as intimidating Luke so she stood between the two of them.

"Oho. Luke, hm? And you are his mother? Nice to meet you, miss." Gustavic's frown disappeared and a goofy grin emerged on his face.

"Eh? Oh, yes." Claudia shook his hand awkwardly when she realized he wasn't serious.

"I hope the city flourishes under your rule one day. The duke may also be able to realize his dream and make this city into a dukedom rivalling the Empire!"

"Oh, no. That is way too much of a dream to have." Adrianna chuckled at Gustavic's hearty words.

"Why? With what I've heard he is definitely capable of becoming as great or even greater than lord Marcus one day. Have you managed to gain control of your power yet?"

"Actually…" Luke's hesitation alone told everyone that he wasn't ready to control that power yet.

The count sighed in disappointment.

'Well, it's still too early for him. But I have a feeling it won't be too far in the future.' Grace thought to herself.

"Hmm…That is a shame. I would've liked to show him the ropes in how to manage an army. But if I take him as he is now then our army will look down on him. Even her highness' presence may not change that."

"You are correct. But we must take it slow. Luke is still growing. You must've heard him defeat Al, right?"

"Oho?" Gustavic's eyes changed into those of wonder. "The young master Arnold was defeated by a commoner boy with no martial education?"

"I-It was just a fluke…" Luke tried to explain but the count seemed so impressed that his disappointment faded away.

"Then duke Marcus made a wonderful decision! Defeating a 5th star knight is no easy feat! Even my strongest household knights cannot hold a candle to him and his massive pool of aura!"

Adrianna simply smiled.

Sebastian had mentioned that Luke was probably on the same as Arnold if not stronger. The two might even become equals in the future. That was a well-known fact by now.

"I doubt I can overtake him…" Luke was still insisting that he was nowhere near Arnold's level.

"I would like to see you spar with my household knights someday. Anyhow, I have come with news from the duke. He has entrusted me with this message."

'I'm not surprised. If he told my father alone then it must be a big secret.'

Out of all the vassals and branches of the family, the Lewan household was the most trustworthy out of them all. Although he was enigmatic at times, the count had never once shown incompetence or signs of betrayal. In addition, he was always there to provide aid to the household. He was the closet family friend of the Berkleys after Vance von Penston.

That wasn't to say the other families were the same. There were a few who had sided with enemy households to take the Berkley family down, though. Marcus hadn't done anything yet since he had to see what his enemies were planning to do.

It was far better to crush your enemy when they were halfway done with their preparations so as to show all of noble society the power of the Berkley household. It was as simple as that.

"What did my husband say?" Adrianna's question was what everyone wanted to know.

Everyone was curious to hear about the state the Empire was in.

Gustavic licked the inside of his mouth. Perhaps his throat was just dry or he was still processing the information he knew in order to delay time.

"The Empire…" Gustavic closed his eyes with a sigh. "—will welcome the Undead Nation's monarch with an official banquet with the empire's leaders."

Part 2

"You held your composure well."

Victoria told Arnold when the two of them came to his room. Arnold didn't want to stay in Jurius' presence any longer. He would've drawn his sword if he stayed any longer.

"You knew he did it on purpose?"

"I did." Victoria said flatly.

"Hah. Fucking bastard. If he wanted to piss me off then he succeeded."

"Don't do anything rash, Al. Last time was pardoned but I fear that you will definitely be on the list of the Commoner Faction."

"Commoner Faction, huh? Those bastards are still around?"

"Yes. They have a duty to protect commoners against nobles and royalty. If they feel that you are also a threat by killing someone over a minor prank then you won't stay out of their books forever."

"Prank? I feel like that bastard will do more than just pranks in the future if I don't show him what happens when he messes with me." Arnold noticed that he had an evil smile on his face.

It was probably a habit of the original Arnold.

Victoria sighed.

"I saw nothing."

"Good."

She was implying that she would not disclose whatever he did to Jurius or pin any blame on him.

'She's a good little maid.'

"Anyway, what are these?" Arnold pointed to the crate on his bed. There were four large jars inside.

"These are healing oils."

"Huh? Why couldn't you just get me high grade potions?" Arnold took out one of the oil jars and noticed that there was a thick paste inside. It was slimy when he stuck his finger inside.

"Your bone is already broken. Do you think a healing potion will fix all the damage completely?" Victoria flicked her finger on his arm. Arnold groaned.

"Before we use a potion, I need to smear this on you so that the two broken bones realign on their own. Once that is done then I'll allow you to drink a potion. This is to avoid you getting a limb bent in the wrong direction. Now do as I say."

"Tch. You sound like the master and I, the servant."

"It will only be for tonight at most. These oils are very strong so it should work after a day. If not then I'll apply the oil again."

Arnold sighed loudly. Victoria looked at him like he was a troubling child. Her face then darkened.

"I will say this only once, Al…" Victoria held Arnold's cheeks and made him face her. He gazed into her honey brown eyes. "—If you encounter someone of Lancelot's level ever again….Run."

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The original Arnold would've laughed and sarcastically said: The strong never run!

However, Arnold couldn't bear to go against Victoria who was so concerned about him. In addition, he was scared about meeting someone like Lancelot again.

It wasn't a meeting per se since Lancelot forcibly used [Target Teleportation]. It was a very annoying magic spell to have.

"….Okay."

"Good." She patted his head with a grin. "That's a good boy."

"You…"

"Take off your shirt."

"Tch."

Arnold did as she said. Since she changed the subject, there was no need to dwell on it any further.

Arnold's body was riddled with fresh scars from his last battle. There was a large cut on his chest where Lancelot's sword penetrated. Had it been a few more centimeters then the sword would've slashed his heart. The demonic sword was luckily there to save him.

'I never expected that sword to save my life. So it recognizes me as its master then…'

What surprised him more was how strong its weapon breaking ability was. All star-class artifacts had such an ability but not the kind that could shatter a weapon on the same level.

That meant that this sword was perhaps classified as [☆☆—Beyond Star].

Arnold took off his bandage. When he turned around, he saw Victoria in her underwear.

Her explosive chest and hips were there for all eyes to see. Her garter belt was wrapped around her thighs so tight that it was digging into her skin. She was wearing a black bra laced with a design meant for sexy lingerie.

'….'

Arnold's mouth could only gape as he looked at the goddess before him.

"This is not the first time you have seen me like this so why are you surprised? The reason I took off my uniform is because I cannot allow it to get soaked with oil. This oil is very difficult to remove once it gets on your clothes."

Arnold could only nod like a dog as a certain part of his body grew hotter than his face.

Victoria first traced the scars on his upper body with an unreadable expression before opening the jar of healing oil and smearing some of it between her hands. A lavender-like smell drifted around the room.

It was enough to make Arnold dizzy. Perhaps there was a stress-reliever in the medicine because it felt like Arnold's muscles relaxed the moment he smelled the fragrance.

Victoria climbed onto the bed and tapped her thighs.

"Please lie with your back against me."

His mind was too groggy to even give a reply.

Perhaps this was the only time he had ever felt relaxed after coming to this world. His worries temporarily disappeared.

There were no thoughts like meeting another player or an anomaly in the storyline.

He happily welcomed this dream-like experience.

His back touched the soft body of Victoria who was sitting on the bed. His head nestled between her twin peaks. Her smell reached his nostrils which made his heart flutter in joy.

His body shivered when he felt Victoria apply the oil on his arm. It didn't hurt at all but it was really cold.

Maybe the fragrance was meant to reduce the pain of the patient.

"That boy you were in a party with was looking for you when the raid was over." Victoria spoke as she massaged Arnold's body. "You went as far as to disguise yourself. Was that a one-time thing or will you return to adventuring?"

"…So you acknowledge the fact that you could see through my disguise and that your secret has been leaked?" Arnold closed his eyes as he felt Victoria's warmth.

"…I cannot deny it, can I?"

"Not at this point. Who are you really?"

"Is that a trick question? I am Victoria Lurgun. Your maid ever since your fifth birthday."

Arnold harrumphed. "Don't toy with me. You must have some sort of dark past."

Victoria was silent for a minute as she continued massaging his arm with the oil. She then used the oil to cover his upper body.

If anyone else saw this scene then they would mistake the two as lovers. But Liam knew that Victoria held no romantic feelings for Arnold. Not yet, at least.

Victoria spoke after sighing briefly.

"If you order me to then I shall tell you."

Arnold frowned.

"I'd rather hear it from you sincerely so I'll pass this time."

There was no telling if she would mix lies with some truths. There was a saying that the best lie had some truths in it after all. Only if she was willing to open up her heart completely would he want her to tell him.

He heard Victoria chuckle. He chuckled as well.

"…I might go back to the guild after I'm all healed up."

He changed the subject since it was better not to force Victoria's past out of her. Doing so would only bring back bad memories.

"Really? Are you not concerned that he might be taken by another party?"

'The kid is secondary actually. My meeting with Liumiala is more important.'

"…Well, it would indeed be a waste if I let the kid be taken."

'Plus, I need him to teach me magic.'

Although he wouldn't become Lufulur, the only Level 100 Supreme Sorcerer, having some spells in his arsenal was enough.

"I spoke with the leader of the raid party briefly and heard that the boy is quite the jack of all trades. He can repair armor, sharpen weapons, sew and cook."

"Yeah, he's quite the interesting fellow."

"It will be good for you to go as well since you've been cooped up in this city your whole childhood. I'm certain that you want a grand adventure."

"Grand adventure? Is that really something a city lord can go on?"

"Probably not~. I can handle most of the duties while you're away but please don't go on long expeditions. People will start looking down on you if you do not do your responsibilities as a city lord. A revolt will likely not be an impossibility."

"When have I ever cared for the opinion of others?" Arnold said coolly.

"Merchants will also never trade with us or be willing to start businesses."

Arnold went silent. That meant that he would lose money.

"W-Well…."

"That is the reason why you must always fulfil your duties. Let people see a side of Arnold von Berkley who can be relied on. Make use of the resources that was wasted on your education since childhood. Do not embarrass the family any further."

'This maid sure is straight-forward. Were it anyone else then they'd be fired.'

The two shared a long history together so it wasn't entirely strange for her to speak so bluntly in private. She was also the person he could honestly speak to.

"You're right."

"I'm always right, young master."

Arnold rolled his eyes. Well, he couldn't deny that.

"Are we done now?" He lifted his upper body and noticed how shiny it was from the oil. The oil was causing his body temperature to rise. He could feel it work almost immediately after being applied.

"It seems I've covered all the areas with the medicine so yes. We're done." Victoria stood up and climbed off the bed. She unfolded her maid uniform and put it back on.

The heavenly sight before Arnold's eyes disappeared as quickly as it appeared. He burned that sight of her near naked self into his brain.

"I will be back early tomorrow morning to give you the potion. Your arm should be able to function as normal once you consume it." Victoria wiped her hands.

'This world's medical technology sure is advanced. It's a shame that I won't be able to see that wonderful body again.'

"I can tell what you're thinking about from your eyes. You pervert." Victoria looked at him as if he was a little brat.

"A-Ahem." Arnold cleared his throat. "Alright then. I'll be waiting."

"Go right to sleep. Don't go to the servant chambers to get into one of their beds. You need to rest tonight."

Victoria said as she opened the door. She looked back at him just as she was about to leave.

"Hm? Is something wrong?" Arnold asked when he noticed that Victoria didn't leave yet.

She smiled before turning her head out to the room. "No... Goodnight..."

Then she closed the door behind her.

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