Liana stood in the courtyard, the morning sun warming the stone beneath her feet. Several manor workers lingered nearby, chatting idly as they waited.
Today was the day the ore shipment was due to arrive.
The deal had been finalized two days ago.
Three gold coins, handed over by my mischievous young master with far too much enthusiasm. The merchant was expected soon, bringing not just the usual supplies of grain, oil, and produce, but also an unusually large quantity of iron ore.
Liana kept her hands clasped in front of her, standing in a graceful and elegant posture, while the Armand workers occasionally stole glances at her beauty.
What exactly is he planning to do with so much ore?
I did try to ask him what he was going to do with that much ore, but all he said was "just want to try something."
That boy is always up to something. I just hope this doesn't end with me explaining things to Madam Francesca.
A low rumble in the distance signaled the arrival of the merchant caravan. The workers straightened. Wagons rolled into view, their wheels creaking under the weight of the cargo.
The lead merchant, a stocky man in a wide-brimmed hat, dismounted and greeted her with a respectful nod.
"Miss Liana. Your special order has arrived, along with the usual supplies."
"Thank you. Please have the workers sort the shipment as usual. The ore will need to be stored separately."
"Of course."
He signaled his men, and the unloading began. Sacks of grain, barrels of oil, crates of fresh produce—all carried off toward the storerooms. Among the goods, several heavy crates marked with a special insignia sat apart from the rest.
Liana inspected each one personally, running her fingers over the markings, ensuring everything was accounted for.
"Help me move these crates to the new workspace the young master requested."
"Yes, Miss Liana."
The workers gathered and began pushing the loaded carts across the courtyard. Liana followed, keeping a watchful eye on their progress.
The workspace stood in a secluded corner of the estate grounds—a newly built shed that Javier had insisted on having constructed. Simple but sturdy, with solid walls and a wide wooden workbench. Shelves lined the walls, empty and waiting.
The workers unloaded the crates and arranged them neatly near the bench. Liana surveyed the setup, her arms crossed.
This should keep him occupied for a while.
She dismissed the workers with a nod. They bowed and returned to their other duties.
At least he's staying busy. But I'll need to keep an eye on him. Trouble has a way of finding that boy, or perhaps he has a way of finding it.
Liana glanced at the crates before glancing around.
Now… where is that handsome, mischievous young master of mine?
She glanced at the Pekko pen not too far from Javier's personal workshop.
The Pekkos who were relaxing outside the pen squawked at her approach, and Liana noticed their troughs were empty.
Sigh. Looks like these Pekkos haven't eaten yet.
She checked the bag of special feed, measured out portions, and put it in the troughs before she refilled the water.
She smiled, crossing her arms, glancing at the two huge Pekkos now eating the Pekko manure in contentment, squawking happily.
I guess I'll go find that cheeky boy at the manor.
After arriving at the manor, she stopped a maid in the hallway. "Have you seen the young master this morning?"
"No, Miss Liana. I haven't seen him at all today."
"Weird… I tried checking the Pekko pen. He wasn't there. What about the library?"
The other maid bowed softly before shaking her head. "No, Miss Liana. I just finished cleaning the library. The young master wasn't there."
"Oh." Liana nodded before the other maid continued.
"Maybe the young master is in the dining room?"
Liana nodded. "Thank you. You all may continue with your work."
All the household maids bowed at Liana before continuing on their way.
Well… I guess I'll go check the main dining room.
Once she arrived, she noticed one figure at the end of the long table.
Ah… There he is.
Javier sat at the long dining table, cheerfully devouring a thick slice of steak as if he hadn't eaten in days. His expression was pure satisfaction.
Liana let out a long, weary exhale before walking toward him.
"Young Master."
Javier looked up, his mouth half-full. "Mmph? Yes, Liana?"
"The ore you ordered has arrived. It's been placed in the new workshop."
His eyes lit up. "Oh! Nice!"
He gestured toward the seat beside him, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Wanna eat together, Liana?"
Liana folded her arms. "A maid and her master cannot eat together in the main dining area. You know the rules, Young Master."
Javier leaned back in his chair, flashing his usual trademark grin. "Rules, schmules. I don't care about those. Besides, it's just us here."
Liana's eyes narrowed. "Do not encourage the other maids to bend the rules. You know Lord Garius and Lady Francesca do not tolerate it. If another maid followed your example, she could be dismissed. Do you want that on your conscience?"
Javier paused for a moment before grinning and cutting a small piece of steak with his fork. He held it out toward her. "Here. If you won't sit, at least have a bite."
Liana blinked, caught off guard by his gesture. "Young Master…"
"Come on, Liana. I'll keep it between us. Nobody will know," he said, flashing his most innocent smile.
She opened her mouth to protest.
He wiggled the fork. "Say 'ahh.'"
A flush crept up her cheeks despite herself. She shot him a pointed look before leaning forward and taking the bite.
"There. Happy now?"
Javier beamed. "Very. It's good, right?"
Liana rolled her eyes. "…It is."
"See? I told you it'd be worth it."
"Just don't let anyone catch you doing this," she said, straightening her posture and composing herself. "You might enjoy bending the rules, but I have no intention of being dragged down with you."
Javier laughed and took another bite of his steak, clearly unbothered.
Liana glanced around the room. Her expression shifted.
"Young Master. There should be at least one or two maids attending you during meals. Where are they?"
Javier's fork paused mid-air. "Err… I told them to go eat their breakfast?"
Liana's face suddenly turned serious. "They should not have done that. They are assigned to attend you, especially when I am not present. Where are they?"
Javier leaned back in his chair, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Calm down, Liana. Chill. Relax."
Liana's expression remained composed, but her eyes were sharp as she shook her head slightly. "Young Master, that is against the household rules. When we are on duty, our role is to serve and remain attentive to your needs. Allowing them to leave their post is a breach of conduct."
Javier sighed and set down his fork. "Alright. I get it. I'm sorry. Next time, I'll make sure someone stays."
"Young Master, household maids are allowed to relax when they aren't actively attending to the family or their assigned tasks. That's why they have their own early breakfast before starting their duties. But when they are attending you or anyone else in the family, they must follow the household rules without exception."
Javier leaned back, his fork still in hand. "Alright, but they were just taking a break. What's the harm?"
"The maids here were selected for their talent and dedication. They understand their roles within the household. Their responsibilities during meals are crucial and require their full attention. Outside of that, they have plenty of time to rest, eat, and manage their tasks, such as cleaning and organizing. It's not like they're overworked."
She adjusted the napkin on her arm as she continued, her tone softening.
"But when they are present, they must uphold their duties properly. Allowing them to relax or neglect their responsibilities during these key moments sets a bad example and could affect the household's overall discipline. You wouldn't want Lord Garius or Lady Francesca to think the staff is incompetent, would you?"
Javier sighed and shrugged, conceding with a faint smile. "Alright, I get it, Liana."
Liana gave a small, approving nod. "It's not about me, Young Master. It's about ensuring the household runs smoothly and that everyone understands their roles."
( End Of Chapter )