Asther’s day is far from over. Just like yesterday, he went out and proceeded to surveying the whole of the manor. Aiming to go straight for the third floor which is his target. Before this, he gave one instruction to Octavia.“Sit near the window and don’t sleep yet.”“What? Why do I need to do that?” Octavia asked.“Just do as I say.” Asther said.“You know, leaving out some details to your plans doesn’t actually count as you being convincing.”“I know.” Was all that Asther said as he finally went outside the room.There are a few items he brought along with him this time around. It isn’t just learning how to smith that Asther did in the forge. No. With the gold coins that he used to pay for his lessons, Asther also requested a hook and a key.Both these items were gladly given by his master because, these don’t even amount to much. Hence, with just these items with him, Asther continued to the next phase of his plans.However, he isn’t able to move just as quickly this time around.
“It’s definitely them.” Vanessa went up the flight of stairs with hurried steps.“You sound so confident about it.” Ernest replied.“Why? Do you think anyone else would dare cause a commotion at the Ragencliff manor at this time of the night?” Vanessa asked. “They are the closest to the manor, not to mention that they are with that woman who’d put the household in a tight spot.”“That doesn’t even prove anything.” Ernest replied. “We haven’t even gotten any solid evidence on any misdeed. At most, we’d only look like fools by barging in right now.”“We’d look more like fools if we don’t do any action.” Vanessa replied. “We have a good reason for entering their rooms anyway. I’m sure that they heard the commotion as loudly as we did.”“Well I still think that this is a bad idea nonetheless.”“Are you trying to pick a fight with me?”“Of course not.” Ernest said. “Why are you in such a sour mood anyway?”“Why else? Whoever did this shenanigans also ruined the mood I had going on.”Ernest
A slap to the face. This is the first thing that Asther received as soon as he told the news of the events to Claire. He was actually expecting a different response, thinking that Claire is far different from an ordinary woman. Turns out that he was wrong.Not in the part that Claire is extraordinary of course. Instead, he thinks that whatever the status and bearing of a woman is, she would be ashamed of Asther for what happened.“I think I need to come up with different strategies in case instances like last night arise.” Asther muttered to himself.“What are you thinking about sir?” A maid’s voice made Asther’s head turn just a bit.“Just a passing thought.” Was the teen’s whimsical reply.The day after the operation, it isn’t only a slap which Asther received. The teen also needed to go back to town. This is for the sake of the new mission that he needs to finish. Those that are connected to the Ragencliff household and to the secrets that lie behind the door on the third floor.Ho
“I’ll be waiting for you outside.” The maid said as she opened the store’s door.“’Kay.” Was Asther’s short reply.Asther thought that it was weird that the maid finally left him alone. But then again, the current situation doesn’t need any kind of supervision anymore. The teen is done buying the crystals and all he needs to do is pay.“Alright that would be worth five silver coins.” The merchant said.The man, who has yet to introduce himself, stood behind the counter. Asther didn’t have time to notice it before but, this person is actually quite tall. Other than this, he has a natural blue hair that fit quite well with his job of selling mana crystals. Items that have a similar shade to his hair.Other than this, the merchant’s eyes are golden yellow. This set of eyes is focused on only a single thing at that moment. That is, the coin pouch Asther brough out.“See? I knew you had a lot of money with you.” The merchant said in a triumphant tone. As if he was in some kind of competiti
“Are we done for today?” This is the question which the maid asked as soon as they left the shop.“Yeah. I think that would be all.” Asther replied.“You really just went here to have a couple of weapons imbued with low grade mana crystals huh.” The maid said in a doubtful tone.“Well it’s not like lady Claire could be bothered by such a menial task don’t you agree?”“Hmmm…yes. I guess that’s correct.” Was all that the maid said in reply.Everything has been going according to Asther’s plans up to that point. Not only this but, Asther also has a lot of time to spare. According to what Ernest said, Rune Ragencliff will be coming within five more days. This means that Asther has more than enough time to finish his preparations and, execute the final phase of his plans.All he needs is to craft the key using the mana stones that he has. Even if he fails the first time, Asther knows that he won’t do so with his successive attempts.He will be able to open the door and unveil the secrets o
Ernest went with Rune, assisting his young master back to his room. Of course Rune already knows where his room is. But the reason why Ernest is there is to keep his master company.There should always be someone whom Rune can command when he pleases. Ernest can’t leave this job to the other butlers because, if they fail, then it would also reflect on him. That’s why he personally attended to Rune.He entered the room of the young nobleman whom he assisted. They haven’t exchanged any words yet and Ernest knows how easily his master could be bored if not spoken to. That’s why he asked the first thing that came to his mind.“Young master, why are you back so early?”Rune raised an eyebrow. “You sound like you don’t want me to be here Ernest.”“F-Forgive me young master. That is not my intention at all.”Ernest bowed his head. He didn’t think that Rune would easily be irritated by such a harmless question. Luckily for him, his young master didn’t seem to be thinking of punishing him at t
There are three hours left before dinner time. Within this interval, Ernest went to Claire and her servants. Telling all of them that the evening would be special. With food, ambiance and everything else being prepared for the occasion.Asther didn’t need to ask why this is so. He knows that the reason is because of formalities. With Rune Ragencliff also being there, that means that he will have to be on his best behavior in front of Claire. Furthermore, he needs to show something grand as the Ildefonso’s fiancé.With this announcement, the butler went on his way. Leaving Claire, Asther, and Octavia to themselves. Claire nodded her head and Octavia immediately understood what this meant. Activating the rune spell which covered the whole room in a soundproof barrier. Allowing the three to conduct their conversation in peace.“What do you think?” Asther asked Claire.“There’s gotta be a plan here.” Claire claimed. “He won’t be showing up this early if he isn’t cooking up some scheme.”“
The dinner finally started. Supposedly, only Claire and Rune should be sitting down and eating. This is the preference of the young Ragencliff nobleman. However, Claire didn’t let him do as he pleased.“Can you repeat what you just said Claire?”“Fine. I won’t be eating with you if my servants can’t eat alongside me.”Rune and Claire exchanged glares. Neither one of them is letting up. They both have their pride as members of nobility after all. In a situation such as that, letting the other do as he or she pleased means that this person will also be acknowledged as naturally higher than the other.Neither Claire nor Rune wants this. Both would probably prefer starving to death that evening than letting the other win.“Are we really going to fight over something like this?” Rune asked.“We wouldn’t be arguing if you just let me do as I please.”“Look here, it is customary for any nobility to eat with others of the same status that has always been the case.” Rune said. “Why would you a