One day ter.

  “Good morning, Penelope!” Alice chirped.

  “Good morning,” Penelope replied, smiling. “You’re up early.”

  “I always wake up at dawn,” Alice expined. “Men used to come into our cell and take Mom away to… Korsaid? Something like that. Anyway, waking up early just became a habit.”

  “I see,” Penelope said gently.

  “I found some dried meat and fresh vegetables in your kitchen, so I made breakfast,” Alice announced proudly. She grabbed Penelope’s hand and eagerly pulled her toward the food. “Look! I cooked for everyone. It’s my favorite—Mom used to make it for us before Dad got home from work.”

  “It looks delicious,” Penelope said.

  “It is!” Alice agreed.

  “What’s all the commotion?” Zigyor asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

  “Alice was up with the sun,” Monica added, yawning.

  “Perfect! Everyone’s here,” Alice excimed. “Let’s eat before it gets cold!”

  “Okay,” Penelope said. “I’ll go wake Albert.”

  A few moments ter, everyone was seated around the dining table, eyeing the steaming goush.

  “What are you waiting for? Let’s eat!” Alice excimed.

  “Wow! This is amazing,” Zigyor said, already halfway through his first bite.

  Monica, after her first taste, was equally impressed. “This is incredible! It reminds me of my grandmother’s goush. What did you put in it?”

  “Nothing special,” Alice replied. “Just Gloomshade Mushrooms and Wyrmwood Leaves.”

  “Oh,” Monica said, surprised.

  “And you happened to have a ton of them growing in behind your kitchen,” Alice added.

  “But aren’t those… dangerous?” Penelope asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

  “Not if you prepare them right,” Alice expined. “My mother taught me. You have to boil the Gloomshade Mushrooms until they turn bck, and then smoke the Wyrmwood Leaves for a few minutes to dry them out. When they crack, they’re perfect.”

  “I see,” Penelope said, relieved.

  With Alice’s delicious and early breakfast, the morning was off to a wonderful start.

  The day after tomorrow.

  In front of Penelope’s parents’ house, Alice asked, “When are you taking me with you?”

  “Soon,” Penelope reassured her. “I promised, didn’t I? I won’t forget.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise,” Penelope affirmed. “I swear by the System’s creator, I’ll take you with me.”

  Tears welled up in Alice’s eyes, and she threw her arms around Penelope. Penelope hugged her back, gncing at her parents, who stood nearby. They exchanged a knowing look, a silent agreement to care for Alice.

  Penelope knelt and gently wiped the tears from Alice’s round cheeks. “Be good while we’re gone, okay? Don’t make my parents sad.”

  “I… I will,” Alice whispered, sobbing.

  “Mom, Dad,” Penelope said, turning to her parents, “please take care of her for me.”

  “We will,” her mother replied, embracing Penelope.

  “Father,” Penelope continued, her voice thick with emotion, “watch over her. She’s been through so much, and she has no one else. I want her to have a normal childhood, to just… be a child. Please, take care of her.”

  “Don’t worry, my daughter,” her father said, his voice gruff but gentle. “As long as I’m alive, no one will hurt a hair on her head.”

  “There you go again,” Penelope teased, a small smile gracing her lips. “Always so protective.”

  “Hahaha! You know your old man,” he chuckled.

  A few meters away, Penelope called out, “Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Take care of Alice for me!”

  Just before they stepped into the carriage, Alice ran back to Penelope for one st, tearful embrace.

  Inside the carriage.

  “She’s grown fond of you,” Monica observed.

  “I don’t completely understand it either,” Penelope admitted. “But whatever it is, I’ll do anything to make her happy. Just not right now.” She took Albert’s right arm, holding it close to her chest, her cheek resting against his shoulder. “Albert and I will, someday.”

  Seven years ter, Albert and his team retired from adventuring. Zigyor purchased a rge plot of nd near his childhood home in Velhein Vilge, within the Duchy of Mistveil. He established himself as a smith in the nearby town of Gordalha. That same year, Zigyor and Monica married. They, along with Albert and Penelope, were summoned before the king, who expressed his gratitude for their heroic deeds, particurly their role in eliminating dangerous criminals who threatened the kingdom’s safety. Albert was elevated to Duke and granted the territory of Eldoria in the west. Penelope, as Albert’s future wife, received no nd of her own. Zigyor declined a nd grant, requesting only a small plot near the eastern outskirts of Mistveil. However, the king, aware of Monica’s affiliation with the Holy Church, bestowed upon him a much rger tract of nd in that area. It ter became known as Zigyor Vilge, though, only they resided there.

  Upon leaving the king’s summons, they decided to make one st stop—an unannounced visit to Penelope’s parents. As they arrived, their eyes were drawn to a striking young woman, about 5’7” tall. She wore a flowing floral dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Large, velvety white ears, characteristic of her beastkin heritage, framed a face of delicate beauty. A cascade of shimmering silver hair flowed down her back, and a fluffy, wolf-like tail swayed gently as she hung rge pieces of wet silk cloth to dry.

  “Alice!” a familiar voice called from behind.

  Tears welled in Alice’s luminous silver eyes as she recognized the voice. “Penelope!” she cried.

  They ran towards each other and embraced warmly.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” Alice excimed, her voice filled with emotion.

  “All these years of waiting… even your letters weren’t enough. But finally!”

  “I missed you too,” Penelope replied, her eyes sparkling. “And… you’ve grown so much! You were so little when I left, but now… you’re absolutely stunning. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

  Alice’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she smiled shyly.

  “Father! Mother! I’m home!” Penelope called out.

  “Penelope, my daughter!” her mother excimed, rushing forward to embrace her. “I’ve missed you terribly. Your father and I have been so worried about you, hearing about all those dangerous commissions.”

  “Let’s go inside and talk,” her father suggested, his voice warm.

  Penelope embraced him warmly. “I’ve missed you too, Father.”

  Her father then turned to Albert and the others. “Come in, everyone. Let’s have some tea.”

  At the round dining table, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.

  “What do you like? Coffee, hot chocote, or tea?” Penelope’s father asked.

  Alice immediately raised her hand and cleared her throat. “I would like a cup of steaming hot tea, please,” she said proudly, trying to mimic a noble manner of speaking.

  Penelope’s father huffed. “Brat,” he muttered with a smirk.

  “I prefer coffee,” Monica chimed in. “Honey, what about you?”

  “Do you have a drink for a man like us? You know what I mean,” Zigyor said with a grin.

  “Haha! Of course,” Penelope’s father replied. “And you, Albert?”

  “Just a steaming hot tea is enough,” Albert said.

  “Oh, come on! You’re being modest,” Zigyor insisted, assuming Albert would opt for something stronger.

  “And how about you, my beautiful daughter?” Penelope’s father continued, a teasing glint in his eye.

  “You’re exaggerating. Just give me coffee,” Penelope said casually, rolling her eyes.

  “If I’m exaggerating, then how come a very handsome man like Albert is crazy in love with you?” he teased.

  “Oh, shut up, Dad! Just serve us our drinks already.”

  “You’re no fun,” Penelope’s father said before heading to the kitchen.

  “By the way,” Penelope’s mother began, “what’s your pn now?”

  “Mother, we were recently summoned by the King.”

  “What? What happened? Did you offend him somehow?” her mother asked, concern etched on her face.

  “Rex, Mother. It’s not like that. In fact, it’s the opposite. The King bestowed authority upon us. He named Albert as a Duke and gave him the western part of the Kingdom to rule.”

  “What! The Duchy of Eldoria!?” she excimed, her eyes wide with shock.

  “What’s going on?” Penelope’s father asked, returning with the drinks.

  “Come sit down, Dad,” Penelope said.

  “Look at that,” he grumbled. “You started without me. Now I’m completely in the dark.”

  “Stop being dramatic and just sit down,” Penelope said.

  Penelope then recounted the entire story, from beginning to end

  “Mom, Dad, I want you to come with us to Mymnna.”

  Her mother gnced at her husband.

  “Penelope,” her father said, “we are so happy for you. You’ve achieved something that seemed impossible. As your parents, we are very proud of you. But your mother and I can’t leave this pce. Please understand.”

  Penelope’s expression turned somber. “I know. This nd holds thousands of our generation.”

  “Anyway,” Penelope shifted her tone, “it’s peaceful here. Perfect for a vacation, right, love?”

  “It is. This pce has beautiful scenery, and the people are humble and courteous,” Albert replied.

  “And there are plenty of open fields that grow several types of flowers,” Monica chimed in.

  “Thank you,” Penelope’s father said. “You are all welcome to visit anytime. There are many blue and green flowers here, too.”

  Noticing the somber mood, Penelope’s father asked, “What happened? Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, it’s not like that,” Monica said. “It just happens that we buried our te teammate in the field where the Blue Skaliant and Green Gardienant flowers grow. They were her favorite.”

  “Oh, I see. I remember her from my daughter’s letters and Alice’s statements. Her name was Tiffany, right? I’m so sorry; it wasn’t my intention to bring it up.”

  “It’s fine, Monica said, “We just reacted unconsciously. Maybe it’s because we’re still hurting. But don’t worry about us; we’ll be fine.”

  Penelope’s mother interjected. “Monica, and you too, Zigyor, if life ever becomes too hard for you, you can always retreat to this pce. I often remind my daughter that fame and wealth won’t always be a help. Respite is necessary. This pce is always open to you all; please remember that.”

  “We will. Thank you Mrs. Xynder.”

  “Thank you too, Mr. Xynder,” Zigyor chimed in.

  Penelope turned her attention to Alice who was quietly listening to the conversation. “Alice, tomorrow morning we are going to leave. So pack your things, okay.”

  “Yes, Madame, “ Alice happily said.

  “Oh, don’t call me madame. I’m not your madame. From now on, just call me by my name, okay.”

  “Okay.”

  Penelope saw her parents sad reaction toward Alice’s impending departure. “Oh, mom. Dad. You know this will happen right?”

  “I know, it’s just… Alice has grown so much in our heart,” Penelope’s mother said.

  “Hey, grandma, stop that sad face already. I’m still here.”

  “It’s still sad, you brat!” Penelope’s father said.

  “Grandpa.”

  She stood from her seat and held them in a loving embrace from behind. “I’ll write you letters so you don’t feel so sad anymore, okay. And I’ll visit you whenever I have the free time.”

  “Don’t say that, brat. You have to visit us from time to time.”

  “Okay then. I’ll visit you from time to time.”

  “Good. Your grandma and I will always be waiting.”

  The time had come for them to say goodbye once again. Maria, Penelope’s mother, took a long moment before releasing Alice from her embrace, sobbing softly. Arthur, Penelope’s father, with tears in his eyes, also bid a heartfelt farewell to Alice. After all the emotional goodbyes, they climbed into the carriage and left the vilge. Later, near the city’s border, Monica and Zigyor took their separate path as well. The two days they had spent together were filled with joyful tears and bittersweet farewells.

  Back at the present moment.

  “Master,” Alice asked hesitantly, “may I ask you something?”

  “Of course,” Leon replied, though his eyes remained on his book.

  “It’s just… you seem a little different today,” Alice murmured.

  Leon looked up, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Different how?”

  Alice, suddenly flustered, closed her book and knelt before him, her head bowed. “Forgive me, Master, if I’ve offended you.”

  “No, no, it’s alright,” Leon said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Actually, there is something I wanted to tell you.”

  Alice remained kneeling, her eyes fixed on him, a silent plea for him to continue.

  “This morning, Erica and I were training in the garden,” Leon began. “I learned a great deal from her – the basics of the Pangaea System, how to check my status, information about inherent skills… But the most important lesson was about the dangers of carelessness as an adventurer.”

  “Oh?” Alice’s curiosity was piqued. “What sort of dangers?”

  Leon paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Apparently,” he said, “it’s my habit of… inadvertently resting my hands on maidens’ bosoms.”

  A moment of silence.

  Alice couldn’t meet Leon’s gaze, speechless.

  “I expected a wild reaction,” Leon said, a slight smile pying on his lips, “but you seem rather sheepish.”

  “Master,” Alice asked, her voice barely a whisper, “are you going to… shun me now?”

  “Of course not,” Leon chuckled. “I just need to learn a little more restraint.”

  “Does… does that mean you don’t… want my bosom anymore?” Alice stammered, her face flushing crimson.

  Leon’s smile faltered. “Why would you put it like that?”

  Alice bowed deeply. “Forgive me, Master.”

  “Alright, alright,” Leon said, waving his hand dismissively. “Raise your head. Go back to your seat, Alice.”

  “Yes, Master,” she replied, quickly returning to her pce.

  “Do you know why I’m telling you all this?” Leon asked, his tone turning serious.

  “Perhaps…” Alice murmured.

  Leon sighed. “Erica expined that mindfulness is crucial for any adventurer. One mistake can be fatal. She warned me that the world out there is far more dangerous than I realize. If I’m not careful, I could easily meet my end.”

  Alice fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

  “I’m sorry, Master,” Alice said, her voice trembling slightly. “I was just worried about your sudden change. I wasn’t aware of this… matter you’re concerned about. Don’t worry, Master. I’ll always be by your side to protect you. I swear it on Penelope’s name.”

  “Why my mother’s name?” Leon asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

  “Oh,” Alice replied, a touch of sadness entering her tone. “I suppose you don’t know. It’s a long story. Would you like to hear it?”

  “I would,” Leon said, closing the book on his p and setting it aside. “Please tell me.”

  Alice took a deep breath. “I was a captive of drug dealers. After my mother died, I lost all hope. I wept constantly, ready to join her in death. But three days ter, a group of adventurers attacked. During the battle, a powerful earthquake shook the entire byrinth. The tremors in our cell were terrifying. I was certain I would die, but… I was almost resigned to it. I had nothing left to lose. But I survived.

  “Then, minutes ter, I saw them – the adventurers. Tears streamed down my face uncontrolbly. I… I thought I was seeing my mother. I know it sounds crazy. I wiped my eyes, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. And there she was. A tall, silver-haired woman, at least five-foot-eight. Her silver eyes, the shape of her face, her smile, her slender figure… even the way she spoke. It was like looking at my mother. I was in shock. From that moment on, I knew I had to be with her. I had to find a way. Seven years ter… she took me in. And now, I’m here.”

  Leon was silent for a moment, deep in thought.

  “I like your story. I never realized you and Mom had such a close retionship. But why are you a maid?”

  “You mean why I chose to be a maid? Well, I love what I do. Serving your parents makes me feel good and content. Plus, I’m good at house chores anyway. I was even there when you were about to come out from Penelope’s…”

  “Stop right there! I know what you meant. Anyway, thank you for sharing your story. I felt moved.”

  She stood up suddenly and sat on Leon’s p, wrapping her arms around him in a heartfelt embrace. “Oh, Master, thank you.”

  Leon found himself enveloped in her warmth. “Would you like to let go now?” His voice was muffled against her bosom.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Master. I overreacted.”

  Leon exhaled deeply. “If you want to help, I suggest you heed my request. Otherwise, how can I learn self-restraint?”

  “Yes, Master. I’ll do as you command.”

  “Thank you. And please, fix your blouse—I can see your nipples.”

  “I made it this way just for you,” she mumbled.

  “What? What did you say?”

  “Ah, nothing, Master,” she replied quickly. “Done!”

  “Let’s wrap things up,” Leon said.

  “Are we leaving already? But we’re not finished reading.”

  “Then read the rest for me. I need the information by tomorrow morning.”

  “Right, Master.”

  “I’ll be going now,” Leon said.

  At the east wing of the castle, overlooking the manicured gardens, Leon scanned the vibrant greenery. Erica was nowhere to be seen. A faint frown creased his brow. “Where could she have gone?” he murmured to himself, a sliver of unease creeping into his thoughts. He hadn’t expected their training session to end that way.

  Deciding to search for her, he turned and walked briskly towards the main pace, the click of his boots echoing on the polished stone pathway. He entered through a side door, bypassing the grand entrance, and slipped into a nearby lift. He grasped the thick, braided rope and gave it a sharp tug. With a groaning of gears and a gentle lurch, the lift began its descent from the third floor to the ground level.

  The lift doors slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing the cavernous expanse of the main hall. Leon stepped out, his gaze sweeping across the polished marble floors and the towering, arched windows. A sense of disquiet settled over him. The hall, usually bustling with activity, was eerily deserted. Even the maids, who were perpetually dusting the ornate furniture and polishing the gleaming chandeliers, were absent. The only sound was the faint hum of the pace’s ventition system and the distant trickle of a fountain in the inner courtyard.

  “Hello?” Leon called out, his voice echoing in the vast space. Silence answered him. He walked further into the hall, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpets. He peered into the adjacent drawing room, its elegant furniture pristine and gleaming beneath the soft lighting, and then into the grand ballroom, its crystal chandeliers casting long, ghostly shadows. Still no one.