They followed behind him, their hearts still heavy but walking a little lighter now—because he was still the sa Javier, even on the edge of war and separation.
Tonight, they would eat together, laugh together, and pretend—just for a while—that everything was still as it always had been.
"Liana… Gloria…" Javier's voice softened as he paused just outside the dining room, golden rays of the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the polished marble floor.
They stopped as well, turning to face him properly.
"Yes, young master?" they replied in unison, both looking at him with calm expressions—but their eyes betrayed the tension in their hearts.
He looked at them, really looked.
These two had been by his side since childhood. They had protected him, cared for him, and stood beside him through danger, laughter, and loss. And now… he had to leave them behind.
"Make sure you both finish your training while I'm gone." His voice was firm, without hesitation.
"I don't know how long it'll take." He glanced down briefly, then t their eyes again.
"But please… ensure your own safety first."
Gloria opened her mouth slightly, ready to argue.
Liana gently stepped forward. "Young master—"
He cut her off, raising a hand.
"I didn't want to hear 'no.'" His tone was quiet but unshakable.
"I don't want to split with you two. Even if it's just temporary, I hate it." He took a breath, gripping the edge of the doorway.
"But knowing how dangerous this mission is… I don't want to lose either of you again." His voice lowered, eyes shadowed by the weight of mory.
"…So please. Just this once, listen to without question."
Liana looked away, biting her lip, hands trembling as they clutched the edge of her skirt.
Gloria lowered her head, her voice a whisper.
"Young master…"
A mont passed. Then another.
Liana stepped forward and placed a hand gently over his. Her touch was soft and warm.
"We will, young master," she said at last.
"We'll finish the training. We'll survive… and we'll be stronger when you co back."
Gloria followed, reaching for his other hand.
"So you better co back fast… or I'll hunt you down myself." She forced a teasing smile, but her eyes shimred.
Javier chuckled, closing his eyes for a mont as he held both their hands tightly.
"I'll be back. That's a promise."
Javier entered the dining room with his usual relaxed gait, hands tucked into his pockets, but his eyes scanned the familiar space with a tightness in his chest. He was going to miss this—the warmth, the comfort, the scent of ho.
As he stepped in, the kitchen door swung open.
The head chef erged with a group of kitchen staff behind him, trays of ingredients ready to go—fresh vegetables, seasoned ats, baskets of bread, and neatly arranged spices on silver platters.
But before anyone could move further—
"Please wait."
Liana stepped in swiftly, her tone calm but resolute.
Gloria was right behind her. "We'll be handling the cooking today."
The head chef paused, blinked, then gave a knowing nod.
"Very well. All yours." He gestured for the other chefs to stand by. "Prepare the ingredients. Assist as needed—but do not interfere."
"Yes, Chef!" the kitchen team answered in unison before moving with brisk discipline.
Liana and Gloria entered the kitchen, tying their aprons and rolling up their sleeves in perfect sync, their hair tied neatly. Though neither said it aloud, the energy between them was clear:
This dinner… is special.
In the dining hall, the household maids had already begun setting the table. A long, polished darkwood table lined with simple but elegant silverware. They placed Javier's favorite chilled fruit drink at his right and the woven Armand family napkin over the plate.
Javier watched them quietly, chin resting on his hand.
"Putting in a lot of effort today, huh?" he muttered with a smirk.
One of the maids bowed politely, smiling.
He leaned back in the chair, gazing at the flickering chandeliers above, thoughts drifting.
Just one quiet night.
Before I leave them behind.
The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air—roasted seasoned at, soft buttered vegetables, warm spiced soup, and perfectly baked bread. Liana and Gloria walked in step, each carrying a tray in both hands, their movents precise, silent, and graceful.
The other maids and staff instinctively stepped aside.
No one else was allowed to touch the food.
Javier watched quietly as both girls moved with full focus, carefully placing each dish in front of him. As the silver covers lifted, steam rose to reveal the al—perfectly presented, a kind of care only those closest to him could provide.
Once everything was arranged, they stepped back together, standing just behind him, hands folded in front of their aprons. Their gazes were calm, but sothing heavy lingered behind them—unspoken emotion.
Javier didn't pick up his fork imdiately. Instead, he turned to them.
"Liana. Gloria."
"Yes, young master?" they responded in perfect sync.
"Co sit. Let's eat together."
There was a pause. Liana's eyes shifted down. Gloria's fingers twitched slightly.
"We can't, young master," Liana said softly. "You know the rules. We're not allowed to sit with our master during als."
"Yeah," Gloria added with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Even if we're personal maids, we serve from behind."
Javier leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table as he tilted his head at them.
"I already have permission from Father."
They both looked at him—surprised.
"You do?" Gloria asked slowly.
"He said I'll be leaving tomorrow… and told to enjoy tonight with you two."
He smiled faintly, but his voice held unmistakable warmth. "So please. Sit. Eat with . As Liana and Gloria—not just as my maids."
The silence stretched for a mont.
Then slowly, Liana stepped forward, her steps uncertain.
Gloria followed, biting her lip. "…Just this once."
They both sat at the table across from him. Liana carefully adjusted her skirt while Gloria looked down at her plate, cheeks slightly red.
Javier picked up his fork, then smiled.
"Let's eat."
Later that night.
The warm light of the bedside lamp bathed the room in a soft, golden hue. The curtains swayed slightly in the evening breeze coming through the slightly opened window. Javier lay between the two girls, his arms around both of them.
Neither of them had spoken for a while. They simply stayed close, cherishing the silence, as if the mont might vanish if broken.
Then, softly—
"Young master…" Liana whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
"Young master…" Gloria echoed, her tone equally gentle.
Javier turned his head slightly. "Yeah?"
They didn't answer with words. Instead, both leaned in slowly, their eyes eting his—filled with affection, worry, and longing. Without waiting for permission, they kissed him—Liana on one side, soft and careful; Gloria on the other, a little more daring. Their lips t his gently, tender and warm.
The kiss didn't last long. But it lingered—in his heart, in the room, and in the warmth they shared beneath the sheets.
After pulling back, Liana pressed her forehead to his chest.
"Don't get hurt out there… please."
"We'll train hard," Gloria added, her voice soft but firm. "So we can be stronger… strong enough to stand beside you."
Javier smiled faintly, pulling them both closer.
"You already are."
The three lay in silence again, tangled in blankets and quiet feelings. No more words were needed that night.
( End Of Chapter )
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