Morning.
Armand Estate.
Main Dining Hall.
The hall was quiet except for the soft clinking of silverware.
Sunlight stread through the tall arched windows, painting golden lines across the long dining table.
At the head of the table, Garius sat calm and composed as always. To his right, Francesca, elegant and graceful, sipped her tea with asured poise. To his left, Garcinia, and beside her, Phenelopie. Further down, Eridith, smiling faintly while slicing through her at breakfast.
The rest of the Armand children sat in their proper order along both sides, each quietly eating and whispering in hushed tones.
At the far end of the table sat Javier, posture casual but still proper enough not to earn Francesca’s scolding gaze. Behind him, standing a respectful step back, were Liana and Gloria.
Not far beside Javier, Kliatana sat stiffly, her back straight, her hands clasped around her fork and knife. Her eyes darted nervously between her plate and the long table, barely touching her food.
"Kliatana."
She flinched lightly. "Y–yes... Lord... Ga..Garius?"
The Count cut another slice of steak, ate it leisurely, and then spoke without looking up.
"You may live in this estate and receive treatnt the sa as my sons and daughters." His tone was steady. "From this day forward, you are not a guest, but a mber of this household."
The dining hall fell silent.
Kliatana froze, her fork trembling slightly before she quickly set it down.
Garius continued, still cutting his steak with perfect rhythm.
"You will be assigned a personal maid. Erinnette will choose one or two suitable for you after breakfast. If you are hungry, you may ask the chef to prepare your al. There is no need for hesitation or formality."
He finally lifted his gaze, his sharp eyes eting hers. "And if you find yourself bored..."
He glanced down the table at his children, particularly Javier, who had just taken a sip of his drink and nearly choked when he realized where his father’s gaze landed.
"...You may go to them," Garius continued smoothly. "Learn sothing useful. Or ask them to accompany you to town. They are... capable enough to keep you entertained, I presu."
Javier gave a stiff smile and coughed once, pretending to look elsewhere. Francesca hid a small smirk behind her teacup.
Kliatana’s throat tightened. She lowered her gaze quickly, fingers twisting in her lap.
"Th... thank you, Lord Garius..."
"Mmm," Garius said, returning his attention to his al.
Francesca’s smile and look at Kliatana. "You’ve had a long journey, dear," she said warmly, her tone carrying both authority and motherly grace. "Rest for today. There’s no need to rush into formality so soon."
Kliatana bowed her head slightly, her nervous hands folding over her lap.
"Y-yes, Lady Francesca..."
Marcellus, seated a few places down, offered a courteous nod and a polite smile.
"Welco to Armand, Lady Kliatana. You’ll find the estate... lively."
Cedric chuckled under his breath, swirling his cup. "That’s one way to put it."
Across the table, Athine and Aelius exchanged small smiles before quietly resuming their al.
Garius’s eyes drifted briefly toward one of the empty seats before landing on Phenelopie.
"Honey?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, dear?" she replied, setting down her utensils.
"Where’s Heres?"
Phenelopie dabbed her lips with a napkin before answering. "He said he isn’t feeling well, so he excused himself from breakfast. I’ve already told the maid in charge to send his al to his room later."
Garius gave a short nod, his gaze resting on the empty chair for a mont longer before he returned to cutting his steak.
"Very well," he said quietly. Then, without pausing, his tone shifted back to command.
"I will be occupied today," he continued, setting his knife down beside his plate. "If any of you have no pressing duties, pay a visit to the governnt office or inspect the barracks. The soldiers will benefit from your presence."
A brief silence followed before he added, "Or better yet, visit the villages. See things for yourselves. It’s been so ti since any of you spoke directly with the people."
His gaze turned to Aelius and Athine.
"Aelius. Athine."
"Yes, esteed father?" they replied in unison.
"I know you’re both still tired from our return from the royal capital yesterday. But if you can, assist the estate staff in reviewing the docunts regarding expenses and budget allocations. The new settlent plans will need verification before I sign them."
"Yes, esteed father," both replied firmly, offering a respectful nod before returning to their breakfast.
Javier tried his best to keep a straight face while chewing his breakfast, shoulders trembling slightly as he held back a grin.
Alright!! Today I’m safe from any duty... kikiki...
He stabbed another piece of steak, chewing slowly to hide the satisfied smirk forming on his lips.
Hmm... what should I do today? I don’t have anything important after this...
He tapped his fork lightly against his plate, pretending to think about sothing serious while his mind wandered elsewhere. Then his eyes widened slightly.
Ah!! I nearly forgot! Yeah... I should check on my cocoa farm...
He leaned back just a little, a suspicious glint in his eyes as he rubbed his palms together under the table.
Alright, I’ve got a plan now. Last ti I wanted to visit, I ended up being dragged to the capital with Father for that long, boring Royal Council eting...
His gaze flicked across the table briefly, watching his brothers talk about troop inspections and trade reports.
Let them handle all that serious stuff. I’ll handle sothing far more important... chocolate.
A small spark of excitent flashed in his eyes.
The harvest from last year should still be stored at the farm warehouse... all neat, all waiting for . Hehehe...
Ti to use the magic cocoa processor I invented and stored away. Finally, I’ll make it happen... chocolate. Ah, sweet, glorious chocolate!!!
Liana, who was standing behind him, tilted her head slightly when she noticed Javier’s shoulders shaking and the mischievous grin forming on his face.
Gloria whispered softly beside her, half amused, half suspicious. "Ara~ he’s plotting sothing again, isn’t he?"
Liana sighed quietly, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Most likely."
Javier grinned wider, his fork hovering over his steak as a mischievous light danced in his eyes.
Oh, I can’t wait to see Liana and Gloria’s faces after they eat the chocolate!
And not just that. I’ll make chocolate drinks too, and let everyone taste them. Father, Mother, the maids, even the guards, they’ll all lose their minds. Armand will be the first in the world to have chocolate!
He leaned back a little, taking another slow bite of steak as his mind raced ahead.
Alright... let’s see. I’m sure the storage still has fresh milk from the western dairy barn. As for sugar, that’s not even a problem. After all, my sugarcane farm idea was a total success. Father took charge of the expansion himself, and now it’s one of Armand’s biggest industries.
( End Of Chapter )
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