anwhile...
That night in Javier’s room, Liana sat quietly on the couch.
Gloria, Felicia, Delya, and Mimi were already asleep, sprawled comfortably across the huge bed.
Liana gazed thoughtfully at the mana glasses Javier had given her before leaving that evening. She slipped them on and adjusted them gently.
She smiled, watching the feed from the mana cam linked to Javier’s location.
Through the glasses, she could see the forest path ahead, feel the rhythm of Buddy’s stride, and hear Javier’s cheerful voice coming through the mana talkie in her ears.
"Buddy! Let’s just enjoy the night. Take in the view as we walk—no need to rush."
"Cuquawked!!"
"Besides, I’m sure this forest road is full of your kin, right?"
"Cuquawked!!"
"Heh... We don’t need to worry about monsters. Pekko are the strongest ones around here."
Liana’s smile deepened, warmth blooming in her chest. She brushed her fingers along the edge of the glasses, reassured.
He’s safe. He’s happy. And he’s coming ho.
I was worried when I saw Young Master draw his blade earlier, when those spies talked about killing the Armand guards.
But seeing how skillfully he played Kay... how he turned their arrogance against them... I’m proud of him.
Liana smiled, her gaze fixed on the body cam feed through her mana glasses.
From Javier’s point of view, she watched as fireflies began to glow along the forest path. Soft, drifting lights like living stars.
"Oh! Look at that, Buddy! The forest lights, so beautiful!"
"That ans there’s clean water nearby... Man, I should bring Liana and the others here after the celebration. Looks like we’ve found a new spot for outings. Ehehehe."
While Liana was absorbed, Gloria stirred softly.
"Liana?" she whispered, careful not to wake the others.
"Hmm? Yes, Gloria?"
"Still not sleeping?"
"Not yet... I’m waiting for Young Master to co ho."
Gloria smiled and settled back into the pillows. "I’m sure he’s enjoying the ride back."
"Mm... yeah. I can see it through his body cam. I can hear his voice, too."
Gloria glanced over, eyes soft with affection. "Wake when he arrives, okay?"
"Mm... okay."
anwhile, Javier was enjoying his night walk toward the Armand estate.
"Man... I haven’t had a night walk like this in ages, Buddy. Well, maybe a long ti ago... Rember when we first found the ore mines? We fought goblins together, monsters too. Liana was so worried back then, wasn’t she?"
"Cuquawked!!"
"And Liana thought all that blood on was mine... ahahaha!"
Buddy strutted forward smugly, puffing out his chest.
Javier grinned. "Liana was really mad that ti, right?"
"Cuquawked!"
Javier smiled softly. "Heh... ti flies fast. I was just a boy then. You weren’t even this big. I didn’t notice the years passing."
"And now I’m almost sixteen. My siblings are all getting married. Armand went from a region to a nation. Father went from Father being a baron, to viscount, to count, and now king, the ruler of Armand nation.
So much thing has happened.
But I still have Liana, Gloria, Felicia, Mimi, and Delya as my future wives.
Javier smirked, leaning in to whisper in Buddy’s ear.
Buddy just nodded, tilting his head. His eyes t Javier’s, beak curved into a huge, knowing smirk.
While Buddy walked on, Javier spotted movent in the distance.
"Hmm? Oh... the Pekko Patrol."
Buddy strutted on, not breaking stride, and ca to a halt as the Armand Elite Patrol Knights approached on their mounts.
"Prince Javier." The patrol leader placed a fist over his chest and bowed; the others followed with respectful nods.
Javier raised a palm with a calm smile. "At ease, everyone."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Javier adjusted the reins slightly, his tone warm but serious. "Make sure your mana talkies are working, and prioritize your own safety while on patrol. Pekko are strong and fast, but don’t get careless."
"As you say, Your Highness."
"And if you spot anything suspicious, report to base imdiately. They can deploy air support if needed."
"Of course, Your Highness." The leader hesitated, then added, "Would you like an escort back to the estate?"
"Ah, no need." Javier smiled. "I have Buddy with ."
"Cuquawked!!!" Buddy squawked loudly, fixing the other Pekko with a smug, almost predatory smirk.
The patrol Pekko squawked back nervously, shuffling in place under his gaze.
Javier sighed and leaned close to Buddy’s ear.
"Oi! They’re your kin. Don’t bully them so much."
Javier gave the patrol leader a final nod. "You may resu your patrol."
"As you command, Your Highness."
Javier offered a lazy smile. "Carry on. And make sure you all prioritize your own safety first."
"Safe travels, Your Highness."
Javier waited a mont, watching the patrol peel away and continue their route into the moonlit forest. Once the patrol’s and their Pekko’s steps faded into the distance, he nudged Buddy forward.
"Alright, big guy. Just you and now. Let’s head ho."
"Cuquawked!" Buddy strutted smugly ahead, head held high.
Javier leaned back, hands behind his head, and let the cool night air wash over him.
Mission accomplished. And once word gets out about the... ’special punishnt’ waiting for any spy dumb enough to sneak into Armand... they’ll think twice. Maybe even three tis.
"Cuquawked!!"
Buddy tilt his head back to give Javier a pointed, hungry look.
"Hah!? Didn’t you get the full-course al back at the Gaze main base?"
"Cuquawked..." Buddy’s squawk dropped into sothing like a grumble, feathers ruffling in clear protest.
"Ugh! Fine, fine. You greedy bird." Javier laughed, shaking his head. "Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get extra at tomorrow. Maybe even a whole roast leg."
Buddy imdiately perked up, resuming his proud strut down the road.
Ahead, the warm lights of the Armand estate shimred through the trees.
I wonder if Liana and the others are already asleep.
Javier glanced up at the night sky, stars scattered like mana dust.
After my siblings’ weddings and this whole month of celebration, I’ll finally have ti to craft more for Armand. Really get back into the workshop again.
And prepare for the second mana satellite launch. This ti... with the ultimate weapon.
A true Ion Cannon.
Buddy squawked softly, as if sensing the shift in Javier’s mood.
"Don’t worry, Buddy," Javier murmured, eyes still on the stars. "It’s just a last resort. A big, scary last resort."
He look up at the night sky again and smile.
But sotis, just knowing a last resort exists... is enough to keep the peace.
( End Of Chapter )
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