Chapter 109: A Playful Interlude ( 109 )
"Excuse me, Young Master," Liana said suddenly, her tone calm but firm. "I have some… 'business' to attend to."
Javier raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Business, huh? You mean… the toilet?"
Liana froze, her face flushed with embarrassment and irritation. "Young Master!" she hissed, her voice rising just enough for a few nearby maids to stifle their giggles.
Gloria chuckled softly. "Ara, Young Master, it's not polite to tease a lady about such matters." She turned to Liana with a warm, understanding smile. "Don't let him fluster you, Miss Liana. Please, go ahead."
Liana shot Javier a sharp glare, her eyes daring him to say anything else. "I'll be back shortly. Try to behave while I'm gone."
Liana approached Captain Garrick, "Where is the toilet for women?"
The captain stiffened. "U-Umm… we don't have a specific one for women in this area. There's one in the healer unit, but it's quite far. Perhaps the staff restroom at the back would suffice? I can give you the key."
Liana regarded him calmly and nodded. "That will do. Please give me the key."
Captain Garrick quickly handed over the key. Liana turned and headed toward the staff toilet at the back.
As Liana entered the staff restroom, nearby soldiers whispered among themselves, sneaking glances her way. Meanwhile, an ikemen soldier, discreetly followed her, positioning himself just out of sight but close enough to intercept her.
Liana maintained her composed demeanor as she exited the staff toilet, only to find the ikemen soldier leaning casually against the wall nearby, a sly grin on his face. His perfectly groomed appearance and confident stance made it clear he had been waiting for her.
"Well, well, aren't you a sight to behold," he said, smoothly stepping into her path. "I couldn't resist coming to greet the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in these barracks."
Liana's eyes narrowed slightly, her voice cool and detached. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested." She tried to walk past him, but he quickly moved to block her.
"Oh, come on, just spare me a little of your time," he said, his tone laced with practiced charm. "I can't let someone as stunning as you just walk away without at least having a conversation."
Liana's gaze hardened, her voice sharp and firm. "I don't need to say it twice, do I?"
"You're playing hard to get, huh? That's fine. I like a challenge."
Before Liana could react, he reached out, gently grabbing her wrist. In one swift motion, he pushed her back against the wall, leaning in close.
"Oh, come on now. Just a little chat won't hurt, will it? Someone as lovely as you must have plenty of admirers, but I'm not like the others. I'm special," he murmured, leaning toward to kiss her.
Suddenly, his movements froze. His eyes widened as a cold sensation brushed against his neck.
"Don't even think about kissing me, shithead," Liana's icy voice cut through the air.
The ikemen gaze dropped to see a small, gleaming dagger pressed firmly against his throat, the blade angled with precision. Liana's expression was calm but deadly.
The ikemen's confidence evaporated instantly. He raised his hands slowly, sweat beading on his brow. "W-wait! I didn't mean to—"
"I don't care if you were joking or serious. The next time you touch me, you won't get off with just a warning. Remember this, you piece of shit. I'm not an easy woman, no matter what nonsense you were thinking. Try that again, and I'll make sure you regret it."
"Go back to your post, soldier," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.
The ikemen stumbled back, nodding frantically. "Y-yes, ma'am! Sorry, ma'am!" He turned and hurried off, clearly shaken.
Liana sheathed her blade with practiced precision and brushed past him without a glance. Her thoughts were focused on someone else entirely.
"Hmph. As if I'd let anyone kiss me," she muttered under her breath. Her mind flashed briefly to Javier, and a faint smile tugged at her lips. "That privilege belongs to only one person."
Liana adjusted her uniform and sighed, muttering, "Idiots like him really don't know their place." She then composed herself and returned to Javier, who remained unaware of the incident.
"What took you so long?" Javier asked.
Liana smiled faintly, her calm demeanor fully restored. "Just dealing with… some minor inconveniences, Young Master."
Javier glanced at Liana, still suspicious despite her calm demeanor. "Did something happen to you?" he asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Liana met his gaze with her usual poise, a faint smile on her lips. "Hmm? Nothing, Young Master. Everything is fine."
Javier leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "If you say so..."
Meanwhile, Cici stood among the maids, fidgeting slightly. She clutched something hidden in her apron pocket, her cheeks faintly flushed. Gloria leaned toward Javier and whispered with a knowing smile, "Young Master..."
Javier's eyes lit up mischievously. "Ohhh… I see."
Straightening his posture, he adopted a stern and noble demeanor, his voice taking on an authoritative edge. "Cici."
The maid jolted, her eyes widening in surprise. "Y-Yes, Young Master?" she stammered, her hands tightening over her apron.
"Come here," Javier commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
Cici stepped forward hesitantly, her posture nervous but obedient. "Um… Okay."
When she stood before him, Javier's gaze sharpened. "Stand!"
Cici immediately straightened, standing as firm as a soldier during inspection.
"Gloria."
Gloria inclined her head with a serene smile. "Yes, Young Master?"
"Take whatever she's hiding in her pocket and hand it over to me," Javier ordered, mimicking the commanding tone of his father, Lord Garius.
Cici's face turned pale as Gloria reached into her apron pocket, retrieving a neatly folded piece of parchment. She glanced at it briefly before handing it to Javier with a small smile.
Javier unfolded the letter and scanned its contents. His smirk grew as he read the heartfelt words addressed to Captain Garrick. Folding the letter carefully, he called out in a commanding voice, "Captain Garrick!"
The captain, startled, immediately approached and saluted. "Yes, Young Master!"
Javier held out the letter to him, his voice brimming with mock seriousness. "Take this. You are to read it later when you are off duty."
Captain Garrick blinked, glancing at the letter in confusion before accepting it with a slight bow. "Understood, Young Master."
Cici burned with embarrassment, avoiding eye contact and clasping her hands tightly together.
Javier leaned back in his seat, his stern expression giving way to a cheeky grin as he whispered to himself, "Hehe… Matchmaking success."
Liana shook her head, clearly amused by Javier's antics. "Young Master..."
Javier tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Hmm?"
She raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Do you have to meddle in their... personal matters?"
Javier leaned back, arms crossed, his signature smirk returning. "Ugh! It's annoying to see them fidgeting and acting all uneasy. I bet they don't even know each other's names yet. Seriously, they need a push."
Liana sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You meddle too much for someone your age."
"Hey, they should thank me!" Javier declared, pointing a thumb at himself. "I'm practically a matchmaking genius. I just want to speed things up before they both die of awkwardness."
Gloria chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Ara, Young Master, you certainly have a flair for romance."
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"Of course I do,"
Liana turned slightly, hiding her flushed face behind her hand. "Haaa... Young Master, eat your meal and stop playing cupid."
( End of Chapter )