Chapter 682: Even if it's just a dog, I'd still kick Lanchi. (Part 1)

Chapter 682: Even if it's just a dog, I'd still kick Lanchi. (Part 1)



Saturday.

Early in the morning.

The Batites family estate, located on the enviable golden land north of the Serena River, was built with handcrafted beige limestone and tiled with blue-brown swallowtail tiles.

The private garden of the mansion boasts a shaded garden filled with broad-leaved evergreen trees and a small glass greenhouse for the owner and guests to admire rare and exotic flowers and plants.

At this moment, in the glass greenhouse, the butler stood holding a handwritten tablet, recording the cultivation status of the precious plants.

Behind him, cautious footsteps approached.

Yet, he remained focused on his task, not turning around.

"Hey, Butler, do you want to join us to watch the Platinum-level Card Maker competition at noon?"

Christina patted Lanchi on the back and asked.

Today, at eleven o'clock in the morning, the Platinum-level Card Maker exam for the Eastern Region would commence.

As the longest round, the first test would last until nine o'clock in the evening.

During this time, spectators who purchased tickets could go to the Saint Silvervine Arena to watch the live event, while others could watch the broadcast.

"It's a rare occasion for you to invite me, Miss."

Lanchi turned around and looked at the golden-haired young lady of the Baronet's family.

"It's mainly because Inoan thinks it would be better if you came along."

Christina sighed.

Although Christina no longer found Rocky intimidating, she would rather have as little to do with this brainwashing butler as possible.

"Would she say that?"

Lanchi paused in confusion.

"Hmm."

Christina raised her index finger and waved it in front of Lanchi.

"I asked her to go, but she didn't want to. However, when I said, 'What if Rocky comes too?' she hesitated."

She explained with a cunning smile,

"Obviously, the sense of security I provide alone is not enough for her, and she needs you as well."

Ever since Inoan turned into a pushover and was knocked down several times by Rocky during the strength test in the courtyard, her confidence had completely vanished.

Even though her injuries had healed significantly, and Christina had even brought out the family's secret medicines for her to use daily, Inoan was still a bit timid.

In Inoan's impression, Butler Rocky was ridiculously strong.

"Then I am truly sorry, but I've already taken the afternoon off. I have some other work to attend to, so I won't be able to accompany you."

Lanchi sighed as he tended to the ice ghost, Frostbite, imported from the Bosch Demon World and continued recording.

"Ah..."

Christina expressed her disappointment,

"I thought you'd be free outside of work, but I didn't expect you to have multiple jobs."

The way she looked at Lanchi seemed to suggest that she suspected he had some financial difficulties, wondering why he was working so hard when he already earned so much.

"Ai."

Lanchi's sigh spoke volumes.

Every family has its own set of challenges.

If he didn't work hard to earn money, how could he support that someone?

"What do you take me for?"

In Lanchi's mind, Talia's thought immediately captured his attention.

Without him having to mention it, Talia already knew that he was thinking about her again.

"Something that requires constant feeding of massive amounts of magic and food, with extremely high risks and costs..."

"...?"

"My most precious namesake card."

"Shut up..."

Talia's thought transmission ended, and she fell silent as if she had fallen asleep.

Their mental exchange concluded.

Lanchi, who was gradually regaining his senses, looked at Christina through the glass greenhouse once more.

"I'll try to convince her."

He proposed, setting down the handwritten tablet and pen.

"Alright."

Christina immediately turned and headed for the courtyard.

This was what she had been waiting for.

"Have you been waiting for me to say that?"

The butler asked sadly.

"No, no, I actually do hope that you can accompany me."

Christina whistled as she gazed at the trees in their home garden, her tone wooden.

The two walked along the garden path for hundreds of meters, pushed open the heavy oak doors of the main building, and soon arrived at Christina's usual reception hall—a three-story-high ceiling, adorned with nearly two-meter-diameter crystal stalactite lamps, and a hand-woven silk carpet on the floor.

Ascending the stairs with brass handles and black marble, they reached a corridor spanning dozens of meters, flanked by rooms with intricate carvings and paintings, such as studies and small reception rooms.

At the end of the third-floor corridor stood a pair of majestic floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an unobstructed view of the Serena River scenery and the boundless cityscape.

And there, in the guest room, Inoan was tidying up.

"Who's there!"

The sudden appearance of a figure at the door startled her, causing her to tense up and take half a step back.

Gradually.

As she recognized Christina, the young lady of the house, and Butler Rocky, she relaxed.

She gave them a maid's greeting.

"Inoan, take a break from your work and come to the reception room for a chat."

Lanchi said, leaning against the door frame.

He then went to the third-floor reception room, placed three chairs next to a peach wood coffee table, and swiftly prepared three cups of tea in just over ten seconds.

When Inoan entered, she found that everything was ready for her to sit and rest.

This made her look at Butler Rocky with slightly admiring eyes.

She wanted to be like him.

This was what professionalism looked like—he was so efficient that given just a minute, he could probably prepare an entire tea party.

"No, Rocky, what did you do before?"

Christina gently patted the chair next to her, indicating for Inoan to sit down, as she asked the butler who was already leisurely sipping his tea.

"I've dabbled in various industries, but my specialties are in education and management."

Lanchi replied while sipping his tea.

"Then you've had quite a diverse career."

Christina didn't intend to probe further, just a casual inquiry.

If he told her that he had been involved with the Church of Resurrection, she would believe it.

"Let's get to the point, Inoan. Christina Miss plans to go to the Saint Silvervine Arena to watch the Platinum-level Card Maker exam today. Can you accompany the young lady and protect her?"

Lanchi looked at Inoan and asked, "Could another maid from the mansion accompany the young lady instead?"

Inoan looked at her reflection in the scarlet water of her teacup, her head lowered.

"First of all, you are Miss Christina's personal maid, and you are more of her private employee than a worker in this household." Lanchi explained slowly to Inoan, "Secondly, while the cook, server, and study maids in the mansion are all strong demons, they are not as strong as you. You need to have more confidence in yourself."

"..." Inoan fell silent, seemingly unable to find a way to refuse or argue with the butler's words.

"Inoan, are you afraid that your enemies will find you and endanger Miss Christina?" Lanchi inquired further.

"..." Inoan looked hesitant to admit it but eventually nodded slightly, her hand clutching the corner of her skirt.

"Rest assured, the northern district of Bosen has a safe city defense barrier. Unless the entire Pallie is conquered or the barrier is overloaded, even an eighth-rank powerhouse would be suppressed and attract a siege if they were to fight within the city." Lanchi elaborated on the workings of the Pallie barrier, "Although District 6, where the Saint Silvervine Arena is located, is relatively close to the Bosen Demon World, it is still a human society area, and your enemies won't be able to act recklessly."

In the eastern powerhouse capital of Pallie, even high priests couldn't easily enter a combat state within the city. They could only do so in the wilderness, special venues, or artificial shadow worlds.

"Miss Christina wants you to accompany her not just because you are her personal maid, but more importantly, she likes you and considers you a unique friend and playmate. Only by having you with her will she be completely satisfied. If you want to reciprocate her kindness, Inoan, why don't you consider it?" Lanchi's gaze and tone carried a hint of suggestion, causing Inoan's expression to waver. She wanted to evade the topic but had no escape, so she turned her face away, looking at the floor.

"Then I'll go." Inoan muttered to herself, glancing at the golden-haired young lady through the gap in her red bangs.

Leaning back in his chair, Lanchi looked at Christina with a triumphant expression, as if asking her if the problem had been easily solved.

"..." Christina secretly gave him a thumbs up. She found the butler's habitual way of speaking quite exasperating, thinking that he must have been involved in some kind of multi-level marketing or fraud in the past.

"But what exactly are you so apprehensive about, Inoan? Are you actually afraid that you might implicate Miss Christina?" Lanchi asked after a moment of thought.

He could guess the reason behind Inoan's hesitation.

She was worried that her so-called enemies would find her.

That was why she was usually reluctant to leave the Viscount's mansion.

"I have a vague feeling that I might rank my hatred for my enemies... and the number one enemy who almost killed me and caused me to lose my memory is extremely dangerous... definitely not easy to deal with..." Inoan tried hard to recall, but she could only feel that bone-deep discomfort without any specific information.

"You do have a habit of clearly listing the order of things." Lanchi commented.

He often encouraged Inoan's strengths and good habits.

"According to your guess, or rather, your impression, between me and your enemy, who is stronger? After all, you seemed to hate me quite a bit at the Saint Silvervine Arena the other day, so maybe I'm on that ranking list too." He asked Inoan.

"No, I don't know." Inoan shook her head, "But you're definitely not my enemy."

"Inoan, if it weren't for you losing to me that day, you might not have been hunted down by the Square Piece Gang from the Bosen Demon World later." Lanchi smiled nonchalantly.

He and Christina had already told Inoan the story of how they first met her, and why Hammond Viscount hated both Christina and Inoan—it all started with that proxy contest in the Saint Silvervine Arena.

"No, you and Miss Christina are the two people who have treated me the best." Inoan shook her head firmly, seeming most certain about this, "If you really wanted to harm me or deceive me, you wouldn't have so calmly let me know those truths. I don't know what I was like before I lost my memory, but I understand things clearly now." She lifted her gaze, looking directly at Christina and Lanchi.

"Hey, Inoan, is it a ranking of favorites?" Christina asked excitedly, hugging Inoan. She was delighted to see Inoan's change in expression, having worried that her own over-enthusiasm might be burdening Inoan. Now, it seemed that Inoan was just not good at expressing herself.

"I have to get back to work." Inoan didn't admit it this time, freeing herself from Christina's embrace. She bid farewell awkwardly and quickly left the room.

"Inoan, what if one day you regain your memory and come to find me for revenge? Actually, the last time we parted when you were in your hooded, red-haired boy disguise, you didn't look like someone who would let things go." Lanchi posed a hypothetical situation, curious as he watched Inoan's retreating figure near the door.

According to the doctor, Inoan's personality might undergo a significant change due to the brain injury. However, if she regained her memory, her personality might revert to how it was before the injury. This period of her life might feel more like a dream, and regaining her memory would be like waking up.

"Can't we just sit down and talk calmly...?" Inoan turned back hesitantly, her eyes conveying her apprehension.

She looked so scared that if Butler Rocky really intended to hit her, she might burst into tears.

"Don't worry, go to work." Lanchi raised his hand and waved at her with a smile. Only then did Inoan leave the small reception room with relief.

There was a moment of silence in the room, and Lanchi finished his tea, ready to return to work as well.

"By the way, Miss, I know you like Inoan very much, but you should also be prepared to part ways with her at any time. After all, you don't know her past, and perhaps you two aren't from the same world."

Lanchi placed the teacup on the tray and advised Christina with a hint of concern.

His previous question to Inoan was also his way of hoping that Christina would understand this matter in advance.

"I know."

Christina replied nonchalantly,

"However she decides to leave me in the future, I will let her go gracefully."

Although there was a hint of stubbornness in her tone, just as she didn't understand Rocky, she truly didn't know Inoan.

The time they were spending together now might only be a tiny fragment of Inoan's life, less than one percent, and she might just be a passerby in Inoan's life. Christina had no intention of keeping Inoan by her side forever.

She had probably already thought about this when she signed the employment contract with Inoan.

"It's great that you have such a mature mindset."

Lanchi left the room with satisfaction and bid farewell.

"Don't underestimate me. Do you think I'll be the kind of person who would cling to her and refuse to let go while sobbing?"

Christina stuck her tongue out at the direction where the butler had disappeared, expressing her displeasure.

That butler was so enigmatic sometimes that she couldn't tell if he was being serious or sarcastic.

...

Several hours later.

Parrie District 6, Saint Silvervine Arena.

In this area close to the Bosch Demon World, warning signs from the Senate's enforcement troops had been put up, and patrols were often stationed near the one-kilometer circular boundary.

As the Platinum-level Card Maker examination was an international large-scale project, the Bosch Kingdom invested a great deal of effort into security. Moreover, during the examination period at the end of August, there would often be powerful figures from Parrie, or even the Senate, coming to watch, so the security presence would become even more prominent as the event drew closer.

Many Executors from the South Shore had also come to the North Shore.

Of course, there were also Parrie government employees who had heard the recent news. They knew that the patrols near the Bosch Demon World border might not just be for safety reasons. A deeper reason was probably that there had been some new developments in the ancient madness curse mystery, which had almost triggered a crisis in the Bosch Demon World not long ago.

In the past few days, there hadn't been any incidents of madness, and it seemed that the culprit behind the curse in the Bosch Kingdom was lying low due to the Senate's thunderous investigation.

However, during this calm before the storm, before the Platinum-level Card Maker examination, some people speculated that the culprit behind the curse incident might be plotting something even more terrifying.

Despite all this.

The slight rumors and speculations couldn't stop most of the Parrie people who loved life from looking forward to this grand event!

The afternoon sun penetrated the slowly opening giant dome, casting a scorching glow on the ancient Saint Silvervine Arena.

Audiences from all over the Bosch Kingdom and even the eastern countries had already gathered here, anticipating this annual magic engineering extravaganza.

"Are there any hopeful candidates for the Platinum-level Card Maker promotion this year?"

"I think it'll be difficult. Among this year's participants, aside from Esker, a super magic craftsman from a small country, and top Gold-level Card Makers like Valustin and Katrina, who are taking the exam for the second time, the rest are mostly unfamiliar newcomers. I wonder if it will be Balkang, the old master, or Karren, the newly emerged star from the Ayrolan Kingdom, who will stand out."

"But the main attraction this time lies with the examiners. I never expected a Platinum-level Card Maker to take over Migaya's work."

The arena was filled with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and the noisy discussions rose and fell, permeating the air with laughter.

The super ancient Colosseum had undergone modern renovations and refurbishments. The high stands surrounded the arena like a spiral mountain range, creating a stunning visual effect.

In the exclusive Sky Lounge.

The seating area was spacious, and even the attendants could sit on the nearby sofas.

However, most of the followers stood politely at the back and did not sit with their masters.

Only extremely wealthy families could afford the high-priced tickets for this area, and the purchase permission also required the family to have extremely high points in the Saint Silvervine Arena, making it the most luxurious section.

"You guys, be quiet and don't disturb others."

Christina had arrived early with her younger brothers and sisters, and she instructed them.

Her cousins and little sister seemed even more excited than her.

As for her brother, Karl, after hearing that Rocky wouldn't be coming today, he lost interest and returned to his study to continue his learning, saying that he would consider coming to watch the final round of the assessment.

So, Christina was left to take care of the children.

"Inoan, help me look after my younger brothers and sisters."

Christina could only turn to Inoan for help.

"I..."

Inoan, sitting next to Christina, felt uncomfortable.

This was because, in her observation, most attendants stood by their masters' sides.

She also didn't know how to get along with children.

During this period, while she had been studying, she discovered that there were some things she was naturally good at and some things she was completely clueless about. One basic skill she lacked was "caring for and treating children well," which made her doubt even more that she must have been a bad person in the past.

"It's okay. You're smart, so you'll pick it up quickly."

As if seeing through Inoan's hesitation, Christina took her hands and said to her.

"It's all because of that Rocky, running away like a deserter. Otherwise, he could just ask about their homework, and the kids would quiet down."

Christina couldn't help but complain a little bitterly.

After all, soothing children was Rocky's forte.

"No, it's not Mr. Rocky's fault. It's my own incompetence."

Inoan spoke softly.

Seemingly not wanting Christina to blame Rocky, she tentatively reached out and patted the children's heads one by one, imitating Rocky's natural behavior.

The three little ones stared blankly at Inoan, making her worry if she had done something wrong.

"Don't worry about it. Kids, I'm back."

Rocky would usually add this line after patting the children's heads. However, the current situation wasn't suitable for Inoan to say that.

"Oh, Inoan, you're actually willing to play with us?"

However, the three children soon smiled and started chatting with Inoan, the mysterious maid who was usually quiet and reserved, leaving her a little unsure of how to respond.

"It's not that hard, just a little imitation will do."

Christina relaxed and laughed with ease.

The butler did come in handy, being able to motivate Inoan to fill in for his work.

The Platinum-level Card Maker examination had already started, and the screens in the Sky Lounge were also broadcasting the proceedings within the artificial shadow world.

It was now the midway break and preparation time.

As the first round of the Platinum-level Card Maker examination involved lengthy discussions, only insiders could truly appreciate the intricacies, while outsiders merely enjoyed the spectacle.

So even in the Saint Silvervine Arena, there was a constant flow of audience members coming and going.

And every time two examinees finished their turn, the screen in the arena would switch to the examiners and staff preparing for the next pair, with a countdown timer displayed until the new examinees were led in.

During these intervals, the audience mostly chatted among themselves.

Just as Christina was leaning back on the sofa, gazing up at the clear blue sky of Parrie, she suddenly heard a commotion in the distance, as if everyone in that section was bowing to someone.

She turned her head to look and sat up straighter.

It was none other than Tiffany Duke, the true power holder of the Parrie Senate at present.

She wore an elegant silk dress, with the skirt draped over the seat, the deep red fabric reflecting a subtle glow, and a fur cape draped over her shoulders, moving gently with her gestures.

Tiffany Duke held herself tall, with her head slightly raised, her bright eyes roaming the screens, tapping her guard ring on the armrest, and gracefully fanning herself with a feather fan. Occasionally, she would tilt her head and smile, whispering to the black-clad officer behind her.

"I heard that you almost accidentally cut him down the other day?"

She pointed with her fan at a certain examiner's silhouette in the corner of the screen and asked, covering her mouth with the fan.

"... I'm very sorry."

The black-clad officer bowed his head and replied in a low voice.

"It's not your fault. I gave you the authorization, and I'm responsible if there are any problems."

Tiffany Duke nonchalantly waved her fan, brushing the officer's waist as if to encourage him to stand tall and not blame himself.

"Nigel!"

Christina, sitting on the other side, noticed the black-clad officer and inadvertently called out his name, so she waved at him.

The last time she and Butler Rocky went to the Bosch Demon World, they met this Executor, and it was he who handed Inoan over to them.

Standing behind Tiffany Duke, Nigel noticed the Batistes' seats and nodded slightly to Christina in greeting.

"Inoan, it was Nigel who saved you that day."

Christina reminded Inoan, who was sitting next to her.

In the Bosch Demon World, if it weren't for Nigel arriving in time to stop the crazed leader of the Square Piece Gang, Inoan might have been killed by the cursed and maddened demon.

Hearing this, Inoan also bowed slightly to Nigel.

Nigel returned Inoan's greeting.

He realized that the Batistes had taken in the human girl he had rescued.

"See, Inoan, it's not that dangerous out there, and there are many well-meaning people."

Christina advised Inoan.

"Yes, you're right."

Inoan nodded slightly, feeling a little relieved.

Before she could say anything else.

"!"

She stood up as if suddenly sensing danger, blocking Christina behind her, and gestured for her to remain still.

In front of them stood a tall figure, almost blocking the sunlight.

"Miss, is your butler the one with brown hair and green eyes?"

The figure before them had scarlet eyes that sparkled with mischief, ignoring Inoan and addressing only Christina.

He wore a black satin coat, his long black hair falling loosely around his shoulders, and his pale, exquisite face had a touch of wild beauty.

It was none other than Astros, the Demon Lord of Parrie's 7th District.

"..."

Christina averted her gaze.

She remembered that day when Butler Rocky had struck this Demon Lord with a black elbow, causing him to be defeated by Nigel.

Although she had been standing far away and should not have been noticed by Demon Lord Astros, Rocky was now quite famous in the Saint Silvervine Arena. A simple inquiry about a brown-haired, green-eyed man with butler attire would quickly lead to the discovery that he was from the Batistes.

"I don't know where he went."

Christina broke into a sweat as she replied with a silly expression on her face.

"Really? I was careless last time, but next time I see him..."

Just saying this caused Astros' temples to twitch.

Never having met an opponent before, he had been defeated by such despicable means without even getting a clear look at his foe.

"I really don't know where he is. He took the day off."

Christina repeated herself.

"Are you lying to me? Tell me where he is, and don't let me find out he's hiding in this arena."

"He's truly not here!"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Sky Lounge.

Nigel noticed Christina's direction and furrowed his brows.

"Tiffany Duke, I'd like to step away for a moment to chat with an acquaintance."

Nigel thought for a moment and then bowed his head to ask Tiffany Duke for permission.

"Go ahead."

Tiffany Duke casually waved her fan, indicating that he could leave.

Although Nigel was her Executor and bodyguard, she had many life-saving artifacts on her, and it wouldn't be easy for anyone to threaten her even if he wasn't by her side.

Nigel nodded and strode across the lengthy corridors to reach Christina's location on the right side of the Sky Lounge.

"Oh, you even have such a strong maid. I bet you could take two... no, three moves from me? As expected of a wealthy Count's family."

Astros gazed at Inoan, his hostility deepening, and finally shifted his gaze from Christina to her.

“…...”

Inoan glared at Astros like a wolf-dog with bristling fur, her eyes flashing a menacing warning, driving Astros away from Christina's side, or else she would take action.

The air turned icy cold.

Before Christina could find a way to defuse the situation with Astros, Nigel stepped forward, blocking Astros' path and gesturing for him to stop harassing the humans.

"Tch, Nigel, do you think I'm foolish enough to lay a hand on a noble young lady in the human world?" Astros asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he ignored Inoan and addressed only Christina.

He placed his hands in the pockets of his outer coat, his long black hair falling loosely around his shoulders, and his pale, exquisite face held a touch of wild beauty.

He was none other than Astros, the Demon Lord of Parrie's 7th District.

"... "

Christina averted her gaze, remembering the day when Butler Rocky had struck this Demon Lord with a black elbow, causing him to be defeated by Nigel.

Although she had been standing far away and should not have been noticed, Rocky was now quite famous in the Saint Silvervine Arena. A simple inquiry about a brown-haired, green-eyed man with butler attire would easily reveal that he was from the Batistes.

"I don't know where he went," Christina replied, breaking into a sweat and wearing a silly expression.

"Really? I was careless last time, but next time I see him..." Astros began, his temples twitching as he recalled his defeat.

He had never met an opponent before, and to be defeated by such despicable means without even getting a clear look at his foe left him seething.

"I really don't know where he is. He took the day off," Christina repeated.

"Are you lying to me? Tell me where he is, and don't let me find out he's hiding in this arena," Astros demanded.

"He's truly not here!"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Sky Lounge, Nigel noticed Christina's direction and furrowed his brows.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end