"Haaaahhh…"
Javier groaned, slumping against the windowsill with his chin resting on his hand. His eyes swept across the estate grounds. "I'm bored…"
He had tried to sneak out earlier, but the plan fell apart the moment he spotted his mother, Lady Francesca, near the Pekko pen. She wasn't doing anything threatening, just casually sharpening a large kitchen knife while throwing him sly glances.
"She wouldn't actually…" Javier muttered, recalling her words from before. His face fell. "No. She absolutely would. My Pekkos would end up on the dinner table if I stepped outside."
He leaned back with a sigh, staring at the ceiling. "Where is Liana? She's supposed to be attending me, and she's nowhere to be seen. What kind of loyal maid leaves her young master unattended in his time of need?"
Maybe she's in the kitchen. Or checking on the maids. Or… He shook his head.
"Well, no use sitting here." He rose to his feet. "If I can't sneak out, I'll take a walk in the garden. Mother can't object to that."
The garden was alive with late afternoon light. Roses climbed the stone walls in shades of crimson and cream, their scent heavy in the warm air. A small fountain burbled at the center of the main path, its water catching the sunlight.
Javier strolled along the gravel path, hands clasped behind his back, enjoying the rare quiet.
Then he heard it.
Soft footsteps. Hurried. Pausing. Hurrying again.
He stopped and turned.
A young maid stood a few paces behind him, frozen. She looked about his age, maybe a year younger, with a petite frame and wide, nervous eyes that dropped to the ground the moment he noticed her.
Huh. Why is she following me?
He turned fully and offered a charming smile. "Oh, hello there."
The maid clutched the edge of her apron, her knuckles white. "Ah… umm… Y-Young Master…" she stammered. "M-Miss Liana said I should k-keep… following you…"
Javier raised an eyebrow. "Liana sent you? To spy on me?"
"N-Not spying!" She shook her head furiously. "J-Just… keeping an eye! For your safety!"
He chuckled and leaned closer, which only made her more flustered. "For my safety? Do you think I'll get lost in my own estate?"
The maid's face turned bright red.
Javier waved it off with a sigh. "Fine, fine. If Liana sent you, I'll allow it." He grinned. "But you'd better keep up. I don't slow down for anyone."
The young maid nodded quickly, her small feet shuffling to stay close as Javier resumed his stroll.
Liana, you sly elf. Sending a little shadow to keep me in check. Let's see how long she lasts.
He quickened his pace, weaving through the garden paths, while the flustered maid scrambled behind him.
Javier burst into laughter as he darted through the winding pathways. The young maid trailed after him, panting and clutching her sides.
"Young… Master… haaa… wait… for… me…" she wheezed.
"Wait for you? Where's the fun in that?" Javier called back, leaping over a low hedge. "Come on, you're supposed to be keeping an eye on me, right? Keep up!"
The maid groaned but continued chasing him, her small legs pumping desperately.
This is too easy.
He dodged around the fountain, gravel crunching beneath his boots, and dashed toward the open field where his Pekkos were kept. He glanced back. The maid had stopped, leaning against a tree and gasping for air.
"Alright, alright. I'll give you a break." He slowed and walked back to her. "You look like you're about to pass out."
The maid looked up, her face flushed, her bangs sticking to her forehead. "T-Thank you… Young Master…" she managed between breaths.
Javier pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. "Here. Wipe your sweat. You're working too hard for Liana's silly orders."
The maid hesitated, then took the handkerchief with a small, grateful bow. "T-Thank you…"
Javier crossed his arms and smirked. "You're welcome. But next time? Stretch before you try to keep up with me. Got it?"
The maid nodded vigorously. Javier chuckled. "Alright, let's head to the Pekkos. I'll go slower this time."
As they walked together, Javier noticed her glancing at him shyly. "What's your name, girl?"
"It's… Anna, Young Master," she replied.
"Well, Anna." Javier grinned. "You've officially survived your first test as my shadow. Congratulations."
Anna blinked, unsure if he was serious, but his playful tone made her smile despite her exhaustion.
Liana arrived just as Javier was riding across the open field on his Pekko, laughter ringing through the air. She spotted Anna standing in the distance, red-faced and panting, struggling to keep her balance against a tree.
"Good work, Anna." Liana placed a gentle hand on the young maid's shoulder. "You've done well. You can return to your duties in the manor now."
Anna's face lit up with relief. "Yes, Miss Liana! Thank you!" She bowed quickly before scurrying off.
Liana sighed, watching Anna disappear around the corner. "Young Master Javier, you're going to scare off all the new maids at this rate."
The wind whipped through his hair as his Pekko sprinted across the open field, its massive orange form moving with surprising speed. The bird squawked happily, its powerful legs eating up the ground, and Javier laughed, leaning into the rhythm of the ride.
At the edge of the field, Liana watched with her arms crossed.
Young master and that Pekko are a perfect match for chaos.
She glanced at her own Pekko, which was relaxing nearby. "Come." She gave it a gentle pat. "Let's show them how to ride properly."
Her Pekko made a soft, contented sound and stood, fluffing its feathers. Unlike Javier's wild bird, Liana's was calm and well-behaved. She climbed onto its back with practiced ease, and with a light nudge of her heel, her Pekko began to walk.
Liana sat straight, guiding her bird with quiet confidence, her silver hair shining in the sunlight. She moved across the field like a painting come to life—graceful, composed, and elegant.
Javier noticed her and slowed, circling back. "Liana! Are you even riding that thing, or is it just taking you for a walk?" he called out with a wide grin.
"I prefer to call it a display of discipline and grace," Liana replied, her tone serious but her eyes glinting with amusement.
Javier laughed and urged his Pekko closer. "Discipline is boring! You're missing all the fun!" He spun his bird around, dust kicking up from its talons.
Liana looked at him and his lively Pekko, then at her calm Pekko. "I think we have very different ideas of fun, Young Master." She chuckled. "At least one of us should look dignified."
Javier leaned forward, patting his Pekko's neck. "Dignified? Sounds boring."
Liana's Pekko let out a small, dismissive squawk, as if agreeing with its rider. Liana smiled faintly. "Let's see who tires first—your Pekko or you," she said, a playful challenge in her voice.
Javier's grin widened. "Oh, it's on!"
He urged his Pekko forward, and the massive bird burst into a sprint, racing toward the far end of the field. Laughter echoed across the open ground.
Liana shook her head, letting her Pekko continue its slow, steady walk.
"Young Master Javier," she said softly to herself, "if energy were money, you could buy the whole kingdom."
( End Of Chapter )