26 . Indeed and wonderful

After Noah left, the group huddled together.

Luna Victor stepped forward.

"Fiona, how did you do it?"

Luna Fiona glanced at her elder brother, who rarely spoke to her, and fell silent. The past is gone. The present matters.

"Just follow the Manor Lord's words."

"Recognized by the token, that display earlier, and the silver bracelet—Princess, can you explain for this old man?"

Great Confucian Su Qing asked eagerly.

"Master, you're right. This manor is a fated opportunity. As for the bracelet and what happened, you'll understand once your token is recognized."

The group took a deep breath.

Clutching her token, Luna Fiona spoke.

"The Manor Lord said we shouldn't wander outside. I'll return to my room now."

She flicked her wrist, the bracelet glowed, and she vanished before their eyes.

The group exchanged glances, a mix of frustration and awe, before dispersing.

On his way back, Noah, wearing only shorts, felt utterly relaxed, gazing at the stunning sky and clouds.

"Tomorrow, this place will be renowned across the world. Everything's settled—time to plan the next step."

The maids' room is still lit. Can't favor one side over the other. I need to guide them properly.

In the room, Lalatina Celeste was drying her hair. With all techniques forbidden in the manor, she resorted to mundane methods. She studied the five-colored token in her hand, different from the others'. When I faced him in the hall, why did I feel uneasy, like facing some lecherous creep?

"Lalatina, is something on your mind?"

Luna Hart asked from beside her.

A knock came at the door.

The three maidens froze. Lalatina spoke.

"Who's there?"

Outside, Noah, both nervous and excited, replied sternly.

"It's me."

The three exchanged looks. Why is the Manor Lord here?

"Manor Lord, what urgent matter brings you to us so late?"

Luna Hart opened the door, smiling.

This girl's too playful. Wet hair? No matter. He smiled.

"Nothing urgent. I realized I hadn't guided you on using the tokens. Are you preparing for bed?"

"Not inviting me in?"

Stepping inside, he noted the room wasn't large but well-equipped. Steward Zhao did well. A fragrant scent filled the air—not flowers, but their presence.

The three stood in a line by the bed, attentive.

"Manor Lord, forgive the simplicity of our room."

"Calm down, calm down. Not the time, little guy." Noah screamed silently with his lower half trying to raise its head.

System, what's my image now?

System: Still majestic, sir.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "Hold your tokens and shout…"

His encouraging gaze urged them. Do it.

The three glanced at each other but shouted in unison.

"No need to blush. It's awkward the first time, but you'll get used to it." 

…

Perfect, as expected.

"Your minds aren't ready, so the tokens haven't recognized you."

Straightening, he lectured seriously.

"Lalatina, your mind is too complex, full of stray thoughts. Clear it, and you'll succeed."

"Luna , there's a remnant soul in your mind. Don't worry, with me here, it can't harm you."

"And… Liora, why so scared? Your mind's a mess."

"Why are you all staring at me with those big eyes?" Sigh. "No need to worry. I'll guide you thoroughly."

Luna Hart stepped forward, uneasy.

"My lord, the remnant soul in my sea of consciousness is a senior who saved my life. Please, be lenient."

"If you say so, I won't interfere."

He smiled generously.

"Liora, see? I'm lenient. No need to fear—I won't eat you."

Hearing the mysterious, powerful Manor Lord address her, Aurelia Liora flinched, stammering.

"My lord, I'm not afraid of you…"

Sigh. This'll take time.

"Lalatina, try sitting under the banyan tree in the courtyard. Reflect there, and your thoughts may clear. You two as well—tomorrow, sit under that tree."

Seeing their silence, he wondered, Did I go too far?

"It's late. Rest now. Staying up isn't good."

"Thank you, my lord, for your concern."

"Right, I'll go. Oh, it's getting cold tonight. Keep warm."

After Noah left, the three stood in silence.

Later, with the lights off, Aurelia Liora sat on the bed and spoke.

"Sisters, why do I feel the Manor Lord is… off? Not like those mysterious, powerful seniors."

"You feel it too?" Lalatina Celeste said. "Facing him, I feel uneasy, unnatural. Not like facing a senior, but some lecherous, playful noble, like the dandies back home."

Luna Hart chimed in, puzzled.

"You shouldn't say that," Lalatina added. "His actions and words are odd, but it's probably normal. The older one lives, the more childlike they become."

Luna Hart relaxed.

"Lalatina, you're right. Liora, don't be scared."

"But what if he desires my body? My intuition's always been sharp," Aurelia Liora whispered fearfully from the corner.

Silence.

"No way," Lalatina hesitated. "You're scaring yourself. Go to sleep. The Manor Lord's lived for ages—why would he care for our bodies?"

Luna Hart laughed.

"You're all overthinking. Let's sleep."

The others chuckled.

"Seriously, we're imagining things. Sleep!"

"Luna , scoot over. The bed's big—don't crowd me."