35.Looks like you've changed!

Seated at the dining table, Noah gazed at the elegantly arranged dishes, their aromas tantalizing, with Zhao Yu standing attentively beside him.

Something felt different.

"Zhao Yu, do you have something to tell me?"

Zhao Yu's body trembled. He dropped to his knees instantly.

"Manor Lord, please show mercy. This servant doubted your authority, but from now on, I swear absolute loyalty."

Noah froze, utterly confused. What? But seeing Zhao Yu's head pressed to the floor, realization dawned. Oh, it's the AI Butler's doing.

Straightening, he spoke sternly.

"Good that you understand. No next time, got it? Stand."

Zhao Yu rose hastily, bowing deeply.

"The Manor Lord's heart is vast, eternal as the ages."

This guy's flattering me now?

"Alright, up. You get it. Stay loyal, and you'll have everything. Betray me, and the consequences won't be pretty."

Zhao Yu shivered but quickly bowed again.

"This servant will be utterly devoted."

"Very good. Now sit and eat with me. I don't like being watched while I eat. And stop with the 'servant' stuff—it's too formal. Didn't I say this before?"

Zhao Yu hesitated, wanting to decline, but the Manor Lord's enthusiasm left him no choice. Reluctantly, he sat and joined the meal.

After the meal, Noah glanced around, seeing no one else.

"Zhao Yu, where are the others? Not eating breakfast, or did they already?"

Unsure of the Manor Lord's intent, Zhao Yu answered calmly.

"As per your orders, I sent them to the tree in the courtyard to sit and reflect."

"Oh, right. After you're done, cook enough food for 23 people. I'll call them in."

With that, Noah strode out.

Watching the Manor Lord's retreating figure, Zhao Yu was puzzled. They could go a month without eating and not die. Why make me cook? What's his goal?

Along the corridor, Noah walked with delight. A Golden Core expert is reliable. Those under the Enlightenment Tree will surely gain token recognition soon.

Arriving, the area was silent, fallen leaves swirling, the air chilly enough to make Noah shiver.

Beneath the tree, three breathtaking maidens meditated: Lalatina Celeste, Luna Hart, and Aurelia Liora. Their eyes were closed, their flawless skin radiant, their breathing gentle, chests rising and falling. Glowing motes wove silken ribbons, draping over their curves, exuding a mystical, ethereal beauty impossible to look away from.

Lalatina Celeste, High Princess of The Domain of Chromatica, knew every divine artifact in existence. Treasures that enhance enlightenment vanished over 50,000 years ago after the Divine-Demonic War. If one appeared, the five continents would erupt in bloody conflict, all for enlightenment.

Yet, the truth was undeniable—this divine artifact existed, right here. This manor is at least hundreds of thousands of years old. Such a treasure should be sealed in a forbidden vault, yet… This manor is far more mysterious than imagined.

Upon sitting, her mind cleared instantly, entering a state of sudden enlightenment. Such a chance was rare, often unattainable in a lifetime.

Opening her eyes, she glanced at the token. Still not recognized?

Three meditations, yet the token hasn't acknowledged me.

Impatience crept in.

The others had gained recognition and left. Only three remained, failing the test.

Is my aptitude truly so poor? Am I destined to be a mere pawn in an alliance?

A gentle, caring voice interrupted.

"You're awake. Any insights?"

Turning, she saw the Manor Lord standing there, unnoticed until now. Lalatina Celeste rose swiftly, bowing.

"Senior, this junior was unaware of your arrival. Please forgive my lapse. My dull aptitude has yielded no progress."

Noah caught the fleeting sadness on her face, the faint disappointment in her beautiful eyes. Those full, rosy lips, coveted by all, bore a melancholy unfit for this place. How can someone look so beautiful even when sad?

Without hesitation, Noah stepped forward, reaching to support her delicate, vulnerable frame, so in need of comfort.

"You don't need to be so sorrowful. If you need help, I'll help you. Don't be like this."

As Noah grasped her hand to lift her, Lalatina's eyes flashed with confusion and fear. Instinctively, she stepped back.

Noah froze, hand still outstretched, face reddening…