Dueling with Dragons ( 169 )

Liana watched as Javier stood , his adamantite sword held high, striking what he clearly thought was a heroic pose. His eyes gleamed with playful mischief as he bellowed dramatically:

"All bow to the mighty Javier De Armand!"

He pointed toward an empty patch of forest as if addressing an imaginary crowd. "Settle down, settle down, my adoring fans!"

Liana sighed, shaking her head with an amused smile as she observed her young master's antics.

Javier pretended to wave at the non-existent crowd. "Oh, you want to shake my hand? Come here, come here—ah, yes, it's an honor for you, I know!" He extended his hand into the air, shaking it with exaggerated enthusiasm as if someone were actually there.

"Young Master..." Liana called, her voice tinged with laughter. "There's no one there."

"Shhh!" Javier held up a finger to his lips without breaking character. "Don't ruin it, Liana! The people demand entertainment!"