Friendship and Fortune ( 209 )

Inside the grand study room of the Armand estate, Garius sat at his desk, his sharp eyes scanning through a towering pile of documents.

With a heavy sigh, he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple. "Haaa… These documents…"

Standing nearby, his ever-reliable butler, Alf, watched with a small, knowing smile. Unlike his lord, he showed no sign of fatigue—only quiet amusement.

"You seem troubled, my lord," Alf said in his usual composed tone.

Garius exhaled sharply. "Troubled? No, just… irritated. I don't remember signing up for a life buried under paperwork."

Alf chuckled softly but said nothing. He knew better than anyone that Garius, despite his complaints, thrived in this role.

After a moment of silence, Garius tapped his fingers on the desk. "By the way, Alf."

"Yes, my lord?"

"How's the sugar business?"