Chapter 8: The Golden Son-in-Law

"Ahh... So you're here? Hey, come out! What are you hiding in here for?"

Suddenly, a voice sounded from behind. The fool jolted in shock, having been so focused on Dailao that he had let his guard down behind him.

Reacting instantly, the fool took three steps forward, quickly turning around. The Dark Demise was already in his hand, concealed behind his back. If the other person dared to make a move, the Sword of Despair and the Insect Song Blade would strike with deadly force!

Although the fool was tense, the voice's owner seemed perplexed by his actions. Upon steadying himself, he realized that it was his instructor—Quelin Runitar, who was standing there in a black-and-white maid uniform, staring at him in confusion.

"What are you doing? I've been looking for you outside for so long. Why are you hiding in a place like this?"

Upon seeing Quelin, the fool's anxiety loosened slightly. He knew he had once promised Quelin to always honor any request from the Runitar family. As long as he remained of use to them, she likely wouldn't harm him.

The Dark Demise was slowly withdrawn, and the fool's nerves began to cool. He now took in Quelin's distinctive outfit, his mind struggling to comprehend the sight.

Quelin Runitar. She should be about twenty years old. A third-year student at the Royal Academy of Sacred Grace, also a part-time lecturer. A mid-level Heart Refining practitioner, and a member of the Runitar family, which held a title of Count.

After confirming these details, the fool's eyes returned to Quelin's attire. Could it be... that recently, the noble family members had started wearing maid uniforms to attend banquets?

Quelin, noticing his prolonged gaze at her uniform, turned her head with a sigh. The same listless expression she often wore during lessons appeared on her face once again.

"Surprised, huh? I'm surprised too."

With her hands on her hips, she glanced at the nobles stepping off carriages nearby. Some were merely viscounts or barons. She sighed again, saying, "I never expected this. The Runitar family, once of noble count status, has fallen so low. And they send me to be a maid! Fine, although I'm poor, single, and the maid's pay is quite high today... But why did I really have to come and do this?"

So it turns out, this teacher came because of money?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Quelin even lifted her skirt and drew a flying knife from a sheath tied to her thigh, brandishing it at the nearby, smug nobles arriving in their carriages, shouting, "Hey! What's with the attitude! If you're so great, come down here! Yes, I don't have a boyfriend! But what does that have to do with anything? Why should you look down on me just for that? You want me to be a maid?!"

The fool's lips twitched, and he coldly responded, "I think... this has nothing to do with whether or not you have a boyfriend..."

"Hmph! So now even you look down on me, huh? Now I really—ah! Someone's coming!"

Quelin immediately dashed into a nearby thicket when she saw a noble approaching, her loud outbursts immediately dying down. Once the coast was clear, she reemerged.

"Really, this skirt is just impossible to walk in."

Her skirt had caught on a small tree branch, and as she emerged, it tore slightly. Frowning at the damage, she shook her head. Perhaps she thought of the boy in front of her as nothing more than a child, for without hesitation, she lifted her skirt and returned the flying knife to its sheath on her thigh.

"Alright, let's go."

With the knife safely stowed, Quelin patted her somewhat dirty maid's dress and gave the fool a smile.

"...Where to?"

"To meet my employer. You're quite something, huh~!"

Quelin bent slightly and poked the fool's forehead with a finger, wearing a mischievous grin. "Tell me, how did you manage to get the princess to fall for you? She even insisted I bring you to her. You're quite impressive~!"

At the mention of Hu Tao's involvement, the fool's previously relaxed nerves immediately tensed. He instinctively shielded the bread in his arms and took a step back, the little loaf of bread gripping the fool's clothes, clearly anxious as well.

However, Quelin seemed oblivious, possibly considering the fool's behavior to be normal. With that, she turned on her heel and headed toward the royal city.

What now?

Staring at Quelin's retreating figure, the fool quickly evaluated his options in a fraction of a second.

If he fled now, he might evade capture for a while—but eventually, he'd be caught again. Moreover, Quelin Runitar was at the mid-level of Heart Refining, and whether or not he could truly escape remained in question.

After a beat, the fool made his decision. Drawing a deep breath, he moved to follow Quelin toward the royal city.

...

With Quelin leading the way, the fool passed through the castle without any hassle or checks. Upon stepping inside, soft, melodious music filled the expansive foyer, its elegant tunes setting the atmosphere. The people here were not like the common folk outside. They were clad in resplendent banquet attire, mingling, chatting, and toasting.

Upon entering, Quelin immediately placed her left hand over her right, lowering her head in a practiced manner, her eyes partially closed as she gracefully walked forward, embodying the dignified poise of a well-educated young lady. The contrast between the quieter atmosphere within the castle and the vibrant scene outside was palpable, and Quelin's movements seemed to blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

The fool remained alert, observing every corner of the castle with meticulous care. As they ascended a corridor deeper into the castle, passing a less crowded hall, Quelin suddenly shuddered!

With lightning speed, the Dark Demise was in the fool's hand again, the dagger concealed behind his back, ready for action.

But to his surprise, Quelin did not make an attack. Instead, she calmly walked toward a large window. The fool now noticed a young man around twenty years old standing by the window. His face was handsome, and his attire was even more extravagant.

"Hello."

The young man, standing before the window and admiring the view, possessed a gaze tinged with melancholy that could enchant any young girl. But when Quelin approached him and softly called out, the young man trembled! Upon recognizing her, the fool noticed his knees shaking.

"Ah! It's... it's you, Runitar? How... how are you today...?"

Seeing the shock in the young man's eyes, Quelin's inner satisfaction bloomed. Her torn skirt revealing a sliver of skin only added to her allure, and her radiant beauty now blushed with the glow of youthful innocence.

(John Smith. The handsomest and most talented man in my department. From a marquis family, and extremely wealthy. Yet, he is hard-working and has earned wealth of his own, not just relying on his family. He's gentle with people, and this wonderful man... I'm going to win him! Plus, his parents passed away three months ago... No mother-in-law to worry about—such a perfect catch for me, Quelin Runitar!)

"Um..."

Quelin, now fully embracing her role, donned the sweet blush of a girl in love, gently lowering her head, her voice soft and tentative.

"John... Master. Today, I am your maid... I see you're here alone, enjoying the view, so... so I thought I might... try to...?"

She left the sentence unfinished, lowering her head with a knowing gesture, leaving the young man to fill in the blanks.

The fool stared, stunned, while the little loaf of bread clutched his clothing, unable to comprehend why the big sister who had led him here was suddenly acting this way. Meanwhile, the Dark Demise seemed to find the situation amusing, its red pupils narrowing slightly.

"Hey, hey, our guide is certainly unprofessional! Is she really so desperate for a man?"

The fool remained silent, merely watching.

John, visibly shaken by her calling him "Master," seemed powerless to resist. Quelin, a perfect blend of noble beauty and maid-like elegance, moved closer, her every step seemingly cornering him. The young man, now backed against the window, looked as though he might leap from it if she advanced any further.