He got up. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the main building of Kastian Manor a warm orange-red. On the second-floor open-air balcony, a gentle breeze carried a few rose petals blown from the garden.
Graves was wearing that exquisite black suit, and the half silver mask that concealed his features still adorned his face.
One leg was extremely casually crossed over the other knee, and in his hand, he toyed with a gold coin. The coin flipped and danced nimbly between his slender fingers, glittering brilliantly in the sunlight.
In the shadow behind him, the long object wrapped in layers of coarse linen leaned quietly against the wall, as if merged with him.
At this moment, Graves was extremely relaxed.
Ever since that terrifying maid named Ailiya had taken that brat with the yellow hair out for shopping, he felt that the air of the entire manor had become sweet. He had finally regained the composure of the Night Owl Killer.
Graves picked up the black tea from the small round table beside him, took an elegant sip, and let out a contented sigh in his heart. Just as he was immersed in this brief tranquility—
DA DA BA…
The steady and rhythmic sound of high heels came from the corridor connected to the balcony.
Graves’s hand holding the teacup paused slightly, and his eyes behind the mask instantly sharpened. He turned his head slightly, casting a profound gaze into the shadows of the corridor.
After a moment, Lady Elsa, dressed in a dignified dark green long dress and draped in a light shawl, slowly walked into the sunset on the balcony.
“Mr. G.”
Lady Elsa saw Graves standing on the balcony, paused slightly, and with a flawless aristocratic smile, nodded slightly in greeting.
“I hope the manor’s afternoon tea is to your liking.”
“Very delicious, Madam.”
Graves set down his teacup and returned the bow with extreme gentlemanly grace, pressing his hand to his chest.
Without Ailiya’s oppressive presence, his movements were as elegant as a true old aristocrat, exuding a mysterious and powerful aura in every gesture.
“This tranquil scenery is an excellent seasoning.”
The two stood a few steps apart, the atmosphere harmonious. An imperceptible glint flashed in Lady Elsa’s eyes as she walked to the railing on the other side of the balcony, her gaze casually sweeping over the long object in the corner.
“Cedric said that Mr. G is a powerful third-level adventurer?”
Lady Elsa looked at the distant sunset, her tone as casual as if making small talk.
“In this relatively peaceful era, third-level adventurers are rare. I imagine you’ve experienced many thrilling battles, sir?”
“You flatter me, Madam.”
Graves chuckled lightly, his voice carrying a hoarse magnetism through the mask, exuding a calm composure forged through many battles, his presence at full throttle.
“It’s just taking money to do jobs, earning a living on the edge of a blade. Compared to you, a Potion Master, I’m nothing but a coarse man who can’t stand the light.”
“Sir is too modest.”
Lady Elsa withdrew her gaze, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
“However, since you are Cedric’s honored guest, Kastian Manor will naturally entertain you at the highest standard. But…”
Her tone shifted slightly, adding a hint of authority as the lady of the manor.
“Recently, it’s been unsafe around here, with vicious assassins on the loose. If you take a walk in the manor at night, please be a bit careful to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings with the guards.”
“Thank you for the reminder, Madam.”
Graves bowed slightly, his tone extremely sincere and cold.
“I’ve always been a man of rules, only doing what I’m paid for. I take the money and eliminate the trouble. As long as no one provokes me, I’m happy to keep to myself.”
Except when facing that silver-haired female demon who could bind him with a contract at any time, Graves was not intimidated by anyone. The dignity of a Shadow Gunner must not be defiled!
The two continued their chat without any hint of hostility.
Lady Elsa confirmed that this man currently had no direct hostility toward the manor? And Graves also confirmed once again that this lady was no pushover.
Just then, the large iron gate in the front courtyard slowly opened.
A carriage loaded with goods drove into the manor. Lady Elsa and Graves simultaneously stopped their conversation and looked down at the courtyard below.
After the carriage stopped, Ailiya was the first to jump lightly down from the shaft. She held the purchase receipt, and her black-and-white maid outfit looked exceptionally neat in the sunset.
Then, Leo, like a laborer, with sausages hanging around his neck and carrying several huge linen bags in both hands, emerged from behind the carriage huffing and puffing.
“Ailiya, where do these potatoes go? They’re killing me!” Leo shouted loudly.
“Put them at the kitchen back door, young master. After moving them, remember to unload the detergent from the carriage.”
Ailiya directed without turning her head, her tone extremely natural, as if ordering the young master around was a matter of course.
Clack.
And Leo surprisingly didn’t argue, just muttered a few words and obediently carried the potatoes toward the kitchen.
More eye-catching was that on the side of Ailiya’s signature silver short hair, there was now a blue crystal hair ornament that shimmered faintly in the sunset. Though the design was simple, it added a touch of lively girlishness to her cold face.
On the second-floor balcony, Lady Elsa watched this scene below, especially seeing her son’s expression: although he was exhausted, he showed no complaints, and even looked at Ailiya’s back with slightly shining eyes. A smile couldn’t help but appear in her eyes.
Lady Elsa chuckled softly.
And Graves, standing off to the side, the moment he saw Ailiya appear, his earlier mysterious and powerful persona deflated like a pricked balloon, with a pfft sound.
“It seems the young master and the head maid are getting along very well.”
Lady Elsa withdrew her gaze and turned to Graves.
“I won’t disturb Mr. G’s enjoyment of the sunset anymore. Tomorrow evening’s farewell banquet, I hope you will be sure to grace it with your presence.”
“Certainly. Please take care, Madam.”