An Unexpected Visit
After what felt like an eternity, Felberta finally spoke.
"...I’ll think about it when I get back."
Dario’s face brightened.
He didn’t ask for more.
He knew his daughter well.
The fact that she was willing to consider it already meant she had taken the first step.
"Alright."
He nodded with a comforting smile.
"Then go ahead."
"I’ll rest for a while."
Felberta rose slowly from her chair.
Before leaving, she looked back one last time.
"Dad..."
"Thank you."
A warm smile spread across Dario’s face.
"Go on."
"I’ll be waiting for your answer."
Felberta quietly nodded before leaving the room.
The door closed gently behind her.
...
After being told to get lost by Felberta Ashbourne, Julian D’Aurelius, with a face as thick as a brick wall, didn’t take it to heart.
Talking to a woman about such things...
If she didn’t tell you to get lost, she probably wanted to get closer to you.
Sitting alone in the pavilion, listening to the fading sound of raindrops striking the lake, Julian silently asked in his heart,
"Shitty System, where’s the reward?"
No response came from the Tyrant System.
Julian frowned.
That immediately puzzled him.
What’s going on?
Does this not count as completing the plot?
He carefully recalled the original storyline.
According to the original plot, the Dragon King first cured Dario Ashbourne before successfully treating Felberta Ashbourne’s androphobia.
A moment later, realization dawned on him.
So that’s it.
Looks like my earlier treatment wasn’t thorough enough.
Did nothing but ignite her spirit.
Julian stroked his chin at a loss.
I guess I’ll just have to treat her again so that the story is finished.
This Shitty System is worsening.
Julian D’Aurelius mumbled to himself as he stood up from the stone bench that stood under the Pavilion.
The rain was nearly finished and nothing was left but a solitary drop from the eaves, landing softly on the still surface of the lake. A cool wind crossed the garden, bringing the sweet smell of moist grass and lotus flowers.
Just as he was about to depart, he noticed something.
Just a moment, there are two white little darlings dog running happily, doesn’t they to far away and have a "passinate workout", they are totally into the game of family making.
Julian looked mischievously pleased.
He purposely kicked his foot on the stone path for make loud sound.
"Thump!"
The abrupt shout rung in the silent yard.
That the both dogs leaped (more-than) nine inches into the air.
"Woof!"
The hourglases shrieked. We both dove backwards tearing our eyes away from Julian.
Their tails curled tightly between their legs as though they’d had a close encounter with the most fearful beast ever to walk the planet.
If those two dogs had been capable of speaking...
They would probably have cursed him for being utterly inhuman while declaring that he was the real dog here.
"Hahaha!"
Julian burst into hearty laughter, completely satisfied with himself.
Giggling, he slowly made his way back to the Ashbournes’ house.
It was early when he entered the dining hall. Though he entered the dining hall early, dinner had been served.
A delicious smell of food being prepared pervaded the room and servants bustled about the huge table.
Liza Voss was the first to notice him.
She smiled happily with her gorgeous black eyes.
"Young Master Julian, dinner’s ready."
She softly tugged on the chair next to her so he would come sit down.
Julian looked at the table and then shook his head.
"You all go ahead and eat."
"Where’s Miss Ashbourne?"
At this moment, food wasn’t occupying his thoughts.
He was still thinking about the reward from the Tyrant System.
After everything that had happened today...
He had defeated Steffan.
He had rescued Dario Ashbourne.
He had even... permanently ruined a certain part of Steffan’s body.
Surely the reward waiting for him would be extraordinary.
Liza and Lina Ashford exchanged puzzled glances.
"No idea."
The two women shook their heads almost simultaneously.
Just then, the elderly butler of the Ashbourne family approached with a polite smile.
"My lady returned to her room a short while ago."
"Does Young Master Julian need something from her?"
Julian nodded immediately.
"Yes."
"Which room is hers?"
The butler answered immediately, his tone respectful and certain.
"Second floor. Fifth room on the left."
Julian gave a small nod.
"Alright. Thanks."
With the answer he needed, he didn’t linger downstairs. Turning on his heel, he headed toward the staircase and made his way up.
The manor grew noticeably quieter as he climbed. Warm golden lights lined the hallway, casting a soft glow across the polished wooden floor and the elegant paintings that decorated the walls. The silence was almost comforting, disturbed only by the faint creak of the floorboards beneath his footsteps.
A few moments later, he stopped in front of the fifth door on the left.
This should be it.
Raising a hand, he knocked gently.
Knock. Knock.
He waited.
No answer.
Frowning slightly, Julian knocked again, this time a little louder.
Knock. Knock.
Still nothing.
Only silence greeted him.
Out of habit rather than curiosity, the doctor’s instincts took over. He leaned slightly toward the door, listening carefully.
For a brief moment, he heard nothing.
Then...
The soft, continuous sound of running water reached his ears.
Julian blinked.
"...She’s taking a shower?"
He rubbed his chin as he considered the situation.
Most women don’t finish a shower in five minutes.
At the very least... half an hour.
He glanced down the empty hallway.
Am I really supposed to stand out here the entire time?
Anyone walking past would think I’m lurking outside a woman’s bedroom.
That sounds incredibly suspicious.
His lips twitched into a helpless smile.
"...I’d look like a complete creep."
After a moment of internal debate, he arrived at what seemed—at least to him—to be the most reasonable solution.
I’ll just wait inside.
It’s better than standing in the hallway making myself look guilty.
With that thoroughly self-approved justification, Julian reached for the doorknob.
Click.
His eyebrows lifted.
"It isn’t locked?"
He hesitated for only a heartbeat before carefully pushing the door open.
The bedroom welcomed him with quiet elegance.